It’s episodes like these that remind me why I’m glad I never became a doctor. Imagine doing a “simple” appendectomy to have it end up in a patient’s death.
But while the third episode of Good Sam opened with that tragic death, most of the episode centered around the drama between Sam and Griff. The battle for chief is still in full swing, with the father and daughter duo fighting every minute trying to prove why they’re more deserving than the other.
With so much of the show focusing on this rivalry between Sam and Griff, it’s getting harder for me to imagine what this show will be about once a chief is chosen. Regardless, this war keeps getting more interesting especially with Sam deciding at the end of the episode to fight dirty. And honestly, I’m so here for that.
So let’s discuss what exactly went down in this week’s episode.
New Faces
This week, we met a few new faces, some of which I think will be sticking around for a while.
First up we have Vivan’s new husband, Asher, who I think has all the patience in the world. Can’t imagine it’s easy listening to your wife talk nonstop about her ex-husband. But I guess all he needs to do is take a few breaths and he’s all zen. Can’t relate.
I’m sure we’ll learn more about her relationship with him as the show progresses. He definitely is the exact opposite of Griff so it does make me wonder how the two found each other. Hopefully, we get some further backstory instead of more breathing exercises.
We also get a proper introduction to Bryon Kingsley. As a member of the board, this man holds a lot of power so the last thing you’d want is for him to think you’re roping his son into your drama. Of course, that’s the exact impression Sam gave the man leading him to confront his son about their budding relationship. Props to Malcolm for sticking to his guns and standing up for Sam. I do think it’s smart for Malcolm and Sam to kind of be careful when it comes to blending their personal and business relationships but who says these two lovebirds can’t make it work.
Finally, we were introduced to the chief of plastic surgery. I believe her name is Ronda but don’t quote me on that (IMDB hasn’t updated its page). Not only does she help Sam and Griff with their patient, but she also extends a hand to Sam with the goal of making sure Griff never becomes chief again. Claiming to have dirt on him, she tells Sam that she will help him defeat Griff but it comes with a price.
I admire Sam for refusing at first. But things are getting cutthroat and the only way Sam stands a chance is to get a little dirty. The dirt she has on him must be juicy and I, for one, cannot wait to see what it is and how exactly they will use it against him.
Lots of Butts
Never did I think Griff was a pranking man but him ordering dozens of prostate devices as a prank toward his daughter was a lighter side of him I enjoyed seeing. This is the part of the rivalry I like the most, where it’s more banter than harsh words.
Still, I don’t really see why Griff is going to all this trouble. Sure, getting his job back obviously means a lot but he can’t be so blind as to not see the damage it is causing to the already rough relationship he has with his daughter. Plus, the way he has gone about it has been generally cruel. So what exactly is in it for him? Perhaps I just can’t understand why this man cares more about a job than his own flesh and blood.
Rivalry aside, putting anyone on the hook for millions of dollars crosses a line. Though, Griff crossed the line a long time ago so I guess this prank is just a drop in the bucket. Except that the prank was actually an elaborate plan to get Sam to lose one of the hospital’s biggest donors which practically kills her chance of becoming chief.
This is just another great example of Griff not giving a second thought to other people. Another instance is when he chooses to sit next to Lex despite the fact that she is clearly still reeling from her relationship with him being outed. Of course, Griff is oblivious to the fact that everyone is whispering about her and instead makes it a lot worse by talking to her.
But while Griff doesn’t do anything to help Lex, we do get a fantastic moment of Sam telling off a bunch of doctors that are slut shaming her best friend. It was great to see Sam destroy these men who are probably just jealous that Lex gets to do a Whipple instead of them.
Fun Times in the OR
One of the highlights of this episode was the subplot with Isan and Caleb. After Isan’s patient dies on the table, he can’t help wonder what happened. Was it his fault? Was there some underlying condition that made this unavoidable? Well, turns out it was kind of a little of both. While Isan did knick something during surgery that caused the patient to bleed, the patient also had cancer which also had a direct impact on the way the surgery unfolded.
It was kind of refreshing to have one aspect of the show not be about the hospital politics. I know it’s only episode three but I’m starting to get a little frustrated with how much time is spent blowing up this war between Sam and Griff. Seems like each episode it’s been Griff trying to prove why he’s the best by demeaning Sam, and Sam does her best to try to clean up the mess Griff creates.
I want to learn more about these characters outside this chief drama. I want to see them involved in medical cases but not have it end up being a contest of who can solve it first.
Isan’s storyline reminded me that at the end of the day, they’re all doctors. They’re there to serve their patients, not to have a pissing contest between each other. My hope is that as the rest of the season unfolds, we get a better balance between the two dynamics of the show. Good Sam has tremendous potential if it’s able to do just that.
Catch Good Sam on CBS on Wednesdays at 10/9c.
