Nurse Jackie is such a good show that it overcame one of the hurdles of quality television: The Distinguished Guest-Star Appearance. In last night’s episode, that meant the arrival of Eli Wallach to Jackie’s hospital in one of those roles that makes you gawk a little at how old an acting legend has become and still admire the way he can pull off a deliberately underwritten role as a dying man who just wants some chicken soup, not state-of-the-art medical tending. Basically, all you have to do is put Eli Wallach in a hospital bed and he’s going to upstage anyone who approaches his pillow.
Which is not to say Edie Falco was slouching last night. Her Jackie is dealing with an increasingly-apparent emotional problem one of her daughters, Grace, is exhibiting: a constant anxiety about the world (last night, specifically, worry about the bubonic plague and flu epidemics). Falco knows how to guide her tough-but-compassionate character through scenes like this with just right mixture of concern and impatience. (Like a lot of parents exhausted from work, Jackie blames herself for anything wrong with her kids, and also wishes the problem would just go away.)
Having also seen next week’s episode, I can tell you that Grace’s problems become a recurring, poignant storyline in a series that’s really settling in as one of TV’s best.
Did you watch last night? What did you think of Eli Wallach’s guest-star performance? Are you enjoying Nurse Jackie?
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Ken, you choice in tv shows is usually spot on but not this time. Nurse Jackie put me to sleep. Not even the great Eli Wallach (watched Article 99 last night. great performance) could save this show.
I agree with Dave. I fell asleep watching it. Maybe I was tired, but I did manage to stay awake through Weeds. It’s a decent show, but I would hesitate to call it “a series that’s really settling in as one of TV’s best.”
I am in love with Nurse Jackie and just about everything on that show. Last night’s episode was especially poignant.
I liked the first couple of episodes but really disliked last night’s. Too grim. I am starting to hate her for cheating on her husband. I’m impatient with her drug addiction.
I completely agree with Ken – this show is great and getting better each episode. Last night’s was my favorite. I’m especially loving the british doc – she’s definitely a scene stealer.
About 10 years ago, when I was living in New York, I had the treat of riding on a city bus with Eli Wallach and his real life wife, actress Anne Jackson. They were just sitting toward the back looking like the happy, long-time married couple they are.
I rode on city buses and subways with many notable actors and actresses in New York – but those two stand out in my mind as a big treat. Well done to all the senior actors and actresses still working – and working towards defining the “role” of seniors!
I wish it was on regular tv. it sounds like a great show! http://www.cutejewishdating.com/
I love when a new show debuts everybody wants to be the first person to poo poo it. That’s right,I’m talking to you ‘Dave’ and ‘Laci’. Nurse Jackie is fantastic and is one of the best shows on television. I used to love Weeds,but I’m starting to lose faith as it is getting so over-the-top. Plus they don’t seem to know what to do with the fabulous Elizabeth Perkins since they moved to Del Mar. But I digress. Edie Falco is a joy to watch and I am in love with Merrit Wever’s Zoey. The way she delivers her lines is simply hysterical.I’ve seen episode 4 already and it is my favorite of the series so far. I can’t wait for more!
I haven’t seen the show (it must be on cable, because online is the only place I’ve seen it mentioned). But I can’t believe Edie Falco would deliberately wear that bad a haircut without playing a cancer patient or transexual.
Did not see the episode but will believe you on Eli Wallach, I have been watching past and present work by him and wondered why the hell I have waited so long. Want to know how I found him, from the movie ‘The Holiday’ with Kate Winslet. I got the tell you, those scenes with them were the most toleratable of that movie.