"Trauma" Review: A Total Surprise

I have to be honest and tell you that NBC’s new drama, “Trauma” starts out pretty boring.

Paramedics get their rigs ready and go out to work. One team actually takes an uneventful morning as an opportunity to create some action of their own. But then a call comes in and they all come together—along with the sarcastic, cocky flight medic—to save a life.

Like I said. Boring.

But then, the show kicks into high gear in a major way, serving up a little twist that sets the tone for the rest of the hour, and probably the season…

“Trauma” follows the trauma team from San Francisco City Hospital. Rabbit (Cliff Curtis) is the cocky flight medic with the terrible bedside manner. Boone (Derek Luke) is the devoted father who seems to have lost some of his devotion to his wife. Nancy (Anastasia Griffith) is the tough paramedic who is always trying to help the doctors—even though they don’t listen to her. Marisa (Aimee Garcia) is the new helicopter pilot who is forced to deal with Rabbit’s recklessness. Tyler (Kevin Rankin) and Glenn (Taylor Kinney) are EMTs and Dr. Saviano (Jamey Sheridan) tries to help them all out.

We learn much more about each of them as they respond to a multiple casualty incident on an interstate bridge. And as they deal with another more personal trauma they all shared.

“Trauma” reminds me a lot of early “Third Watch” and I mean that as a compliment. Griffith anchors the show much like Kim Raver did “Watch” and she is great at it. And she gets great support.

Plus, the special effects in the pilot are incredible. But something tells me we won’t get those every week, so enjoy them in this first hour.

After being so bored by the show’s opening minutes, it totally surprises me to say I will most likely give “Trauma” another look.

At least until I get bored again…

“Trauma” premieres Monday, September 28th at 9 p.m. on NBC…

Photo Credit: Mitchell Haaseth/NBC