ABC’s new series Doctor Odyssey is making an impression — but did it truly deliver on the “big deck energy” it promised?
The show, which premiered on Thursday, stars Joshua Jackson as Max Bankman, the ship’s new doctor aboard The Odyssey, a cruise liner captained by Don Johnson’s character, Captain Massey. Dr. Max is not your average doctor; he’s a humanitarian with a stellar resume that includes stints in the Peace Corps and the United Nations. Additionally, he is revealed to be patient zero from the COVID pandemic, making his character even more fascinating.
In the premiere episode, Dr. Max is introduced to his team, which includes nurses Avery, played by Phillipa Soo, and Tristan, portrayed by Sean Teale. From the outset, there appears to be a spark between Avery and Max, but given their setting on a cruise ship rife with possible dangers, this romance is bound to face challenges.
Their first significant medical emergency involves a case of iodine poisoning due to excessive shrimp cocktail consumption, affecting a passenger named Burt, played by Tom McGowan. Thankfully, his wife, played by Rachel Dratch, escapes any repercussions, despite having eaten just as many shrimp.
Shortly after this incident, the crew encounters a more bizarre and urgent situation: a penile fracture. In a twist of events, Dr. Max hilariously confesses that he has also been through this painful ordeal — after all, he is the series’ heartthrob! He reassures everyone that such injuries usually happen to “larger and firmer members.”
This surprising revelation leads to a poolside discussion between Max and Avery concerning Max’s injury, which raises some questions about the ship’s HR policies.
Meanwhile, Tristan is openly pining for Avery and expresses his long-standing feelings for her. Tensions escalate when he witnesses a romantic moment between Max and Avery at a beach party, prompting some jealousy, especially with the steamy backdrop of Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito.”
The episode concludes with a cliffhanger, showcasing a man overboard followed by a tense rescue operation. For now, all is calm aboard The Odyssey.
Will viewers continue to follow Doctor Odyssey, or has the first episode left them feeling queasy? Share your opinions through our polls and in the comments!