Transplant

Transplant seems to be really hitting its stride, with each episode surpassing its predecessor in quality. Instead of focusing on bizarre and inaccurate medical situations to shock and entertain viewers, Transplant uses the setting of a hospital to tell unique and interesting stories about nuanced and realistic characters. It gives voices to the often under-represented, and tackles difficult and topical issues with ease.

I'm really enjoying this new take on Medical shows. This show conveys how misconceptions of people can be really ignorant without getting to know someone's story first. These characters are wonderful. I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!

First, I'll start with the the annoying blatant copying of medical issues from Grey's Anatomy... I mean, in a creepy way. But, I prefer this show A LOT. And that's saying a lot.

The casting is better, more realistic choices of actors for the characters. The actors are also more realistic, more believable.

I appreciate that Transplant isn't laden with a constant whirlwind of romance, but just the right (small) amount. It doesn't outweigh the overall premise of the show being about medical situations, stresses with treatment, and the rounded lives of patients and medical staff.

When relationship topics are scripted, they are exceptionally realistic; a husband struggling to see his family enough while working too much, there are two employee pairings- kind of, but they don't run around the hospital having sex in corners like other shows.

What I like most is the main protagonist being a Syrian man who was a doctor in his country but struggled to get a job in Canada. Obviously he receives a medical job in Canada. There are SO MANY immigrants that I've met who have told me that they work in "such a such" field where they are from but their educational credentials aren't recognized in Canada. From brain surgeons to hair dressers and everything in between. It's a real problem, and I appreciate someone bringing this to light, even if it is just a TV show.

I checked the background of all the actors, and nearly everyone is Canadian. Too often I've checked a "Canadian film" actor's backgrounds and not only is 99.9% of them not Canadian, but they are usually produced predominantly (or completely) outside of Canada.

This film IS a true Canadian film, and a lovely representation of.

Canadian TV often throws up some gems, this is shaping up to be one of them. A marvellous and original premise of a well-qualified immigrant doctor finding his way sets up some engaging narratives to challenge the protagonist. This innovation hoists this above the crowded morass of me-too medical dramas.

Some fine performances from Hamza Haq and Laurence Leboeuf of whom I was not previously familiar ably supported by the better known John Hannah and Torri Higginson. The plots are novel, the dialogue on-point delivering thoroughly entertaining TV compelling me to 'turn-the-page'. Currently I am halfway through season 1, my hope is that this fresh approach does not become diluted to mere procedural.

Go Canada! Binged watched all the shows in 2 days. No shortage of effort to create a well equipped and staffed ER. Lead character and back story has great depth.