St. Denis Medical Review: Aloha, Everyone / Mama Bear Activated (Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2)

St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2, “Aloha, Everyone” and “Mama Bear Activated,” balance workplace chaos and interpersonal dynamics with a smattering of physical comedy. It’s not the show’s strongest outing; it’s more middle-of-the-road than anything. However, it’s a decent launchpad for the season at large with plenty of elements to love, such as solid performances and fun story beats. 

St. Denis Medical 

Admittedly, it’s hard not to compare St. Denis Medical to Justin Spitzer’s other comedy, Superstore. That series was lightning in a bottle on the sitcom front. There’s also actor crossover, with familiar faces appearing on both shows. All that aside, this one is different tonally.

Despite the easy laughs, its first season was somewhat rocky, and even with 20 episodes under its belt, it hasn’t managed to hit its stride yet. But the series really thrives when relying on its talented ensemble cast. Season 2 even starts incorporating more of the supporting players into the main episodic storylines to great effect. 

Allison Tolman drives the narrative in “Aloha, Everyone,” with Alex serving as the lens through which we view this episode. Tolman expertly conveys Alex’s internal struggle to keep her cool and maintain the easygoing demeanor she had while on vacation. “Aloha, Everyone” methodically builds on that struggle until it reaches a boiling point, and the “No Drama Island Mama” snaps.

It’s fun to watch the normally levelheaded, straitlaced, and risk-averse Alex attempt to be someone she’s not. The episode delves into the multiple facets of her personality. Ultimately, though, she discovers it’s more important to embrace who you are when you’re not lounging on a beach and stress-free. 

Highway to the Friend Zone

St. Denis Medical‘s Season 2 premiere wastes no time addressing the relationship elephant in the room. Serena and Matt spend much of “Aloha, Everyone” in awkward comedic territory, especially when Serena learns that Matt asked Alex to assign him to a different zone. They finally clear the air near the episode’s end, deciding to remain friends. Matt claims he no longer has feelings for Serena, which clearly doesn’t sit well with her. 

Sure, it’s a common sitcom trope — one character seemingly “gets over” another, making that person realize they might have feelings that are no longer reciprocated. Then, we’ll undoubtedly get more pining and stolen glances and toiling in friendship purgatory until they finally cross that threshold into romance. Season 2 finale, anyone? While this isn’t anything new, Kahyun Kim and Mekki Leeper’s natural chemistry still makes us root for Serena/Matt (this reviewer is unfamiliar with their ship name, sorry). 

Safety First and Geese on the Attack

“Mama Bear Activated” is the stronger of the two episodes, leaning more into physical/slapstick comedy and some delightful ensemble scenes. Joyce’s safety meeting is an episodic highlight. Wendi McLendon-Covey is the Queen of Cringe, but thankfully, Joyce’s well-meaning attitude makes the “cringe” moments more bearable. 

Bruce’s attack showcases the vulnerable underbelly of the self-assured, bombastic trauma surgeon. It’s interesting to watch Bruce deflate a little in “Mama Bear Activated” as he grapples with a different kind of trauma. Yes, we know Bruce isn’t as confident as he presents himself, but this outing shows that perhaps he has the capacity to change. Maybe we’ll see growth this season (hopefully not too much, though). 

The reveal that a goose attacked Bruce is well-executed and genuinely funny, leading into the chaotic scene with Alex, Joyce, and the journalist. The C-plot with Serena and Ron isn’t quite up to par; however, it’s amusing in a lighthearted way. 

St. Denis Medical is back to deliver consistent, feel-good, low-stakes comedy. It’s not on the level of its legendary NBC predecessors, but it’s still a nice respite from the dumpster fire that is this world. There are easy chuckles to be had, and a comfort food-level vibe that provides escapism for 20ish minutes. Sometimes, that’s all you need. 

Stray Observations: 

• Bruce getting a compass tattoo after having an Eat, Pray, Love moment in the woods is very on-brand for him. 
• That’s BJ from The Righteous Gemstones in episode one’s cold open (Tim Baltz). Does Judy know you’re staging a dangerously elaborate gender reveal party with another woman, Beej?
• So, interesting that Joyce references Children of Men, and we’re less than two years away from the time in which that film is set. And with the downward spiral we find ourselves in as a species, this isn’t terrifying at all. 
• Keith claiming he was mugged nine times checks out (sorry). 
• To be fair, geese are scary as all get-out. Angry little birdies they are. 
• I’m surprised there isn’t a bridge named after Jeff Bridges called “Jeff Bridge.” Missed opportunity right there. 

---

What did you think of these episodes of St. Denis Medical? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

Critic Rating:

Audience Rating:

 

St. Denis Medical airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC, with next-day streaming on Hulu. 

Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!