Off The Map

• Director: Randall Zisk
• Screenwriter/Written By: Jenna Bans
• Producer: Mark Fish, Sara Fischer
• Starring: Caroline Dhavernas, Jason George, Mamie Gummer, Martin Henderson, Rachelle Lefevre, Zach Gilford
• Running Time: 45 mins.

From the creative mind of Jenna Bans, (Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives), comes this new, original series, airing Wednesdays on ABC. If you are drawn to series such as Grey’s Anatomy and Lost, you will enjoy this combination of medical triumphs and failures all located in an underprivileged town in the South American jungle. Already in the first episode, a sense of danger is present as three newcomers to the jungle clinic find themselves faced with obstacles they would never face in any mere hospital. The enthusiastic Doctor Lily Brenner (Caroline Dhavernas), anxious Doctor Mina Minard (Mamie Gummer), and lethargic Doctor Tommy Fuller (Zach Gilford) arrive at the jungle with the mistaken expectations of jumping into the ocean upon arrival. However, right away a man is suffering with a stingray stuck through his foot. Shortly after a guy is stuck in a zip line, an entire family is dying without need, carelessness almost kills a woman, and the adventures continue. This is a place that none of the new doctors are completely use to, which adds to the anticipation of what is going to happen next.

But even the presence of hazards is complimented with a grounded sense of self-reflection that each character undergoes In Off The Map. This in turn presents each of them with an opportunity to learn from each challenge that they face. The audience is right there along with them. Furthermore, Off The Map is different from most medical television dramas.  What makes it that way is the atmosphere in which the misfortunes occur—the jungles of South America (even though the scenes were actually filmed in Hawaii). Using the land around them, the doctors can actually create their own medicines that prove to work much better than any regular prescription drugs. This provides a remarkable reason for a clinic in a jungle, connecting humans to nature quite literally.

From this very first episode of Off The Map, the actors seem to have great chemistry, taking on their unique personalities and falling nicely into their roles. From the looks of it, each new show will illustrate something new about the pasts of every character.  This is especially true for Head Doctor Ben Keeton, played by the striking Martin Henderson (The Ring, Smokin’ Aces). He runs the clinic along with his colleagues Doctor Zee Alvarez (Valerie Cruz) and Doctor Otis Cole (Jason George). By the end of the first night, it’s clear that Doctor Keeton’s past is shrouded in mystery.  In other words, Off the Map is a series  for those who like adventure,  and also enjoy the depth behind characters and their actions.