The medicine was minimal and the razzle-dazzle was turned up in Good Sam’s latest episode and return from an Olympic hiatus. The opulence of the American private healthcare system was on full display and the drama was dialed to the maximum. Good Sam has shown its add its best when it focuses on the political intrigue and inner workings of Lakeshore Sentinel Hospital. This episode delivered in spades.
The premise of the episode was a truce between Sam (Sophia Bush) and Griff (Jason Isaacs). Griff’s recounting of the iconic World War 1 story, the Christmas truce was a window into what his intentions were. Unlike soldiers from two warring nations coming together on Christmas morning, Sam and Griff have the additional complication of being family. Griff’s attempts at being a father were charming at the very least, although there’s a massive sense that it’s too little too late.
The star of this episode was Trulie (Skye P. Marshall). She’s come into her own in the short amount of time the series has been on the air. Inspired by her patients, her decision to be true to herself was absolutely the right one. Whether or not you agree with her decision to continue her relationship with Griff, it was great to see Trulie putting herself first. There will be a lot for Trulie and Sam to unpack as friends. Hopefully, they’ll be able to continue what was clearly once an incredibly important friendship, and not let a man come in between them.
This episode also gave us more backstory for Malcolm (Edwin Hodge). The main family drama until now has focused on the Griffiths. It looks like we’ll be getting more from the Kingsleys, and it’s clear there’s no shortage of drama to go around. Bringing up the painful parts of the past is inevitably going to stir up a lot, and it will be interesting to see where alliances lie going forward.
The fantastical medical mysteries were mostly on pause in this episode. There was, however, that dramatic save at the gala. It showed Sam and Griff are ultimately able to work together in a moment of crisis, and that their instincts are impeccable. They are clearly well-matched, which should make the decision of the hospital’s Board of Directors a difficult one. It’s tough when a medical emergency is the only thing that brings a family together.
That ending was completely devastating, as it’s clear there’s trouble in paradise for Malcolm and Sam. Not that there’s anything wrong with Caleb (Michael Stahl-David). He’s proven himself time and again through the series. It’s just…Sam and Malcolm were so solid, and it would be a tragedy for the show. Sam is the one that got away for Caleb, and he knows what he let go. He’s had his chance. Sam deserves the future. This has the potential to be a very frustrating love triangle (which I hesitate to call it since strictly speaking it isn’t), but I’m willing to see it play out.
Good Sam has proven it’s less of a medical show and more of a political one. Vivian (Wendy Crewson) is getting more and more enmeshed in this game, and it’ll be interested to see how she’s able to make her mark on the story. All of these characters with their varying motivations are gearing up for a clash that has the potential to be of epic proportions. Alliances have been formed, ties have been severed, and the story continues. I for one am still very much along for this ride.
Good Sam airs Wednesdays 10/9c on CBS.