Good Sam Review: Pilot (Season 1 Episode 1)
Good Sam Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” is a fast-paced introduction to the heart of the series — Sophia Bush’s Sam Griffith.
So yes, let’s take a moment to celebrate Bush’s return to TV in a leading role. Sam is perfect for her, and Bush’s passion for this project is palpable through the TV.
This episode lets Bush do what she’s excellent at as she pulls us in with her inherent empathy that beautifully extends to her character Sam.
Nevertheless, Sam Griffith isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sam’s concern for her new position of power rather than her father’s health exemplifies this early in the episode. It lets us know that Sam and Griff may have more similarities than even they realize.
That tension gives Sam more depth than meets the eye and lets Sophia Bush shine in a role that will surely only become more nuanced as the series progresses.
Sam’s disposition is a fantastic match for Griff, portrayed by none other than Jason Isaacs. Isaacs seems like he’s having a lot of fun in this role, which makes Good Sam more delightful to watch.
A personal favorite and likely underrated comedic beat is everything Isaacs does with Griff’s beloved whiteboard early in the episode. It’s physically comical while showing Griff’s inability to accept change.
Nevertheless, Griff’s demeanor makes the comparisons to Hugh Laurie’s Dr. Gregory House (and the series itself) inevitable.
Additionally, Good Sam can draw comparisons to Grey’s Anatomy because of its romantic elevator moments, including a meet-cute between Sam and the hospital’s new financial director Malcolm Kingsley.
There’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from other medical dramas. It feels as though Good Sam is in on the fun — hoping fans of the genre catch the winks and nudges to other series.
Still, the prominent emphasis on the father/daughter relationship at Good Sam‘s core lets it stand apart. Unfortunately, it could also be the thing that makes this show burn out too quickly.
The first episode isn’t too bothered by those concerns because “Pilot” places its bets on Sam and Griff’s dynamic.
It’s hard to blame Good Sam for its precise focus because Bush and Isaacs are wonderful to watch together. Adding Wendy Crewson to the mix as Sam’s mother, Griff’s ex-wife, and the hospital’s chief medical officer is a recipe for greatness.
Logically, this first episode plays with themes like nepotism, sexism, and generational differences. The rest of the season will likely follow suit.
The other characters fall to the wayside too easily though. Sam’s best friend Lex is the only surgical resident who barely stands out by the end of the episode.
Luckily, Good Sam has time to make Lex, Caleb, Joey, and Isan fully realized characters. Hopefully, their development doesn’t entirely orbit around the Sam/Griff of it all.
For now, it’s more than enough that Good Sam is unapologetically sure of its leading lady’s ambition, emotional intelligence, and kindness. It’s refreshing, even.
Ironically, if this show wants to ensure its longevity, it will have to challenge its form.
Griff and Sam can only bicker for so long before it becomes repetitive. Plus, the other characters need to break away from the Griffiths to be the main character of their own stories.
Regardless, Good Sam has our attention since this is only the beginning of this medical drama.
—
What did you think of the series premiere of Good Sam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Good Sam airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on CBS.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.