Being soapy isn’t shameful when done right. Doctor Odyssey continues to embrace the art of soap operas with an unexpected pregnancy and a who’s the daddy storyline. Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 8, “Quackers,” deals with the consequences of the threesome and ignoring problems.
The core plot revolves around a couple facing a major issue that, because of years of avoidance, becomes deadly. A life of leisure, treasure hunting, and rubber ducks may be more stressful than imagined.
The husband in this pairing nearly dies from the stress of just enjoying the ride of life. It’s something that we have become accustomed to expecting on this ABC dramedy.
Again, Doctor Odyssey finds success with the guest stars. We witness Gina Gershon’s return and the addition of Fred Melamed and Loretta Devine. We love seeing these familiar faces but the material doesn’t allow them a full display of their talents.
The series’ utilization of its guest stars is inconsistent. Some aren’t used enough while others help bring the plot to life. Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 7, “Oh, Daddy” is a case of guest stars being used well.
In that episode, Bob the Drag Queen adds depth and gives the storyline emotional weight. On the other hand, Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 4, “Wellness Week,” has the opposite results. The brilliant Amy Sedaris feels very underused.
She doesn’t receive many moments to shine as this comedic genius.
“Quackers” feels like it falls somewhere in the middle with the proper use of guest stars and underusing them, but leans more towards the underusing category. Devine is one of our national treasures but her character feels flat on Doctor Odyssey.
Devine does a fine acting job but something seems missing. Maybe we need a little more backstory or interactions between the couple before the bomb drops about him having pica.
We need more details about this couple to endear us to them.
“Quackers” isn’t a complete mess because it highlights that Doctor Odyssey deserves praise for its ability to bring awareness to unknown disorders or diseases. Many may not know the ins and outs of pica but I am sure many will google it after this episode.
And as much as I criticized Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 6, “I Always Cry at Weddings” for not properly exploring mental health, it does a better job of showcasing how it ties into pica and other seemingly strange disorders.
It doesn’t judge these individuals as much as it tries to offer some sympathy. However, it also seems to want to have some fun by showing the strange things eaten by the husband, like keys.
Despite my many criticisms and back and forth with Doctor Odyssey’s inconsistent quality, it does seem to want to become a better series with each episode. Maybe it will get there one day.
Overall, “Quackers” feels incomplete. It has some interesting ideas but doesn’t deliver them as strongly as possible. The case of the week just feels lacking in gravity and depth. Additionally, the duck hunting storyline amuses but doesn’t drive the idea of living without judgment.
You can have an open mind and still wonder about the purpose of duck chasing. And Avery’s mystery baby daddy isn’t as interesting as the show believes.
The fun threesome should have stayed that way or led to a throuple. It takes the cliche route instead of trying innovation.
Stray Thoughts
- This is a strong episode for Tristan fans. He plays the hero at the end, and we get to know him more throughout “Quackers.”
- I wonder if the duck storyline is a fun nod to The Mighty Ducks.
Oh, Vivi is back but with no explanation for why we haven’t seen her for several episodes. - It is nice seeing Avery interact with women in a positive manner and ones that don’t work at the Odyssey.
I think it would be more interesting if she keeps the baby, especially so soon into the series. - Gina Gershon seems to be becoming a recurring character. That’s not a bad idea but the writers still need to give her more development.
- Yes, I googled if duck hunting on cruise ships is a real thing. It is.
- Max has many random passions. Just quirky but not fun.
What did you think of this episode of Doctor Odyssey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Doctor Odyssey airs Thursdays at 9/8 c on ABC.
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Jerrica Tisdale
