TV Review: THE KNICK: Season 1, Episode 6: Start Calling Me Dad [Cinemax]

Cinemax’s The Knick Start Calling Me Dad TV Show Review. The Knick: Season 1, Episode 6: Start Calling Me Dad is another potent character defining episode.

At the top, Bertram Chickering (Michael Angarano) and John Thackery (Clive Owen)’s relationship began to mirror that of Thackery’s and Dr. Christiansen (Matt Frewer)’s. This is most keenly illustrated when Thackery suggested to Bertie that if he were feeling tired, “I can give you something for it”… and then continued his rant. [This scene is exciting…watching doctors find a solution to a problem that today is rather simple…the unfolding of the discovery…all feels very real, and true.]

Quite funny the conversation between the two, when discussing that they will use the prostitutes as their subjects for the balloon technique…a little levity and mischievousness.

Bertie later suggested the use of water instead of air for the procedure. Thackery’s response helps to convey just where Thackery’s number 1 passion lies, and that is in medicine.

[Later in the episode, Thackery was given an opportunity to put his name on some bogus linament tonic to make some extra bucks…and become famous. He practically kicked the man out with his white shiny boots…Thack is no bullshit. [Another well written scene, helping to establish who this doctor is. Very good, very clear.]

Later still, we were given a glimpse into a developing friendship with Bertie and Nurse Elkins (Eve Hewson), Bertie hopes for something more. We know what the future holds for Elkins and Thackery, thus this triangle will be dramatic to say the least.

[The writers, Jack Amiel and Michael Begler are being incredibly consistent. And consistency is the failure of many a (possible) good series. The Knick is rock steady…and the consistent writing makes me want to tune in. I trust that they are not going to waiver at this stage of the season.]

Cornelia Robertson (Juliet Rylance) and Algernon Edwards (Andre Holland) continued to keep us in suspense. There is no question that the two have had a romantic involvement. I’m enthusiastic as to how this will be presented.

So Mary Mallon (Melissa McMeekin), “Typhoid Mary” is finally tracked down. [I have enjoyed the overall unfolding of this storyline, but the dialogue here…it’s just off. I think this is predominantly because of Inspector Speight (David Fierro), who is a fine actor, but the lines do not come out sounding authentic to the time or natural in any way. I cannot yet figure out (with all of my accolades for the writers,) whether they have it wrong when it comes to the Inspector…or whether the actor is making poor choices.]

Sister Harriet (Cara Seymour) and Tom Cleary (Chris Sullivan) are still establishing their abortion business together. Their intimate dialogue after an abortion is powerful and sets up their developing bond nicely.

Thackery discovered Algernon’s secret clinic and gave him a reasonable tongue-lashing. He warned and yelled, but avoided racial slurs. After much hot air, he was eventually distracted by the vacuum, and the booklet containing the hernia procedure that Algernon had made. This was intriguing to our Dr. Thackery, who is a man of science…and Algernon has just proven himself.

The title of this episode: Start Calling Me Dad referred to an uncomfortable moment when Cornelia’s father-in-law entered her bedroom at the end of the episode. He explained in so many words that he had always wanted a daughter, that now he had one of his very own. He explained that he had invested a lot of money in her family. He didn’t rape her…but she understands that he may in the future.

This leaves us all rather umm…chilled!

The show is just good…if you haven’t seen it, you should.

Leave your thoughts on The Knick below in the comments section. For more The Knick photos, videos, and information, visit our The Knick Page, subscribe to us by Email, “follow” us on Twitter, Tumblr, or “like” on Facebook.