New Amsterdam Review: This Is All I Need (Season 3 Episode 4)
The title for New Amsterdam Season 3 Episode 4, “This Is All I Need,” is referring to a quote Helen says while in a bed with Cassian. The moment is not a memorable one, but the words sum up the essence of the hour perfectly.
Everyone with a significant storyline is just trying to meet their bare minimum needs and they all come up with satisfactory solutions, even though storylines barely move forward.
It’s what I call a “comfort” filler episode. There could have been more going on, but it’s perfectly fine that there isn’t.
Helen’s struggle, while heartbreaking, is extraneous retcon. We’ve never even heard of her brother before now. New Amsterdam at least explains why. But it’s hard to care about his death or if Helen makes it to Iran because to us, he’s just imaginary.
The bigger issue here is that what Helen needs is support. Cassian and Helen’s relationship is too new for us to really be mad when she can’t accept it from him though. Plus, there is nothing wrong with the couple’s chemistry but nothing feels right about it either.
“This Is All I Need” is a great example of how to use an ensemble cast because no one’s story stands out as the obvious A plot.
Yes, Max is our main character. His emotional journey is important, heartbreaking, and sweet all at once. But Lauren’s quest to help her employees feel safe at work is by far the most powerful one we watch.
The ignorance Lauren displays when it comes to her team’s fear of the cops is rather surprising. I don’t say that because I expect everyone to be at the same spot where education on social justice issues is concerned.
I say it because, despite her rich, white privileged upbringing, Lauren has a diverse staff that works for her. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s just surprising that Lauren begins the episode as ignorant as she is about why minorities may fear the police.
Then again, she is so rude to Leyla on New Amsterdam Season 3 Episode 3, “Safe Enough.” In hindsight, her attitude foreshadows the ignorance that Casey calls out. I’m just surprised she needed that talking to so badly.
Casey’s scene is the most important one on the episode, so even if Lauren’s ignorance is startling, it’s worth it to hear his words.
When Lauren says, “we need [the cops] here, Casey replies:
“Tell me, who’s we? Because the undocumented, they’re gonna stay away. The homeless? They [SIC] gonna stay away too. And what about the next patient who comes in here under the influence? You suddenly want these cops feeling compelled to make arrests because hell, they’re already here. What could possibly go wrong?”
His words don’t require an explanation. It’s worth pointing out that while they’re powerful in themselves, Alejandro Hernandez’s performance amplifies that power. Casey’s almost on the verge of tears when he leaves the room. But they would not be sobs.
They’d be the angry, frustrated tears marginalized people get in our eyes sometimes when we are tired and yet another person shows their privilege. (To be fair to all types of criers, angry sobs or screams would be justified in this case too.)
Casey and Dr. Bloom’s relationship also adds meaning to the scene. They’re close and we know it.
So, even though he has never been shy about calling her out, we can see his struggle. He’s been part of Lauren’s ED for years and she throws “not all cops” at him. That has to hurt.
To Lauren’s credit, she learns quickly and comes up with a very creative solution inspired by the fact that one of her patients is a bouncer. How very “Max” of her.
It begs questions though. Max is in Connecticut for the majority of the hour. Anyone who has watched at least a handful of New Amsterdam episodes knows he’d approve, but who did so in his absence?
This is a creative solution for a private hospital, but New Amsterdam is public. What happens when the mayor learns bouncers are employed in his or her hospital? Will said security detail abandon the sick when clubs open again?
Sometimes, New Amsterdam takes its creativity very far in the name of entertainment. That’s fine. But we must remember that fear of police is ingrained in some people who cannot snap their fingers and hire bouncers in their buildings to feel safer.
We’ll see how long Lauren’s solution sticks in the future. But let’s take a quick trip to Connecticut to pick up Luna with Max.
First thing first — she’s the sweetest child. This storyline is also the sweetest way to weave Max’s grief with the guilt he feels for leaving Luna with her grandparents during the pandemic.
As a healthcare worker, that’s a smart choice for a single dad. But of course, he’s going to miss key changes in his daughter like the fact that she hates peas now.
He does what he has to do to keep Luna safe, but it’s no wonder he questions whether he’s enough for her without her mom. The poor man builds the best play area he can in his Manhattan apartment but it’s no match for a suburban playroom and a grandma Luna can mistake for “mama.”
It’s heartbreaking to think about it too hard. So, thank goodness for the sweetest episode ending in New Amsterdam history.
Luna says “dada here” as she reaches out for a hug. If you tell me your eyes are dry watching it you’re lying.
Doctor’s Notes
- I don’t mention how strong New Amsterdam‘s soundtrack game is enough.
- Nurse Brunstetter being trans is revealed brilliantly. New Amsterdam tells secondary character stories so well there’s a spin-off in there.
- Iggy’s patient’s circumstances are so sad I can’t really think about it. Imagine your mom innately feeling like you aren’t her child and not being able to fix it. I cannot.
- Floyd is giving up a lot to call New Amsterdam home but I commend his loyalty.
- Where are Vijay and Ella? It’s been too long. I insist we learn baby girl’s name soon.
What did you think of this episode of New Amsterdam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New Amsterdam airs Tuesday 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.