New Amsterdam Review: Rise (Season 4 Episode 20)

The DamFam will surely have their heads spinning, with the second of a double-header event on New Amsterdam Season 4 Episode 20, “Rise.” 

This is the most that these characters have been together, in the same room, in a while. So much of this episode is further proof that New Amsterdam suffers when the ensemble isn’t allowed to, well, be together. This episode really allows these characters to grow, both as a team and individually. 

This entire episode is reminiscent of earlier seasons of New Amsterdam in that everything comes back to Max (Ryan Eggold). This is Max at his lowest point, his most broken, and utterly defeated. Eggold absolutely shines and succeeds at making this character all the more sympathetic.

His rise from this deep pit is so quintessentially Max, and the inspiration we all need at the moment. This entire episode is truly vintage Max and it’s close to perfection.

As always, Helen (Freema Agyeman) is the heart and soul that brings New Amsterdam together every time. Seeing her do some actual doctoring is a nice change of pace, and a return to form for her character. 

Initially, I admit to being skeptical when the case Helen’s involved in is clearly reminiscent of the real-life, heartbreaking story of Alfie Evans. The ethical issues at play may be drastically over-simplified in this fictionalized case. That being said, Helen is given a chance to show that she’s expanded her way of thinking. She’s now thinking as a mother and a doctor and it suits her. 

Surprisingly, this wasn’t the only ethical conundrum the team is forced to reckon with on this episode. Floyd (Jocko Sims) is finally hit with the reality that, yes, he’s actually going to be a father. This paves the way for an epic team-up with Elizabeth (Sandra Mae Frank), but a dicey storyline about essentially creating an ectopic pregnancy.

This story is structured in a questionable way, amidst the current climate of real-life misinformation about what ectopic pregnancies actually are and what realistic outcomes can be expected (spoiler alert-they’re usually not good). However, both Floyd and Elizabeth are able to prove their surgical chops, and no one is worse for wear.

If you thought that Iggy (Tyler Labine) couldn’t get any worse as a medical provider, you’d be completely wrong. He manages to hit new lows on this episode on so many levels.

It’s hard to know where to start, honestly. The fact that he essentially attempts to lure a child by playing a videogame attempted to enter into a therapeutic relationship without consent…yeah, it’s messy.

If there’s anything redeeming at all about Iggy at this point, it’s that he’s now reunited with the phenomenal Gladys (Megan Byrne) to call him out. He needs this, honestly. 

Going downstairs to the ER, Walsh (Matthew Jeffers) is a National Treasure, and we should say it more. He’s always been among the most underrated characters on this show. Seeing him come into his own and take on a leadership role as ER Chief, even if it’s temporary for now, is what he deserves.

His comedic relationship with Lauren (Janet Montgomery) is iconic. New Amsterdam can only benefit from this dynamic between them in the future. 

Speaking of Lauren, she’s arguably had the character development on the second half of this season. Her continued quest to maintain her sobriety is an admirable one. It will be interesting to see where she and Leyla (Leyla Kalaiselvan) go from here.

There are so many directions that this relationship could go. If Lauren is in a healthier place, as she demonstrated on this episode, will she be able to maintain a healthy relationship with Leyla? It feels like a sink-or-swim moment is coming for this pair. We’re rooting for them.

Finally, the monster that is Veronica Fuentes (Michelle Forbes) is vanquished. The fact that she’s ultimately brought down by an organic uprising of essential workers who are the backbone of the hospital feels right. These are the people who hold the real power. Seeing them exercise it against a terrible character is incredibly satisfying.

In a final dig, I’ll note again that this character never worked on this show and never brought anything compelling to the story. It’s also fitting that she left in the middle of a temper tantrum, and showed who she’s been all along. No one will miss her, that seems clear. 

There is someone who is missed on New Amsterdam, however. These last two episodes also suffer from a severe lack of Dr. Mia Castries (Genevieve Angelson). She needs to come back ASAP. We could all use her calming presence, now more than ever. 

With New Amsterdam‘s double-header in the books, questions remain as the season finale approaches. Are Sharpwin fans in for another in-person reunion, and maybe a wedding?

Is everything returning to the status quo, with Max at the helm, and everyone executing his vision? And will Martin (Mike Doyle) finally pack up the kids and leave Iggy if he hasn’t done so already?

With one final episode before the season finale, New Amsterdam is tasked with answering these and many more questions before the season officially comes to an end.

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

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

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