New Amsterdam Review: Sabbath (Season 2 Episode 14)
No one is resting on New Amsterdam Season 2 Episode 14, “Sabbath,” let alone following the more traditional rules of the sabbath.
For his part, Ryan Eggold is literally running around, trying to cut the hospital budget as Max on camera while directing the episode behind the camera.
It’s always interesting to watch an episode of TV that a cast member directs, because performances are sharper, and if you’re like me you watch extra closely, as every camera angle choice is intriguing.
Sticking to the story on screen, New Amsterdam definitely gives viewers so much to think about on this “Sabbath.” First and foremost — what does the director of a public hospital in Manhattan do when he no longer has enough money to run his programs and pay his employees?
Cut the budget. But where? This plot makes it clear that the answer is more complicated than meets the eye.
Max’s “skimming from everywhere” plan seems like the best option (though it’s unnecessary to bring traveling to Mexico into this — but at least the point is to prove the ridiculousness to Max).
Todd makes a strong case that this option is stretching the departments too thin. Over time, the standard of care within every department would fall and the whole hospital would suffer.
Yet, it’s hard to believe that outsourcing specialists to other hospitals solves the whole problem. If your doctors are traveling and caring for patients in other states, they’re spending less time in New York. That means patient care at New Amsterdam suffers. That is going to have negative effects over time, too.
New Amsterdam simply can’t portray exactly how messy the business of medicine is. But it’s about time that Todd is back and it’s all very entertaining to watch.
The doctors of New Amsterdam are better at matters of the heart. Watching medical TV shows does not give viewers an education in medicine.
Instead, it can teach us about people who are different than us, and the institutionalized oppression that can cause someone as young as 13 physical illness.
“I think your son’s tumor was caused by racism.”
It’s a strange statement on the surface. But anyone who has experienced microaggressions would probably admit that it’s possible; especially if you are a 13-year-old boy who doesn’t have the vocabulary for what is happening to him.
Cephas is a heartbreaking example that you can’t and shouldn’t shield non-white, queer, disabled, or gender-nonconforming children from the fact that prejudice exists and they will be a victim of it, but it’s not their fault.
His mother’s intentions are good. But if the truth would’ve prevented four stress-induced benign tumors from forming in her son’s body before he entered high school — she would’ve told it.
Physical manifestations of internalized racism may be rare, but thankfully Cephas’ physical health will be fine. Hopefully, he’ll find ways to cope with racism and microaggressions now that he knows what they are.
It’s an uphill climb, but no one deserves tumors because of another person’s hatred or ignorance.
Doctor’s Notes
- New Amsterdam has a strong point of view where social issues are concerned. Its promos need to reflect that more instead of heightening drama that doesn’t even exist on episodes.
- Helen’s talk with Cephus’ mom is so important. Even the most intelligent person can be unintentionally microaggressive.
- There is a dig at Bernie bros on the episode, and it’s impressive that someone decided to go there.
- Dr. Kapoor screaming at the D.A.W.N. device to get his name right is my life.
- Alice and Max are cute.
- But Max and Helen definitely have a “work marriage” spat, which still may be foreshadowing a real romance.
- Floyd’s upcoming conflict with Max is the perfect example of why you should tell someone news before they hear it from someone else.
- Still, Ms. Heart surgeon in Mexico has nerve calling Max’s cell. Yay confidence, boo assuming a job is open because of one conversation with the person leaving.
- We’ll see more of Lauren’s mom (probably). But her introduction still falls a little bit flat.
- Max in Time Square and the fact that Alison Luff has starred in Waitress on Broadway makes me want there to be an episode in the future featuring a Broadway show cast.
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.