New Amsterdam Review: Five Miles West (Season 1 Episode 18)
Max is still facing the realities of his cancer diagnosis on New Amsterdam Season 1 Episode 18, “Five Miles West.” And since he’s our hero, let’s start there.
Dr. Stauton is the oncologist Max needs, even if her bedside manner isn’t the one he wants. Some reader feedback on my opinion about Max’s refusal to face reality — especially on my review of New Amsterdam Season 1 Episode 17, “Sanctuary” — is that I’m making a big deal out of something that makes the show work.
Respectfully, the storylines on the show say otherwise.
Helen’s previous speech to Max and Virginia’s mere existence on the show proves that the New Amsterdam team sees what I do or else I wouldn’t be so happy they’re addressing it.
Towards the end of the episode, Virginia says to Max, “People who treat cancer the way you’re treating cancer do not survive. Do you want to die, Max?” It’s a question that’s been on my mind the whole series so far. Frankly, it’s about time someone asks — that’s all!
That said, I love the humor of Max’s first scene with Virginia. Just because Max actually does need to start seeing his cancer doesn’t mean there isn’t levity in heavy topics. Some of the best scenes of the whole series so far involve Max laughing about his cancer at the same time as he’s acknowledging it exists.
Small artistic details like the first scene of the episode being a close-up of Virginia’s “No one said life is fair” sign give the show a quirky cinematic point of view that I really enjoy every time I notice it.
Max’s “barter and trade” program is less appealing, because it’s evidence that he’s still ignoring reality. However, it’s fairer than a billing agency and does make some logical sense, even though as “Board Lady” says, no one can ignore bills in favor of rainbows and unicorns.
The lady who gives Max the original collector agency contract (her name might be Cheryl) is hysterical and should be Dora’s replacement. (The actress who plays Dora recently filmed a pilot.)
Rainbows and unicorns make me think of Ella, so let’s move on to her and Kapoor’s friendship.
It’s great to type the word “friendship” with more clarity, by the way. I would’ve shipped Kapoor and Ella, but Ella and Rohan do make more sense together. A firm decision and not a love triangle is the way to go here.
Although, let’s be clear: I’m only about 85% sure the confusion is done. Cross your fingers.
The way that storyline is introduced is so unique. It’s sad yet wonderful that viewers know so much about Vijay’s grief for and relationship with his late wife. I have so much faith in his and Rohan’s relationship since he’s passed on her jewelry collection to him.
The Michael/Lynn’s parents’ storyline about passing a baby back and forth is harder to watch. But all’s well that ends well, right? Plus, Michael’s “Five miles west and I would’ve been holding my son” quote is a great place to get an episode title from.
Overall, the episode is a solid one — the calm after the storm for viewers, you could say. Everyone steps into the light and faces their issues nicely.
Doctor’s Notes:
- While their romantic chemistry will always be there, Helen and Max as friends and colleagues is refreshing. I had not realized how much stress existed in the gray area.
- I got so mad at Lynn’s parents, but there was too much time left in the episode not to realize it would all work out.
- Ella’s wardrobe out of an apron is fab, and we need to see more of that.
- Georgia’s absence is understandable, but hopefully she reappears soon!
- Helen & Akash’s storyline is lovely and realistic.
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.
2 comments
I have a question. The ER doc said Lynn was 9 weeks pregnant. That’s only 2.5 months. How could she have delivered a 7.5 lb son??
I know this is years late, extremely late, but in case anyone needs the response, Lynn was 39 wks pregnant.
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