Mary Kills People

Mary Kills People is a captivating television series that was first aired on the Canadian channel Global from 2017 to 2019. The show is a mix of drama and dark comedy, presenting an unusual take on the controversial topic of assisted dying or euthanasia.

The series revolves around the life of its titular character, Dr. Mary Harris, who lives a double life. By day, she is a passionate ER doctor devoted to taking care of her patients. By night, though, she joins her partner Des Bennett in an undercover assisted dying venture. Together, they provide those who wish to die with a graceful exit. This makes the core narrative of Mary Kills People: life, death, and the moral dilemma of deciding who deserves to live or die.

Dr. Mary Harris, played by Caroline Dhavernas, is a single mother who is dedicated to her work and her family. Defying the standard clichés of a protagonist, Mary is neither fully good nor evil. Despite her unorthodox method of helping those with terminal illnesses, she staunchly believes that people should have the right to decide when and how they die. Even if society thinks differently, Mary brings a depth of character that opens up a broader discussion on the ethics of euthanasia.

Initiating her secret business is a risky endeavor, and her partner Des, portrayed by Richard Short, also becomes embroiled in this risky world of assisting patients in their final act. A former plastic surgeon with a history of drug abuse, Des serves as the perfect contrast to Mary’s character. His comic element works well to balance the gravity of the subject matter without compromising its seriousness.

While the premise of the show may seem bleak, the creators Tara Armstrong, Tassie Cameron and Amy Cameron, manage to instill a sense of hope, showing that dying does not always need to be painful and can instead be a peaceful transition. That said, they don’t shy away from addressing the complexities of doing what they do clandestinely, particularly the legal implications, and the potential for them to be misused. It elegantly fuses in elements of thrill and suspense, making for an exciting watch, episode after episode.

Mary Kills People also showcases Mary’s struggles as she deals with her personal life. Being a single parent balancing a demanding career and a potentially catastrophic hidden venture is not easy, and the series doesn't pull its punches in showing this. The challenges she faces with her teenage daughter, who is beginning to question her mother’s late-night outings, adds another layer of complexities to the narrative.

Coupled with brilliant performances, the series stands out with its strong character development and plot progression. As the series progresses, the complexities of Mary and Des's operations increase, inevitably leading to several brush-ups with the law. The suspenseful moments of 'will they be caught?’ adds an edge-of-the-seat thrill to the series.

Visually, the series is stunning. Set in the scenic backdrop of Vancouver, the cinematography is earthen and gives a somber feel, perfectly in sync with the series’ theme. The series also incorporates a memorable soundtrack that brilliantly complements the storyline's many emotional turns and poignant moments.

Notably, the writers do well to avoid romanticizing euthanasia. Instead, they present it as a difficult and complex decision, offering a thoughtful, sensitive, and unbiased perspective. They give the viewers an open platform to ponder, analyze, and form their judgments. The fact that the series brings into the limelight an issue often kept hushed in society is commendable.

In summary, Mary Kills People is a series that confronts the question of mortality, and what control we should have over our own life and death. While the subject is challenging to address, the series approaches it with dignity and respect. It is a daring and provocative show that is bound to spark conversation and keep viewers hooked until the very end.