New Amsterdam Review: Family (Season 4 Episode 13)
No one could have possibly seen the end coming on New Amsterdam Season 4 Episode 13, “Family.” While it’s a wonderful episode of television, that doesn’t mean that the final outcome is impactful at all.
Vijay’s death off-screen is completely unnecessary. Anupam Kher left New Amsterdam long before Dr. Kapoor’s death.
I loved the character but had forgotten what happened to him other than knowing that he wasn’t dead. That says more about my memory than the storytelling. Death doesn’t have to be an inevitable end and one television show almost proved that.
In fact, Vijay’s death off-screen is a little bit disrespectful to fans and the character. Usually, a fictional death is at least a chance to say one last goodbye.
If the actor isn’t on the screen to die, what is the real point?
Vijay’s death at least brings Max, Helen, and Ella back to New Amsterdam. Is that a good enough reason for Vijay to die? I don’t know what my answer is or care enough.
“Family” is still a beautiful episode of TV. Adam and Elizabeth are the biggest reason why.
Her brother isn’t just someone Elizabeth talks about anymore. We get to see his mental illness affect her, which is important for authentic representation in the arts.
We also see how their relationship has individually influenced the siblings, and we see their conflict come to a satisfying end for now. There is potential for so much growth in both characters and so many deep storylines that are unconventional.
I also love seeing Dr. Wilder as a caretaker. It pushes back against the false notion that everybody with a disability is helpless and needs to be taken care of.
Thankfully, Elizabeth knows how to let her brother go and live independently, though he always knows he can trust that she’ll be on the other side of the door if he needs her. It’s a lesson Max desperately needs to learn.
It’s actually refreshing to see Max and Helen fight because it’s baffling why any intelligent man would try to meddle in a messy mother and daughter relationship.
He means well, sure. But that doesn’t mean that he can fix absolutely everything. Plus, their relationship is too new for them to be talking about family.
It’s actually a little bit cringy hearing Max call Helen’s mother his mother-in-law. But I did feel proud watching Helen stand up to her mother; every woman deserves an empowering moment like that.
I hope Vijay’s death somehow keeps Lauren at New Amsterdam. She’s not a character we deserve to lose right now.
Max and Helen’s return should make her realize she has a reason to stay. I like Leyla, but I’m not sure she really has a place at the hospital without Lauren.
They can’t repair their romantic relationship, but there is no reason why Lauren has to run away.
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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.