New Amsterdam Review: All Night Long (Season 4 Episode 16)

After another long hiatus, New Amsterdam is back with Season 4, Episode 16, “All Night Long.”

In many ways is a return to form for the series. The tension from beginning to end is what makes “All Night Long” so compelling to watch. It’s the perfect build-up to a devastating explosion. 

A lot has been happening in the DamFam since we last had an episode. Max (Ryan Eggold) and Helen (Freema Agyeman) were always going to reunite, and Sharpwin fans can rejoice that they’re finally back together in person.

If the last episode showed fans that these two could handle a long-distance relationship, this episode is all about these two in all their glory. 

The fact that the majority of this episode takes place during a karaoke night is a stroke of genius. Of course, it would be Elizabeth (Sandra Mae Frank) who was finally able to bring everyone together. It’s completely understandable why everyone would band together to implement her vision. 

These characters are finally able to be together after being ripped apart by Veronica Fuentes (Michelle Forbes) and her villainy. As a side-note, Fuentes is absolutely not missed here. It’s clear from this episode that this character has added almost nothing to the overall story being told here.

So much of this season’s uneven storytelling has stemmed from the fracturing of the relationships that have been the core of New Amsterdam from the beginning. That’s why it’s so great seeing everyone come back together in new and sometimes surprising ways in this episode. 

Some of the relationships, however, are still giving off…questionable vibes. In particular, it’s still unclear what the endgame is for Iggy (Tyler Labine) and Trevor (Ryan Faucett). It feels like a decision needs to be made here, and soon. The context this episode provides is useful though. 

Poor Floyd (Jocko Sims) really thought things were looking up for him. His story just got way more complicated, and it’ll be interesting to see if the New Amsterdam powers that be can get this character back on track. 

The hint of a backstory or at least more character development for Mia (Genevieve Angelson) is just what the doctor ordered. 

The medical story is interesting and reminiscent of New Amsterdam‘s early episodes. The commentary on the prison system, and how easily people fall through the cracks was both topical and heartbreaking. It’s also great to see Iggy refraining from giving terrible advice for once. 

Lauren (Janet Montgomery) is back on top and shows us all how to face the consequences of our own actions like a boss. The fact that those closest to her, Casey (Alejandro Hernandez) and Leyla (Shiva Kalaiselvan) clearly still love her shows that there’s still a path to redemption for her. 

This season of New Amsterdam has missed so much of these foundational relationships that make this show so endearing. 

The crux of the story though, the re-telling of the same events is so captivating. This type of storytelling can become repetitive, but New Amsterdam succeeds in building the anticipation until everything is ready to explode. The cruelty of teasing a Sharpwin proposal is just sick and twisted enough to love.

Each reset of the same story adds a new element that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Each new piece of the puzzle only enhances the drama. The fact that this is part one, of at least a two-part episode, is both fitting and infuriating in the best possible way. 

If this level of storytelling is what we can expect from the second half of this season of New Amsterdam, I’d say we are in for a wild ride. There are clearly so many more stories left to tell in the latter part of this season.

With all of this, I’m left asking…what happened to half of the hospital staff? Can Floyd finally find some stability in his life? And can Fuentes stay gone for the rest of the season?

Cliffhangers don’t always work. This episode of New Amsterdam is absolutely one that does. Next week can’t come fast enough. 

What did you think of this episode of New Amsterdam? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

New Amsterdam airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

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