Doctor Odyssey review – Joshua Jackson’s bananas cruise-ship melodrama is so bad it’s genius
In a recent conversation about the wildly unconventional medical drama “Doctor Odyssey,” Lucy Mangan reflects on the series that revolves around on-board doctors tackling everything from penile fractures to outbreaks of venereal diseases. Despite its over-the-top premise, she highlights Joshua Jackson’s impressive performance, suggesting he’s a miracle worker in a show that is both laughably bad and wildly entertaining.
“Imagine combining ‘Rivals at Sea’ with ‘House’ – that’s ‘Doctor Odyssey’ for you,” Mangan quips. “It’s wildly entertaining, yet I can’t help but warn you not to waste even a minute of your life watching it.”
Set on the luxurious cruise liner The Odyssey, the series introduces us to Captain Robert Massey, portrayed by Don Johnson, who brings a touch of warmth to the ensemble. The story kicks off with nurses Avery Morgan and Tristan Silva, played by Phillipa Soo and Sean Teale, anticipating the arrival of a new doctor whom they suspect will be an arrogant, older man, given his impressive resume that includes Yale and humanitarian awards. Instead, they’re greeted by Joshua Jackson, who steps back into our lives as Dr. Max Bankman – a far cry from his days as Pacey from “Dawson’s Creek.”
Initially, Dr. Bankman comes off as cocky and dismissive of his patients. However, he quickly learns the importance of his role from the captain’s reminder that cruise-goers invest years into their dream vacations: “We are tending to their dreams … our mission is to keep these dreamers safe.” This moment, combined with a missed diagnosis of iodine poisoning, leads to a humbling transition for the doctor, who evolves into a character reminiscent of George Clooney’s iconic charm.
Each episode throws a barrage of medical crises at the viewers – from iodine poisoning to a penile fracture, punctured windpipe, near-fatal Covid flashbacks, and an onslaught of amusingly bizarre scenarios. Mangan humorously points out the absurdity of guest appearances, including Shania Twain as “Grandma” and Chord Overstreet as the hilariously named “Syphilis Sam.”
As the medical antics unfold, we dive into the personal lives of the characters. Avery expresses aspirations of becoming a doctor, Tristan harbors feelings for her, and the dynamic between Avery and Dr. Bankman gets intriguing. Moreover, Captain Massey navigates his widowhood while showing a hint of interest in Shania’s character.
Mangan candidly calls out the show’s shortcomings — characters lack depth, and relationships appear arbitrary. Yet, amid the chaos, Jackson stands out, delivering a performance filled with sincerity and charisma. “It’s like watching a magic trick,” Mangan muses. “He grounds the absurdity around him while somehow rising above it.”
In the end, “Doctor Odyssey” on Disney+ may be a comedic mess, but it’s one that Jackson transforms into something quasi-remarkable. “Maybe it’s worth 13 hours of our precious time,” she concludes, giving Jackson a well-deserved five stars for his solo effort. Without him, she suggests, the show might not hold the same appeal.
