My schedule simply won’t allow me to write a full review on it this week, but I do have a couple of thoughts to share in regards to the ‘romance’ part of the plot. Natalie posted a thorough review/recap of it on the TR blog and I must say I totally agree with her assessment on the Andy/Lisa’s romantic ‘encounter.’

“Because Dylan is their patient, Dr. Reed and Dr. Andy become closer. Dr. Reed finally reveals to Dr. Andy that the shoes reminded her of her sister Becca’s shoes after she was struck by a vehicle and died when Dr. Reed was 12 years old. Dr. Andy comforts Dr. Reed. The scene seems a bit forced to me. A few seconds of a comforting hug; eyes searching the face of the other. As I’m watching, their eyes never fully connect. They look at each other, but there is no spark, no chemistry. I much prefer Rena (Kelly Overton) to Dr. Reed. Rena has experience, a soul of a person who had loved her husband but can’t be married to him anymore. Rena and Andy are two adults on equal ground; I don’t get that feeling with Lisa. Lisa’s here, Andy’s up there. It will be interesting to see how the writers will work their magic on this potential romantic entanglement. At this point, I don’t believe that there could be a serious relationship.”

I totally see her point on this. It’s not so much about that they’re not on equal grounds, as people across economic/social levels can and do fall in love, nothing new there. It’s just that I don’t see much spark between them. Amber Clayton who plays Lisa has a slight physical resemblance to Sophia Myles’ Beth from Moonlight, but the similarities end there. No offense to Amber but Sophia is just on a different league acting-wise and her chemistry with Alex’s Mick is down-right perfect. It’s riveting from the get-go — the longing glances, the flirtatious banter, the genuine angst — they all makes for an addictive love story that keeps the audience yearning for more. Don’t even get me started with Coraline, all unbridled passion burning up the screen there. (Boy, just writing this makes me want to see the vampire show again!) Perhaps it’s unfair to compare them with characters from a different show, so let’s just stay with those within TR. Like Natalie said, the Rena/Andy angle presents a much more compelling romantic potential to me. They have history together and love isn’t an issue, but their demanding, high-profile jobs (Rena’s a detective) get in the way. Why not use her profession as a story arc, perhaps like Natalie suggested, an event threatened her life and he came to realize how terrified he is of losing her.

In any case, this episode leaves much to be desired, which is a pity. Even the scenes of Dr. Lee supposedly living up to his ‘ladies man’ rep felt so predictable and frankly, lifeless. Look-wise, Daniel Henney is utterly believable to portray a playboy, but again, there’s no authentic sparkle — despite his killer smile — in his performance that capture that ‘bad boy’ spirit.

I just heard this news (Thanks TR blog!) that the producers might be courting the French stud muffin Giles Marini to the show. I’ve only seen clips of him in Dancing with the Stars and Brothers & Sisters (during TR commercial breaks) so I’m not exactly familiar with his um… body of work =) Now, as much as I enjoy watching yet another hunky doctor, I’d much rather they invest in securing some writing geniuses who are able to take the show to new heights… and soon, before it’s too late.

I’m curious to check out Mandy ‘Inigo Montoya’ Patinkin guest stint next week where he’ll play an ALS patient who wants to be taken off life support so his organs can save others. Not sure how that’ll make a dent in the rating or quality of the episode, but the story line does sound promising.

I really, really want to give this show a glowing review week after week, but they’ve just got to give me something more than what I saw here.