Holby City ED is rarely a haven of tranquility, but this week’s Casualty seems particularly keen on piling on the pandemonium. Jodie, finds herself in a social media-fueled maelstrom after a video of some lighthearted on-the-clock shenanigans goes viral. Apparently, not everyone appreciates the comedic stylings of overworked medical professionals, leading to a deluge of complaints. Because nothing says “I’m deeply invested in the NHS” quite like getting riled up over a TikTok video.
As if the internet’s wrath weren’t enough, Jodie’s attempt at a civilized mentorship dinner with Dylan goes sideways when a car crashes into the restaurant. Of course it does. This is Casualty, after all. Inside the mangled vehicle? A pregnant woman in labor, naturally. Just another Tuesday night in Holby. Adding to the chaos, Jodie’s pre-dinner drink prevents her from assisting, leaving Dylan to solo the delivery.
Elsewhere, the ever-fractious relationship between Stevie and Siobhan continues its descent into frosty politeness, because forced collaboration is always a recipe for workplace harmony. And as if two simmering feuds weren’t enough, trainee Indie and Jan decide to add their own special blend of interpersonal friction to the mix. Someone get these people a team-building exercise. Or at least a stiff drink. Actually, scratch that last one for Jodie.
Amid the interpersonal fireworks, actual medical emergencies do manage to break through. Jodie contends with an aggressive patient still fuming over the viral video while simultaneously dealing with a young girl suffering from breathing difficulties and burns. The episode also reveals some of Jodie’s own baggage, as Dylan’s mentorship offer is met with suspicion. Jodie, still raw from the anniversary of her mother’s death, assumes the gesture is rooted in pity. It’s a messy, complicated tapestry of personal and professional crises, woven together with the kind of efficient storytelling Casualty consistently delivers.
Casualty airs Saturday, December 28 at 9:15 PM on BBC One.
