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« The Blog of Frederic Germay
"Intriguing Television..." [New Amsterdam]
It isn’t an easy feat for me to get involved with a show after I’ve missed the first batch of episodes. I actually carry the belief that without viewing the pilot episode of a show, the power of any particular drama show would be lessened. Thankfully, that is not the case with “New Amsterdam.”
As previously mentioned I missed the pilot and following episodes, because I had initially dismissed the show as another “Angel” wannabe. Many shows, like CBS’s “Moonlight,” have tried to steal the premise of “Angel” and reap the benefit for themselves. “Moonlight” is an excellent example of how that can be done very badly. So many core elements of “Moonlight” are stolen directly from the original plot of “Angel,” which made me feel like I was insulting Joss Whedon by even bothering to watch it.
However, “New Amsterdam” simply has only a few elements from “Angel,” and “Amsterdam” reworks the plot into something quite different and refreshing. Essentially, the show centers on a 400 year old detective who was cursed to live forever until he finds his true love. Frankly, I don’t believe death after true love is that great a gift, but I suppose after 400 years – it would be a slightly welcome outcome.
Another aspect of the show that I enjoy is the acting. I am unfamiliar with Nikolaj Coster-Waldeau, and I am assuming that he is a relatively fresh face in the industry. Nevertheless, the man deserves props for his solid performance as Detective Amsterdam. I also like the dynamic between him and his older-appearing son, and the relationships with his colleagues at the police headquarters. However, I’m not quite sure that I buy the so-called chemistry between him and his love-interest doctor. Maybe time will counter that belief…
Overall, I believe this is a promising new series, and I am looking forward to how this show develops. Hopefully, it remains as character driven as it is now. I give it an 8/10 so far.
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Mar 25, 2008 3:50 PM
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I initially missed the pilot too and since I'm in Canada I thought the chance would be slim that I'd get to see it online (since the FOX site's videos don't work on Canadian computers). However, Global (the net which airs it up here) has the episodes available for free on it's site so I got to see the pilot. It was phenomenal. I love the show. Nikolaj is awesome.
P.S. I'm an Angel fan too (which is why I couldn't watch Moonlight).
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Mar 25, 2008 5:30 PM
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Hi Frederic! Nice blog - it's good to have you back!
I'm really enjoying this show, although I admit to being initially confused at the premise. Amsterdam saved the life of an Indian maiden, gets skewered by one of his own and dies, and then is brought back to life but cursed? That didn't seem like much of a reward to me! I thought being brought back to life to live forever would be a gift, but he definitely looks at it like a curse.
I'm not totally buying the chemistry between Amsterdam and doctor either. No offense to the actress, but she seems on the ordinary side to be "the one". Of course, that might be the point. True love can come out of the blue when you least expect it.
It's got me hooked for now. I'll definitely keep watching!
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Mar 25, 2008 5:33 PM
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you can watch the episodes you missed on fox.com
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Mar 25, 2008 5:54 PM
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Yea I am not liking the chemistry with the Dr either. I was able to watch them all and it doesn't seem right that they moved THAT fast.
I loved Angel.. and I don't see too much in similarities. I missed Moonlight (from all i have heard, it wasn't a bad thing).
I am loving Nikolaj's accent though!!
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Mar 26, 2008 12:54 AM
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I also like the dynamic between him and his older-appearing son,
Nice phrasing, Frederic! Good to have you back!
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Mar 26, 2008 9:46 AM
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Hello. Hope all is right in your world.
I am another who missed the pilot and also the following episode. Because of that, I almost did not tune in at all. Fortunately, I decided "What the heck?" and watched anyway. Am so glad that I did as I really liked the show quite a lot and was able to fill in enough of the holes to have a fair understanding of what was happening.
I will continue to watch for as long as FOX lets me.
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Mar 26, 2008 7:14 PM
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Thanks to Dutchess, Coug80, annie, indy500, Famin, and Lynda for commenting!
Hopefully the relationship between Amsterdam and doc starts to heat up, because they are certainly not holding my attention.
As for the first few episodes, I downloaded them onto my iPod, but it crashed momentairly. Fortunately it seems as though the show isn't particularaly difficult to comprehend.
However,FOX has a knack for killing quality shows, so keep your fingers crossed guys.
Thanks again for commenting!!! 
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Mar 27, 2008 2:28 PM
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