New Amsterdam Review: Why Not Yesterday (Season 3 Episode 6)

A standard for diversity, inclusion, and equity is once again set on New Amsterdam Season 3 Episode 6, “Why Not Yesterday.” Hopefully, the whole TV industry is paying attention. 

Usually, New Amsterdam flawlessly tells stories about minorities that are naturally inclusive because the actors are authentically cast (disabled actors play disabled characters, for example). “Why Not Yesterday” is one of the first times the issues of diversity, inclusion, and systemic racism are the main focus of the story. 

I do become as exasperated as Helen does with Max by the middle of the hour. Max often runs around saving everyone with very little thought to his privilege.

It’s one of New Amsterdam‘s biggest flaws, especially early on. We can’t all snap our fingers and magically fix issues as quickly as Max does. He deserves to be chastised about the fact that he needs to listen more and hopefully he’ll continue to take Helen’s advice. 

It is a bit surprising that Max is as ignorant of these issues as he appears. I would not have expected him to be “semi-woke” as Helen says.

He usually walks his talk, but I suppose the only way to tell this story right is to start with an ignorant white guy running around the halls of the hospital taking down racist images and painting murals on the floor. 

While it’s incredibly satisfying to watch him acknowledge medical racism by literally throwing images that celebrate it in the trash, I do have one gripe with how New Amsterdam is choosing to tell this story.

Max is right to be overwhelmed. Even the best of his grand ideas about how to promote equity and equality among his staff are going to take a long time to implement. But each issue deserves its own focus.

People experiencing racism among his staff have different needs than patients experiencing medical racism. Both of those groups have different feelings than someone experiencing transphobia. That person has different desires than someone experiencing ableism. 

It’s great that New Amsterdam is as thorough and inclusive as possible on this episode. Many voices are heard in one montage scene. But the next step is to devote storylines to as many of the issues as New Amsterdam can.

It has a near-flawless history with inclusivity. So, I don’t expect to be let down.

“Why Not Yesterday” does have more weak spots — like Iggy’s story with Juliette. She’s one of the most compelling characters to come to the hospital, so I’m glad we’re seeing her again. I just don’t see much of a point to the story. 

First of all, New Amsterdam needs to provide more context about the programs Iggy runs. We can assume some patients are receiving treatment for the moment and some are in outpatient programs living at home. 

Others seem to live there dating back to New Amsterdam Season 1. So what category do Juliette and Louisa fall into? Do Louisa, Juliette, and Ollie see each other every day? 

If there is a point to this plot, it is either to show us that Juliette has become more creative with her manipulation or that Iggy needs to pay attention to his patients more. But I still need context for why that matters. 

Also, Helen’s family is coming out of nowhere. She’s the workaholic who needs to learn not to be on Season 1 and still growing on Season 2, so it’s partially understandable. 

Then again — it’s not. Meena literally appears out of nowhere. I know Helen is just learning she has a niece too, but that doesn’t excuse retcon. 

Especially not if Helen is just going to drop most people and responsibilities because of Meena. I’m on the fence about Helen and Cassian, but it’s so odd.

Helen’s in-vitro journey is a story worth telling, but that has disappeared. Did we trade it in for a “fostering a teenager” storyline? Sorry, I’m not here for that. Those are a dime a dozen on any drama.

But wait — since Helen has stepped down does that mean Isabelle can step in and be Max’s second? Is she qualified for that? Because I’m all about watching Max solve problems with not for Isabelle. 

Doctor’s Notes 

• R.I.P. Superman, your story is a full-circle, beautiful tear-jerker. 
• Floyd’s mama is going to give him health issues. Should any person really be expected to take dinner requests, shop for ingredients, and cook it all up after performing a heart transplant on a child?
• Max accusing Karen of acting like a Karen is hysterical, as is Casey’s “secret white doctor meetings” comment.  

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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