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Up to 'Code': CBS delves into the world of medical dramas with 'Code Black'

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Author: 
Jacqui Wiens / TV Media
Raza Jaffrey stars in "Code Black"

Raza Jaffrey stars in "Code Black"

When it comes to medical dramas, for better or for worse, new shows tend to be compared to the iconic "ER," which ran for 15 seasons on NBC. That classic program succeeded in exquisitely balancing the hectic professional lives of ER staff with their personal drama, and set a benchmark that its successors have been hard-pressed to match. "Grey's Anatomy," which premiered a few years before the finale of "ER," has arguably been the most successful medical drama since.

Over the past several years, new medical dramas have come and gone, often folding within one or two seasons. Fox's "Red Band Society," ABC's "Black Box," and USA's "Rush" are a few good examples. Lately, NBC is trying to reassert its dominance in the medical drama department with two new series -- "Chicago Med" and "Heartbreaker" -- but CBS is throwing its hat in the ring, too. Stepping into the operating room with a brand-new, adrenaline-filled show, the eye network premiered "Code Black" in September. A new episode airs Wednesday, Nov. 25, on CBS.

"Code Black" is a medical term that can have different meanings depending on the hospital you're in. In this case, it refers to a situation in which there are too many patients for the staff to assess and treat each one properly. While an average hospital might encounter a few "code black" situations a year, Los Angeles's fictional Angels Memorial Hospital is so understaffed and overworked that a code black is an almost daily occurrence.

Despite the unrealistic nature of having such a consistently busy emergency room, "Code Black" attempts to stay as authentic as possible. Cast members prepared extensively for the show by learning medical terms, following real medical professionals at work and learning to perform a handful of real medical procedures. Additionally, there are advisers on hand to provide feedback and advice during production, and some of the background actors are actually trained nurses.

But, of course, "Code Black" is still a drama, and you can only be so realistic before you lose the audience's interest. Like other fictional medical shows, risky procedures will work more often than they should, treatments will take effect faster than they would in reality, and staff will still find moments for intense conversation, even in the worst rushes. It may play into some of the clichés of modern television, but you won't find anyone using a defibrillator to try to start a heart that's stopped beating in this series.

Headlining the cast is Marcia Gay Harden ("The Mist," 2007) as residency director Dr. Leanne Rorish. Her approach to medicine is a bit more rash than some of her colleagues, and certainly Dr. Neal Hudson (Raza Jaffrey, "MI-5") would prefer it if she toned it down. Dr. Hudson was once mentored by Dr. Rorish, but now believes she's far too reckless for both her own good and the good of the hospital. Despite their disagreements, Dr. Rorish proves time and again that she is both experienced and skilled enough to pull off the unorthodox or high-risk procedures she favors.

Luis Guzmán and Marcia Gay Harden in a scene from "Code Black"

Luis Guzmán and Marcia Gay Harden in a scene from "Code Black"

Dr. Rorish has been nicknamed "Daddy" by the other staff, with senior nurse Jesse Sallander (Luis Guzmán, "Traffic," 2000) earning the nickname "Mama." Sallander manages the residents, skirting a fine line between being tough enough to keep the young doctors in line and being likeable enough to build relationships with them. Rounding out the senior staff members is Dr. Rollie Guthrie (William Allen Young, "Moesha"), an upbeat attending physician who has been at the hospital longer than any other doctor and who is always available to help the residents talk through a tough shift.

Angels Memorial has four new resident doctors who are learning the ropes in the incredibly high-stress environment. Christa Lorenson (Bonnie Sommerville, "The Ugly Truth," 2009) went to medical school following her son's cancer diagnosis and subsequent death. Her personal experience with the pain her patients and their families are experiencing allows her to connect with them on an emotional level.

Malaya Pineda (Melanie Chandra, "Love, Lies and Seeta," 2012) is driven by evidence. Her instinct is to test and test until she figures out what's wrong, but in the fast-paced environment of Angels Memorial, there isn't always time to do things by the book.

Mario Savetti (Benjamin Hollingsworth, "The Joneses," 2009) has spent his life so far relying on nobody but himself, beating drug addiction and working multiple jobs to pay his way through medical school. While self-sufficiency has served him well, Mario needs to work on interpersonal skills and learn to let others assist him.

Finally, Angus Leighton (Harry M. Ford, "Louder Than Bombs," 2015) studied psychology for a time before moving into medicine. His brother is a highly successful doctor, and his father used his position on the hospital's board to secure Angus a residency position. Despite his undeniable knowledge and solid instincts, Angus still has trouble trusting his own abilities.

This week's episode features some talented guest stars as cast members from "The Lion King" musical drop by the set. Alton Fitzgerald White, who has portrayed Mufasa more than 4,000 times in the musical, appears as essentially a fictionalized version of himself who shows up at the ER with a throat infection. Several other cast members also appear, and fans won't want to miss their performance of "He Lives in You." A new episode of "Code Black" airs Wednesday, Nov. 25, on CBS.