Critical

Critical is a gripping, intense, and immersive television drama that aired on Sky1 in 2015. The show is a one-of-a-kind medical drama that unfolds in real time, making viewers feel as if they are right in the midst of the exhilarating action in an operating room. Unlike other medical shows where the story focuses on the personal lives of the doctors or covers multiple cases per episode, Critical narrows the scope down to one case per episode and emphasizes the intricate details of emergency medicine.

The show is set in a state-of-the-art major trauma center and introduces us to the talented and hardworking team of doctors and nurses who handle complex trauma cases. Under the high-stakes environment, the drama successfully unravels the ruthlessness and precision with which medical professionals need to act. It effectively encapsulates key moments in trauma treatment, where every ticking second could mean a difference between life and death.

Each episode of Critical brings a new serious trauma case to be dealt with by the team. It stretches over 60 minutes in real time, corresponding to the 'golden hour' where immediate medical attention to a critically injured patient can maximize the chances of survival. This 'real time' concept injects a raw, realistic, and unconventional approach to the standard medical drama, which often jump between timelines and tend to romanticize the medical profession. It creates a sense of urgency and focus that mirrors the challenges of making life-saving decisions faced by real-life trauma professionals.

The ensemble cast of Critical is led by Lennie James as the traumatologist Glenn Boyle, whose unconventional and outside-of-the box thinking often clashes with his team members' traditional modes of operation. His team includes the diligent trauma registrar Fiona Lomas (Catherine Walker), the steadfast anaesthetist Ramakrishna Chandramohan (Prasanna Puwanarajah), and the confident general surgeon Sarah Beck (Claire Skinner), among others.

One of the show’s highlights is its commitment to conveying the complexity and unpredictability of frontline medicine. The camera doesn't shy away from showcasing sometimes graphic, yet necessary surgical procedures to maintain authenticity and create a high stakes environment. There is an unmistakable sense of tension as the trauma team works under extreme pressure to handle varying emergencies and to save lives, making the hospital's operating room the beating heart of the drama.

The series is the brainchild of Jed Mercurio, who is popular for creating some of the most absorbing thrillers in British television like Bodyguard and Line of Duty. Through Critical, Mercurio introduces a new dimension to medical drama by concentrating on the intricate procedure of critical care and trauma handling.

Critical, nevertheless, does not abandon character development for medical precision. The drama layers its characters, chiseling out their personalities and backstories as the series progresses. Over the series, viewers gain insight into the personal lives and struggles of the medical professionals, with their strengths, flaws, and their constantly tested resilience in equal measure. The hospital setting serves as a backdrop to various relationship dynamics and conflicts, unveiling the diversity and depth of characters and their interaction with each other in high-stress situations.

Critical features a blend of medical precision, character drama, and high-stakes adrenaline within a unique real-time format. It is not merely a medical drama but rather a representation of the intensity, precision, immediacy, and emotional strain faced on the frontline of healthcare. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the healthcare system, emphasizes the significance of teamwork in crisis management, and underscores the relentless fight against time during life-threatening emergencies.

In all, Critical is a radical and fresh take on medical dramas, responding to injury and trauma not just in terms of the physical but interconnected with the mental, organizational, and systemic realities of medical professionals. With its raw portrayal of surgery in its most severe scenarios, it elevates the genre, making it a must-watch for fans of high-stakes television. Even those who aren't typically into medical dramas may find themselves enticed by this gut-wrenchingly real series. It’s a distinct viewing experience that keeps the viewers on the edge, offering a deep dive into a lifesaving process and the medical realities associated with it.