New Amsterdam Review: Unfinished Business (Season 4 Episode 17)

It’s time to answer some crucial questions after a massive cliffhanger on New Amsterdam Season 4, Episode 17, “Unfinished Business.”

While the twists and turns were always going to be dramatic, this being New Amsterdam, who could have predicted that there would be so much emotional devastation packed into one episode. Okay, maybe that was always to be expected.

This episode so perfectly builds on the tension that New Amsterdam Season 4 Episode 16, “All Night Long,”  left us with. If the first part plays like a thriller, the second part is all about the physical and emotional devastation left in its wake. 

If Sharpwin fans thought we were in for a sweet ride, we were always going to get played. New Amsterdam being what it is, Helen (Freema Agyeman) and Max (Ryan Eggold) were always going to have to suffer before they’re allowed to be happy. It’s infuriating. 

This couple has been through so much to get to where they are. They don’t deserve the continued suffering that the show keeps insisting they endure. 

Agyeman is such a star on this episode. The fact that when faced with a threatening medical condition herself, she’s able to make a point about medical justice is a testament to how phenomenal this character is. In true New Amsterdam fashion, however, she can’t be happy in this moment and she isn’t out of the woods yet.

Max being a backseat driver during medical tests and procedures is endearing, even if it’s clear he should just get out of the way. The fact that he has to be reminded to think as Helen’s partner and put his doctor hat aside is just further proof of both his capabilities and cluelessness. 

It’s also clear from this episode that Iggy (Tyler Labine) and Martin (Mike Doyle) need to be done. Seriously, Martin deserves so much better than Iggy’s terrible defenses about an emotional affair. The fact that Iggy made his husband and adorable children cry…throw the whole man away. 

In other relationship news, New Amsterdam has successfully found a way to get Floyd (Jocko Sims) out of the corner. This saga was one that wasn’t particularly well thought out, even while the show has been trying to make a point. Hopefully, this can be the satisfying end this story needs. 

Speaking of Floyd, after his daring rescue, the hint of a backstory for Mia (Genevieve Angelson) will have to wait, it seems. Since “Unfinished Business” isn’t the end of this particular saga, there could be more to come. 

Lauren (Janet Montgomery) and Leyla (Shiva Kalaiselvan) are at least on speaking terms again, and it’s something of a relief. It’s unclear what exactly the endgame is here too, though, since money was the root of their relationship problems before.

This story could definitely get messy before these two are given a happy ending. In the meantime, it’s touching to see them reconnecting, and just as touching seeing them bond over making sure Casey (Alejandro Hernandez) is okay.

One character who absolutely still isn’t missed is Fuentes (Michelle Forbes). If anything, two full episodes without this character is proof that what she adds to the story is ultimately unnecessary. It’s probably too much to hope for her continued absence. 

Finally, in an episode filled with phenomenal performances, the stand-out character spotlight goes to Elizabeth (Sandra Mae Frank). Her entire storyline, figuring out the reason for the doctors having their drinks spiked, is incredibly triggering for anyone who’s been working in healthcare these last two years.

This is such a topical commentary that was handled with care and sensitivity. Elizabeth truly is the light of this show, and we can all only hope to be even a tiny bit like her.

While this story may seem too soon, it’s absolutely an important discussion to start. New Amsterdam deserves credit for kicking off this important conversation about how healthcare workers continue to be treated in real-time. 

Not all of the stories we’ve seen so far in the second half of this season are over yet. Will Sharpwin ever catch a break? Will Martin wake up and realize he deserves better? And will the show finally figure out what to do with Floyd?

So many of the set-ups and payoffs have worked so well since New Amsterdam returned. Hopefully, the momentum can be sustained.

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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