Critical

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  • 2015
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (1,013)

Critical is a British medical drama series that premiered on Sky1 in 2015. The show follows a team of doctors and nurses at a fictional trauma center in London, treating critically ill patients who arrive via emergency helicopter. The high-pressure environment pushes the medical staff to the brink on a daily basis, as they work to save lives and make life or death decisions.

The ensemble cast includes Lennie James in the lead role of trauma surgeon Glen Boyle, who is dedicated to his work but often clashes with his colleagues due to his blunt and uncompromising demeanor. Sheri Sadd plays his colleague and former lover, Dr. Lorraine Rappaport, a skilled anesthesiologist who also serves as the hospital's medical director. Peter Sullivan rounds out the main cast as Dr. Felix "Fix" Odell, a quick-witted and charismatic pediatric specialist who can be counted on to lighten the mood in tense situations.

The show's innovative format also sets it apart from other medical dramas. Each episode covers a single hour in real time, with a clock displayed prominently on screen to emphasize the urgency of the medical cases. The show also employs a split-screen technique, which allows viewers to see multiple perspectives of the same scene at once. This adds to the tension and drama of the show, as the audience can see the chaos of the trauma center in action from different angles.

While the show is primarily focused on the medical cases and the efforts of the staff to save their patients, it also delves into the personal lives and struggles of the main characters. Dr. Boyle's marriage is falling apart due to his long hours and dedication to his work, while Dr. Rappaport is dealing with a promotion that puts her at odds with her colleagues. Dr. Odell is trying to balance his work with his family life, as he and his wife adjust to being new parents.

Throughout the series, the medical team is faced with a variety of challenging cases that test their skills and resolve. From a man trapped in a collapsed building to a pregnant woman with life-threatening complications, each episode presents a different medical crisis that must be resolved within the hour. The show does not shy away from the brutal realities of trauma medicine, with graphic depictions of surgery and injuries that are not for the faint of heart.

Critical also addresses social issues within the medical field, such as the shortage of resources and personnel, as well as the ethical dilemmas that arise when treating critically ill patients. The show also highlights the impact that trauma medicine has on the mental health of the medical staff, who must cope with the emotional toll of their work.

Overall, Critical is an intense and gripping medical drama that offers a unique perspective on trauma medicine. The show's real-time format and multi-perspective approach add to the tension and drama of each episode, while the strong ensemble cast brings depth and humanity to their characters. The show is not for everyone, given its graphic depiction of medical procedures and injuries, but for those who can handle it, it offers a compelling and thought-provoking look at the challenges and rewards of saving lives.

Critical is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (13 episodes). The series first aired on February 24, 2015.

Critical
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Seasons
Episode 13
13. Episode 13
May 19, 2015
Devastated by news of Fiona's engagement, Glen races off, only to be involved in a life-or-death emergency.
Episode 12
12. Episode 12
May 12, 2015
Stretched to the limit, the team hit the road to treat multiple victims involved in a traffic accident. Fiona, meanwhile, tries to keep her engagement a secret.
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
May 5, 2015
There are some obstacles to deal with as the team tackle one of their trickiest cases yet.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
April 28, 2015
The victim of a dog attack is brought in with the dog still attached to him.
Episode 9
9. Episode 9
April 21, 2015
The prognosis does not look good as the team attempt to save a teenage drowning victim. It results in a standoff between Glen and Clive. A bold move is made by Fiona.
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
April 14, 2015
The team feel the pressure more than ever when they treat a horrifically burned patient. Glen grows closer to Fiona, too, shedding light on his army days
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
April 7, 2015
A shock is in store for the team when they treat an agitated patient who has been involved in a car crash. Glen delivers an overdue apology to Fiona, too.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
March 31, 2015
The tension between Glen and Lorraine continues to increase they go to the aid of a troubled patient who has jumped off the hospital's atrium walkway.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
March 24, 2015
There is confusion in the the operating theatre after Lorraine returns to work, taking control from Glen as trauma team leader to treat a woman who has a gunshot wound.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
March 17, 2015
The team sets to work on a badly beaten man covered from head to toe in lesions and lacerations - and interests are piqued by the discovery of a serial number branded on the patient's arm, suggesting he may be a slave labourer or a victim of trafficking. However, as the man's temperature soars, the doctors realise they may be dealing with a dangerous, and highly infectious, disease - and the trauma centre is forced into lockdown.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
March 10, 2015
Tensions run high as the team works to save a cyclist who was involved in a serious collision with a HGV, and with the patient flatlining, Glen makes a bold move to try to turn things around. Meanwhile, the surgeon comes to a decision about the status of his relationship with Fiona.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
March 3, 2015
Consultant Glen Boyle takes control when a woman is brought in with a fence post impaled through her face - and insists on opening up the patient when she starts haemorrhaging, uncovering a heart-wrenching explanation for the injuries. Amid all the action, Fiona struggles to deal with the fact that she's working with her ex once again.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
February 24, 2015
As the action begins, a seriously ill man has been choppered in from a road accident. Vascular surgery specialist Lorraine Rappaport sets to work on the patient - but when office politics come into play, she is asked to step down, forcing hospital fellow Fiona Lomas to take over. But it soon becomes clear that she doesn't have the theatre experience of her colleague.
Description
Where to Watch Critical
Critical is available for streaming on the Sky1 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Critical on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    February 24, 2015
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (1,013)