New Amsterdam Review: Radical (Season 3 Episode 10)
New Amsterdam Season 3 Episode 10, “Radical,” presents some unique challenges and new discoveries for our doctors that are not easy to see coming.
I support Lauren and Lelya’s romantic relationship if that is what they are beginning. But for the record, I think they would have made such a good dynamic duo as platonic friends. It can be argued that we see tons of platonic friendships on-screen and that is a valid opinion.
But we rarely see complex, messy friendship given tons of screentime, and New Amsterdam is mature enough to tackle that challenge.
Lauren’s sexuality is not the issue here at all. She is clearly only beginning her journey to figuring that out. It’s just that one of the most frustrating aspects of New Amsterdam is how vague it is about the status of nearly every romantic relationship.
Intentional vagueness on one couple’s status is understandable, though irritating to us as fans. But New Amsterdam is doing that with two couples. Eventually, keeping too many options open becomes lazy.
Lauren implies that the door is closed for her and Floyd now and that their relationship is better than ever. We can accept that while also feeling led on.
But in the spirit of moving on, I will say that Leyla is more fun than Floyd and as a couple, Lauren and Leyla’s story could potentially break more ground.
Since we’re on the topic of confusing couples let us venture into Max and Helen’s status. As recently as New Amsterdam Season 3 Episode 8, “Catch,” it has been implied that Max may have had feelings for Helen when he doesn’t answer a patient who asks him if he has ever been in love with a Black woman.
I have never felt any of the sexual tension between them that I think we are supposed to feel, so the roof scene on “Radical,” is a maddening one.
It’s time for New Amsterdam to put its chips in or out on this relationship. That doesn’t mean they are guaranteed a happily ever after, but TV shows thrive on “happy for now” storylines all of the time.
New Amsterdam is better than a typical drama, but making a clear choice here would be much appreciated. If it does not work out, break them up.
It makes more sense for Max and Helen to do nothing for now because she needs to focus on Mina.
“Radical” is the first episode we see Mina for who she actually is right now — a grieving teenager in pain. Her independent, detached attitude is just a front.
While mental health professionals and parents might have guessed this about her from the start, it is good to see her let out her emotions and show us the real reason she came to New York to live with Helen — she desperately needs a parent.
I don’t enjoy watching anyone in emotional pain, but this breakdown was necessary because now it’s obvious that Mina’s purpose on New Amsterdam is not just to serve as a thorn in Helen’s side and stall her sex life.
This is progress for Helen but we should be really worried about Iggy.
First and foremost, he and Martin now officially have a stalker named Chance. Considering they’re both mental health professionals — who else is scared they might think about Chance’s health for too long and jeopardize their family’s safety?
It’s also not a great sign that Iggy brings up his personal issues with weight in a session with a patient. Saphie and her mom handle it well enough and it’s unclear where that is going right now.
It’s definitely scary to think about what might happen to Iggy if he loses control of his work life and his personal life and his weight because of Chance.
My first instinct was correct about Chance. Learn the lesson everyone; trust your gut.
Doctor’s Notes
- I think New Amsterdam should keep the “Lenapehoking” title card forever.
- It’s literally impossible that Max gets a new name plaque for a wing in a day.
- I’m so proud of Dr. Kao. Bye, Romy Lucio. What amazing character growth for Agnes.
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.