Gideon's Crossing

Okay, why I never even knew this brilliant show was still on ABC is probably a good explanatuon for why the network has steadily sunk in the ratings for the last three years. That they are not screaming from the treetops about this amazing, well-written, shockingly moving series is an outrage. Better than ER, which has steadily declined into weekly bus accidents or brain tumors, this series draws you in. Andre Braugher is someone I love to watch. Boy is he good. He makes me love an already pretty excellent show.

Most TV shows, especially pilot episodes, start with one hell of a grabber and from there on out either fail to live up to the expectation that they've built OR they hit the home run.

"Gideon's Crossing" nailed a grand slam. The main character "Gideon" played wonderfully by Andre Braugher (this man doesn't get enough credit for his talent) is a Doctor, but not a perfect one and they carefully execute his flaws little by little to the audience. But the difference is his flaws are what makes him human. In a world where we expect nothing but perfection from our physicians we tend to forget that they have the same hopes, dreams, and desires we do. We expect them to be super-heroes in a world where nothing known as krpytonite exists. We expect them to be perfect.

To this end we are greeted with "Gideon", a doctor who not only has flaws, but appears to resent and embrace them at the same time. Very real, very human. Mad props to Johnson & Johnson for sponsoring a commercial free series premiere. Great choice on their part. I hope ABC has the round items required to keep this show around. One last word, for those few of us who saw "Hollow Man" remember the hottie who lived across from Inviso Doc? Well she's in this show too AND she speaks! How about that? She's good too, and certainly not too hard on the eyes either. Excellent show. May its health prognosis be good well into the future.

Gideon's Crossing has the potential to be a great series, and they have had a couple good episodes. Andre Braugher is his usual fascinating self and the ensemble cast is fine as well.

Too often, Gideon's Crossing get's bogged down by overt philosophical pretense. The scene which seems to conclude (and often occurs in the middle as well) just about every show features Gideon lecturing his students about various issues that have occurred. While this is intended to be insightful and inspiring, it usually comes across as tedious, trite, platitudes. Occasionally, this does punctuate an episode effectively, but usually it's just a ponderous bore. The show is at it's best when it shows the characters act as good physicians instead of overtly discussing what it means to be a good physician.

In spite of it's problems, Gideon's Crossing has the potential to evolve into a first rate drama. The show doesn't incorporate enough humor into the mix, but when it does, the results are usually effective. With more humor, and less pomposity, it could be one of the best series on TV, though it will probably never achieve high ratings because it is often inaccessible and difficult for many viewers.

The high level of writing, the intricate and complex characters, and the superb cast make this show worth watching. With the exception of this show, I don't watch network tv anymore. But I make it a point to sit down every Monday night so that I can watch and admire the quality of Gideon's Crossing. Do yourself a favor and watch it to.

I like this show. It might drag on too long in its characters' personal conflicts, but that's minor. It is the latest in a line of medical dramas which includes E/R, St. Elsewhere, and Chicago Hope. All the performances are good, and the writing is first-rate. Give it a chance. The series certainly does have potential.