Network: ABC
Episodes: 13 (hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: April 24, 2014 — July 24, 2014
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Kelly Reilly, Ditch Davey, David Ajala, Terry Kinney, Ali Wong, David Chisum, Laura Fraser, Siobhan Williams, and Vanessa Redgrave.
TV show description:
This dramatic series revolves around uncovering the mysteries of the human brain —
Catherine Black (Kelly Reilly) is a world-famous neurologist who is brilliant, beautiful, and at the top of her game. However, few know that she’s also bipolar. The medical director of The Cube, this complex woman draws patients from all over the world. Outside of work, she keeps multiple secrets from her family and loved ones.
Doctor Ian Bickman (Ditch Davey) is a brilliant neurosurgeon and a known womanizer. He’s handsome and funny but his work comes first. He’s always treasured his freedom — until he met Catherine.
On the other side is Will Van Renseller (David Ajala), a handsome and trailblazing new chef in Brooklyn. He’s smart and ready to settle down with Catherine but her secret may derail their happiness.
Doctor Owen Morely (Terry Kinney) is the chief of staff and department chairman of The Cube. He’s Catherine’s former teacher, current boss, mentor and a fellow neurologist. He’s a true gentleman. Lina Lark (Ali Wong) is an intelligent and eccentric radiology technician who’s hiding a secret of her own.
Joshua Black (David Chisum) is Catherine’s best friend, confidante, and brother. He’s her protector and stands by her side, keeping her rooted along. His wife is Reagan (Laura Fraser). She’s a complex woman who sometimes finds it a struggle to stand by and support Catherine knowing all her secrets. Things are more complicated by the fact that her teen-age daughter, Esme (Siobhan Williams), looks up to her aunt.
Doctor Helen Hartramph (Vanessa Redgrave) is Catherine’s very intuitive and insightful psychiatrist. She’s more than just Catherine’s doctor, she’s also a mentor. She knows more about Catherine than anyone else, and holds the key to her mysterious background.
Episode #13 — Consequences
The police pick up Catherine half-naked in the woods after she stole Bickman’s car. After undergoing treatment in rehab, Catherine returns to face the fallout at home and at the Cube. Joshua tells her that he can’t be her enabler anymore. Catherine returns home to her apartment. It’s in shambles. Joshua reminds his sister that she’s a lot stronger than she thinks she is.
Bickman gives Leo his coveted letter of recommendation. He later gives Catherine a big hug upon her return. He knows she’s bipolar. He also knows that she needs to fight for her job. He’ll back her up. He’s her friend. Owen is agreeable to having Catherine back at work, though it isn’t without strict parameters, making it a challenge for Catherine to earn her credibility back.
Owen gets the background on Catherine from Dr. Hartramph. There will always be risks of having her work at the Cube. Of course, there are great rewards, too. Back at the Cube, Truman is a young man who believes he has a doppelganger. Catherine is treating him under the watchful eye of Owen, who ultimately turns over the case to Farrah. A short time later, he realizes Catherine’s assessment of the situation is on target.
Nurse Carlotta is jealous now that Catherine is back. She believes Bickman is in love with her. Catherine shows up at Bick’s place asking to turn back the clock. She doesn’t wait around to hear his answer once she sees Carlotta is there. Bick later explains that he was just trying to get Catherine out of her mind.
While trying to get her life back on track, Esme’s biological father, Johnny, arrives and is in desperate need of a transplant. Catherine is faced with the difficult decision of having to reveal the truth to Esme about who her real parents are. Reagan agrees to break the news but without Catherine present. Esme is angry, but agrees to the transplant.
Catherine finds Johnny unconscious in his apartment. Time is critical now. Too bad Esme is nowhere to be found. That’s because she’s hiding at Will’s restaurant. The two of them show up at the hospital. Esme is ready to meet her biological father, but she wants her real dad and mom to go with her. Catherine is left standing in the corridor alone.
Owen lets Catherine know that he’s not going to second-guess her anymore. Later, news comes in that Esme is a good match for Johnny. She’s still not ready to talk to Catherine, who gets more bad news from Owen. Carlotta came to him with allegations that Dr. Black duped her into filling a prescription for Oxy that she ended up using for herself. Owen steps up to Catherine as she watches Bick operate. He tells her that she’s fired. (Description courtesy ABC.)
First aired: July 24, 2014.
What do you think? Do you like the Black Box TV series? Do you think it should have been cancelled or renewed for a second season?
Black Box was a cutting edge show. ABC made a premature decision to cancel it.
Best show ever, find a way to come back!