Another review accuses the writers of having Julia do something out of character. I don't see that. As Tom said, nobody knows how they would react to facing a situation where euthanasia is needed until they are there. The "people should be tossed like bad milk after they go stale" thing was only hypothetical and this was real so even if she had done differently than she'd previously said she would, so what, but imo there was no self contradiction. It makes perfect sense to both oppose the killing of people just because they are past their prime and no longer contributing, and believe in the mercy killing of people whose death is imminent and inevitable, to save them hours of agony. Both viewpoints come from compassion and logic, which we know are Julia's main personality traits. As for her Hippocratic oath, it may be argued that the most important part is the vow to "do no harm", and allowing this patient to suffer when the power to relieve that suffering is in the doctor's hands would count as doing harm. And as for whether she'd choose to essentially torture a lovely woman just because her spouse's childhood indoctrination would render him unable to make the same choice as her... we have seen many times that both these spouses believe in living their own lives, and making their choices based on their own priorities. Murdoch didn't get her permission to do the illegal things he has done during his career.
I do agree with other critical reviewers saying it is nasty and unnecessary to have Julia tempted by her former rival Dixon, just because he offered her understanding during this difficult choice and William didn't. She's not so flighty as to close her heart to her soulmate over a few hours of being out of sync. And what appeal has Dixon ever had? He's in the same line of work as her, so what? If that were all it took to connect with someone she'd have been having work flings for decades. And he's been sucking up to her ever since he developed a crush. She's not stupid enough to be swayed by such a common move. Nope, that part is not in character for her, and is definitely the writers "jumping the shark" trying to come up with new drama. Is it not enough drama for the team's personal lives for both Julia and Watts to be breaking the law, with the knowledge of some of their colleagues? As someone else said, if we wanted to watch a soap we could find one. Give us mysteries please.
Favourite part of the episode was Brackenreid telling Ogden he'd helped someone out the same way. It's always nice to see his be more than just a grouchy boss (looking at you Father Brown writers), showing that he's more than just her husband's friend/coworker, but her friend as a separate thing from that, and also to see glimpses of his past in the military or theatre or the mess about his ex. The character and actor are really great and that is at least one area in which the writers haven't let us down yet. Second best part was George and Watts' meaningful eye contact upon George implying he's figured out Watts and the butcher are lovers and is fine with it and will keep it secret. Good ole George, always so kind and never shocked that others are different from himself. Growing up in a brothel really was a good influence on him! As with Brackenreid, I love how the character of George is so fully developed, and the acting is pretty good. If we must see a heavy focus on the characters' personal lives, why can't we have more of these "being a good friend" moments instead of marital strife?
I'm torn between hating the soapy stuff and loving the other 2/3 or so of the story so I guess I'll just give a moderate rating.
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