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Critical is a British medical drama series that premiered on Sky1 in 2015. The show follows a team of doctors and nurses at a fictional trauma center in London, treating critically ill patients who arrive via emergency helicopter. The high-pressure environment pushes the medical staff to the brink on a daily basis, as they work to save lives and make life or death decisions.

The ensemble cast includes Lennie James in the lead role of trauma surgeon Glen Boyle, who is dedicated to his work but often clashes with his colleagues due to his blunt and uncompromising demeanor. Sheri Sadd plays his colleague and former lover, Dr. Lorraine Rappaport, a skilled anesthesiologist who also serves as the hospital's medical director. Peter Sullivan rounds out the main cast as Dr. Felix "Fix" Odell, a quick-witted and charismatic pediatric specialist who can be counted on to lighten the mood in tense situations.

The show's innovative format also sets it apart from other medical dramas. Each episode covers a single hour in real time, with a clock displayed prominently on screen to emphasize the urgency of the medical cases. The show also employs a split-screen technique, which allows viewers to see multiple perspectives of the same scene at once. This adds to the tension and drama of the show, as the audience can see the chaos of the trauma center in action from different angles.

While the show is primarily focused on the medical cases and the efforts of the staff to save their patients, it also delves into the personal lives and struggles of the main characters. Dr. Boyle's marriage is falling apart due to his long hours and dedication to his work, while Dr. Rappaport is dealing with a promotion that puts her at odds with her colleagues. Dr. Odell is trying to balance his work with his family life, as he and his wife adjust to being new parents.

Throughout the series, the medical team is faced with a variety of challenging cases that test their skills and resolve. From a man trapped in a collapsed building to a pregnant woman with life-threatening complications, each episode presents a different medical crisis that must be resolved within the hour. The show does not shy away from the brutal realities of trauma medicine, with graphic depictions of surgery and injuries that are not for the faint of heart.

Critical also addresses social issues within the medical field, such as the shortage of resources and personnel, as well as the ethical dilemmas that arise when treating critically ill patients. The show also highlights the impact that trauma medicine has on the mental health of the medical staff, who must cope with the emotional toll of their work.

Overall, Critical is an intense and gripping medical drama that offers a unique perspective on trauma medicine. The show's real-time format and multi-perspective approach add to the tension and drama of each episode, while the strong ensemble cast brings depth and humanity to their characters. The show is not for everyone, given its graphic depiction of medical procedures and injuries, but for those who can handle it, it offers a compelling and thought-provoking look at the challenges and rewards of saving lives.

Critical is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between February 24, 2015 and on Sky1