Nurse Jackie

Medical shows can be quite interesting with the patients, but with it being a Showtime series, I knew they would make it more intense. Plus with Edie Falco from the Sopranos and OZ; I thought it had a very good chance of being an enjoyable show.

I watched all 5 seasons recently and it definitely hooked me in. I was worried I wouldn't see Edie as anyone other than Carmela Soprano. Nope. It was all Nurse Jackie. She was so good as a drug addicted pathological lying nurse; I found myself hating her at times. Despite her flaws she is a great nurse with the patients best interest in mind (most of the time)I love Dr. Cooper (Facinelli). He is just brings a comedic aspect to the show that is needed and appreciated. Then you have Zoey (Wever) who brings an awkward presence that cannot be beat.

I would recommend Nurse Jackie as comedy/drama with great actors and story.

Preamble: People complain about the "unrealistic" nature, over the top drama and even the campiness despite going on to love any other movie or tv show. Every piece of literature takes creative license to bend reality. To say this show is bad because it is unrealistic is to say Sherlock Holmes is irredeemably horrible.

Now for the review, the show is unbelievably intriguing, drawing you in to the downfall of Jackie. The campiness contrasts amazingly with the horrifically dark storyline. Jackie is not a "strong female protagonist." You can watch it and just cheer for women mindlessly as Jackie tells everyone what for, however it's pretty obvious Jackie is a narcissist and menace to her family. There's nothing wrong with watching a show mindlessly. It's entertainment, not a math exam, however it's more enjoyable to rewatch and realize the vile stuff Jackie does. Just watch the show, to understand how much of a conflicting antihero she is, versus reading about it through some schlub on the internet.

For my final point, Edie Falco is phenomenal. She went from a morally just woman in an amoral environment in The Sopranos to the complete opposite: an amoral junkie who portrays herself as an innocent nurse and loving mother. She perfectly conveys Jackie, and for that matter, any character she's ever portrayed. If you truly want to see Edie Falco be a strong, intelligent woman, watch The Sopranos, because this is not it. She portrays an horrible woman in a campy, bright world, where everything falls apart around her from her own undoing here. At the surface level, she's strong and confident, but the creators want to portray beneath the exterior something darker.

In conclusion, it's a great show that was only marred by production issues with contract disputes forcing actors to disappear early in the show. I do not want to count production companies being production companies against the show, but it is what it is. Amazing characters, acting and deeper meanings that aren't necessary to obsess over to enjoy. If you watch this show, and think it was a soap opera, or ill conceived, then maybe rewatch it with a critical view of the protagonist, as hard as it is to hate Edie Falco.

I must say give a big thumbs up for the new hit Showtime series "Nurse Jackie" which features one of the best and most hard working TV actresses around Edie Falco. Unlike Edie's award winning days as Carmela Soprano the elegant and naive mob housewife on HBO's "The Sopranos" this time her character is more blue collar yet she still has a dark nature to her no matter how caring she is. Edie is Jackie Peyton a nurse who charms and lights it up in this dark natured and raw funny comedy series one of the better made for TV in a long time.

Jackie is tough and outspoken and tells the doctors like it is in the ER she certainly has a caring heart for all patients. Yet she's hardly a saint her life and work doesn't come without problems for one she's trying to cope with a bad back that gives her chronic pain. This problem has lead her to become a pill popping and snorting addict which the scenes vividly display. Also she's having a bump and grind love affair with the hospital pharmacist(Paul Schulze)who's also her pill provider. Also the drama is always at an interesting and tense pacing while she deals with Dr. Cooper(Peter Facinelli)who's a cocky young hotshot who thinks he knows it all. Plus juggling a friendship with a gay nurse and fellow co worker Mo-Mo(Haaz Sleiman)as with most jobs she also puts up with a wicked witch of a supervisor who's watches her every move and turn while she trains up and coming nurses. And to top all that off she has her marriage to manage with hubby(Dominic Fumusa)and plus raise her two daughters.

So that sounds like some interesting stuff for the goings and happenings of a New York city hospital and it shows that this is one nurse with a complex and mixed up life. As always Falco shines and the supporting cast blends in well, it looks like Showtime has found another winner for a TV series. This is one drama that shows the pains and drama stress of real life and it shows how it's connected with work life something that many can relate to. So big thumbs up for this smart, outspoken, and visually raw and emotionally affecting new series.

I work with Nurses and Edie Falco does Nurse Jackie perfectly. Earthy, gritty, with hard hitting humor and heartbreaking drama. Sure, it may be derivative but it's seriously well done, and realistic, too.

I loved the first episode and they had me five minutes in. That's pretty amazing. I already feel like I've known Nurse Jackie for years, I understand her, I feel what she feels, and I know why she feels that way.

You guys did that with one episode. I'm impressed.

Even the supporting characters seem real, as well as the patients, and nothing comes across as rushed or hurried. The director is taking his time, getting it right.

I'm sure this will be an instant hit.

When I heard that Edie Falco was in another TV drama I definitely had to check it out. I had hoped the writing was good, and I wasn't disappointed. Edie Falco as Nurse Jackie is brilliant as usual. She was great in The Sopranos and she doesn't disappoint in this. She is so gifted, she could make an alphabet recitation interesting. The character Jackie is troubled, complex and caring and she draws you in. The storyline is complex as I'm sure the character arcs will be.

It's refreshing to see a drama with the central focus on a nurse. I tire of the hero worship of doctors on TV and film. Obviously many TV and film writers have little idea generally speaking of what most hospital doctors are like. I can appreciate certain parts of this show since I have been an RN myself for many years. Nurses of course are highly under-appreciated and underpaid.

Eve Best also plays an excellent character as Dr. Eleanor O'Hara. I look forward to her appearance each episode.

This is not a hospital soap opera like "Greys Anatomy" or "ER". It's quirky and complex. I am really looking forward to this show having a long run. I hope Edie Falco continues to get quality roles in her career. She is remarkable.