Trauma started off strong in the Pilot, and has been picking up steam since then. The ratings haven’t been so strong, but it does face some tough competition in Dancing with the Stars, Lie to Me, and the CBS comedies (Big Bang Theory, and that other one). And, well, its on NBC, and people hate NBC these days (It is because they are stupid). If you’re not watching this show, you need to start, stat. Its quickly become my favorite new show of the season.
Rabbit & Nancy
It may be an ensemble show, but the stars are Cliff Curtis’ Rabbit and Anastasia Griffith’s Nancy. They are obviously connected by the accident in the pilot, but there’s obviously a history that predates the helicopter accident. They’ve got a great chemistry onscreen, and despite the antipathy, make an incredible couple. They’re not going to be together anytime soon, but, the way their relationship works, they really don’t need to be. I made a connection last week to the Ross/Hathaway pairing on ER, and it’s something I stand by. Her reaction to him getting shot tonight sealed it.
The Other Characters
We haven’t seen a whole lot of the other characters yet, but I’m also digging Aimee Garcia’s Benez. I’m interested to see where they’re going to take her, considering her war vet backstory vs. the reluctance she showed early in assisting in medical care. I want to see more of Briggs, but, honestly, less of his partner Boone.
We’re seeing more of the characters from the hospital, which is a good thing, especially when you’ve got Jamey Sheridan on staff. The addition of Scottie Thompson was smart, even if all she’s done so far is repel Rabbit’s advances.
The Medicine
Not to say that a show about EMS is completely original (NBC’s Third Watch), its not nearly as played out as emergency rooms, surgery rooms, or diagnostic wards (Ok, maybe only one of those, but still). The setup of the calls is interesting. I like how we get to spend just enough time with the victims beforehand to connect with them during the incidents. The effects have also been cool, but I hope they tone them down, as the show’s price tag is probably a bigger enemy than its ratings. As far as I’ve been able to tell, they’ve gotten the technical details right so far. My first reaction to the hypothermic treatment was surprise that it was in a paramedic’s protocol, but the follow up that it wasn’t cleared that up (It’s a simple enough treatment that has a relatively good risk/reward ratio … Just ask Buffalo Bill’s Kevin Everett)
The show is, supposedly, on the chopping block already. With all of those effects, it’s got a pretty hefty per episode price tag. I hope fans start to come around on the show, because it’s pretty damn good.
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Oct 13, 2009 @ 09:00 EST5EDT
