The Patient

As a therapist I came across this quite by accident although I loved The Americans. This is a time where I am myself feeling as if I am tied in a basement somewhere by my patients, metaphorically of course, but psychologically identical. So, Steve Carrell's performance was perfect, portraying the struggle to both remain present for the patient, no matter how disturbed or disturbing, while negotiating the conflicts within oneself and basically dying to get away. Given this premise, I found the show riveting but only a seven because the other characters seemed one dimensional to me. The serial killer was not as interesting as Dexter, his inner struggles not so apparent, his desire to stop killing made little sense. Give it a binge watch and see what you think and next time you go to a therapist, if you do, have a little mercy on us.

The Patient offers an intriguing plot line. We follow the protagonist (Steve Carell), a therapist, who has been kidnapped by one of his patients with the intent of truly opening up about his thoughts, struggles, and feelings to someone like he has never before. However, we see glimpses into the protagonist's past that reveal potential character flaws, and events that he has seemingly not dealt with himself. It makes you wonder moving forward who is the true Patient, the patient or the therapist.

From a TV perspective, I believe this could've been a two part mini series, 1.5 hour for each episode or something like that. There are so many shows as of late that they are going back to the old format of 23 minutes. Ultimately, it leaves the viewer unsatisfied by not being able to immerse themselves in the story. This short format is a quick way to maximize the ad revenue. I just hope that the writers have an end in mind, I believe that this will make or break this show. With what has been seen so far, this is not meant to be a show lasting longer than a season.

I encourage a watch now if you can spare the time, or if not wait until all episodes are released.

The Patient 1st and 2nd episode review:

Positives: Steve Carell's show - It's always fun to watch him.

Domhnall's performance is awesome. He played a really cool foodie serial killer. 20 minutes episodes - short episodes.

Negatives: Episodes are kinda slow (1st and 2nd) - feels like a documentary. It would have been better if all 10 episodes were released on the same day.

Overall it's a good time pass show and the concept is really interesting.

I would give this show 3 stars out of 5 for now. I watched this show because of Steve but Domhnall's performance is even better. Will watch the remaining episodes.

The patient is about a killer who wants to get rid of his urges, by kidnapping a therapist and locking him in his basement, for private therapy. Which results in a unique relationship.

Not only is Gleeson incredibly convincing as a troubled serial killer, but his chemistry with Carrell as his therapist is palpable. The story itself is not particularly impressive, new or surprising, but the character building and the continuous tension keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Some people may complain about the ending, but I respectfully disagree. The fact that the ending is not cliche, and very un-Hollywood is enough for me to enjoy it more than the current average series.

Excellent production and SUPERB acting from the two main characters . If this doesn't win awards I will be astounded . At first I worried about the relatively shortness of each episode but somehow it seemed to fit and I couldn't wait for the next episode . Difficult to describe without spoilers but the word that comes to mind is INTRIGUING. I don't know if it was originally a stage play but if not then someone should consider doing so . Multi-layered and moving script tackling many levels of human existence without becoming boring and spiced with not a little suspense and excitement. WELL WORTH WATCHING .