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Home » Blogs » the linster's blog » "Nurse Jackie" season ends with a trip

"Nurse Jackie" season ends with a trip

by
the linster

Nurse Jackie’s first season ended as it started: with Jackie flat on her back in a narcotic haze.

But what came in between those drug-laden bookends was truly remarkable. (If you haven’t finished watching the season, beware of spoilers.)

Edie Falco can say more with a raise of the eyebrows than many actors do in a full monologue.

Her Jackie Peyton is a mess — a liar, an addict and an adulterer. The character should be contemptible, but she’s not. I find myself pulling for Jackie to clean up her act without getting in enough trouble to end her career and marriage. I don’t see any way for that to happen, though, at this point. She’s in too deep.

A complaint I hear from people who don’t like Nurse Jackie is that she gets away with too much for her character to be believable. But I’ve known substance abusers whose lives are quite similar to Jackie’s. They appear to be happy and successful, but nothing in their world is real except for the drugs or alcohol or food. They divide their lives into boxes — and keep the boxes separate. But the day comes when they have to choose between their addiction and life — and that day is rapidly approaching for Jackie.

Pharmacist boyfriend Eddie (Paul Shulze), who was replaced by a computerized drug dispenser, learns that Jackie not only is married, but happily so. Her husband Kevin is a great guy and Jackie dotes on him. When a drunken Eddie rushes into the ER to reveal all, Jackie heads him off before much damage is done. But that crisis is far from over.

Jackie, of course, deals with the situation as an addict would, by looking for a fix. Without Eddie to supply her, she has to enter her ID into the Pill-O-Matix to get morphine. She will not be able to explain that away easily.

The addiction also has threatened the friendship between Jackie and the only person who seems to know about her family, Dr. O’Hara (Eve Best). O’Hara needs Jackie’s support as she waits for her deceased mother’s body to arrive at the hospital.

Jackie, however, is aware of nothing but the need for drugs and is long gone when O’Hara breaks down in tears over her mom. Eve Best is wonderful and I love O'Hara — I hope we get more of her story in future seasons.

My biggest dread is the harsh dose of reality that is yet to come for Zoey (Merritt Wever). Zoey has become  my favorite character on Nurse Jackie. She is often the comic relief, wide-eyed about being a nurse and awestruck by Jackie.

But Zoey has also grown more than any character this season. And I fully expect Wever to get an Emmy nod for her performance.

One of the real treats of Nurse Jackie as a whole has been its casual treatment of LGBT characters. Dr. Cooper has two mommies and nobody cares. They are treated as any other couple when one has a medical crisis.

Gay male nurse Mo-Mo’s boyfriend trouble receives equal weight to Coop’s girlfriend trouble — and equal advice from an elderly straight male patient. Kudos to lesbian writers Linda Wallem and Liz Brixius for addressing LGBT issues by making them non-issues.

The good news is that Nurse Jackie will be back for another season. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

What did you think of Nurse Jackie Season 1 finale? Have you become a fan this season? Any predictions for next season?

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    • Submitted by
    the linster
    on August 25, 2009 - 5:00pm.
    TAGS :: 
    1biglesbo's picture

    love it

    Submitted by
    1biglesbo (33 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 5:03pm.

    I fricken love this show so much, I would marry it if I could!

    I didn't think O'Hara's mom is dead, I thought she was comatose...

    Merritt Wever totally deserves an Emmy, she is delightful.  

    The writing on this show should be the standard for all.

    the linster's picture

    O'Hara's mom

    Submitted by
    the linster (1026 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 7:36pm.
    I think when they brought her in, she was dead. I guess I'll have to watch it again to find out for sure!
    1biglesbo's picture

    I just rewatched it and when

    Submitted by
    1biglesbo (33 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 1:13am.

    I just rewatched it and when O'Hara asks Jackie for help, she replies that she's already on the hook for one coma, what's one more...it's kind of confusing, but if you are found dead outside, do they take you to the hospital?  I don't know, I thought it would be the coroner, but maybe the person has to be declared dead by a doctor.  I don't want to wait until next season!

    the linster's picture

    Well...

    Submitted by
    the linster (1026 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 4:40pm.

    Here's what I got from the first mention of it. O'Hara suspected that her mom's coma was not from "natural causes." So she had her mom transfered to her hospital to check her out and needed someone else (Jackie) to sign the order.

    When her mom got there, I think she was dead. I'm still a little unclear about it, but that's my latest theory. :)

    1biglesbo's picture

    that's a good theory.  I

    Submitted by
    1biglesbo (33 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 8:41pm.
    that's a good theory.  I tell you what, if, next season, O'Hara's mom is dead (brought in dead, not died in the hospital dead) I'll buy you a coke!
    AnnaRG's picture

    i absolutely love this show

    Submitted by
    AnnaRG (168 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 5:44pm.

    I was bored on a random night home for the summer, and my dad happens to have Showtime, so i tuned to Nurse Jackie on demand and have been hooked ever since. I almost love this show more than Weeds which says a lot. The show is very well written and smart, funny, but also a drama at the same time.

    Zooey's character has got to be my favorite. Her kindness, willingness to learn, and un-recognition of how funny she is makes me laugh. I really hope Merrit Wever does get an Emmy, she's just great.

    Can't wait till next season!

    Cheeky Chester's picture

    I so want to root for Jackie

    Submitted by
    Cheeky Chester (8 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 5:50pm.

    No doubt I'm in love with the show. I love the way Edie Falco exposes her character's flaws while keeping her head above ground at the same time. The only thing that got me was how she left O Hara alone in a time of crisis, I lost a bit of respect at that point. On the other hand the writing and casting is superb, so I'm looking forward to what next season has to offer

    kayla's picture

    Love it!

    Submitted by
    kayla (43 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 6:08pm.
    i think this show is hilarious and you love every character but zoey is prob my favorite! she is so funny and awkward
    Penny Winterr's picture

    Love it!

    Submitted by
    Penny Winterr (728 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 6:18pm.

    My fave, by far.  Has totally replaced Weeds for me. 

    And, can I say that Eve Best is beyond gorgeous.  Just. So. Effing. Hawt.

    kathy's picture

    Eve Best,oh yes!

    Submitted by
    kathy (50 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 6:06am.
    My girlfriend and I completely agree with you.."Effing Hawt"
    sea13's picture

    love this show

    Submitted by
    sea13 (11 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 6:50pm.

    I totally love this show...I was scanning thru on-demand Showtime and saw Nurse Jackie. I remembered reading about it on AE so I talked my roomies into watching...we watched the first 4 in sequence then about 2 on several occasions since.  Witty writing, great characters, laugh-out-loud funny, and generally a real good show.  I wish all shows were written this well. Imagine what the L Word could have been....sigh...Can't wait for more!!!

    I also find myself rooting for her despite her messed up life...deep down she seems to really want to help people, in that quirky below-the-belt way.  She's hilarious and Edie Falco is AMAZING!!  Luv her...

    Abby 's picture

    I'm absolutely in love with

    Submitted by
    Abby (45 posts)
    on August 25, 2009 - 9:38pm.

    I'm absolutely in love with this show. I was hopeful that I would like at least one of the many shows about nurses coming out this year. The other shows are full of fail. This show is brilliant.

    I've heard other nurses [as well as the American Nurses Association] discuss their hatred for this show because Jackie is an addict and a person with questionable morals. I can't disagree more. First of all, it's a television show. It's for entertainment. Most of all, I respect Jackie as a nurse. She's bold and compassionate even with her flaws. Most nurses are like that. Maybe not to such an extreme but it exists. 

     

    I'm madly in love with Zoey. She's played excellently. She's hysterical and sweet. I know so many nursing students like her. Love her.

     

    I can't wait to see what happens next season.:) 

    1biglesbo's picture

    oh yeah,

    Submitted by
    1biglesbo (33 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 1:15am.
    Anna Devere Smith as Akalitis is great as well.  The casting could not be better.  I love this show more and more.
    BetweenThaLines's picture

    I LOOOOOVEE this show!

    Submitted by
    BetweenThaLines (353 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 2:28am.

    It's one of the best I seen in ages! I LOOOOOVVEEE this show. And Zoey is just the coolest character. Especially in intereractions with dr. O'Hara! And Akalitis... hilarious!

    This show must get a lot of Emmy's!

    Kidi's picture

    Nurse Jackie

    Submitted by
    Kidi (2188 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 3:52am.

    This is definitely my new favorite show! Great characters, great actors..really well written and funny!

     

    A Muse's picture

    The best new show to hit our

    Submitted by
    A Muse (512 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 4:47am.

    The best new show to hit our screens this year!

    I love it. Edie Falco is amazing as always, Eve Best is brilliant and Merritt Wever is a breakout star!

    Can't wait for the 2nd season :D

    ------------------------------------------------------
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    kathy's picture

    Did anyone else notice....

    Submitted by
    kathy (50 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 6:14am.
    that boyfriend Pharmacist Eddie,(Paul Shulze) was also a co-star with Nurse Jackie(Edie Falco) on the Sopranos as Father Phil Intintola ? I remember one scene when the good Father and Camella had a bit to much to drink and he ended up spending the night with her.
    the linster's picture

    Good catch!

    Submitted by
    the linster (1026 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 4:42pm.
    I didn't remember he was the priest. Nice meta casting.
    imthey's picture

    Great Show..

    Submitted by
    imthey (562 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 1:40pm.

    I wanted to not like the show, but found myself getting sucked in every week by the wonderful acting and the terrific and flawed characters. 

    I love the comic relief that the character Zoey provides and think that Merrit Weaver has really done a great job with the role.

    I am also a big fan of Dr. O'Hara.

    I feel badly for Jackie's husband and for Eddie and find myself somehow hoping (perhaps unrealistically) that everything will work out for all involved.

    From Edie Falco all the way to the young actresses Ruby Jerins and Daisy Tahan who play her daughters (Grace and Fiona respectively) I really like the casting on this show and think that everyone holds their own... and of course it doesn't hurt to have such great writing to work with either.

    I'm eagerly waiting for Season 2. 

    ♡OTALIA Forever!♡

    "I have a simple philosophy. Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches." -Alice Roosevelt Longworth

    Nona J.'s picture

    One of my Fav.'s !

    Submitted by
    Nona J. (342 posts)
    on August 26, 2009 - 9:32pm.

    I can't wait for next season. I agree, Nurse Jackie has great casting. The ensemble feeds very well off each other. I have to admit I'm a fan of Zooey's as well. That damn girl is hilarious.

    The only change I want in this show is a better storyline for Gloria Akalitus...I mean come on?!

    " True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united" ~ Wilhelm von Humbolt

    DV8's picture

    I LOVE Nurse Jackie

    Submitted by
    DV8 (7 posts)
    on August 27, 2009 - 9:20am.

    I love every single member of the cast!! I have long had a HUGE crush on Anna Devarue Smith and love that we get to see her comedy side a lot!!  Also huge fan of Zoey-So sweet and yet refreshing!!  Edie Falco is genius!!  Yeah, I'm one who unrelistically wishes it would ALL work itself out!!  But cannot wait for season 2.0!!  Oh what The L Word could have been w/ fantastic characters & fantastic writing!!  Dreams . . . . .  Also HUGE fan of Dr. O'Hara!!  More than Hawt!!  And a blast!!  Going to have to go back and rewatch them all!!  Here's to Dr. Coopers mom's coming back next season!!  :-) :-) :-)

    I think what is so appealing is that we ALL know people like this in some way or form!!  It s a very well done TV show!!  Oh for more entertainment out there like this . . . Cannot wait to see the Web Series:  Venice The Series when it comes out in November!!  :-) :-) :-)  Please make it fantastic Crystal Chappell, KimmyT and Hope R!!  (Sorry so bad @ last names!!  But I know who they are on Twitter:  @crystalchappell, @KimmyT22 and last but NOT least  @nycwriterchick  I at least named you correctly!!  I feel better--How about you?? :-) :-)

     

    LIVE  LOVE  LAUGH

    scoops's picture

    not long enough

    Submitted by
    scoops (11 posts)
    on August 27, 2009 - 3:48pm.

    The first thing that struck me about Nurse Jackie was how real life the actors look. Not all done up Hollywood clothes hanger\lollipops ( the women) with vacant eyes from lack of nutrition. It allows you to get lost in the characters story line and feel empathy, instead of being distracted by how freakishly thin most  women in the industry look. My only complaint a half hour is not enough.

    Blu's picture

    Suprising..

    Submitted by
    Blu (8 posts)
    on October 18, 2009 - 1:55am.

    Every moment of this show either suprises me, makes me laugh, want to cry or all three and the finale was no different. I never wanted it to end of course, but for it to end in that way was really awesome, because the shit eventually must hit the fan and I'm ready for the monumental amount of problems that are going to explode in season two.

    Plus I want to have Edie Falco's children but that's only the tiniest of reasons I love the show :P

     

     

    ~She gave me eleven roses, one was a plastic one and she said "I will love you until the last rose dies"~


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