New Amsterdam Review | Series 2, Part 2

Happy Monday! Time to start kicking off some new posts, starting with one of my new favourite shows. It’s been a long time since a show has effected me on an emotional level each time I watch it, but that seems to be what’s happening here. It’s time to dive into a new medical drama – here’s my review on New Amsterdam, series 2.

Show: New Amsterdam, season 2, part 2 | Company:  NBC | Date: 2020

Overview: From executive producers David Schulner and Peter Horton, this unique medical drama follows Dr. Max Goodwin, the new medical director at America’s oldest public hospital, set on tearing down the bureaucracy to provide exceptional care.

New Amsterdam Review

Previous reviews show how much I’ve been enjoying New Amsterdam and the second part of season 2 was no exception. I’m so pleased it has been renewed for another few seasons – it’s a refreshing and emotional watch, full of depth and meaning. Different from my normal superhero shows, true, but as good in its own way.

Each episode has a unique story that dives into a deep issue and that’s not changed as the series progresses. But, as with the previous parts, it’s the characters that make the show.

Compared to the grief-stricken Max from the first part, Max now has to deal with the emotional fall-out of being a single dad and struggling with guilt when he tries to work out if he’s ready to move on. The father side of him certainly shows this time and his development is focused on his emotional wellbeing rather than taking drastic action.

I’ve always liked Helen’s character, but I enjoyed her journey in this part: stripped of her title and position, she learns it’s the patients that keep her at New Amsterdam, and finds new ways to fight for them. She’s always had a position of authority, and it felt she was given the chance to do more without a status to protect her.

Lauren has been through a rough time over the past seasons: drug abuse and the lasting injury from the crash. It was rewarding and satisfying to see her heal and moving on.

Both Iggy and Vijay remain my favourite characters and both have to find a new home/work/family balance. One thing that always gets to me is how easy it is to relate to these characters. For example, when Iggy comes clean about his own self-esteem and how he sees himself, it made me sit up, pay attention and realise my own thought processes. Any show that made you learn something about yourself has to be good, right?

Despite being a series focused on characters, there were also some very moving plots. Of course, we are still an episode short due to one being pulled – highly understandable given the title of it is “Pandemic”. But from tackling the opioid crisis to handling go-fund-me videos, the second series covers a multitude of real issues.

Episodes were moving – aren’t they always? But there weren’t any too harrowing this time: the main characters carried the plots rather than patients of a singular episode being the focus. It gave it the feel of focusing on character development more: from individual crises, new jobs, promotions, demotions and work-life balance, we got to see the doctors react to situations beyond just the patients.

It’s always hard reviewing a show that’s based on character development rather than tense plots. But if you’re looking for something meaningful, a show that makes you think about what the healthcare system is like in the US, with loveable characters and moving story-lines, then this second part of season two will not let you down.

Highly recommended once again.

Have you been watching New Amsterdam? What did you think?

Also in the series:

• New Amsterdam, Series 1
• New Amsterdam, Series 2, Part 1

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