New Amsterdam Review: Croaklahoma (Season 1 Episode 15)
New Amsterdam Season 1 Episode 15, “Croaklahoma,” is not quite action-packed… but it’s one of the best episodes of the series so far.
One of the true tests of a good show is if its filler episodes can still hold attention when plot isn’t moving forward. Particularly when an episode order is 20+ for a season, a few static episodes are necessary to keep everyone invested until the very end.
This episode does its job of entertaining us and then some. It’s not just amusing enough to keep us watching. While plots aren’t making much progress, characters are learning about themselves — and in turn, viewers are learning about them, too.
So it is progress that is necessary to sustain a medical drama, just not the edge-of-our-seats kind. It’s the kind that keeps us invested in the show for the long term. It’s the kind that makes us care.
The character that I care most about on this episode is Max. That’s quite a change for me, even though he is the lead.
Max’s cancer diagnosis doesn’t always feel real on the show, despite the story being based on true events. TV doesn’t often show characters with cancer working full-time jobs, let alone running a hospital.
At the very least, his illness really hasn’t been slowing him down on screen, and when it does, he’s too cheerful about it. Even if his cheerfulness masks denial, it’s hard to believe most of the time.
So his anxiety and vulnerability on the episode bring some much-needed depth to the character. This progress shines the most not when he’s confessing fears to Georgia, but when he’s yelling at Helen about Willow’s infection and possible sepsis.
He’s just a patient in that moment. He can’t even pretend to have control over the hospital. Usually, even in his vulnerable moments, Max can hide behind his medical director role. Helen won’t let him, and that’s exactly what he needs.
Helen’s moment is also a great one for female empowerment in general. She’s turning out to be one of the most well-written women on television. Her forceful moments are warranted, and though she knows her worth and abilities and viewers didn’t get to see it right away, she also has a soft side.
Most importantly, the writing doesn’t shame her for that soft side.
Perhaps the fact that she’s so well-written has something to do with the fact that we are watching her re-discover what love is on each new episode. Sure, she has a backstory that has caused her to forget what it is, but the show spends more time letting us watch her on her current journey than making us listen to her dwell on her past.
We don’t know the status of her relationship with Dr. Panthaki, but even though that is a big cliffhanger on New Amsterdam Season 1 Episode 15, “The Forsaken,” as a viewer, I don’t feel an urgency to know an answer while watching this episode. Helen’s current journey is satisfying enough as it is, and that’s a testament to the character and the story.
No matter what her relationship status is, Helen clearly has a strong belief in the power of love while she’s helping Mr. Brant. That’s a completely different person than the woman we met in the pilot.
Mr. Brant’s story is also wonderful because of the balance. It would be very easy for New Amsterdam to paint the man who works for the state and minds Andre as a villain — but they never really do. He’s an overworked man just trying to do the best for the people in his care.
There’s also a balance in the humor of the episode.
Vijay’s story with the secret service agents is hysterical. The circumstance is ridiculous, but it doesn’t feel ridiculous because it’s very in-character for the Dr. Kapoor we know.
It’s also great to see that Max has a sense of humor. Or… he’s trying, anyway. “Good” doesn’t necessarily mean funny. Maybe his lack of humor — even the sarcastic kind — is what makes it hard for me to connect with him. But I hope he continues working the muscle. And that the show keeps growing in this direction.
New Amsterdam is hitting its stride in the second half of the season, and it’s wonderful to watch.
Doctor’s Notes:
- I hope Bloom and Reynolds get together because when they do, their relationship will have so much depth.
- I absolutely love how they are incorporating Lauren into the episodes while she’s in treatment.
- I really need to know more about Iggy’s personal life.
- People divorcing to be able to afford both the medical treatments they need and college for their children is a real thing, and that’s tragic on so many levels.
What did you think of this episode of New Amsterdam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New Amsterdam airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.