New Amsterdam Season 5 Episode 4 Review: Heal Thyself

New Amsterdam Season 5 Episode 4, “Heal Thyself,” shows no sign of improving the show’s final season. While this is probably the least offensive episode so far of this final season, that isn’t saying a lot. 

It’s getting more difficult to engage with this show each week. It’s that much harder when there are glimpses of what has made this series possibly the best network medical drama since E.R. 

In many ways, this episode is a throwback to vintage New Amsterdam. A well-intentioned Max Goodwin scheme leads to immense chaos, followed by a gut punch of a realization is something directly out of the inaugural season.

The problem is, we’re not in Season 1 anymore. The stories are devoid of context and acknowledgment of where these characters have come from. Truly, all that is missing from this episode is Vijay dispensing sage advice.

The episode actually touches on a very important issue, which is healthcare providers too often neglecting their own health and well-being. New Amsterdam does so much better with these grounded stories, rather than fantastical medical cases.

The true-to-life stories are what brings this show back to its roots, and the source material, Eric Manheimer’s Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital. 

New Amsterdam is also charging full-steam ahead with making Max and Elizabeth a thing. This may be an incredibly hot take, but the problem isn’t even the fact that the show is setting these two up as a couple.

These two are individually incredibly dynamic characters, and it only makes sense that there exists a possibility to unite as an unstoppable force. In another show, under different circumstances, this would honestly be the couple to root for. 

The problem is that, once again, the show has not invested the time in these characters together to make a coming together seem like an inevitability. Again devoid of context, this relationship feels like a way for Max to never be alone. 

This episode is proof that the problem with New Amsterdam‘s current downfall isn’t to do with Freema Agyeman’s departure, it’s the fact that there is so much potential in characters and relationships left on the table.

If New Amsterdam has always struggled to tell stories with Floyd, the tried-and-true strategy of pairing him with a much more interesting character can always be counted on. 

There’s a new character, Toya, and she sizes Floyd up immediately. It’s equally hilarious and cathartic, listening to this phenomenal woman read him like a book. It’s been a long time coming, and Floyd desperately needs to hear all of it.

Of course, the first question out of Floyd’s mouth when meeting Toya should have been, “Are you married?”, but there’s no use dragging all of that up again. 

With limited time left in the final season, New Amsterdam could have a win on its hands in establishing this relationship. Of course, they could also rip it all away or have it go nowhere at all. There is a recent precedent for this. 

This writer almost hesitates to bring up Iggy’s storyline at all, because it’s just so…uncomfortable. Seriously, the cringe is dialed all the way up. It makes sense, given who this character is. That doesn’t make it easier to watch.

If there’s anything redeeming here, it’s that Iggy too is told exactly what he’s been needing to hear for, well, a while. This character has been all about blaming literally everyone for every problem he’s ever had.

It’s poetic hearing him have to confront that his own expectations are what sabotage him throughout his life, including in his relationships. It’s far too little too late, however. 

It remains a tragedy that Martin doesn’t have access to this version of Iggy, who’s willing to accept a modicum of responsibility for his actions and behavior. Martin has always deserved better. Hopefully, he’s happy.

As usual, Lauren’s story is the most tragic, and this episode is a doozy. Her story also reads like an earlier version of this character, before her recovery was stable and before her medication was stabilized.

As a non-prescribing medical professional, commentary on the accuracy of Adderall prescribing standards will not be touched on. However, it’s an odd choice, to have a patient quit a medication cold turkey.

There is so much risk here, especially for a woman with a history of addiction. Why not taper her dosage down and monitor her weight accordingly? New Amsterdam can never let Lauren have a moment’s peace, and it’s aggravating. 

If she isn’t allowed to be lucky in love, at least she has Walsh by her side, always looking out for her, and always cracking the most banger jokes. She’ll need him if she wants to make it through the mess she currently finds herself in.

This was far from the worst episode of New Amsterdam‘s final season so far. That, however, is not saying much at all. It’s frustrating, because clearly someone high up knows the potential this show has always had, and what makes it great.

As we approach the end of this story, these characters deserve to have their stories ended in a way that does them justice. That can’t happen if the show is only ever looking backward. 

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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