Just watched episode one, if there is any hint of historical accuracy to this thing, then it's easily the most terrifying production of the year. Most surprising though is how much this first episode tries to tackle, with drug addiction, race issues and medical advancements all cropping up. It's a long opening hour, but in a good way, I get so very used to only one crucial scene per episode of TV so it's nice to watch an episode with so little filler.
It has impressively high production values too, with some toe curling surgery sequences and some wonderful costumes and set designs. I know it isn't always reliable to pin your hopes on opening episodes, as half the time it seems a majority of the money is put into that and very little amounts are spread throughout the rest of the episodes but I really hope this continues.
Thackery's characterisation as a troubled, but brilliant, surgeon may not exactly be original but the context gives it a fresh lick of paint at least, and Clive Owen is a wonderful actor who puts in an absolutely fantastic performance. The cast is generally strong across the board.
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