On September 23, 2024, NBC premiered 'Brilliant Minds', which has received predominantly positive reviews from critics. In the series, "Dr. Oliver Wolf is an eccentric but incredibly gifted neurologist who suffers from a rare condition that gives him a unique perspective on care, fueling his mission to change the way the world sees his patients. After his unusual methods result in his dismissal, he takes his unconventional approach to a new hospital: Bronx General, where he leads a team of bright young interns in tackling some of the world's most puzzling psychological cases. With their help, he must also challenge his own personal and social limitations by navigating all the expectations, politics and complicated relationships that come with the job." The ensemble cast includes Tamberla Perry, Zachary Quinto, Ashleigh LaThrop, Alex MacNicoll, and Spence Moore II. Read the full review round-up below.
Sherin Nicole of RIOTUS says, "Being crabby but brilliant is a prerequisite for good TV doctoring. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but the prickly doctors with good hearts are fun to watch. Deny it if you want, but NBC’s upcoming series Brilliant Minds proves it. Starring Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf, the show finds its lane at the intersection of neurology and mental health. Inspired by real-life neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, Quinto’s Wolf is a lone wolf who thrives in the comfort of a pack (more on that later). He’s an anti-authority genius, navigating the complexities of the human mind with a rebellious compassion that can’t be stymied. Early on, we learn his traumatic backstory couples with his disability to make sure he never gives up on people in need. His prosopagnosia, or face blindness, allows him to go past the obvious and truly see his patients—a duality that serves this series well." Adding, "What I enjoy most about Brilliant Minds is how it frames its group of leading doctors as a cohesive team You might see them as a sports squad with chemistry, or you could call them ‘gang gang’—either way, you’d be right. Each member brings a unique skill set to the table, and they play their positions well. There’s Wolf as the MVP and his bestie Carol (Tamberla Perry) as the coach. Ericka (Ashleigh LaThrop) is the rising star and a sweetie. Dana (Aury Krebs) is the bad girl with a sensitive side, while Jacob (Spence Moore II) plays the injury-prone hotshot, and Van (Alex MacNicoll) is the emotional hype-man. Together, they tackle medical mysteries with an engaging procedural style and a darker edge, balanced by well-placed lightheartedness that keeps you cheering for this squad."
Robert Lloyd of Los Angeles Times notes, "Having been booted from a series of hospitals for his unorthodox, rule-ignoring ways, he has recently fetched up at Bronx General, where his mother (Donna Murphy) is his boss and old friend (Tamberla Perry) is his other, lower boss; their routine exasperation will be mitigated of course by Wolf’s eventual successes. A variety pack of interns attends him, striking poses from sweet to doubtful to caustic. As Quinto plays him, he’s a warmer version of his big-screen Spock — his best friend, seemingly, is a plant — and much humor is mined from Wolf’s utter unfamiliarity with popular culture. In the context of the series, he’s similar to a sensitive, empathetic version of Gregory House; like “House M.D.,” this is the medical show as mystery, and as in all such shows, the investigators will get it wrong before they get it right, offering plenty of occasions for sudden emergencies that lead into commercials. And as in most medical dramas, there are big questions about life and death one might find disturbing depending on one’s own life and circumstances. However, some comfort may be drawn from Wolf waxing thoughtful on a relevant element of human condition."
Rob Owen of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review praises the series, stating, "The role suits Quinto. Wolf is a bit of a loner but having him work with his longtime friend, Dr. Carol Pierce (Tamberla Perry), and oversee a batch of interns who serve as audience stand-ins makes this series work quite well."
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| Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash |
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