Monroe

Very engaging medical series. The cast plays an assortment of characters destinctive and interesting. The drama of the serious medical issues is reflected by patients and surgeons as they have to deal with their role in each crisis. The personal lives of the doctors and staff fill in the drama outside of the operating rooms. Good acting and writing have so far prevailed. Hope there is more than one season.

Deeply disappointed that after two series ITV has decided not to renew this medical drama starring James Nesbitt and other talented people. It was interesting comparing the character of Mr Monroe - a talented brain surgeon but a bit of a mess as a man - with the American television series character Dr House (played by Englishman Hugh Laurie) who is also a brilliant doctor but a deeply flawed human being.

I didn't know much about the medical system and how it works in the UK, and if for nothing else, Monroe educated me a bit about it. Plus there was good characters with interesting relationships, although some did feel a bit forced. But this show had at least one more series to it, so I hope people will watch the first two to see what I mean.

I agree it may be lacking a tad in subtlety and originality, and the characters are slightly clichéd, but man did I love Monroe. It was a compelling, well-acted and well-written series that also does well in conveying any complexities and difficulties in the profession. I too don't understand the House comparison, the only two similarities I can think of at the top of my head are that they are set in a hospital and that both characters are cynical, House more so. Monroe has high production values, sharp, smart and witty writing, good direction and story lines that while not exactly original are more than benefited by the way they're paced and constructed. Monroe has excellent acting too, James Nesbitt is absolutely brilliant as his cynical yet fun character, and while Sarah Parish's role is less showy she does an excellent job with it. In conclusion, a great series and well worth catching. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Having watched the first few episodes of Monroe I am surprised by reviews comparing it to House. Sure, Monroe is a hospital drama centred on a brilliant surgeon with a challenging personality. But hospital dramas about so so surgeons with boring personalities tend not to rate.

Monroe is well scripted, the story lines are compelling and much more credible than House's fantasy plots. It is well acted, has very high production values and is backed by a great music score. All in all it is great entertainment - exactly what I want from a TV series. To base a negative review of one show on a supposed, tenuous association with a completely different show instead of on its merits is puerile.

Love this series. Fine acting. Great stories. Medical sequencing is accurate.