"Gideon's Crossing" (2000)TV series 2000-2001

Directors:

Tony Bill
Kenneth Fink

Writers:

Paul Attanasio (writer)
Samantha Howard Corbin (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 October 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Ben Gideon is a doctor of great skill, he also has a great bedside manner. He heads the experimental...

Plot Keywords:

African American | Doctor | Hospital

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

Andre Braugher	...	Dr. Ben Gideon (20 episodes, 2000-2001)
Rubén Blades	...	Dr. Max Cabranes (20 episodes, 2000-2001)
Rhona Mitra	...	Dr. Alejandra Ollie Klein (20 episodes, 2000-2001)
Hamish Linklater	...	Dr. Bruce Cherry (20 episodes, 2000-2001)
Ravi Kapoor	...	Dr. Sid Shandar (20 episodes, 2000-2001)
Russell Hornsby	...	Dr. Aaron Boies (20 episodes, 2000-2001)
Sophie Keller	...	Dr. Maya Stiles / ... (10 episodes, 2000-2001)

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Heel & Toe Films

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Val Kilmer/U2 (#26.7)" (2000)

A Serious with Great Potential, but often Tediously Philosophical

Gideon's Crossing has the potential to be a great series, and they have had a couple good episodes. Andre Braugher is his usual fascinating self and the ensemble cast is fine as well.

Too often, Gideon's Crossing get's bogged down by overt philosophical pretense. The scene which seems to conclude (and often occurs in the middle as well) just about every show features Gideon lecturing his students about various issues that have occurred. While this is intended to be insightful and inspiring, it usually comes across as tedious, trite, platitudes. Occasionally, this does punctuate an episode effectively, but usually it's just a ponderous bore. The show is at it's best when it shows the characters act as good physicians instead of overtly discussing what it means to be a good physician.

In spite of it's problems, Gideon's Crossing has the potential to evolve into a first rate drama. The show doesn't incorporate enough humor into the mix, but when it does, the results are usually effective. With more humor, and less pomposity, it could be one of the best series on TV, though it will probably never achieve high ratings because it is often inaccessible and difficult for many viewers.