St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 18 Review: We Make Time
St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 18, “We Make Time,” is an equal parts heartwarming and humorous finale. There’s something beautiful about its simplicity — while there are multiple arcs, they all seamlessly feed into each other. It’s not an overcomplicated finale on the narrative front, and even the supporting characters get a chance to shine.
St. Denis Medical, “We Make Time”
The main story driving this outing is Ron’s impending bypass surgery. It brings everyone together and is a lovely tribute to him as a character. David Alan Grier is pitch-perfect as our fave curmudgeon with a secretly gooey center. It’s clear that Ron has favorites, especially in that heartstring-tugging scene in the stairwell with Alex. If that doesn’t have you reaching for the tissues, nothing will.
Grier and Allison Tolman are sensational. They communicate so much without uttering a word. Well, after Ron’s carefully worded, “Because I didn’t want to worry the people in my family.” Obviously, Alex is part of Ron’s family. We’ve never seen him this vulnerable before, and it’s quite touching.
That’s not to say that Ron’s arc earlier in the season with his son wasn’t compelling. It’s here that he starts to crack open, as it were, but his facing an uncertain future, even as a doctor, makes him all the more relatable. He spends so much of “We Make Time” suppressing his emotions, but he can finally be honest with himself once he has Alex for support.
Everyone Loves Ron
Ron isn’t the only person who’s being (somewhat) vulnerable in the episode. After trying to sabotage Dr. Emerson because he fears she’s not “good enough” to perform Ron’s surgery, Bruce finally admits he’s scared of losing his friend. Season 2 has been a period of tremendous growth for ole Brucey, and it’s wonderful to see him share this truth with someone he dated.
Meanwhile, Matt and Serena finally talk about the kiss. Like many a sitcom before it, St. Denis Medical incorporates some miscommunication into the narrative. And in this case, a dash of obstacles in the form of hospital patients and coworkers. It’s enough to make you want to shake these two lovebirds for not seeing the obvious.
Thankfully, the show doesn’t drag this out any longer than necessary. While the gang waits for updates on Ron, Serena and Matt hash it out. It’s refreshing to finally see them speak plainly about their feelings. I’m excited to see them flourish as a couple in Season 3.
Speaking of feelings, a sleepy Ron asking, “Where’s my Joyce?” will undoubtedly bear fruit in the third season. What a way to end the episode. St. Denis Medical has been planting Ron/Joyce seeds since the beginning, and in “We Make Time,” we get more context into how both of them feel about each other. Joyce fawning over Ron and sequestering him away in her office says everything without, well, saying anything.
It Warms the Heart
“We Make Time” bursts at the seams with heart and charm. This ensemble truly sings when they’re together in this capacity, and Season 2 has really spent time fleshing out their dynamic as a found family. This finale is as feel-good as they come. Here’s to more hospital shenanigans, Serena/Matt, and, hopefully, Ron/Joyce in Season 3.
Stray Observations:
- Brandon had some killer one-liners in the season finale. “Is your husband at sea?” and “We got a diva down” made me cackle.
- I’d let Keith give me a “little dose of old Bobby Frost” before getting wheeled into surgery. He’s a good soul.
- Ron/Joyce truthers like myself will savor this breadcrumb for months until Season 3 (hopefully) premieres this fall.
- Will we meet Keith’s wife in Season 3? Or at the very least get to see Keith don his famous breastfeeding vest in all its glory?
- Methinks that Bruce learning that Ron took everyone out for burgers but him will return to the narrative conversation next season. Ron’s secure position as Bruce’s third-best friend might be in jeopardy.
What did you think of this episode of St. Denis Medical? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.