One thing that always bugs me about shows with a fantastical premise is that they often spend the first episode building up to a climactic reveal of the premise. While the first ten minutes of FOX's new drama New Amsterdam is a barrage of information about new partners, alcoholism and famous acquaintances, the show only hints around at the fact that John Amsterdam (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is immortal and has been for a long time. Maybe I'm too cynical but is there anybody who will watch this show and not already know the premise? I've never understood that kind of thinking.That annoyance aside, I enjoyed everything else about the way the show started. I enjoyed the glimpses into Amsterdam's daily routine. Little details like his alcoholism and past wounds drove home the point that aside from being immortal, the guy is just like you and me. That was pretty interesting.
As the episode progressed, I was really torn. While I thought the style and look of the show was awesome, I was really annoyed by the storytelling. Producer Lasse Hallstrom (who directed the pilot) put his stamp all over the show. At the same time, however, there is so much plot information being thrown at me that if I hadn't read up on the show before watching the pilot, I would have been confused and pissed, but considering that's often how I feel while watching Lost, that may be exactly what Hallstrom was trying to do.
Once the basics of the premise are revealed, the show takes a real nosedive. After the story focuses on the murder that Amsterdam and his new partner are trying to solve, it just isn't interesting enough. Watching them track down the killer is like watching an episode of Law & Order featuring none of your favorite characters.
It wasn't until about half way through the show that I realized how much it reminded me of Forever Knight. An immortal cop, a big city, unfamiliar actors trying hard to sound American, the resemblance was there. I wouldn't be surprised if New Amsterdam picks up the same kind of cult following.
Like a lot of pilots, this episode was kind of all over the place. The music video at the end seemed particularly out of place. However in the second episode, the focus was less about backstory and more forward. Amsterdam is convinced that the beautiful doctor (Alexie Gilmore) who declared him dead is the love of his life who could cure him of his immortality. Luckily, the details on how this works are sketchy so the relationship between them has plenty of room to grow.
There's also a great B-story that clarifies the relationship between Amsterdam and Omar (Stephen Henderson) as well as another disappointing case to be solved. Overall the second episode was much better than the first, so this show could be worth a viewing.
By the way, I'm sure you smarter folks will get the desk thing much earlier than me, but for those who don't, be patient; the payoff is kind of cool.
New Amsterdam premieres Tuesday, March 4 at 9PM Eastern on FOX.
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-11-2008 @ 11:23AM
Liv said...
I'm very excited about this show. When does it start?
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 12:12PM
Hollywood Ron said...
The Highlander called; he wants his gimmick back.
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 12:39PM
Richard Leach said...
The desk thing was pretty cool. I agree that the pilot was all over the place, but I think the show has potential. I am looking forward to seeing the second episode.
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 12:25PM
Jim said...
I'm sure he could "cure" his immortality on his own if he put his mind to it. But never fear, I have a feeling the ratings will do it for him sooner rather than later.
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 12:28PM
tcc3 said...
Or Fox will. Remember if its not House or AI it doesnt stand a chance.
We should start a pool.
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 1:18PM
Tanner said...
I'm intrigued by this show. It sounds an awful lot like the book "Forever" by Pete Hamill. When I was reading "Forever", I thought it would make a great movie (or television show). When this show was announced there were a lot of comments on IMDB about the similarities to the book, but the tv show didn't provide any information on its inspiration. The paperback of the book came out in 2003 and I highly recommend it!
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 1:32PM
John T. Folden said...
I thought the, unfinished, version of the pilot I viewed was pretty darn good. It had a few problems that are typical for a first time outing but it was solidly written and played out with a certain satisfying subtlety. In fact, I think it's the best pilot I've seen this season 2007/2008.
John
http://newamsterdam-forever.com
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 6:25PM
Livia Arvai said...
I miss Highlander - so maybe this will help.
Reply
2-11-2008 @ 11:36PM
Stigmata said...
i saw the pre-air episode (via bittorrent) and i must say this show is pretty boring.
the cast lacks chemistry, and storyline will probably get old pretty fast.
however, this was just 1 episode, so i will give it a try and see how it goes.
some shows, like Lost and BSG, got me at episode 1, this aint one of those...
Reply
2-12-2008 @ 7:14AM
Will said...
Well, I liked Forever Knight so I'll probably watch this. I hope it's not competeing with something else I watch. I'm really bad at keeping up with all the different shows I record. Another one would just make my 'to watch' list even longer.
Reply
2-22-2008 @ 6:50PM
S.Pienschke said...
Does anyone know the song that plays with the previews of New Amsterdam? Been looking for it. Thanks.
Reply
2-29-2008 @ 9:05PM
Ben Abba said...
I just found your blog post and found it quite interesting. Would you be interested in a story about a real life immortal?
If you are serious about this subject, then you will be quite interested in my research and findings on this very topic.
I have summarized what I have found on my main blog:
www.Ben-Abba.com.
Check out the post “Summary of the Facts” when you get a chance and then my follow up book “Secrets of an Immortal - An Eyewitness Account of 2,800 Years of History”.
Reply
3-05-2008 @ 12:39PM
vacelts said...
Overall, I didn't think the show was that bad. I think it has a lot of potential if Fox doesn't screw it up by bumping it around the schedule.
http://redlightnaps.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/new-amsterdam-pilot/
Reply