The Night Shift – Season 1

When I heard a new medical series was about to air, my first thought was: ‘oh no, not another one!’. This, however, changed quickly after I saw the first footage. In ‘The Night Shift’ we follow a group of ER doctors who work at the San Antonio Medical Center. They come across some interesting situations during their nightly work hours. From big disasters to strange cases, you’ll witness them all during this medical drama. Relationships on and off the work floor, as well as the army, play a big role in the series.

In the lead role you’ll find Irish actor Eoin Macken (‘Merlin’), as doctor TC Callahan. This war veteran, who has done three tours in Afghanistan, carries a lot of baggage with him. Good friend Topher Zia (Ken Leung, ‘Lost’), an old war buddy of TC, also works as an ER doctor during the night shift. New head of the emergency room night shift is Jordan Alexander (Jill Flint, ‘Royal Pains’). She tries to lead the crew the best way she can, while keeping an eye out for her ex TC as well. TC meanwhile, is fooling around with shrink Landry de la Cruz (Daniella Alonso, ‘Revolution’), and mid-season we’ll meet Jordan’s current boyfriend Scott Clemmens (Scott Wolf, ‘Everwood’) as well. He’s a surgeon who will cause a lot of conflicts. Michael Ragosa (Freddy Rodriquez, ‘Six Feet Under’) manages the place and tries to cut costs every way he can, while dealing with a lot of personal issues.

This first season of ‘The Night Shift’ contains only eight episodes. You’ll get to know the characters fast and go from one case to another. Because of this speed you stay interested in the storylines and because most characters have enough depth from the start, you’ll feel for them right away as well. Some mistakes are being made during this season, however. OR protocols that aren’t being followed (or so it seems), and some background music here and there will get a bit annoying, since it’s way too dramatic for some scenes. Even though I did notice these things, luckily, it’s not too distracting in the end. During this first season you’ll see a lot of clichés too. A lovers' triangle with TC, Jordan and Landry is followed by a similar situation involving TC, Jordan and Scott. Some of the medical cases are predictable as well.

The hospital, in which this series takes place, is in Texas. Surrounded by army bases, this is the place where lots of veterans find their home. TC runs the night shift like some sort of alpha-male, and likes to disrespect his bosses any way he can. His field experience, however, makes him one of the best doctors there, and his connection to the staff makes him irreplaceable. During the first episode we get to meet two new ER interns, Paul Cummings (Robert Bailey Jr., ‘Becker’) & Krista Bell-Hart (Jeananne Goossen, ‘Emily Owens M.D.’). Nurse Kenny (JR Lemon) spots Krista right away, but she seems to be more interested in Drew Alistar (Brendan Fehr, ‘Roswell’). Drew, however, also an army doctor who works the ER night shift, carries a secret of his own.

With all the negativities I’ve pointed out you would expect a low grade to come with that. But you’re wrong there! Because even though not everything is perfect, the series stays strong. It’s put together nicely, the acting and chemistry between the characters is great and the storylines and depth builds throughout the season. It’s a drama series with some humor, but also tension and excitement here and there, especially during the final couple of episodes. I was looking forward to the next episode almost right after I finished the one before that and I can’t wait for season two to air. My conclusion, therefore, is that a series doesn’t have to be innovating to be fun and worth watching. Lovers of medical dramas like ‘Emily Owens M.D.’, who can overcome some minor flaws, will find plenty of stuff to keep them entertained. I love that there’s a second season on the way, although I do hope that the growth we have seen throughout this season will continue on to the next!