Ryan Murphy, the television mastermind behind hits like “Glee” and “American Horror Story,” is known for his over-the-top, boundary-pushing creations. But with “Doctor Odyssey,” he may have just sailed into uncharted waters of absurdity. This medical drama, set aboard a luxury cruise liner aptly named The Odyssey, is a wild ride of questionable medical procedures, bizarre character interactions, and a healthy dose of “what did I just watch?” moments.
Doctor Odyssey
Leading the charge is Joshua Jackson, our beloved Pacey from “Dawson’s Creek,” who has transformed into the impeccably named Dr. Max Bankman. Sporting a Clooney-esque charm and a seemingly endless supply of witty one-liners, Jackson somehow manages to keep a straight face amidst the unfolding chaos. He’s like a seasoned captain navigating a ship through a hurricane of ridiculousness, and his performance is truly a sight to behold.
Imagine a medical drama where the cases range from penile fractures (yes, you read that right) to outbreaks of venereal disease courtesy of a character aptly named “Syphilis Sam.” “Doctor Odyssey” throws medical plausibility overboard and embraces the outlandish. Each episode is a whirlwind of medical emergencies, with Dr. Bankman and his team of nurses, Avery Morgan (Phillipa Soo) and Tristan Silva (Sean Teale), facing challenges that would make even the most experienced doctors raise an eyebrow.
But “Doctor Odyssey” isn’t just about medical mayhem. It also throws in a healthy dose of interpersonal drama. Avery aspires to be a doctor, Tristan harbors a secret crush on Avery, and Avery and Dr. Bankman engage in a will-they-won’t-they dance that’s as predictable as it is entertaining. And let’s not forget the ship’s captain, played by the ever-suave Don Johnson, who is still mourning his wife but finds solace in the arms of a character simply known as “Grandma” (played by none other than Shania Twain!).
Visually, “Doctor Odyssey” is a treat. The luxurious cruise ship setting provides a backdrop of sun-drenched decks, opulent suites, and glamorous passengers. But the show also isn’t afraid to embrace its over-the-top nature, with scenes that are often as visually absurd as they are narratively perplexing.
So Bad It’s Good?
“Doctor Odyssey” is a show that defies categorization. It’s a medical drama, a romantic comedy, and a train wreck all rolled into one. The writing is often cringeworthy, the plotlines are ludicrous, and the character development is about as deep as a kiddie pool. But somehow, it all works. The show’s self-awareness and willingness to embrace its own absurdity make it a surprisingly enjoyable watch.
