Ep 1. Pilot

New Amsterdam Season 1 Episode 1 is entitled "Pilot" and it is the debut episode of the series. It first premiered on September 25, 2018, on NBC. This medical drama series revolves around a thriving public hospital, and in this opening episode, it introduces viewers to the newly appointed medical director Dr. Max Goodwin.

Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) is not your typical medical director. He's excited to start at New Amsterdam, and his intentions are clear: he wants to break up the status quo and help the hospital achieve greatness by providing the best possible care for patients. He believes that proper care and attention from medical professionals can make all the difference, and it is this perspective that sets him apart from other hospital administrators.

In this episode, Dr. Goodwin is introduced to the staff at New Amsterdam. He quickly makes it clear that he intends to lengthen the hospital's waiting lists and reduce patient care costs. He convinces the head of the hospital's cardiology department, Dr. Anil Kapoor (Anupam Kher), to run a massive medical surplus sale to get rid of “old and useless” equipment and focus on new state-of-the-art medical technology. Dr. Kapoor agrees to his proposal, and they get into business setting up the sale.

Furthermore, Dr. Goodwin is well aware that New Amsterdam's ER is understaffed, which causes patients to be left waiting for extended periods, often up to 24 hours. This fact inspires him to take action and personally help out at the hospital's busiest area.

At the same time, Dr. Goodwin's personal life has its own hurdles. He's young, practical, and energetic, but he's also dealing with his wife's illness, which requires regular care and attention. It's clear that this is a personal challenge that he will have to find a way to juggle while dealing with his new work responsibilities.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Goodwin balances his work and personal life, trying to impact the hospital's policies positively. He interacts with several patients, including a pregnant woman in labor, a young boy with cancer, and a man with a rare disease, and he shows a genuine interest in each patient's well-being.

Despite his successful tenure elsewhere, Dr. Goodwin is aware that he will need to win over the staff at New Amsterdam Hospital, and he is up for the task. In the end, this captivating and emotional episode concludes with Dr. Goodwin's determination to make a difference in the healthcare system, one patient at a time.

In conclusion, New Amsterdam Season 1 Episode 1 is an excellent introduction to the series. It sets the tone and establishes the show's goals of reforming healthcare. The series brings light to critical healthcare issues such as overcrowding, understaffing, and lack of attention to patients' needs. The episode is well-crafted, mixing highs with lows, and presenting a genuine sense of humanity for the characters. It is a charming and heartwarming debut that sets the stage for the rest of the season.