"Mental" has a definitively different look and feel to most other series due in part to location filming in Bogota, Columbia. It gives an impression of subtlety, akin to many series I have viewed from Europe and Australia. With all of the reality-TV dreck that is pumped out continuously, it is refreshing to hear some interesting dialogue despite what is admittedly formulaic plot development. If anything, I suggest the writers and producers move to an edgier approach in order to escape the "House" comparisons. The topic of mental illness is that last societal taboo that makes us squeamish so perhaps pushing that a bit more would be healthier in the long run--provided it is done with sensitivity and without cliché. Chris Vance delivers a solid performance (as usual) as the new kid on the ward, Dr. Jack Gallagher. Annabella Sciorra is a great actor, but under-utilised as the physician/administrator and moral compass. The producers have a chance to move forward with something really different without resorting to the cheap stunts that so many series resort to to maintain viewership. I hope they get that opportunity.
Review of Mental
