Doctor Odyssey Makes a Steamy Splash Amid Much Medical Mayhem — Grade the ABC Premiere!
ABC’s Doctor Odyssey is making waves — but did it deliver the “big deck energy” it promised?
The modern-day Love Boat, which debuted on Thursday, stars Joshua Jackson as Max Bankman, the new onboard doctor of The Odyssey, a cruise ship helmed by Captain Massey (played by Miami Vice’s Don Johnson). But “Dr. Max” is no normal healthcare provider, he’s also a hottie humanitarian whose exceptional resume includes experience with the Peace Corps and the United Nations. (Oh, he was also patient zero during the COVID pandemic? The man is as remarkable as they come!)
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In Thursday’s premiere, Dr. Max is quickly acquainted with his staff, which includes nurses Avery (Shining Girls’ Phillipa Soo) and Tristan (The Gifted’s Sean Teale). Right off the bat, Avery and Max seem smitten — but because they’re essentially working on a floating island of hazardous contagion, their budding connection will be anything but a smooth operation.
The pair’s first major medical hurdle? Iodine poisoning from the overconsumption of shrimp cocktail. Who’s the afflicted? Just Burt, an overzealous passenger played by guest star Tom McGowan (Frasier). Luckily his wife (SNL’s Rachel Dratch) was spared, despite guzzling just as many shrimp as her husband.
Soon after, the team faces a more peculiar — and perhaps more pressing — matter: penile fracture. (This isn’t American Horror Story, but this is a Ryan Murphy show, and the at-sea ailments are as horrifying as they come.) Dr. Max reveals that he, too, has suffered from this very affliction — because as Doctor Dreamboat, of course he has! But don’t worry, according to Dr. Max it only happens to “larger and firmer members.”
Luckily, this revelation offers a chance for Avery and her new boss to have a poolside heart-to-heart about the post-injury status of Max’s member. (Is there a Human Resources department on this ship?)
Meanwhile, Tristan is also down bad for Avery, admitting he’s long yearned to be with her. Things quickly get tense after he sees Max and his love interest Avery dance and kiss at a beach party. (But with Luis Fonsi’s sexually charged “Despacito” egging them on in the background, shouldn’t Tristan lend a bit more grace? The pair practically had no choice!)
The episode ends with a man overboard, followed by a dramatic rescue. All is well aboard The Odyssey — for now.
Doctor Odyssey Feels Like a Fever Dream Because It Is a Fever Dream (Theory)
Will you continue your voyage with Doctor Odyssey, or has one episode left you a bit seasick? Weigh in via our polls below, then let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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