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greggildr-22816
Reviews
St. Elsewhere: Cold War (1987)
Jack Still Has Some Issues
The paintball war is of value mainly because it shows that Jack still has some issues to work out. After being raped, he is still trying to exert control over his life and to stand up to the bullies. Phil is trying to understand what his late brother went through at Que Son. Nothing is resolved, but I think we understand their characters a little better.
Of more interest, perhaps, is Roxanne Turner's storyline with a couple who have a record of suing doctors. She questions herself but ultimately does what needs to be done. And, in the end, she learns that Mr. Gillette may indeed have a legitimate case against the previous doctors. There's a lot here to unpack, including how to make good decisions without complete information.
In the Yuri Peltrovich storyline, Mark Craig behaves as usual--like a total jerk. I try to understand his character (and William Daniels is always awesome in his portrayal), but he makes it very hard to sympathize with him or see where he's coming from other than his assumed superiority.
St. Elsewhere: After Life (1986)
Heaven. hell, or purgatory?
If I were going to introduce someone to "St. Elewhere, I would probably use this episode. As a standalone episode, it's phenomenal. Yes, it relies on Judeo-Christian interpretations of the afterlife, but that suits Fiscus's character. He's at a crossroads in his life. He distracts himself with sex, fireflies, and other temporary passions. But in this episode, he sees what becomes of people who made bad choices or no choices. He makes the viewer realize that life is temporary and we need to do all we can to accomplish what we set out to do. And, yes, the efforts to save him bring out the best in several characters.