Ep 1. Everything Old Is New Again

As a medical drama, Holby City is known for its mesmerizing portrayals of doctors and their patients, and season 21 episode 1, titled "Everything Old Is New Again," is no different. Set in Holby City hospital, the episode revolves around the staff's efforts to attend the needs of their injured patients while also tackling their own personal demons.

The episode starts with Jac Naylor, one of the senior consultants, coming to terms with her recent change in job roles while managing the multiple traumas that come through the hospital's doors. However, that's not the only thing on her mind. Jac is juggling her personal life as she tries to navigate her relationship with Kian Madani, a rogue surgeon with a mysterious past.

Meanwhile, Max McGerry, the newly appointed clinical lead, must navigate her relationships with the staff as she tries to lead the hospital in a new direction. In an attempt to implement changes, she introduces some new protocols, which don't sit well with everyone. However, with Max's past in surgery, she manages to convince her colleagues that she knows what she's doing.

As the episode unfolds, we see new characters introduced, including two elderly patients who were involved in a car crash. The accident serves as a catalyst for the entire episode as the team works hard to save their lives in surgeries that push the limits of modern medicine. Because the patients are elderly, their carers are concerned about their survival, increasing the pressure on the hospital staff to do all they can to save them.

The first episode of season 21 is a perfect encapsulation of what Holby City is all about: the emotional and sometimes agonizing lives of healthcare professionals. Besides the hospital staff's personal lives, the show explores the impact that a single decision or action from one person can have on the entire team, effectively showcasing how everyone affects everyone.

Overall, "Everything Old Is New Again" is an excellent episode that should keep viewers engaged from the beginning to the end. For fans of the show, it's a great way to start the new season, and for newcomers, this episode gives a glimpse of what the show is all about.