Hey everyone, Tommy Boyer here from Movie Rewind with a review of Casualty Series 36! This series, which aired from August 14, 2021, to August 13, 2022, marked a lot of significant moments, and today, we’re diving deep into everything from shocking character exits to compelling storylines. So, let’s break it down!

Series 36: A Rocky Start, but a Strong Finish

Casualty’s 36th season started off a little shaky, particularly with the 35th-anniversary special. The first episode of the series felt underwhelming compared to past anniversary episodes. I was really expecting something more cinematic like Casualty‘s 30th anniversary special, but instead, the 35th anniversary special felt like two separate episodes crammed together. One part focused on the introduction of new consultant Stevie Nash, and the other centered around Ethan‘s past mistake with Stevie’s sister. It wasn’t the bang we hoped for, especially for such a milestone.

That said, Series 36 truly found its stride in 2022. After the controversial and powerful school shooting episode titled Wednesday’s Child, Casualty was back to its best. The performances, especially from Jason Durr as David Hyde, were absolutely first-rate, and the storylines started to hit home, particularly for David, whose son, Ollie, was involved in the school shooting. 

The Return of Complex Characters

David Hyde had one of the most standout story arcs of Series 36. His emotional journey after the shooting, coupled with his personal struggles, made him the heart of the season. Durr’s performance was heart-wrenching, capturing the nuances of grief and guilt perfectly. His friendship with Dylan was also one of the highlights for me; their camaraderie provided some lighter moments amidst the intense drama.

On the flip side, Stevie Nash, introduced as a new consultant, was a character I didn’t warm up to immediately. Her vendetta against Ethan felt petty at first, but over time, she became a more layered character. Her eventual softer side, especially her bond with Faith, made her more relatable. Stevie was a bit of a villain at first, but Casualty doesn’t shy away from giving its characters depth, and I ended up appreciating her development throughout the series.

The New Faces

The introduction of Sarah, Casualty‘s first non-binary character, was a bold move, and I have to give the show credit for handling this sensitively. Initially, I wasn’t sure how they would balance Sarah’s identity with their role in the show, but they did a fantastic job of making Sarah a fully fleshed-out character. It wasn’t just about being non-binary; it was about Sarah’s professional journey and personal growth, and the writers did an excellent job of exploring that.

Matthew Offilami, introduced as a registrar with PTSD, had a more divisive storyline. His PTSD arc started off with potential but felt a little rushed and lacked the emotional depth it could have had. His actions, like trying to cover up his mental health struggles, felt more frustrating than sympathetic, and I think the show missed an opportunity to explore his character more compassionately. 

Exits and Departures  

Series 36 had some bittersweet departures. Nurse Jade‘s exit in the early episodes was emotional, especially with her reconnecting with her estranged mother. It was a fitting send-off, but I can’t say it left a lasting impact. There were no major exits that hit Casualty history the way others have in the past.

However, the final episodes of Series 36 brought more focus to Dylan and David, two characters whose personal lives and emotional journeys were the backbone of the series. Even though the departures weren’t major, the emphasis on the existing characters gave the series a grounded feel.

The School Shooting Episode: A Turning Point

One of the most powerful and shocking moments of Series 36 was Wednesday’s Child, which revolved around a school shooting. It was a poignant and brave episode, touching on sensitive issues and highlighting the impact of trauma. This episode was hands down one of the most memorable in recent years, and it showcased Casualty‘s ability to tackle heavy subjects while still providing a compelling narrative.

The way the show handled David’s emotional aftermath, with him questioning his role as a father and a professional, was absolutely gripping. The performances were flawless, and the writing was spot on. This episode helped elevate Series 36 from an average start to a strong finish.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Series 36 of Casualty was a mixed bag. It started slow with a lackluster anniversary special and didn’t quite hit the high notes of past seasons. However, by the end of the series, it really turned things around. The school shooting episode was a standout, and the deep emotional journeys of characters like David, Stevie, and Dylan gave the series the weight it needed.

While it might not go down as one of the greatest Casualty seasons of all time, Series 36 certainly delivered its fair share of memorable moments. I appreciated the strong performances and the bold decisions in terms of character development, especially Sarah’s storyline and David’s grief.

If you’re a fan of character-driven dramas, you’ll definitely enjoy the latter half of the season. It wasn’t flawless, but it had the heart and soul that Casualty is known for.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments: What did you think of Series 36? What was your most memorable moment or character? And what do you think the show should do next? Please like, comment, and subscribe for more reviews and discussions in the future. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!