Combat Hospital Review: "Enemy Within"
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Combat hospital returned for its second episode this week, as the doctors fought the "Enemy Within." As much as I wanted to get excited about this show, I'm disappointed to find it rather ordinary.
It's not terrible. In fact, the cast is quite likable. I think I could watch Elias Koteas (Col. Marks) read the phone book and be interested. And Luke Mably's accent alone should be enough to keep me entertained.
What I'm looking for from Combat Hospital is drama, though, and I simply don't feel it. It's set in a war zone. I want to feel that intensity, but just isn't there.
Take the women's clinic story. It's a fantastic concept and should be dramatic and insightful. Instead, we got Rebecca playing hero by sneaking the young lady onto the military base dressed as a soldier. There were no real consequence to her actions. Yes, Marks gave her a minor dressing down, but when the woman's father shows up, he thanks Rebecca?
Come on. This could be a serious story about the risks of treating local female patients in this type of culture. For all the good a women's clinic can do, it can also put the patients and doctors in jeopardy. That's a great concept - but instead we're given a side plot where Rebecca skirts trouble and both she and her patient find a happy ending.
Given the subject matter, this show can do better.
As much as I like Mably, Simon doesn't seem to have many redeeming qualities. He comes off as nothing more than the stereotypical, selfish, arrogant neurosurgeon. What bugs me most about him dumping Beverly is that I just don't care. We don't know Beverly and Simon comes across as an ass.
Joe, the new special ops guy, is cute. He and Rebecca certainly have some chemistry and I hope to see more of it.
Unfortunately, the quarantine story fell flat for me. Again, a good concept was wrapped up too quickly. However, I do like how seriously they took the cleaning. It may seem mundane but in real life is just as important as finding the proper treatment for the infection.
Again, I left Combat Hospital wishing it were more than it is. The cast, setting, and general stories are in place to make a great show, yet it can't seem to hit the mark. I'll keep my fingers crossed that maybe with time it will grow to be something more.
C. Orlando was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.