Josh Charles Trades the Courtroom for Coastal Maine in FoxS “Best Medicine”
Fox’s new series, “Best Medicine,” premiering January 4th, offers a lighthearted escape, though it distinguishes itself from typical medical dramas.the show, starring Josh charles, leans into a familiar trope – the big-city professional reluctantly embracing small-town life – reminiscent of “Schitt’s Creek” and the long-running British series “Doc Martin.”
The premise centers around Dr.Best, a Boston heart surgeon played by Charles, whose career takes an unexpected turn after a trauma-triggering incident leaves him with an occupationally hazardous fear of blood. As one source noted, the character’s name is even a deliberate pun, adding to the show’s playful tone. This unfortunate development coincides with the passing of the town doctor in a picturesque corner of coastal Maine, a location currently gaining attention due to Graham Platner campaign ads.
“Best Medicine” isn’t about complex surgeries or high-stakes emergencies. Instead, it portrays Dr. Best as more of a “communal therapist,” as described in the source material,navigating the personal lives and minor ailments of his new neighbors. A particularly memorable case involves a patient whose use of estrogen cream inadvertently reveals an affair, leading to an unusual side effect for her partners – gynecomastia.
the series emphasizes the cultural clash between the doctor’s pragmatic approach and the close-knit community’s traditions. Each episode introduces a new local custom, from baked bean dinners to high-school baseball games, designed to challenge Dr. best’s anti-sentimental nature.He’s guided through thes rituals by his aunt Joan (Annie potts), assistant Elaine (Cree), and a potential love interest, Louisa (Abigail Spencer). A colorful cast of supporting characters, including a gay couple with a wandering pet pig and a father-and-son handyman duo, further enriches the small-town setting.
Notably, the show consciously avoids tackling heavier issues. A senior official stated it’s a relief that “Best Medicine” doesn’t address the opioid crisis, a common theme in rural dramas. Though, this choice also results in a somewhat sanitized portrayal of small-town life, glossing over the factors contributing to its decline. Characters like Martin’s former bully, Glen, and Louisa’s ex-fiancé, Mark, initially hint at deeper complexities but are quickly resolved, lacking a convincing edge.
Despite the sweetness, Charles’ performance provides a necessary counterpoint. He portrays Dr. Best not as malicious, but as someone with “little patience or understanding of social niceties,” as one analyst observed. This dynamic echoes the character of Dr. House,known for his diagnostic skills and blunt demeanor. Dr. Best, too, excels at solving medical mysteries, like identifying the source of a foodborne illness.
The show’s creators acknowledge that Dr. Best’s rough edges will likely soften over time, but hope to maintain a productive fri
Hear’s a breakdown of how the questions are answered:
* Why: The show was created to offer a lighthearted escape from typical medical dramas, leaning into the “big-city professional in a small town” trope. It also provides Josh Charles a role shift from serious dramas.
* Who: josh Charles stars as Dr. Best,a Boston heart surgeon. Supporting cast includes Annie Potts, Cree, and Abigail Spencer. The show is created by Fox.
* What: “Best Medicine” is a comedy series about a heart surgeon who develops a fear of blood and relocates to a small town in coastal
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