24 February (2015-02-24) – 19 May 2015 (2015-05-19)
Critical, styled with a time-clock format as CR:IT:IC:AL, is a British medical drama series that aired on Sky 1 from 24 February[3] to 19 May 2015. The series is set in a fictional major trauma centre (MTC), City General Hospital, which treats critically ill patients. Each episode is based on one patient and efforts to save his or her life within one hour.[4] Created by Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty and Bodies),[5] the drama follows the team of medical professionals whilst they make life-changing decisions.[6] The title refers to critical condition, the most serious medical state, as well as the decisions and actions of the staff; everything done within the first hour is absolutely vital and could determine whether a patient lives or dies.[7] The show was axed on 15 July 2015 after the series pulled in an average of 192,000 viewers.[8]
A seriously ill man has been flown in from a road accident. Vascular surgery specialist Lorraine Rappaport sets to work on the patient - but when office politics come into play, she is asked to step down, forcing hospital fellow Fiona Lomas to take over. But it soon becomes clear that she doesn't have the theatre experience of her colleague.
2
"The Art of Medicine"
Jon East
Jed Mercurio
3 March 2015 (2015-03-03)
0.50
Time is running out as the team treats a woman who has suffered an horrific fall. Amid all the action, Fiona tries to adapt to working with her ex, Glen.
3
"Lock Arms and Block Cemetries"
Jon East
Jed Mercurio
10 March 2015 (2015-03-10)
0.47
Emotions run high when the team fights to revive a cyclist involved in a serious collision. Glen makes a bold decision, but will it be enough?
4
"The Weakness of Mankind"
Michael Keillor
Matthew Broughton
17 March 2015 (2015-03-17)
0.37
Stress levels rocket when, while treating a badly beaten man, the team faces a nightmare scenario that sends the major trauma centre into lockdown.
5
"Medicine My Lawful Wife"
Michael Keillor
Laurence Davey
24 March 2015 (2015-03-24)
Under 0.36
Confusion fills the operating theatre when Lorraine returns to work, taking the reins from Glen as trauma team leader to treat a woman with a gunshot wound.
6
"No Place to Be Sick"
Michael Keillor
Mark Greig
31 March 2015 (2015-03-31)
Under 0.37
Tensions continue to bubble between Glen and Lorraine, when they race to the aid of a troubled patient who has jumped from the hospital's atrium walkway.
7
"To Array a Man's Will"
Philippa Langdale
Michael A. Walker
7 April 2015 (2015-04-07)
Under 0.35
A shock is in store for the team when they treat an agitated patient who has been involved in a car crash. Glen delivers an overdue apology to Fiona.
8
"Scrambled Eggs Go Back in the Shell"
Philippa Langdale
Jed Mercurio
14 April 2015 (2015-04-14)
0.29
The team feels the pressure more than ever when they treat an unexpected, horrifically burned patient. Glen grows closer to Fiona, when he sheds light on his army days.
9
"The Purest Evil"
Philippa Langdale
Jed Mercurio
21 April 2015 (2015-04-21)
0.36
The prognosis is bleak when the team battles to save a teenage drowning victim, leading to a standoff between Glen and Clive. Fiona, meanwhile, makes a bold move.
10
"To Die of the Cure"
Jon East
Tom Needham
28 April 2015 (2015-04-28)
0.39
Hospitals are normally animal-free zones, but the team makes an exception when the victim of a dog attack is brought in - with the canine still attached.
11
"Time"
Jon East
Laurence Dave
5 May 2015 (2015-05-05)
0.44
Obstacles arise when the team tackles one of their trickiest cases, a man who has been perforated by crane spikes. Glen receives an interesting offer.
12
"The Great Physician"
Jon East
Katherine McGinn
12 May 2015 (2015-05-12)
0.38
Stretched to the limit, the team hits the road to treat multiple victims involved in a traffic accident. Fiona, meanwhile, tries to keep her engagement a secret.
13
"When It's Best to Go"
Jon East
Jed Mercurio
19 May 2015 (2015-05-19)
0.40
Devastated by news of Fiona's engagement, Glen races off, only to be involved in a life-or-death emergency.
Reception
Reviews were predominantly positive,[15][16][17][18] noting the ground-breaking style and structure of the series; however some critics expressed a preference for a more traditional approach to medical drama.[19][20]