The Doctor is in! St. Denis Medical Season 2 has officially kicked off with a two-episode premiere on NBC.
The two episodes build on the strong foundation of Season 1 and bring back the characters we love and know in full force.
Let’s dig in!
Both episodes are jam-packed with both dramatic and comedic moments, finding ways to introduce new side characters like Keith into their antics.
The Season 2 premiere of St. Denis Medical successfully reminds us that, at its heart, the show is about imperfect people doing their best to navigate a stressful workplace.
Alex Is The MVP Of St. Denis Medical
From the very start of the show, it’s always been clear that Alex is arguably the most competent person at the workplace.
St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 1, “Aloha, Everyone,” sees Alex slowly realize that her “vacation” attitude from her trip to Hawaii is no longer sustainable at the hospital.
While it’s not surprising that she has to face the reality of her responsibilities, watching Alex’s joy slowly slip away in the face of her co-workers’ intense demands is really heartbreaking.
However, seeing Alex decide that she is willing to give up being comfortable to make sure that she can help people in need, even if it’s tiring, is an inspiring take on the important responsibilities that healthcare workers carry.
Alex’s determination is further emphasized on St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 2, “Mama Bear Activated,” when she attempts to advocate against the violence that healthcare workers experience.
In fact, she even goes against Joyce’s wishes by contacting a local journalist, but even if her actions are a little misguided in the context of the situation, she clearly just wants to help.
Alex’s unrelenting passion is inspiring in ways that demonstrate why the sitcom’s focus on the healthcare industry is so important.
It’s heroes like Alex who make our world go around, both inside and outside of the hospital.
Matt and Serena Go Their Separate Ways
Every great workplace sitcom has an enticing will-they-won’t-they couple.
For St. Denis Medical, that has mainly been Matt and Serena, with Matt chasing after Serena thanks to his seemingly hopeless crush on her.
However, the tables seem to be completely flipped in the premiere; Matt no longer has a crush on Serena, and now she’s the one seemingly chasing after him.
The tension between the two makes for great entertainment, especially since Serena seems to be in deep denial that she cares about Matt more than she lets on.
This conflict clearly sets up some juicy relationship drama for the rest of the season as Serena and Matt navigate their new dynamic, where Serena no longer has all the power.
Plus, I found Matt’s clumsy, bumbling personality to be dialed up to the max in Season 2, making it even more likely that Serena’s going to have a hard time pretending she doesn’t find his innocence endearing.
Bruce and Joyce Learn Some Important Lessons
Both Joyce and Bruce provide electric and hilariously overbearing presences across the episodes.
Especially for Bruce, his storyline of being attacked and dealing with the aftereffects of that is particularly compelling.
Although he keeps up his “tough guy” act, he’s clearly traumatized by the attack. His fellow co-workers all show their care and concern for him, and he shines the most when he’s able to show off his softer side.
Joyce also learns a lesson or two herself when she pours her heart and soul into two initiatives: the birthing center and teaching St. Denis employees self-defense.
Neither ended up panning out the way she had envisioned, but her commitment to going through with her plans is certainly admirable.
Plus, Joyce really has been proving that she’s deserving of the Executive Director title, as she’s getting far more involved in the workplace than she did in the previous season.
What I’m Excited About For Future St. Denis Medical Episodes
Considering the show’s solid return, I hope it maintains its rhythm and continues to deliver high-quality episodes.
Some standouts so far have been Val, whose biting remarks about Hawaii and cultural appropriation were the perfect comedic foil to Alex’s idealized perception of the state.
Additionally, Ron has had a couple of amusing moments, particularly in the physical comedy of him injuring his back and refusing to admit that it hurts.
I also hope to see more of Matt and Serena, both together and separately, as they seem to have great chemistry with all of the characters.
There are numerous possibilities for the direction this new season could take.
Regardless of what we can anticipate, this show has proven time and again that it will find new ways to provide delightful, feel-good stories to start the week.
St. Denis Medical airs on NBC at 8/7c on Monday nights.
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