Saving Hope

Considering that I love to spend my free time watching medical dramas with a twist of supernatural, I really can't comprehend how I've missed Saving Hope so far. Being a moderate Stargate SG-1 fan, it's quite natural that Michael Shanks brought me here, but while I was expecting another fairly drama-packed, standardised medical show, I was quite surprised to see a really good character development. And while I resisted in the beginning, I'm really enjoying the dedication of Alex, the reserved but caring demeanor of Joel, the quirkiness of D-r Hamza and the amusing yet adorable way that Charlie deals with his gift/curse.

There are a few things that actually remind me of Grey's Anatomy (the high school-like relationships and dramas around the hospital, the constant endangerment of the hospital staff etc.), but unlike the other show Saving Hope is quite realistic when it's portraying the personal issues and musings of the staff when it's challenged with seemingly unbearable situation. Throughout the three seasons I've watched so far, I was amused, shocked, saddened and caught hoping and coping side by side with the characters - a thing I never do when the spirit of a show just isn't there.

I'll admit that what first peeked my interest in this show was Michael Shanks. As a HUGH Shanks fan I'd happily listen to him read the phone book. However, I'm not a fan of medical dramas, so I was not expecting to become as gripped in the storyline of Saving Hope as I fast became. Though I could tell from the trailer that this show was going to be good I was not expecting it to be GREAT! Each week I (and many others from the UK) stayed up until 3am to watch the show stream live, completely hocked with the gripping and heartfelt story lines. Erica Durance's performance moved me to tears (not an easy task I can tell you) more than once and the on screen chemistry between her and Shanks is top rate. One moment I'm giggling, next gasping in shock and the next tearing up. This show has something for everyone. Whether you're into medical dramas, supernatural story lines, mushy "love trying to over come the odds" plot lines, or simply enjoy good writing and quirky characters, this show has it all. I would highly recommend Saving Hope to anyone.

Having watched this entire series from start to end (only a few episodes left), I am impressed with the writing and acting, particularly the roles played by Erica Durance and Michael Shanks.

The first season was a great introduction to the characters and the premise of the show. I will admit, I had my doubts this would work, but it did, and in excellent fashion. As the seasons progressed, they became very much more appealing.

My two complaints are that in the last season, it seems the writing got lazy and repetitive. Maybe it's because the episodes were cut short and everyone knew the end was near, but I wished it had maintained the pace and drama from the previous seasons. My second complaint is the fact the show did not get renewed. It's a shame as it has much more potential to keep going on.

Nevertheless, it's a fantastic Canadian production, and it will be sadly missed.

A well deserved 9/10 from me!

I first came to this show as a fan of the Vampire Diaries, following Daniel Gillies. I have never before been a big fan of the medical drama genre in general. However, all it took was one episode, and I was completely hooked, and become moreso with each show. Saving Hope draws you in with the wonderful characters, emotions, dialogue, drama, and humor. From just being a Daniel Gillies fan, I've become a fan of the entire cast.

Michael Shanks perfectly portrays Charlie's frustration at being unable to wake up or communicate with Alex, and his frequent surprise and confusion about how things work on "the other side." His observations often provide deep insight into both Alex, and sometimes humanity in general, as he is being forced to see everything from a new perspective.

Erica Durance is brilliant as Alex. Every emotion that Alex feels can be seen on Erica's face so clearly you almost don't need words most of the time. She is so believable in this role, it's heartbreaking. You want to cheer her on during her moments of success as a doctor, and cry with her at those times when she breaks down, missing Charlie.

Daniel Gillies is spot-on in the character of Joel, with the perfect balance of confident arrogance in his abilities as a surgeon, and a soft side that drives him to dig into his patients' lives to find out more about them. He wants to know what will help them the most, not just what the statistics say should be done. Joel is also a rock for Alex - always ready to defend her, boost her up, and be a shoulder to cry on when needed. Daniel blends Joel's multi-faceted personality seamlessly.

Beyond these three, there is also an amazing supporting cast. Dr. Shahir Hamza is a brilliant yet delightfully socially awkward brain surgeon. Victor Reis is Shahir's outgoing, wise-cracking nurse boyfriend. Maggie Lyn is a cute, perky medical resident who has her eye on Joel, and is not afraid to go after what she wants. Gavin Murphy is the sweet, kinda nerdy & shy psychiatric resident. Jackson Wade, ICU nurse, provides the best one-liners in the show, hands-down.

There are more regular characters on the show, but you get the idea - the show does not rely solely on its main three, as amazing as they are. We are given a rich variety of characters and personalities, and we come to know them more as individuals with each episode.

Give this show a chance, don't try to constantly compare it to any pre-conceived notion of how it is "like" or "unlike" other shows, and I really think you'll love it!

So, I'm 59 years old. I have seen just about every medical drama ever on TV, going back to Medical Center with hunky Chad Everette. What a wonderful medical drama with a twist this is! Full of real life feelings and doubts and every gender or racial concern under the sun this series touches on. And then something extra...

Michael Shanks, so good to see him again doing a wonderful job post Stargate. In fact I love the entire cast and all the extras and side characters. If you haven't found this series yet watch it from the episode one. You won't be sorry.

I found this series by accident on-line and am very happy I did. I love this show! Thank you creators. Joyous journey to you all!