St. Denis Medical never fails to deliver a perfect blend of humor and heart, and Season 1, Episode 12, "Buffalo Bruce and Matty the Kid," is a prime example of why this show has quickly become one of my favorites. From crazy medical cases to the intricacies of staff relationships, this episode packed in plenty of both laughs and meaningful character moments.
The central story of the episode revolves around Jonathan (played by Robert Clendenin) and his emotional support cat, Jasper. It’s clear from the start that not everyone at the hospital is thrilled about a cat roaming the halls—especially Joyce, who is less than pleased with the idea. But things take an unexpected turn when Dr. Bruce (in his usual chaotic style) receives Jonathan’s lab results and discovers that he has contracted yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes the bubonic plague. Of course, the cat is the culprit, and this quickly turns into a race against time to prevent a potential outbreak.
Bruce and Matt team up to capture the elusive cat, which leads to a series of hilarious moments. Watching Bruce and Matt—two characters who have a unique and quirky dynamic—navigate the hospital to catch a fast-moving cat is comedy gold.
There’s a genuine sense of teamwork here, even though they’re both dealing with their own personal issues. I couldn’t help but laugh at the increasingly ridiculous attempts to corner the cat, and there were moments that had me laughing so hard it almost brought tears to my eyes. It’s moments like these that make St. Denis Medical stand out as a medical comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still keeps the stakes real.
Amid the cat chaos, there’s an unexpected subplot that adds some emotional depth to the episode—Serena’s birthday. Every year, Alex goes all out to celebrate Serena’s special day, and this year is no different. But things take a turn when Serena sees a photo in a slideshow Alex made for her, triggering some deeper thoughts about her life and career. This moment showcases Serena’s inner struggle. Despite having a great job at St. Denis Medical, she’s still unsure about her long-term future. Initially planning to stay in Oregon for only six months, Serena finds herself five years into the job, and this episode shows her longing for the freedom of her past as a travel nurse.
Her decision to approach Joyce about the possibility of leaving for travel nursing again is an important moment for Serena’s character. While it’s ultimately overshadowed by the cat drama, it’s clear that Serena is at a crossroads in her personal life, and that adds a layer of complexity to what would otherwise be a comedy-driven episode.
I also couldn’t help but enjoy the hilarious subplot with Bruce thinking he’s giving Matt his blessing to pursue Serena, despite never having actually dated her himself. Bruce’s over-the-top and misguided attempts to navigate his way through relationships are always a highlight, and this episode takes it to another level. There’s a certain charm in watching Bruce, who never quite understands social norms, try to play matchmaker in his own clueless way. It adds a sweet, if slightly awkward, dimension to the interactions between him and Matt, especially as Matt points out the absurdity of the whole situation.
The real comedic gold, however, is in the sheer madness of trying to catch the cat. The episode never lets up on the chaos, and as everyone gets caught up in the hunt for Jasper, the entire hospital staff becomes hilariously involved. It’s moments like this—unexpected, zany, and absolutely hysterical—that make St. Denis Medical so much fun to watch. The absurdity of the situation is what makes it such a great episode, and the cat chase will likely go down as one of the funniest moments of the series so far.
Overall, "Buffalo Bruce and Matty the Kid" is another winning episode for St. Denis Medical. The blend of physical comedy, personal introspection, and quirky character dynamics makes it a joy to watch from start to finish. If you’re a fan of lighthearted medical comedies with just the right mix of heart and humor, this episode is a perfect example of why St. Denis Medical is a standout in the genre.
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