Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Shark Attack!

I am learning a lot about myself from watching Ryan Murphy’s new show, including that I might be a bit of a prude. Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 9, “Shark Attack!” reintroduces the series after a hiatus, which marks the halfway point of the first season.

Doctor Odyssey comes back with a bang (and an almost bang). However, it’s mainly back to its old tricks. These include major medical emergencies, gross-out surgeries, and a highly sexual crew.

It’s the sexy bits that cause pause.

Doctor Max finds himself facing more temptation. A new doctor, Dr. Brooke, finds herself unable to resist the sexy doctor. Joshua Jackson plays him, so we get it.

However, can anyone in this series keep it in their pants? The answer seems to be no, but at least this time, Max wants to resist the temptation because of his growing feelings for Avery.

Nevertheless, Doctor Odyssey probably adds Adrianne Palicki as the new temptress on the block.

Palicki and Jackson seem to have great chemistry, so she’s not a bad temporary love interest. Because obviously, the show seems set on Max and Avery being the main future couple.

Brooke and Max have fun tension but the show goes a bit too overly sexual at points. People are dying and Brooke seems more worried about seducing the hot doctor.

We repeat, played by Jackson, so we get it, but professionalism seems nonexistent in The Odyssey.

Some may roll their eyes at Doctor Odyssey’s lack of seriousness. And even if you grade the show on a level of camp scale, it struggles to embrace those elements completely.

Ray’s introduction is the most interesting development in “Shark Attack!” He’s an autistic character. Brooke and him seem like they will stick around for a while. Therefore, we’re at least partly interested in these characters.

However, Ray has more potential, especially if the show hired an actor on the autism spectrum. This could be a crucial move forward for representation.

If the actor is not on the autism spectrum, this could feel like exploitation. We’ll see which side of the coin Doctor Odyssey lands on. However, just the introduction allows for many possible storylines.

The writers’ approach to Ray may add some depth to the show.  The hope that this ABC series may do one storyline justice is enough to add some excitement.

Overall, “Shark Attack!” is a fine start to the second half of the season. There’s enough intrigue with the shark attacks, plenty of camp, and sexiness for those who like that.

It might not convert new fans but gives loyal ones enough to keep them happy and wanting to return for part two.

Stray Thoughts

• The sawing off legs is not fun to watch in a medical drama. Doctor Odyssey feels like a horror show that wants to be a medical dramedy.
• I slightly prefer Max andof  Brooke’s chemistry to Avery and Max’s chemistry. Controversial, I know.
• Sean Teale may have too much of a flirtatious energy on screen. I find myself now shipping Tristan and Spencer.
• I like the additional new characters but some of the other ones are seemingly disappearing without explanation.
• Doctor Odyssey is becoming one of those shows where you just have to let it be and not expect anything. That could do good or bad for these reviews.

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

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Doctor Odyssey airs Thursdays at 9/8 C on ABC.

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