CTV’s favorite medical drama — Transplant — is back, diving headfirst into a brand new season with emotional and heart wrenching stories. Last we left off, Dr. Jed Bishop collapsed after he guided Bash through a chest tube insertion which went awry. Unfortunately, Jed is still dealing with his injuries from his initial head wound in the season premiere.
Alongside the shocking cliffhanger of last season, many other emergency department members are dealing with their problems. Theo, for one, takes a more permanent position at York Memorial, resulting in conflict with his wife back home in Sudbury.
Furthermore, June is fighting for a position as Chief Resident, and finally, Bash and Mags have a moment — with all that means. The action-packed medical drama that highlights Dr. Bashir Hamed’s struggle adjusting to a new life in Canada after fleeing his unsafe homeland with his sister continues to push television bounds with its storytelling. Here are 5 reasons you should watch Transplant‘s second season!
Bash’s Past
Bashir Hamed is no stranger to ghosts. Last season we saw Bash dealing with the aftermath of fleeing his war-laden homeland and the PTSD that followed. However, healing trauma takes time, and as we see throughout the season that Bash is continuing therapy, working to give himself some semblance of peace.
Despite this, Bash gets thrown an unexpected twist at the end of last season when he is reacquainted with a woman from his past, a woman he presumed was dead. Rania, Bash’s former fiancée, plays a significant role in Bash’s seemingly new hopeful outlook on life. However, Bash’s goal to recreate the joyful moments of his past isn’t as easy as he hoped.
New Positions
Opportunities, promotions, and phased retirement, Transplant‘s second season has it all. At the end of last season, we saw Dr. Bishop almost succumb to his injuries; this season follows his recovery and his journey back to treating patients — without actually laying hands on them, that is. As Dr. Bishop continues to treat patients after being cleared, he learns that his lack of hands-on teaching is the board’s way of letting him choose a successor.
On the other hand, June heads towards a better professional trajectory by becoming Chief Resident. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing, having fought tooth and nail with another experienced colleague for the position, but she works towards establishing herself as a leader amongst her colleagues. Furthermore, Mags is considering an option in cardiology despite her cardiac anguish and continuing to help everyone and anyone all the time — like seriously, when does she sleep? Last but not least, everyone’s favorite head nurse — Claire, is getting the promotion and recognition she deserves.
Complicated Personal Lives
If the hospital situation isn’t complicated, the doctors’ personal lives are. For example, Theo is going through a family situation after taking a more permanent York Memorial position, leaving him flying home any chance he gets. This causes a strain on his wife as he cannot fulfill his family and husbandly duties.
Unfortunately, June’s family situation isn’t all that better. With her father dying and her choice not to keep in contact with him, June battles the choice between her boundaries and caring for her father.
On the other hand, Mags seems to be fighting what could have been a budding romance with Bash. After last season’s will-they-won’t-they led to an eventual moment, Maggie and Bash’s relationship becomes strained when his former fiancée returns, and Bash believes he wants to rekindle that relationship.
Friendships and Foes
This season we get to see some unlikely friendships and foes. June and Mags seem to become much closer, relying on each other in moments of need. We see the women talking to each other, going out to grab food, and generally relying on and opening up to each other more. We also see Bash and Theo working through their issues but still trying to be there for each other without overstepping — emphasis on the word trying.
On the other hand, Dr. Bishop’s temporary replacement, Dr. Mark Novak has a history with Dr. Bishop. Dr. Bishop used to be Novak’s superior during Novak’s internship. Dr. Novak has a lighthearted approach to patient care that seems to rub many staff members the wrong way, and he even manages to undermine Mags’ constant effort to help everyone.
Performances
If there is one reason you should undoubtedly watch Transplant Season 2, it’s the performances. Every character has a personal and professional struggle this season that they must overcome. The balancing act of leaving work and home at their respective doors clearly takes a toll on each character, as the personal bleeds into the professional. However, the actors seamlessly manage to show how difficult and how much each character’s professional and personal wires are crossing.
For example, when a particular case affects a doctor, the actors portray a professional character struggling not to relate to the particular patient’s history, such as when Theo is dealing with parents constantly at odds. Each actor’s body language and facial expressions are masterfully delivered to compel the audience of the deep internal struggle while managing a professional façade.
Are you excited for Transplant Season 2? Share with us in the comments below!
Transplant Season 2 returns to NBC on Sunday, March 6th, 10/9c, and you can catch current episodes streaming on CTV every Tuesday at 10/9c.