Do No Harm

Do No Harm, a thriller-drama television series from NBC aired in 2013, explores the duality of the human psyche and the torturous struggle of a man against his own mind. This show is an ingenious reinterpretation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Just as in the classic tale, the narrative of Do No Harm revolves around two distinct, conflicting personas inhabiting a single body. It’s a chilling portrayal of a man’s inner battle, highlighting how human nature can effortlessly swing between good and evil.

The protagonist of the story is Dr. Jason Cole, portrayed by the talented Steven Pasquale. Dr. Cole is an esteemed neurosurgeon working at the renowned Independence Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, at the very pinnacle of his career. He's renowned for his masterful execution of complex procedures which have earned him the admiration of his peers and the trust of his patients. The doctor appears to live a normal, successful life, commanding respect from everyone around him for his benevolent nature and sincerity.

But as darkness falls, Dr. Cole is rendered helpless against his alter ego, Ian Price. Emerging every night at 8:25 on the dot, Price is a reckless, violent, and cunning personality who thrives on chaos and feeds on Dr. Cole's life. Whereas Dr. Cole saves lives by day, Price exists to create havoc in the very world that his counterpart has so meticulously built. Price's nightly appearances last exactly twelve hours, during which Dr. Cole virtually disappears and has no control over his actions.

For years, Dr. Cole has been able to manage his dangerous curse with powerful sedatives, forcing Price into a drugged slumber and hence maintaining full control over his life. However, his body develops an immunity to the medicine, leading to the unchained release of the monstrous Price. Unfettered, Price goes on a rampage using Dr. Cole’s body and causing destruction within his personal and professional life.

Realizing he cannot defeat Price on his own, Dr. Cole seeks help from one of his trusted colleagues, Dr. Vanessa Young, a neurologist who compassionately treats neurological disorders. Unaware of his horrifying condition and deeply interested in sleep-related disorders, she lends her expertise to alleviate his complication. This development adds an intensity to their relationship, creating a dynamic subplot in the ongoing tale.

One of the unique aspects of the series is the depiction of how Dr. Cole and Price, despite being two different entities, share memories and knowledge being two sides of the same coin. This intriguing psychological phenomenon frequently folds into the narrative, affecting their interactions with others and each other.

Each episode in Do No Harm presents a different facet of the struggle between Dr. Cole and Price. Dr. Cole fights to maintain his life, reputation and personal relationships while keeping his terrifying secret hidden from those around him, whereas Price aims to gain control, bring Dr. Cole to ruins, and live out his own twisted desires.

The show intricately explores life-altering issues, such as how far a person might go to seize control of their own destiny, the obligations held towards others, and the thin line between sanity and madness. The concept of having a moral code consistently clashes with the survival instinct. Within this thrilling spectacle of the fight of one man against himself, audiences are invited to question their perception of identity, power, control, and consequences.

The series is skillfully crafted with a myriad of intriguing characters around Dr. Cole, adding depth to the storyline. From colleagues at the hospital to significant others, every character adds a new dynamic, setting a diverse backdrop to the drama.

Do No Harm has garnered appreciation for its unique storytelling approach, with the duality of the characters taking center stage. The striking performance by Steven Pasquale in the dual roles adds an edge to the narrative. The series culminates into a fascinating exploration of the human psyche, inviting the audiences to embark on a thrilling ride through the life, or rather, lives, of its central character, thus making it an unforgettable part of television drama history.