Entertainment

'Doctor Odyssey' Premiere Recap: Is It the Next Big Thing in TV? Joshua Jackson Steals the Show!

2024-09-27

ABC’s latest offering, Doctor Odyssey, has set sail into the waters of success, but did it truly bring the "big deck energy" it promised? This new series, reminiscent of a modern-day Love Boat, premiered on Thursday and stars Joshua Jackson as Dr. Max Bankman, the cruise ship's new onboard physician aboard The Odyssey, which is under the command of Captain Massey, played by the iconic Don Johnson.

Dr. Max is no ordinary doctor. He is a charming humanitarian with an impressive background, including stints with the Peace Corps and the United Nations. He even claims the dubious honor of being 'patient zero' during the COVID pandemic — talk about a resume that could impress anyone!

The premiere kicks off as Dr. Max meets his team, which includes nurses Avery, played by the talented Phillipa Soo, and Tristan, played by Sean Teale. Sparks fly between Max and Avery almost immediately, but their romantic entanglement is threatened by the chaos of shipboard life filled with health emergencies and contagious illnesses.

The first medical crisis? Iodine poisoning caused by a shrimp cocktail binge, affecting an eager passenger named Burt, played by Tom McGowan. Luckily, his wife, portrayed by Rachel Dratch, manages to escape the mishap despite indulging in the same shrimp fest.

However, the real shocker comes next — a case of penile fracture aboard the ship! This twist adds a humorous yet cringeworthy layer to the storyline, showcasing the unique challenges Dr. Max and his crew face on the high seas. Dr. Max humorously reveals that he has also encountered this condition, providing an awkward moment that leads to a heart-to-heart conversation between him and Avery during a poolside chat.

Meanwhile, the romantic triangle thickens as Tristan admits his long-standing feelings for Avery, only to have his jealousy flare up after witnessing her kiss Max during a beach party. The tension is palpable, especially with the infectious sounds of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” setting a sultry tone for the evening.

As the episode wraps up, suspense heightens with a dramatic scene involving a man overboard, leading to a tense rescue operation that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With a fascinating mix of romance, comedy, and medical emergencies, Doctor Odyssey promises to deliver thrilling adventures on the open sea.

Will Dr. Max navigate the waters of love and medicine successfully? Tune in next week for more enchanting escapades aboard The Odyssey!