Medical Police

Medical Police is a unique hybrid of medical drama and police procedural, coupled with comedy and international espionage, that's been further complicated by a highly infectious global pandemic. It originally aired on Netflix in 2020 and is a spin-off of the show "Children’s Hospital," an Emmy-winning web-turned-television series. The show resonates various tones and themes from its predecessor while adding a unique twist to make it a stand-alone series.

The main characters of the show are Dr. Lola Spratt (played by Erinn Hayes, known for her role in "Children's Hospital") and Dr. Owen Maestro (played by Rob Huebel from "Transparent"). Both are medical doctors in a pediatric hospital that gets called on a peculiar mission. Even though they are outstanding physicians, their lives take a dramatic turn when they get entangled in a bio-terror conspiracy spinning out of control.

Set in São Paulo, Brazil, Dr. Lola Spratt is confronted with a unique virus that she has not encountered before. Following her identification of the virus, she is swiped off to a secret division of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Here, she learns about the origin and threat of this deadly virus and is compelled to track down, investigate, and eradicate the bio-threat.

Dr. Owen Maestro, her fellow doctor, and ex-boyfriend get caught up in the whirlwind. Stubbornly, he also gets involved in the mission, and together they transition from being doctors to secret government agents. The two begin a globe-trotting mission, visiting numerous countries, including France, Berlin, Latvia, and Italy, in their quest to identify possible persons of interest and find answers linked to the bio-terror threat.

The show effortlessly blends comedy with thriller elements, keeping viewers engaged in the mystery while also making them laugh. Its witty, fast-paced, and sometimes absurd humor provides a remarkable contrast to its intense plotline. It lacks the traditional thrilling soundtracks and dark ambiance associated with typical detective series, instead of opting for a lighter approach.

Moreover, the show also explores the evolving relationship between Lola and Owen as a sub-plot. Their chemistry is engaging, with their history adding a layer of depth to the story. Lola's seriousness and commitment to her job contrast delightfully with Owen's nonchalant and easygoing character, resulting in a dynamic balance between the two.

Creators Rob Corddry, Krister Johnson, Jonathan Stern, and David Wain have put their satire chops to good use, making the plot and execution of the show hilariously eccentric. Every character is layered with an over-the-top persona that aligns wonderfully with the show's eccentric humor. The creators have seamlessly balanced the serious subject matter with well-placed laughs, ensuring the audience's engagement throughout the progression.

The show consists of ten episodes each averaging around 20-25 minutes. A marvel of this show lies in the direction, where the swift pace neatly wraps up each chapter without it seeming rushed. Rather than elongated scenes, the compact episodes keep the storyline engaging and dynamic and cleverly utilize comedic relief to keep the tension from becoming overwhelming.

All in all, 'Medical Police' is a delightfully absurd whirlwind of a series that takes its audience on a thrilling roller-coaster ride. Although it borrows characters and certain themes from "Children’s Hospital," it reinvents them and adds international intrigue along with a global pandemic situation that makes it distinct and enthralling in its own right. While not strictly fitting into any single genre, it’s an offbeat blend of medical drama, police procedural, action, and comedy, offering an enjoyable viewing experience to a wide range of audience.