Doctor Doctor,
Channel Nine, Wednesday, 8.30pm
One of the few shows that lived up to its hype (and there was a lot of hype, thanks Channel Nine) is back (and some of us have actually been counting down the days).
Doctor Doctor, with its cast of quirky characters returned to our screens last week with more fun hijinx, just a touch of drama and a ram roaming the corridors of Whyhope Hospital – because why not?
With a cast led by Mr Everywhere – Rodger Corser, Doctor Doctor, filmed predominantly in Mudgee, is a nice return to those very quirky, very Australian shows of the ’90s and noughties – Sea Change, A Country Practice and East of Everything.
After a spectacular fall from grace, high-flying heart surgeon Dr Hugh Knight (Rodger Corser) receives a life-changing punishment from the medical tribunal – he is forced to work for a year as a country GP in his former home town of Whyhope.
The first season saw Hugh forced to return to his family and face a few home truths and introduced us to both his crazy family (led by a delicious performance by Tina Bursill as Hugh’s mother and wannabe mayor Meryl and the brilliantly dependable Steve Bisley as the stoic Jim (let’s hope they aren’t paying Bisley by the word because he’d have hardly made any money last year) and the equally quirky hospital staff. It also introduced us to a comedy drama that is warm and funny with a lot of heart.
While last year Hugh was trying to cope back in his home town (and ultimately escape said town) this year we find him trying to lure his former boss (and possible love interest) Penny (Hayley McElhinney – younger sister of Love Child actress Mandy) while simultaneously trying to rid the hospital of his highly incompetent new boss. What could possibly go wrong?
– Tania Phillips
