This week, Paramount+ unveils a new medical drama in Good Sam.
When we open Good Sam we are introduced to the caring Dr Sam Griffith (Sophia Bush, Chicago P.D.), and her brilliant but incredibly brash heart surgeon father, Dr Robert ‘Griff; Griffith (Jason Isaacs, Harry Potter), who just also happens to be her boss and the Chief of Surgery at Lakeshore Sentinel Hospital. As an attending, Sam is looking after a bunch of interns – Dr Caleb Tucker (Michael Stahl-David), who she’s got a thing with; and best friend Dr Lex Trulie (Skye P. Marshall), who’s hiding a surprise or two. Rounding out the team are other interns Joey Costa (Davi Santos) and Isan (Omar Maskati), and it seems just like your standard medical drama.
But what sets Good Sam apart from the rest is Griff getting gunned down in the hospital very early on in the pilot, leaving him in a coma. Flash forward six months, and Sam has been appointed Chief of Surgery in her father’s absence. Griff, who has awoken from his coma, has been downgraded and must now follow guidelines, laid out to him by this hospital’s Chief Medical Officer and his ex-wife Vivian (Wendy Crewson), before he’s allowed to operate again.
As he defies Sam’s authority and challenges her medical expertise, the big question becomes whether this father and daughter will ever be able to mend their own relationship.
Katie Wech pens a pilot that is interesting and has some intriguing setups the season ahead. Bush and Isaacs have the complicated history down pat and both give compelling performances.
Good Sam has an interesting premise and, with time, has the potential to break through as a hit medical drama.
3 Stars
Good Sam premiers Friday, 7 January on Paramount+
