A Hearty Laugh with St. Denis Medical
Based on the chaos and comedy of an underfunded, understaffed hospital, St. Denis Medical is a short on the face of it, but is not without a place. They go to great lengths to care for doctors and nurses are just the insanity juggling. Quite predictably, the show captures the chaos of healthcare work, human side of medicine and the unusual and innovative scenarios, but where the chaos versus control theme lies is what little predictability it retains. It seesaws between a sharply funny, then endearing, then realism. The intimate, engaging tone, which the show leans towards the mockumentary style in, makes for an intriguing look at everyday heroism and office camaraderie.
Allison Tolman, Kaliko Kauahi, Josh Lawson, among other prolific actors. Palpable chemistry, fun portrayals, and harkening to the duality of work and life of healthcare professionals. David Alan Grier is funny genius, stealing scene after scene for comedic genius, he helps the shows laugh quotient go up a notch.| Ruben Fleischer, Matt Sohn, and Heather Jack bring St. Denis Medical to life with a fun, dynamic rhythm. You get the impression that they share the same gift for comedy and emotional storytelling, and it runs through, at least, making it a hit to watch.
Their music intermingles with the narrative, joining in with the quirkiness and tension of hospital life. Without being too overbearing, its understated presence helps with the storytelling, while the cinetheatry of it balances with the mockumentary aesthetic, and the cinematography is fitting of the bustling, chaotic hospital environment. Production design is a strong suit, depicting the hostile and hilarious quirks of the hospital with a realism that accentuates character emotions and keeps it upbeat for the series comedic storytelling.
It’s an amazing thing to help virtually every detail in the rooms, and uniforms, it makes the world so much more believable in the series.
Special effects are minimal, but employed in a minimal and relevant way, not taking away from the script’s humor. This rings true to the spiritual sensibility of the style of the mockumentary.
The editing also matches the timing of the comedic beats and emotional swings. Like the series, the quick cuts keep the comedic flow moving and the viewer interested.
The episodes are fast paced, filled with hilarious scenarios and honest moments. This also maintains a steady audience engagement in a way that avoids monotony.
The dialog is sharp, witty, often poignant, capturing the running of the sitcom. However St. Denis Medical is a comedy gold, and at times there’s an excessive over use of mockumentary style which takes away from the emotional depth. However, thanks in part to strong force and good writing, the series manages to overcome that with relative ease.
And overall, St. Denis Medical is a comedy gem whose heartwarming and witty look at the hospital business pays well. Thanks in large part to its blend of humor, endearing characters and realistic themes, it’s a refreshing watch. Whether you prefer sitcom comedy or mockumentary comedy, dont miss this series.
