The TV Chick

It had been so long since my favorite doctors and nurses of All Saints were on my TV, that I legitimately forgot how much I love Nurse Jackie. Seriously. The premiere picks up after Dr. O’Hara and Kevin’s intervention for Jackie, and she doesn’t exactly take it too well. Jackie naturally convinces them that it’s all in their head (the tricks of an addict, huh?) but this intervention takes a real toll on her relationship with both of them. It will take a while for Jackie and O’Hara to resume their daily snarkfest lunches, and that makes me sad. But the premiere is so phenomenal, that it completely makes up for any friendship sadness. And of course, Zoey is back in all her sassy glory, still dating Lenny and navigating the (less) new halls of All Saints. This episode also addresses the fact that other hospitals are shutting down and the staff at All Saints must step up their game.

The show follows suit, and really steps up its game in season three. And I have to say that I was never a big Akalitus fan, but she is absolutely phenomenal in this premiere and well into this season (I’ve seen the whole season but will not spoil). She is incredibly funny and even gets her hands a little dirty. Coop also used to bug me, but even he is very amusing in this premiere. And while Jackie’s world appears to be crumbling down around her, she still plays the role of caring mother, loving wife and great nurse. It’s so interesting how we continue to root for her even when she’s doing bad things. But I know I do. Her daughter Grace (played by Ruby Jerins who is such a fantastic little actress) is still dealing with her anxiety issues, which forces Jackie deeper into her pill popping ways. So it’s almost like you understand why she does the things she does, even though they are quite illegal. I also love seeing Jackie interact with Zoey (or really seeing Zoey interact with anyone because Merritt Wever is just so damn amazing) because they are polar opposites in terms of disposition. Jackie can’t keep this up for too long though and she’s bound to hit rock bottom at some point — but maybe not for a few seasons. All I can say about this premiere is watch, watch, watch! Nurse Jackie is some seriously good TV and I know I forgot just how seriously good it is. It only gets more dramatic, darker, funnier, and more amazing as the season continues.

To tide you over until tonight, here is a little video preview:

Make sure you tune into the season three premiere of Nurse Jackie is tonight at 10 pm on Showtime! And be sure to look out for interviews with Stephen Wallem, Merritt Wever, Eve Best and Dominic Fumusa in the coming weeks!