Dr. Amy Larsen Navigates Memory Loss and New Challenges in 'Doc' Season 3
The medical drama returns with its lead character rebuilding her career while grappling with returning memories and a new charismatic colleague.
The third season of Fox's medical drama "Doc" sees Dr. Amy Larsen, played by Molly Parker, continuing her journey to recover eight years of lost memories following a car accident. As Larsen rebuilds her medical career, she has risen to the position of co-chief resident in internal medicine at Westside Hospital. A new, yet familiar, face has also joined the hospital staff.
The season premiere opens with a medical emergency at a high school production of "Romeo and Juliet," where a student experiences a seizure triggered by a prop gun. Dr. Larsen's neurologist and friend, Dr. Gina Walker, notes that Larsen's neural pathways are rapidly regenerating, accelerating the return of fragmented memories. Many of these recalled memories involve her past relationship with Dr. Jake Heller, and her previous treatment of patients and residents, including Dr. Sonya Maitra.
Both Heller and Maitra are now co-chief residents, a role established by the late chief of internal medicine, Dr. Joan Ridley. The hospital's former administrator and Larsen's ex-husband, Dr. Michael Hamda, has taken over Ridley's position. Larsen and Maitra are tasked with training a new group of interns, and the seizure case presents a significant diagnostic challenge, soon involving the student's teacher and classmates as patients.
Meanwhile, Heller is considering a switch from internal medicine to cardiology. Dr. Ben Grant, portrayed by Blair Underwood, returns to Westside Hospital with a new vision for the surgical department and aspirations to become chief. Grant's character is described as having a passionate but complicated past with Larsen. Although Larsen has no recollection of this past, their interactions may lead to the resurfacing of these memories.
"Doc," created by Barbie Kligman, shares narrative similarities with "House M.D." and is based on the Italian series of the same name. While the medical mysteries presented in the series have been a point of criticism, the current season's premiere case is noted as being more involved, though its resolution may feel somewhat contrived. The more compelling aspect of the show remains Larsen's struggle to reconstruct her past and confront her former self.
Blair Underwood's addition to the cast is a significant draw, following previous high-profile additions like Scott Wolf and Felicity Huffman in earlier seasons. Underwood's performance as Ben Grant is highlighted as charming.
The show, airing on Fox, navigates mature themes within the constraints of network television. The season concludes with a hint of past trouble involving Larsen and Grant, suggested by a voicemail message from Grant alluding to significant issues stemming from their shared history.
Despite reservations about the medical mystery plots, the weekly cases are reportedly improving, and Underwood's presence is expected to enhance the intrigue of the third season, leading to a "Stream It" recommendation.