the audience applauded

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

I will probably sound like a hater in this review, but please understand that I have really, REALLY tried to like this show. I also understand that reviews are simply one person's opinion - even though I may have strong feelings, I don't discount the enjoyment others may get out of this show. My wife likes it, and so I have continued to watch it with her. Please consider this my vent about my feeling on this show that I can't say to her! Also, I seem to remember liking the first season a lot more than the current season. OK, my gripes: 1. OVER/BAD ACTING - Seriously, the acting is just horrible. I think the actors are probably good, so perhaps it's direction? Regardless, it just seems over the top and cheesy most of the time. I could start pulling out examples, but really, any segment between commercials will bear this out.2. DISJOINTED STORY LINES - The plot is all over the place, with situations coming and going without any cohesion. I saw another reviewer call this out with examples, so I won't reinvent that wheel. However, last night's episode, with the creepy guy with the beard and the ring showing up at the hospital and the funeral. It's like these people are dogs or babies; the moment something/someone leaves their purview it's like it doesn't exist for them anymore.3. WTF Christina?? - I am just not getting the whole cheating on her husband thing. The time line is disjointed, so I can't get a bead on how long she and her new husband have actually been married. However, I have lost respect for her character over that. I know, I know, it's fiction, but still, you're actually supposed to like the protagonist in a story. Horrible acting aside, any validity her character had just went down the drain for me.4. AN ENTIRE SEASON OF HAWTHORNE NOT BEING AN RN - I thought the HawthoRNe was the entire point of the series, and yet the writers have effectively kept her out of the hospital (as a staff person) for an entire season. And the fact that her boss dismissed her for the most ridiculous of reasons (because she was attacked on their property??) and this doesn't become a major plot line is beyond me. These people could be working in a brokerage firm for the amount of actual patient care they were shown doing this season.Okay, I'll stop. Again, this is the pent up frustration of watching this show for nearly the entire second season hoping/praying it will get better, only to be disappointed more each episode. I typically look forward to season finales, but not usually just so the pain will end.

I see by other reviews that this is one of those love-it or hate-it kinda shows & I'm definitely in the LOVE IT camp! Jada Pinkett-Smith is at the top of her form & so is the rest of the cast. I know some reviewers on this site don't seem to like the fact that the show centers around its title character, but PLEASE. I don't find Mrs. Smith's portrayal anything short of a FLAWLESS portrayal of a flawed person. She doesn't always have the answers, either. Sometimes her methods don't work the way she wants them to & she recognizes it. Other characters are given plenty of screen time as well as plot lines and this show is a breath of fresh air for the hospital drama genre! Keep it coming TNT, this is your best original program EVER!!

I was blown away with this great TV series. Jada's character really draws a person in to the show. There is funny and sad and down right drama, but that's what sets the show apart from other hospital shows. I really also like how this show is realistic in its treatments and procedures. Whats really great is the nurses are from all races and backgrounds. This show really opens up new barriers for all races. Jada's character is very influential and is always about the patients and her nurses. Even if Jada has to step on so toes while doing so, that's what makes this show great I would highly recommend this show to anyone that is seeking a great show. If you haven't picked up Season 1 do so you wont regret your choice.

Hawthorne is a bad as ER was good. This show is absolutely not believable. Not unbelievable, but not believable. In the most recent episode, Hawthorne moves an ICU patient to a storeroom. Sure, she moves out the stuff from the storeroom and brings in some nice touches but are we supposed to believe that this is even remotely possible? PLEASE!!! Give me strength. She's supposedly the head nurse of the entire hospital yet she spends half of her time dealing with her whiny semi-delinquent daughter. The daughter character is enough to kill the show on her own but the Hawthorne character seals it's fate. This show is dead, morte, finito. Hopefully soon. Not that I'll waste one more minute on this drivel.