101 reviews
Wow. This new show certainly knows how to get your attention. Within the first five minutes of the first episode you will have a very clear picture of what it meant to have to undergo surgery at a time when even today's most common surgical procedures had hardly been tested – let alone successfully. With this new series, writers Jack Amiel and Michael Begler have created a fascinating – and gripping – look at the humble beginnings of modern medicine, and frankly: it made me realize just how lucky I am to live today.
The show's title is derived from the 'Knickerbocker Hospital', a fictional hospital at the turn of the 20th. century in New York which serves as the centre stage around which the lives and struggles of the protagonists revolve. 'The Nick' shows us an uneasy, turbulent time where everything is in motion, and although the benefits of the so called "modern age" are already waiting around the corner, the situation for people without money is grim. Immigrants live in horrible sanitary situations, little children have to work in factories and social frictions and racial prejudice run deep within society.
Clive Owen does an excellent job portraying a conflicted but passionate surgeon who's constantly trying to push the boundaries by inventing or refining surgical methods in the hope of lowering the mortality rate among his patients. The rest of the cast is also terrific; their performances - along with the great writing - help create a sense of realism that is rarely seen in films or TV-shows depicting that era. The same can be said of the fantastic production values – the team behind 'The Knick' obviously went to great lengths to portray everyday life of that era as accurately as possible. Virtually every frame oozes quality: the city of New York at the beginning of the twentieth century has been meticulously recreated and every busy street corner, alley or candle-lit room feels authentic. Small wonder, perhaps, given that the director, producer, cinematographer and editor of all 20 episodes is none other than multi-talent and Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh.
My verdict: This is a fascinating, gripping portrayal of the dawn of modern surgery as well as an intense human drama and an authentic look at an era we normally only get to see in films about Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper. Highly recommended. 9 stars out of 10.
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
The show's title is derived from the 'Knickerbocker Hospital', a fictional hospital at the turn of the 20th. century in New York which serves as the centre stage around which the lives and struggles of the protagonists revolve. 'The Nick' shows us an uneasy, turbulent time where everything is in motion, and although the benefits of the so called "modern age" are already waiting around the corner, the situation for people without money is grim. Immigrants live in horrible sanitary situations, little children have to work in factories and social frictions and racial prejudice run deep within society.
Clive Owen does an excellent job portraying a conflicted but passionate surgeon who's constantly trying to push the boundaries by inventing or refining surgical methods in the hope of lowering the mortality rate among his patients. The rest of the cast is also terrific; their performances - along with the great writing - help create a sense of realism that is rarely seen in films or TV-shows depicting that era. The same can be said of the fantastic production values – the team behind 'The Knick' obviously went to great lengths to portray everyday life of that era as accurately as possible. Virtually every frame oozes quality: the city of New York at the beginning of the twentieth century has been meticulously recreated and every busy street corner, alley or candle-lit room feels authentic. Small wonder, perhaps, given that the director, producer, cinematographer and editor of all 20 episodes is none other than multi-talent and Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh.
My verdict: This is a fascinating, gripping portrayal of the dawn of modern surgery as well as an intense human drama and an authentic look at an era we normally only get to see in films about Sherlock Holmes or Jack the Ripper. Highly recommended. 9 stars out of 10.
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
- gogoschka-1
- Aug 16, 2014
- Permalink
The Knick is a television show anyone interested in very relevant topics of our day should not miss. On the exterior, The Knick is a historical look at early 1900's New York City and the plot is based around a newly promoted head surgeon, Dr. Thackery (Clive Owen), of The Knickerbocker Hospital. The medical aspect of the show is truly fascinating, intense and shocking. The surgeries shown on the show are not for the faint of heart and have the look of a butcher shop rather then what we currently expect in an operating room.
The sets are beautiful and well done to portray a century year old time period. I have heard complaints about the music and blurry vision of some of the cameras and shots that Director Steven Soderbergh incorporates throughout the show. If you want a clean cut narrative with perfectly clean shots and no unique sound, then feel free to go watch network television. I find the electronic music very interesting and almost a sort of heart beat to the show. The blurry shots are absolutely justified as this world is dimly lit and fuzzy on its own accord. The music and cinematography do it great justice.
The acting on the show is also top notch as Clive Owen leads a team that is in sync throughout. Andre Holland is a revelation as Dr. Algernon Edwards, a African American doctor literally fighting for respect in an extremely racist medical world. These two characters and their relationship form the essence of much of the show's themes which are very relevant even today. Beneath each character there lies more depth then you will receive in most television. Dr Thackery is burdened by his past and his temptations, yet is dedicated to saving the lives of his patients and not selling out. It is a gray world at The Knick and one in which lies death, drugs, sex, racism and deceit, and at the same time brings us heroics, ethics, humanity and discovery.
The sets are beautiful and well done to portray a century year old time period. I have heard complaints about the music and blurry vision of some of the cameras and shots that Director Steven Soderbergh incorporates throughout the show. If you want a clean cut narrative with perfectly clean shots and no unique sound, then feel free to go watch network television. I find the electronic music very interesting and almost a sort of heart beat to the show. The blurry shots are absolutely justified as this world is dimly lit and fuzzy on its own accord. The music and cinematography do it great justice.
The acting on the show is also top notch as Clive Owen leads a team that is in sync throughout. Andre Holland is a revelation as Dr. Algernon Edwards, a African American doctor literally fighting for respect in an extremely racist medical world. These two characters and their relationship form the essence of much of the show's themes which are very relevant even today. Beneath each character there lies more depth then you will receive in most television. Dr Thackery is burdened by his past and his temptations, yet is dedicated to saving the lives of his patients and not selling out. It is a gray world at The Knick and one in which lies death, drugs, sex, racism and deceit, and at the same time brings us heroics, ethics, humanity and discovery.
I'm surprised that this Cinemax series wasn't more successful. It has everything going for it like solid writing, acting, and high quality production. Set in 1900 New York City, the Knick is short for the Knickerbocker hospital. Just like other businesses, hospitals have to make a profit and survive. The Knick is a 1900 version of St. Elsewhere about a struggling hospital. The first season has ten episodes starring Clive Owen as Dr. Thackeray, a renowned surgeon and secret drug addict. Andre Holland plays Dr. Algernon Edwards, an African American surgeon trained at Harvard and worked in Europe before coming to the Knick. Juliet Rylance plays Cornelia Robertson, the hospital administrator and daughter of its owner. Cara Seymour plays a nun with quite a secret that you won't see coming with complexity and devotion. The rest of the cast is stellar but I can't name them all here. Eve Hewson is perfect as the West Virginia transplanted nurse who knows and protects Thackeray. This series is almost flawless and perfect but I can't understand why I didn't see or know about it before. This series deserved some respect and accolades like other series.
- Sylviastel
- May 8, 2016
- Permalink
Every single episode is directed by the legendary Soderbergh so with each frame you can feel the drama or tension shining through. It seems like it's all natural lighting in most scenes which makes it beautiful and authentic. And the real gem..Clive Owen. He was born to play Thackeray. The knick is an incredible series with too real medical scenes that I warn you can be hard for the weak stomachs. The second season has been just as good as the first.
This is a must watch with an excellent cast and acting. The procedures are phenomenal and awe inspiring. Do your self a favor and watch this incredible show
This is a must watch with an excellent cast and acting. The procedures are phenomenal and awe inspiring. Do your self a favor and watch this incredible show
- Br4ve-trave1or
- Nov 20, 2015
- Permalink
I miss watching this. Great portrayal of the beginning stages of medicine and the healthcare system in the US.
- lin-echetebu
- Oct 15, 2018
- Permalink
I cannot get enough of this show, it is extraordinary in so many ways and I am restlessly awaiting the start of season 2. As a long time health care professional, I especially enjoy all of the "modern technology" of the era, that today we just take for granted. The Knick really does have something for everyone - sex, drugs and a rock star chief of staff, to name a few. I like to describe this show as a health care history lesson, on a massive dose of steroids. The peak into the medical and clinical protocols of the day are just as intriguing as the systemic administrative practices that are questionable at best. I only wish more people knew about The Knick so I could discuss each week's episode over and over again. Hurry up with season 2!
- pamsaffire
- Oct 18, 2014
- Permalink
This is it. If ever you've wondered what is the greatest tv show in history that no one watched it's definitely The Knick. I couldn't believe what an utter masterpiece this show was when I started watching it on HBOMAX. It's near perfect. The acting, writing, set designs and cinematography is second to none. A Cinemax original to my surprise but HBOMAX has it now and there is talk of a revival and of a third season in the works. This is a show that is so unexpectedly great I couldn't believe what I was watching when I hit play. A period piece starting in 1900 about early medicine in New York City. An absolute gem and a must watch for people who appreciate great television.
- killercola
- Feb 20, 2023
- Permalink
As a physician, I watched the entire House MD, Scrubs, most of ER and grey's anatomy. As a dedicated reader, I read a lot in medicine history. I'd like to reassure everyone who is afraid of watching another regular medical drama, this show is about medical history with it's bizarre and crazy events (which truly happened allover the course of medicine History), but in the same time it's a perfectly crafted piece of art from attention to small details to acting, writing, camera angels, sound tract and of course directing by Soderbergh.
Dr. John Thackery is a character built on 1900s Dr. William Stewart Halsted who is considered the greatest physician of the whole Johns Hopkins group, also Throughout his professional life, he was addicted to cocaine and later to morphine, which were not illegal during that time. The beauty about Thackery character is that it's a true character with his addiction and the predicted mood changes (even if there is some alteration, the character frame still the same, not like the case of G. House who was clearly a fictional character).
I don't want to go in details about the technical elements of the show, but one look over Steven Soderbergh's traffic, Erin Brockovich or even Ocean's eleven will be more than enough to understand that you are facing a spectacular show which has more and more to offer with each new episode (no wonder it was renewed for a second season before airing the first one).
The Knick is a too much sophisticated show to be compared with other shows from the same genre and IMO it shouldn't be compared with them at all. My advice to every one: see the first season now because if you're a TV person you will end up watching it anyway.
Dr. John Thackery is a character built on 1900s Dr. William Stewart Halsted who is considered the greatest physician of the whole Johns Hopkins group, also Throughout his professional life, he was addicted to cocaine and later to morphine, which were not illegal during that time. The beauty about Thackery character is that it's a true character with his addiction and the predicted mood changes (even if there is some alteration, the character frame still the same, not like the case of G. House who was clearly a fictional character).
I don't want to go in details about the technical elements of the show, but one look over Steven Soderbergh's traffic, Erin Brockovich or even Ocean's eleven will be more than enough to understand that you are facing a spectacular show which has more and more to offer with each new episode (no wonder it was renewed for a second season before airing the first one).
The Knick is a too much sophisticated show to be compared with other shows from the same genre and IMO it shouldn't be compared with them at all. My advice to every one: see the first season now because if you're a TV person you will end up watching it anyway.
- Haniwilliam7
- Aug 15, 2014
- Permalink
I would not imagine that a series equivalent to unholy alliance of House and Sherlock would be on Cinemax. The Knick is a collection of dysfunctional characters that roam the street of last century New York, dressed as doctors, nurses, and even high class patrons. It's an utter delight to see their shenanigans as well as depravities. This is the period of obviousness, medical advancement, racial profiling and all of these are presented like Sherlock with morphine overdose.
Everyone is flawed here, even if their motive might be just, the moral ambiguity plagued any on-screen persona. Clive Owen plays as Dr. Thackery, the head surgeon of the less profitable partial altruistic hospital The Knick. I can't imagine Clive Owen without the stache anymore, this is a character with such determination that the only drive rivaling it is his addiction. Other notable character is Dr. Edwards by Andre Holland who's a brilliant colored doctor who must deal with racism and his own vices.
The pace wastes no time to introduce many subplots and characters. It's rare that nearly every perspective is appealing. On other series they have strong leads and probably one or two well written supporting cast. This is not so with The Knick, audience would find something endearing in the unorthodox characters as they all have their unique slightly destructive charm.
With Steven Soderbergh at helm, the artistic vibe just oozes from the dirty New York. Continuous scenes happen so often that they can adsorb audience in the immersive atmosphere. The soundtracks are intriguingly contagious, they are modernized version of old school tune. It's strange, catchy and really set up the quirky mood. Furthermore, it has some of the most convincing practical effects for anatomical and cringe purpose.
The Knick is a top shelf drama, administered with style and not only embracing all of its undesirable oddities, but put them in proud display.
Everyone is flawed here, even if their motive might be just, the moral ambiguity plagued any on-screen persona. Clive Owen plays as Dr. Thackery, the head surgeon of the less profitable partial altruistic hospital The Knick. I can't imagine Clive Owen without the stache anymore, this is a character with such determination that the only drive rivaling it is his addiction. Other notable character is Dr. Edwards by Andre Holland who's a brilliant colored doctor who must deal with racism and his own vices.
The pace wastes no time to introduce many subplots and characters. It's rare that nearly every perspective is appealing. On other series they have strong leads and probably one or two well written supporting cast. This is not so with The Knick, audience would find something endearing in the unorthodox characters as they all have their unique slightly destructive charm.
With Steven Soderbergh at helm, the artistic vibe just oozes from the dirty New York. Continuous scenes happen so often that they can adsorb audience in the immersive atmosphere. The soundtracks are intriguingly contagious, they are modernized version of old school tune. It's strange, catchy and really set up the quirky mood. Furthermore, it has some of the most convincing practical effects for anatomical and cringe purpose.
The Knick is a top shelf drama, administered with style and not only embracing all of its undesirable oddities, but put them in proud display.
- quincytheodore
- Nov 24, 2015
- Permalink
I wanted to watch this gem for years and must say: from the perspective of art department this series is well researched, dressed and designed. I was not a particual fan of the cinematography here (the choices not totally up my alley with shakey glidecams, weirdly angled "surveillance view" perspectives...), but apart from that a wonderful glimpse into the medical circumstances of 1900. You should be gore-resistant as these series feature an awfully lot of graphic demonstrations of operations (I am hardcore with that stuff) and I found most demonstrations well researched. the story arc is kind of slow in the first season but keeps itself interesting due to many side plots. A nice watch for all "victorian medical industry addicts" (me included).
- thedarkhorizon
- Dec 26, 2020
- Permalink
The Knick is an excellent series that sadly ends to fast. If it was up to me they could have made much more seasons because the subject is a bottomless pit. The show is about discovering new techniques of surgery and medicine at the turn of the 20th century. I'm glad I could just watch it on television then living it for myself because let's be honest there are some pretty scary procedures in The Knick. It doesn't look very sterile at all. And having a surgery in an auditorium while a bunch of people are looking at you isn't my idea of a safe environment for a surgery. But the show itself is fabulous with great acting performances and with an excellent story. All actors and actresses were great in The Knick. I really wished there would be more then two seasons because The Knick is so much better then most of the other shows that seems to keep going on forever. Certainly one of my favorite shows of this year.
- deloudelouvain
- Nov 30, 2016
- Permalink
Season 1 is great. But for season 2 Lucy went from being sweet, cute, intelligent and an integral part of me enjoying the show to boring, and pretentiousness and the main reason I couldn't stand watching anymore. They tried to make her character too badass and overpowering and it just doesn't work. Shes too bland and too serious. In fact, her character reflects the entire feel of season 2. Bland, redundant, boring, depressive, and too serious. I also think Andre Holland was bad casting for Dr. Edwards. The show also has a hint of "reverse" racism disguised as "regular" racism as well. Although, this has been a typical recurring theme in a lot of media since a certain major political event has occurred in this country. There really isn't much more to say. Season 1 is a solid 8 and a good binge watch. Could have/should have been made a movie. Season 2 is a flop.
- truthreview
- Jan 20, 2016
- Permalink
Very high production values, good actors, interesting premise... it had everything to be great, except for good writers. The characters are so absurdly over-the-top that at some point I couldn't take them seriously any more, and just watched the rest of the show with amusement. The characterization is just too heavy-handed and unsubtle.
Season One was original and brilliant. Season 2 was hackneyed, outlandish, garbage. I don't care what all the raving critics think, the twain will never meet.
- salliegroo
- Mar 21, 2021
- Permalink
Wow, what a dark and disturbing series, and it's excellent. The racism portrayed on The Knick is worse than that in 12 Years a Slave, but it takes place in NYC around the turn of the 20th Century. Even the "heroes," the smart ones, are racists, although they gradually overcome prejudice when presented with a Model Negro, the brilliant surgeon and inventor portrayed by Andre Holland. But every black person in the city is one wrong move away from lynching by the Irish cops and the Irish populace. And that's just one theme: the hospital portrayed in The Knick is in the forefront of surgical innovation, mostly advances in stanching bleeding while sewing up internal injuries. There are lots of shots of internal organs and blood oozing out of human bodies, more gruesome than anything I've ever seen. (The show strives for accuracy in its portrayal of medical history.) The lead surgeon, portrayed by Clive Owen, performs miracles while addicted to every drug available in the hospital and in Chinatown, where he spends all his off-duty time. It's a powerful show, and the only reason why I continue to subscribe to Cinemax. The show is created and often directed by genius Steven Soderburgh. And it's filmed in New York, which gives it greater authenticity. And an electronic music score mesmerizes.
wow, the contrasting soundtrack is barely discussed by reviews. It was unique and contrasting, been modern against a period series. Just red the Rolingstone mag article, they didn't brought how important the sounds and music was to make the show so atmospheric and successful .
Thanks for those 2 seasons to all involved!
Thanks for those 2 seasons to all involved!
My great uncle was a doctor in the1920s and 30s. When I was 9 or 10, my parents and I went to my great aunts house and 'opened' the doctors office at the premises where he practiced and subsequently died in ~1950. I was utterly fascinated with the instruments, exam table and all the medicines and gear that was there. I still have photos and several pieces from that office.
Having been the victim of a major accident five years later, subsequently spending months in the hospital, I again was fascinated by the differences between modern medicine and what served as medicine in the early 1900's.
Watching this show, the subject comes back again; it is intriguing, fascinating, compelling... So realistic and true to the day. The make-up, effects and realism of the sets is stunning. If you were to look at operating theater photographs from the early 1900's era, you would see the realism that the show has created in these scenes. Add to that the elaborate street scenes, amazing costumes and attention to detail that the production employs and I hope that you will see the extreme talent and effort that has gone into The Knick. Take special note of some of the special effects showing medical conditions and operating trauma, it's very realistic and downright scary. It will make you thankful for modern medicine and the amazing advances of the medical establishment during the 20th century.
The direction and cinematography is well done. Dialog based scenes are typically shot with the rule of thirds followed (pleasing) but there are many non-dialog scenes where the director moves away from the banal by shooting action from odd angles (carving of pig carcasses with action at mid-line filmed low) or a fight sequence filmed with a wide angle 'behind the hero' view -- this keeps the visual story interesting. Add the Contagion-like soundtrack (I know - a 1900s drama with a techno music track = ?) and the overall experience is captivating.
Finally, I am not sure everyone is familiar with the 'steampunk' enthusiasm (movement?) that is finding its way into both culture (art, collecting) and mainstream style (go to a high end plumbing /appliance store and you will see what I mean!) -- this show captures the industrial late 19th century look extremely well.
I am literally sad when each hour is over. This show is among the best shows I have ever watched. I would be thrilled if every episode were 2 hours long. It's that good.
The acting is good; Clive Owen is not only very believable as Dr, Thackery, but really has a strong command of each and every scene he is in. Some of the characters do not stand out as well, BUT: Special kudos to Eve Hewson, she not only performs with incredible expression, style and emotion, but really looks the part! Amazing actress -- thank you!
Overall, Bravo!
Having been the victim of a major accident five years later, subsequently spending months in the hospital, I again was fascinated by the differences between modern medicine and what served as medicine in the early 1900's.
Watching this show, the subject comes back again; it is intriguing, fascinating, compelling... So realistic and true to the day. The make-up, effects and realism of the sets is stunning. If you were to look at operating theater photographs from the early 1900's era, you would see the realism that the show has created in these scenes. Add to that the elaborate street scenes, amazing costumes and attention to detail that the production employs and I hope that you will see the extreme talent and effort that has gone into The Knick. Take special note of some of the special effects showing medical conditions and operating trauma, it's very realistic and downright scary. It will make you thankful for modern medicine and the amazing advances of the medical establishment during the 20th century.
The direction and cinematography is well done. Dialog based scenes are typically shot with the rule of thirds followed (pleasing) but there are many non-dialog scenes where the director moves away from the banal by shooting action from odd angles (carving of pig carcasses with action at mid-line filmed low) or a fight sequence filmed with a wide angle 'behind the hero' view -- this keeps the visual story interesting. Add the Contagion-like soundtrack (I know - a 1900s drama with a techno music track = ?) and the overall experience is captivating.
Finally, I am not sure everyone is familiar with the 'steampunk' enthusiasm (movement?) that is finding its way into both culture (art, collecting) and mainstream style (go to a high end plumbing /appliance store and you will see what I mean!) -- this show captures the industrial late 19th century look extremely well.
I am literally sad when each hour is over. This show is among the best shows I have ever watched. I would be thrilled if every episode were 2 hours long. It's that good.
The acting is good; Clive Owen is not only very believable as Dr, Thackery, but really has a strong command of each and every scene he is in. Some of the characters do not stand out as well, BUT: Special kudos to Eve Hewson, she not only performs with incredible expression, style and emotion, but really looks the part! Amazing actress -- thank you!
Overall, Bravo!
- Jorge_Mota
- Aug 30, 2014
- Permalink
This show is magnificent and I often think of it all these years later. Educational and gripping all the way through. I mostly wanted to leave this review to let everyone know this show was not cancelled! Unfortunately there were too many scheduling conflicts between crew and actors to go on(an insider told me so) *sigh*.
- Artstar-84-236801
- Mar 29, 2021
- Permalink
(Updated after Season 2).
Good, original hospital drama.
Set in the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York from 1900 onwards, a series about the lives of several of the doctors, nurses and staff.
Very original. Hospital/medical dramas are hardly a new or rare thing (though this hasn't prevented there being some brilliant ones - Scrubs springs most immediately to mind). The Knick is quite different though. Being set in 1900 you don't have the luxury of modern medicine and you often get to see now standard procedures being developed in front of your eyes. Also shows how far medicine has come in the last 115 years.
Also easily the most graphic medical drama you'll ever see. You see the surgeries being done. I didn't think I was squeamish until I watched this. Does give the series a very realistic, gritty, unglamorous feel.
Its not just about the medicine. The series also tackles issues such as racism and inequality, abortion and drug addiction (cocaine and heroin were legal at the time...).
Has the usual relationship and romantic stuff too, though these generally weaken the series. While everything else seems to capture the spirit and feel of 1900 quite well, the writers and director quite keenly project 21st century morals and relationship conventions onto their 1900 characters - it just seems out of place.
In addition, Season 2 was less compelling watching than Season 1. The novelty may have worn off for me, I fear.
Good, original hospital drama.
Set in the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York from 1900 onwards, a series about the lives of several of the doctors, nurses and staff.
Very original. Hospital/medical dramas are hardly a new or rare thing (though this hasn't prevented there being some brilliant ones - Scrubs springs most immediately to mind). The Knick is quite different though. Being set in 1900 you don't have the luxury of modern medicine and you often get to see now standard procedures being developed in front of your eyes. Also shows how far medicine has come in the last 115 years.
Also easily the most graphic medical drama you'll ever see. You see the surgeries being done. I didn't think I was squeamish until I watched this. Does give the series a very realistic, gritty, unglamorous feel.
Its not just about the medicine. The series also tackles issues such as racism and inequality, abortion and drug addiction (cocaine and heroin were legal at the time...).
Has the usual relationship and romantic stuff too, though these generally weaken the series. While everything else seems to capture the spirit and feel of 1900 quite well, the writers and director quite keenly project 21st century morals and relationship conventions onto their 1900 characters - it just seems out of place.
In addition, Season 2 was less compelling watching than Season 1. The novelty may have worn off for me, I fear.
Cinamax is really coming together. Banshee and now this. Two totally different spectrum's and platforms! The best part is when all this takes place. Before modern medicine...I just love it! From the beginning scene to the last scene you feel trapped and curious about this wicked plot. It feels like all the actors hit their marks with out hesitation. The filmography is amazing. I love the old, rustic look and feel the show brings to its audience. I can't wait to see how this show will unfold. I am a TV junkie (hate to admit). When a good show like this hooks me. I'll watch from start to finish. I'm actually going to re-watch the first episode again.
The casting is fine and Clive Owen is irreplaceable as Thackery, as is Andre Holland as Edwards, but the shining light of this first season is Chris Sullivan as Tom Cleary. Sullivan had a small role in The Drop and I hadn't seen anything of his range until this series. He has created a persona that holds the story together and does it in such a way as to highlight that he is an actor to be watched from now on. Juliet Rylance has an annoying habit of holding her shoulders hunched in most scenes, Maybe she's trying to portray tension or something, but it doesn't work here. It just makes her look idiotic.
The sets, especially the street scenes and the buildings are first rate. Major kudos go to the director who has taken the fine cast and drawn each actor out to his/her limits of ability. I liked this well enough to buy the 2nd season before finishing the 1st. It's really that good.
The sets, especially the street scenes and the buildings are first rate. Major kudos go to the director who has taken the fine cast and drawn each actor out to his/her limits of ability. I liked this well enough to buy the 2nd season before finishing the 1st. It's really that good.
- silverton-37959
- Oct 4, 2019
- Permalink
I'd like to present the following thesis: "The Knick" has 3 distinctive layers, each best represented by 1 of my 3 favourite episodes. The best layer is the top one, which is the selling point of the show, and unfortunately the smallest layer in size: the historical medicine, in all its gory and retrofuturistic (the music style choice is inspired!) glory. The birth of contemporary medicine is a fascinating, captivating process, and here we witness it, follow the moments of innovation, application and - at times - harsh failure, at a time when every operation has the potential for an unknowable challenge or a profound discovery. It appears intermittently, all but disappearing for episodes at a time. The show stays true to life with the haphazard medicine of the time meaning happy endings are far from guaranteed, but a) still deals in cliches on occasion, Dr Thackery starting out as slightly cliched drug-addled surgical innovator, but eventually working his way to greatly-cliched mentally-traumatised drug-addled guy barely doing surgery or innovating b) eventually how almost all medical personnel have personal medical issues to "raise the stakes" beggars belief a bit. Best episode of this flavour: "Method and Madness", the pilot.
The 2nd layer is the politics. "The Knick" is a profoundly political work, so if you are a person who legitimately believes that politics shouldn't ever be discussed in entertainment (and thus is doomed to only being able to watch the "Fast and Furious" "films" on repeat, with maybe an occasional "Peppa Pig"), this isn't a series for you. Here, politics of the time is tackled head-on, and some of it (though not all) ties into our contemporary debates. What "The Knick" manages to accomplish that few works about historical politics do, is to be intellectually honest, and not approach it with a smirk of the modern man, who knows which beliefs won and which lost, which are unwelcome in today's polite society and which are championed. Indeed, here people have such beliefs as they probably should in their time, and defend them vigorously. There is, at worst, a bit of an emphasis on some religious hypocrisy, but the immorality of some opponents of religion is also depicted prominently. This layer makes up many more scenes than the surgery one, but often ties into it one way or another. It reappears often, but also fades reasonably often. Best episode of this flavour: "Get the rope", the story of a race riot.
Finally, the third and worst layer is the interpersonal drama, which eventually becomes the most plentiful content of the series, unfortunately. Now, there are breakout moments there: the Gallanger family's plotline is so evocative I keep mentally returning to it and thinking what - if anything - I would've done differently in hopes for better outcomes - a strong showing for my investment in the characters. Sister Harry and Mr. Cleary, a comedic duo with moments of absolutely profound dialogue and a fascinating relationship, are also very much up there. But I really struggle to express just how much I dislike Cornelia and Health Inspector Speight (both wooden actors, and awfully boring in 90% of the scenes, which are stably awfully-written), and Nurse Elkins (incredibly boring and unlikeable character, especially as the show progresses). Frankly, anybody not mentioned here is neither great nor nauseating, but could probably be thrown out without worsening the series. That soapy period-drama devours the first two-thirds of Season 2, dragging it down immensely, and is just SO BORING. Best episode of this flavour: "This is all we are", the rather great finale.
In the end, "The Knick" is quite smart - outside of moments of clear anachronism, such as the episode titled "Whiplash", in which people talk about "whiplash" injury literally decades before such term is coined, or such injuries become in any way common due to proliferation of automobiles. There's just too little focus on the stuff that intrigued me, and too much standard soapy stuff.
My ratings by season: S1: 6 S2: 4
The 2nd layer is the politics. "The Knick" is a profoundly political work, so if you are a person who legitimately believes that politics shouldn't ever be discussed in entertainment (and thus is doomed to only being able to watch the "Fast and Furious" "films" on repeat, with maybe an occasional "Peppa Pig"), this isn't a series for you. Here, politics of the time is tackled head-on, and some of it (though not all) ties into our contemporary debates. What "The Knick" manages to accomplish that few works about historical politics do, is to be intellectually honest, and not approach it with a smirk of the modern man, who knows which beliefs won and which lost, which are unwelcome in today's polite society and which are championed. Indeed, here people have such beliefs as they probably should in their time, and defend them vigorously. There is, at worst, a bit of an emphasis on some religious hypocrisy, but the immorality of some opponents of religion is also depicted prominently. This layer makes up many more scenes than the surgery one, but often ties into it one way or another. It reappears often, but also fades reasonably often. Best episode of this flavour: "Get the rope", the story of a race riot.
Finally, the third and worst layer is the interpersonal drama, which eventually becomes the most plentiful content of the series, unfortunately. Now, there are breakout moments there: the Gallanger family's plotline is so evocative I keep mentally returning to it and thinking what - if anything - I would've done differently in hopes for better outcomes - a strong showing for my investment in the characters. Sister Harry and Mr. Cleary, a comedic duo with moments of absolutely profound dialogue and a fascinating relationship, are also very much up there. But I really struggle to express just how much I dislike Cornelia and Health Inspector Speight (both wooden actors, and awfully boring in 90% of the scenes, which are stably awfully-written), and Nurse Elkins (incredibly boring and unlikeable character, especially as the show progresses). Frankly, anybody not mentioned here is neither great nor nauseating, but could probably be thrown out without worsening the series. That soapy period-drama devours the first two-thirds of Season 2, dragging it down immensely, and is just SO BORING. Best episode of this flavour: "This is all we are", the rather great finale.
In the end, "The Knick" is quite smart - outside of moments of clear anachronism, such as the episode titled "Whiplash", in which people talk about "whiplash" injury literally decades before such term is coined, or such injuries become in any way common due to proliferation of automobiles. There's just too little focus on the stuff that intrigued me, and too much standard soapy stuff.
My ratings by season: S1: 6 S2: 4
- yavermbizi
- Dec 31, 2020
- Permalink
This series is amazing!!! I got hooked up on the first episode and can't stop watching it. It is amazing to see how things were at that time (in 1900), how the hospital worked, what diseases existed and how they were treated... and the small details, the blood suction being made through a foot or hand pump, the ambulance that is a horse-drawn carriage, the poor surgical and medical material, the important discoveries and inventions those doctors made at that time and throughout the episodes... I am just amazed with this show! It is definitely one of the best series ever made. I highly recommend it to everyone that is interested not only in medicine but also in the evolution that science has made since those times!!