Do No Harm – First Impressions

Do No Harm

I caught the tale end of a preview for the new NBC program “Do No Harm”. I barely noticed at first because I assumed it was a Grey’s Anatomy or ER type show. Don’t get twisted, I’m sure they are both very good shows. They just aren’t my thing.

My ears perked up and I paid attention when I heard the words “alter ego”. Ok, maybe it could be good. I set the DVR to record the first episode.

A few days later, I remembered it was supposed to be on and planned to watch it after work. Richard and I usually watch tv together when I get off. I hopped into bed and told him I wanted to try a new show. He whined a little. He said we already have enough shows to watch. He’s probably right, but…we just finished watching Jericho on Netflix and the other shows we watch we’re caught up on.

I pressed play on the DVR (after getting some snacks, of course) and we settled in to give Do No Harm a try. It has the typical hospital drama setting. Jason Cole played by Steven Pasquale is a neurosurgeon that at first glance has either a time obsession or just really likes his watch. He’s constantly checking it and you realize it’s on a timer and time is ticking away. To the hospital staff’s knowledge, Jason has diabetes and must constantly monitor his blood sugar. In fact, he’s not allowed to operate until he’s checked his levels and they are normal.

Throughout the first show you definitely get a sense that what Jason is counting down is a bigger secret than diabetes. It’s revealed that he has an alter ego named Ian Price that he has been sedating. Jason has a trusted friend that has worked on a serum that basically knocks Jason out for twelve hours a day. So what’s the problem? His alter ego has become immune to the serum and wants revenge for being shut away for the last five years.

You get to see both Jason Cole and Ian Price several times in the first episode and I don’t know if it’s just that Steven Pasquale is a superb actor or what, but his demeanor and even his face looks different playing the alters. Jason is serious, but gentle and caring. Ian just looks sinister, like he’s plotting to take over the world.

I’m hoping to catch the next few episodes to see what happens, but Do No Harm is definitely my kind of show.

Richard’s thoughts? He didn’t say much except for a little quip early into the show “Oh, so when does he turn into a monster?”

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