New Amsterdam Review: Righteous Right Hand (Season 2 Episode 6)

It’s clear that New Amsterdam Season 2 Episode 6, “Righteous Right Hand” is special from the first act, where Dr. Bloom is introduced to all of the Alabama church convention ladies in the E.R. 

The scene is bookended by shots of Bloom in the lounge drinking coffee and was shot in one take. 

It’s gorgeous cinematography and directing work, ever so slightly flawed when one actor forgets a minor detail in her line and repeats it — making it seem more authentic — and it breaks one of the most steadfast rules of acting on purpose when Dr. Bloom looks up at the camera and smiles, sipping her coffee.

But one scene does not a five-star episode make. 

So, let’s get to one of the biggest reasons that the episode is near flawless because it’s not that the first act effortlessly uses sound to draw the viewer in.

First and foremost, the episode is stitched together so well because all of the patients are from the same van. 

They’re all connected. Of course, Kaye makes sure of that by purposefully crashing the van into the embankment. But we’ll get to that a little bit later. 

I want to focus this review on Chante’s story.

New Amsterdam has always been one of the best examples on TV of how to do representation of any kind right. 

All you have to do for proof is look in the background of any scene in the ER. There might be a nurse with blue hair, a doctor who is a little person, or one who is wearing a hajib.

They work at the hospital. Viewers know them, even if not by name. Yet, the show doesn’t push them to the forefront of the story just for credit. 

I’d love to know more about these characters in the future if they fit into the larger plan, but for now it’s enough to see that they’re just living their lives and doing their jobs at the hospital.

Fans definitely needed to see Chante’s story right now, exactly how New Amsterdam tells it. 

I never thought I’d see a story involving intellectual disability, abortion, and religion done so perfectly. But it’s not surprising that this is the show to do it. 

Chante is a woman with Down Syndrome who is under guardianship, but she’s treated like the adult she is by every doctor at the hospital, and also by the writers on the show. 

I love the fact that Chante is seeking an abortion and Kaye is the person who wants her to have the baby. 

Characters with intellectual disabilities have been pregnant on TV before. But usually, they want to stay pregnant and are don’t seem to understand the responsibilities of parenthood. 

Iggy legally has to be sure that Chante literally knows what having an abortion means, and all of the consequences that might come with having one. Kaye may decide not to care for Chante anymore, and that’s a reality Chante needs to understand. 

But Chante knows what sex is, she knows what an abortion is, and she knows she doesn’t want to raise a child. 

Once that is clear to Iggy, he stands by her. He doesn’t automatically submit to Kaye’s desire that Chante stay pregnant, even though Kaye is Chante’s legal guardian. 

In reality, the process of restoring Chante’s right to make her own decision about this abortion would not be as speedy as a few lines of dialogue. 

Leniency is earned in this case because even though red tape is involved in every aspect of disability, it’s less important to see that on-screen than it is to see an intellectually disabled woman being treated like the capable adult she is. 

As a physically disabled woman, it’s always nerve-wracking to watch any story about disability on TV. There is often a chance the show will get it wrong and spread misconceptions and false stereotypes to millions. 

So far, viewers can trust New Amsterdam to get it right. Also trust me when I say that I make shows earn praise where representation is concerned. 

It’s particularly lovely to see Kaye at Chante’s bedside at the end of the episode supporting her niece’s choice. 

It’s possible to be religious, have your own convictions, and support someone you love who is making a different choice than you would at the same time. 

Religion is open to individual interpretation anyway. 

That’s made particularly clear in the scene where Chante is telling Kaye she is sure she wants the abortion. 

Chante: Auntie Kaye, will you still love me? 

Kaye: Always, but you’re blocking a blessing Chante. 

Chante: No, I’m not. God’s with me. 

Kaye: God is with you? 

Chante: I prayed no baby. God crashed the van here. The doctor said no baby, see? 

Kaye: I crashed the van, it was me. God had nothin’ to do with it. 

Chante: Is God in you? 

Kaye: No, no, that’s not…I don’t know. I don’t know. I hope so. 

That scene is a gorgeous way to explain the ambiguity of religion. Your interpretations are your own choice, and Kaye not only respects Chante’s medical choice, she respects another person’s interpretation of religion by being at Chante’s bedside. 

The world needs more people like Kaye in it.

So, I’m glad there is technically a plausible medical reason she crashed the van in the end. If that’s not devine intervention, I don’t know what is. 

Doctor’s Notes

• Helen and Vijay’s fight about R-E-S-P-E-C-T to show the sisters how ridiculous their feud is is hysterical. 
• I’m so scared for Iggy’s marriage. I can’t help but think he’s making this adoption decision alone. 
• The final scene of the episode where Max is staring at Georgia’s bloodstain is chilling enough to make this episode a Halloween episode.
• There is so much to unpack in those last few seconds, and hopefully there is time to do it in the future. The show really needs to examine Max’s grief a little bit deeper soon. Though they’re doing a great job with it, it does need more focus.

What did you think of this episode of New Amsterdam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

New Amsterdam airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

33 Female TV Characters Killing it in S.T.E.M.