By Cookie 'n' Screen
The first series of Young Doctor’s Notebook came with a fizz and a bang. It was wholly satisfying and enjoyable, boasting a stellar cast and an impressive story. It bordered on bleak and hilarious, a perfect balance of the darkness and comedy. The first season was quite genius. So there was much anticipation surrounding the second series, much anticipation, especially with the fizz and the bang. Unfortunately, the greatness of Young Doctor’s Notebook has fizzled out, and there was no bang, more of a pop. And a faint one at that.
The first series of Young Doctor’s Notebook came with a fizz and a bang. It was wholly satisfying and enjoyable, boasting a stellar cast and an impressive story. It bordered on bleak and hilarious, a perfect balance of the darkness and comedy. The first season was quite genius. So there was much anticipation surrounding the second series, much anticipation, especially with the fizz and the bang. Unfortunately, the greatness of Young Doctor’s Notebook has fizzled out, and there was no bang, more of a pop. And a faint one at that.
Young Doctor’s Notebook picks up where the first season finishes. The Older Doctor has been hospitalised and arrested for stealing from his medical supplies and The Younger Doctor has gotten into the first stages of his morphine addiction. Stuck in the middle of Russian countryside, under the shadow of the previous Doctor, series two shows the Older Doctor coming out of rehab to start his new life. The Younger Doctor is reaping the ill-fated rewards from his new addictions, even calling in his lover to help. And in the midst of a war, the Younger Doctor must battle many demons, real and imaginary including the vision of his future self-coming back to help.
Where the first series was innovative, the second fails to bring anything new to the story. And while it is a slick and stylish episode, it lacks sustenance. Don’t get me wrong, it is better than a lot of tripe that is on television. Even in the blood, drugs and bodily fluids, it manages to entertain but it isn’t the same spark you found with the new one. It was edgy to begin with and now it is boring. And there is some good acting, the roles are well done.
But despite all the good elements here, it fails to ignite the passions that the first series did. In fact, it didn’t ignite anything. It was pretty bland and boring. The problem here is that it is extremely self-indulgent. It actually feels like it is screaming; “look at us, we are different” followed by “We have Harry Potter and Don Draper.” It is ok to have those elements and it is ok to do that. But it doesn’t expand on it. It goes the same way “different” shows do and just repeats the format. It was really, boring, which is a massive shame.
But despite all the good elements here, it fails to ignite the passions that the first series did. In fact, it didn’t ignite anything. It was pretty bland and boring. The problem here is that it is extremely self-indulgent. It actually feels like it is screaming; “look at us, we are different” followed by “We have Harry Potter and Don Draper.” It is ok to have those elements and it is ok to do that. But it doesn’t expand on it. It goes the same way “different” shows do and just repeats the format. It was really, boring, which is a massive shame.
You’ll stick with it because you want the excitement that the first had. And you want it to blow your mind again. But sadly, I feel like it has plateaued somewhat. Young Doctors Notebook feels stale and that is very disappointing. You cannot rely on the blood and you cannot rely on your star performers, you have to write something special for us to invest in it again.
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