If you are into hospital dramas, you might like Sirens, a comedy-drama series that follows three paramedics as they respond to people in distress.
The three – Johnny (Michael Mosley), Henry (Kevin Daniels) and Brian (Kevin Bigley) – all have a great sense of humour so they add comedy to what is a sensitive topic. The only other time we see paramedics in action is in those horrific reality TV shows and there is really nothing funny about them. So it is refreshing to have a lighter take on what is otherwise a serious subject.
Besides the script, the biggest strength of this show has to be the characters and the actors who portray them. The trio are not that well known which means that there isn’t as much pressure on them to perform, but their star quality shines through. The leader has to be Johnny, a qualified paramedic based in Chicago.
Mosley (Drew from Scrubs) takes us to a place of chuckles with his effortless portrayal of a free-spirited paramedic. The audience will likely to be drawn to him first as he stands out from the first episode. While his is a strong character, you can’t ignore his side-kick Henry, who is gay. The two have been friends for the longest time and it shows.
Daniels (Kate & Leopold, The Island) has a way of drawing in the viewer with his mesmerising performances. He might not have a resumé like Mosley’s, but he makes his presence felt in how he pushes Henry.
Then there is Brian, who is a new paramedic. Played by Bigley, Brian has a deer-in-the-headlights feel about him which works really well considering where he is at in is career.
It is worth noting that this show is an American adaptation of the UK version and while the US usually gets it wrong, this time is different. There is so much put into the characters to make you care about them. Their line of work is tough, but you do not get the feeling that they are “looking good for TV”, the way other medical shows like Grey’s Anatomy and House do. In fact, for once, we see what happens in the chain of medical practices outside of the hospital. It is refreshing to get out of the medical wards and see how patients are treated on first contact with trained members of the medical field.
TV has, over the years, overlooked the importance of paramedics in favour of nurses and doctors. It is possibly because it is cheaper to shoot in a building than on the road. However, Sirens bit that bullet and we have a much more entertaining show than what we are used to. The feel is like that of Chicago Fire or Rescue Me, but with a touch of Scrubs. It’s been so successful there is a second season.
l Sirens, Vuzu (DStv channel 116), from Aug 11 at 10pm.