‘St. Denis Medical’ Recap: ‘Weird Stuff You Can’t Explain’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

ST. DENIS MEDICAL -- "Weird Stuff You Can't Explain" Episode 103 -- Pictured: (l-r) Nephew, Kaliko Kauahi as Val -- (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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For the most part, new comedy shows that have a something to say about their respective environments and industry, tend to wait a little bit before diving into hard satire and commentary, and understandably so. After all, the series is indeed new and working to establish its audience, so it stands to reason to lean into the jokes and learn about the characters, so that the audience can be eased into the more powerful stuff down the line. But St. Denis Medical on NBC is looking to defy that edict, as evidenced by last night’s fascinating and downright funny new episode.

Simply because ‘Weird Stuff You Can’t Explain’ dove headfirst, right away, into something we as a society barely discuss. In that, while the medical world is a place built upon science and execution, it is often tied heavily to faith and religion. After all, people come out of surgery thanking God, not their surgeon after life-saving surgery. Plus, people pray heavily when their loved ones are hurting and healing. Making it clear that it is a big part of the medical experience, but why? Since again, it is a surgeon and their training that brings forth that lifesaving moment, and it is time and medications and other treatments that finish the healing process.

Thankfully, the show pondered upon that question in a supremely hilarious manner through two key storylines. One of which involved Matt and how his keen insight exposed the hospital’s chaplain as a fraud. Since he discovered that Chaplain Steve didn’t know his scripture and that was because Steve didn’t graduate ‘priest school’ if you will, which cost the chaplain his job when Joyce discovered this. Not to mention, a surge of prayer on this day in the hospital, prompted Dr. Ron to challenge such matters by declaring a hex upon the hospital. Since there was no way that either concept would have bearing on the day’s events. But of course, there was fallout from both ideas and that led to the why behind such matters.

In that, it isn’t enough for people to just think that science will save them. They sometimes need a little more to hold to. Which may involve a prayer to the Lord above or keeping certain items around for good luck and blessings, such as say… a nine-foot tall cross. But it’s all about, just ignoring the chaos and randomness of life if only for a moment and holding to the possibility that something more out there is listening and ready to help. Just to have that sliver of hope, so that the fear doesn’t overwhelm us and that brought about, some surprises. Since Steve was reinstated as chaplain, with the understanding that he would finish school and beat Matt down if he ever saw him in a dark alley, because he did bring that comfort to people in need, and even Dr. Ron put a little faith out there.

All of which made, for a stunningly brilliant episode of this new show. In part, because it went right into a grand examination of something we don’t see discussed in television all that often, but also because of the level of class it handled such topics with. Because this could have gone into rude territory, and poked fun at folks who do harbor faith, or it could have insulted science. But this was a balanced and funny story about how faith and medicine are forever intertwined and that’s okay. Because healing is scary, and we all need something to hold onto when healing is taking place, and it was just wonderful to see this bold story on display and it leaves us eager to see what other storytelling surprises await us as season one of this show continues along. Until next time.

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