And so, another English actor crosses the pond to make his way through the rigors of American series television. This month, it’s Jeremy Northam. And of all those who have followed Hugh Laurie’s (House, M.D.) trailblazing since 2004, this is the one about whom I’m most curious.
Northam (Thomas More in Showtime’s The Tudors) is a classically trained English Actor (capital “A” intended). The son of a Cambridge University Ibsen scholar, Northam trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre. He’s crossed back and forth between the London stage and American cinema for years, and it’s interesting that he has now decided to try his hand playing a at American TV in the new CBS drama Miami Medical debuting tonight on CBS.
I’ve seen snippets of Miami Medical's premiere episode, and I’m intrigued. The series follows a team of trauma doctors as they go about saving lives at breakneck speed. (Time is of the essence during the life or death "Golden Hour" in these emergency trauma scenarios). Northam stars in the series as a brilliant, but world-weary Gulf War veteran who joins the staff as the series begins.
I have to admit, I’m a bit skeptical about the series future and the confidence of the network in it, since it's been relegated to a deadly time slot at 10 p.m. Friday nights. How long it will remain on the air is still to be seen—even if the series is good (and the advance word is decidedly mixed).
In his new role, Northam speaks with his native British accent as Dr. Matthew Proctor, not following Hugh Laurie’s example when he signed on to play Dr. Gregory House in House, M.D.
During a press conference earlier this year, Northam explained that with the rapid fire dialog and technical jargon and other medical paraphernalia flying about, dealing with an accent (and a dialect coach) was not something he savored (nor believed necessary). Personally, I’m happy about that. I could simply sit and listen to Northam read the telephone book in his real voice. His American accent is pretty good (although not quite in Laurie’s league), but it would be such a waste of those silky Oxbridge intonations.
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Article comments
1 - Louise
Just watched Miami Medical. Northam looks great and plays an appealing character. Other characters seem promising. The storyline could have been stronger. Writing. It all depends on the writing. We shall see.
2 - barbara barnett
Hi Louise-Northam does look great. Not sure about the show. I like a little bit of an edge and depth (which is, of course, much the writing). It seems like a very ordinary medical procedural (thus far). I love Jeremy and I hope the material rises to what he truly deserves.
We shall see...
3 - Anna from Italy
I have seen the first episode:difficult for me to understand everything without the subtitles, but it has not impressed me. Northam is excellent, but the shows seems to lack that "special thing" (the "quid" we say in Italy), that makes a show compelling. I cannot but remember how impressed I was the first time I saw House, and I had strong prejudices against the show.
4 - MM from Parsippany
Have always loved Jeremy...specially the characters he has played in period pieces. POSSESION is a favorite of mine - not necessarily because the film itself is great, but because it's so romantic and angst-ridden. And he's just so HOT in it!!!
5 - barbara barmett
MM--
Yup. Sometimes I just fastforward to his sections!