Complications

Complications is a visceral, action-packed drama series that aired on USA Network in 2015. This mind-bending thriller series was created and written by Matt Nix, best known for his work on the popular show, 'Burn Notice.' Nix's vision blurs the lines between legality and crime, medical ethics and sheer survival instincts, creating an intense experience for the viewer.

The story revolves around the life of Dr. John Ellison, a skilled ER doctor based in suburban Atlanta, who is impeccably portrayed by Jason O'Mara. His composed persona conceals the profound trauma of his daughter’s untimely death, which has strained his relationship with his wife and dented the bond with his surviving son.

His life, which oscillates between emergency medical care and personal turmoil, takes an unforeseen twist when he witnesses a drive-by shooting incident while tending to a young, injured gang member at a park. Stricken by flashbacks of his daughter's battle with cancer, John makes an unhesitant call to intervene. He ends up killing one assailant with the gunman's own weapon and saving the boy's life. Unbeknownst to John at the time, this is a path from which there is no turning back.

Unexpectedly, his call to save a life ironically propels him into a deadly world of organized crime and vicious gang wars. His life and that of his family are suddenly dangled on the precipice of danger and uncertainty, as he finds himself entangled in a web of violence and corruption. Betz McRaney, played by Jessica Szohr, is a nurse who aids John and unwittingly gets embroiled in his predicament.

Complications oscillates deftly between high-voltage action sequences and an enriching exploration of human emotions in the face of potential loss. It examines what ordinary people are capable of when placed in extraordinary circumstances. The series further challenges the stereotypical representation of medical practitioners, showcasing them as flawed, vulnerable and driven by their inherent human impulses.

Throughout the course of the series, viewers are drawn to John’s transformation from a law-abiding medical practitioner to a reluctant vigilante. His moral and ethical compass comes into play, as he battles the dichotomy of his professional commitment to saving lives and the grim reality of his newly acquired status as a killer.

The supporting characters each have their storyline intricately weaved into the larger narrative. The nuances of these connections become clearer as the narrative progresses, drawing us deeper into John's world. Connor, Physician Assistant from the hospital, played by Beth Riesgraf, offers a humoristic touch amid the harsh realities. Gretchen, the hard-nosed nurse played by Jessica Szohr, brings feisty and fiercely independent energy to the screen. Sam, a hospital administrator (Lauren Stamile), is the perfect blend between a stern boss and a caring friend.

Complications is not your ordinary medical drama. It successfully creates a junction between the heart-pounding domain of criminal underworld and the life-or-deaths scenarios encountered in the quiet corridors of a hospital. With its edgy narrative, gritty character portrayals, and captivating storyline, it presents viewers with a unique look into how life can spiral out of control on an ordinary day.

Matt Nix's script makes you ponder about the extremities one can reach when driven by guilt, revenge, and the profound instinct of survival.

Every episode keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what turn Dr. John’s life will take next. With unexpected twists and turns and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the last frame, Complications is a gripping watch. Its authentic depiction of suburban life, coupled with an intricate portrayal of gang conflicts, makes it a captivating blend of drama, thrill, and suspense.

Complications has an impressive cast ensemble that has proven their mettle by delivering performances that are true to life and completely in sync with their characters' emotional arcs. It successfully hooks the viewers with its blend of action, drama, suspense, and intricate character dynamics.

Overall, the show offers layers of complexity. The intricate narrative, accompanied by commendable performances from the cast, firmly grips the attention of viewers, making it an enthralling watch.

Superbly crafted and expertly acted, Complications successfully takes a thrilling approach to its medical-based intrigue. With ten episodes, this rollercoaster ride plunges into sparkling moments of adrenaline-spiked action that make it a highly recommendable watch for fans of heartbeat-skipping thrillers steeped in stark realism.