The concept of Proof is relatively simple. A strong willed female doctor in a big city is faced with the question: Is there life after death? She trusts her medical background and cannot fathom such an idea until after her son dies, and a wealthy, but terminally ill man comes to her pleading to divulge the truth about what really happens to people when they die.
It should be mentioned that Proof is Executive Produced by Kyra Sedgwick. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of this as she starred in and produced one of my favourite shows, the TNT drama The Closer. That got me excited to give this show a try.
Shortly after the opening credits we’re introduced to more main cast members and significant characters to Carolyn, including her ex-husband Dr. Len Bayliss played by Canadian born actor David Sutcliffe (Gilmore Girls). Within moments of those two interacting it was obvious that there is still baggage between them. Adding to the drama is their teenage daughter Sophie, that is having trouble at school with mean girls.
Another surprise in the casting was seeing Scandals star Joe Morton playing hospital boss Dr. Oliver Stanton. Carolyn’s been pulled into his office in what she feared was discipline for performing an un-orthodox procedure in the O.R. Instead he simply explains to her that the wealthy Ivan Turning (Matthew Modine) has requested a meeting with her. Though she was reluctant to meet with Turning, Stanton uses his power of persuasion (threatening Cat’s Medics International Trip) to get her to agree. Their dynamic should be interesting to watch over the series, as they disagree on what is important and how to get things done in the hospital.
It doesn’t take long to get down to business when we meet Turning. He’s dying and wants Cat’s help discovering if there is an afterlife. He is willing to give her all of his estate in return for her help. It’s clear that Dr. Tyler doesn’t believe in life after death, or so she says. When she asks why Ivan chose her he reveals that he knows she had a life after death experience. Cat plays it off, giving a medical explanation for what happened to her. It’s obvious that he is desperate to get Cat’s help. He pleads with her and continues to be persistent by sending her old case files. I do have to admit it’s really far fetched that anyone, even a doctor, would turn down an offer of ten billion dollars just to do some research. That being said, it did make it clear to the audience that this concept really scared Cat, most likely due to the fact that she had lost her son a year ago in an automobile accident.
Cat and Zed’s first case is a little girl named Lily, who claimed that when she died she was able to see her family as if she was floating above them. She knew things that she couldn’t have possibly have known, such as the identity of her mother’s real father. This was only known to Lily’s Grandmother. She said that she had learned this while she had her experience.
It’s not until nearing the end of the first episode that we meet the man that has been mentioned numerous times, Peter Van Owen. He is a famous medium and author played by Callum Blue (Dead Like Me, Royal Pains). From the first encounter it’s clear that Dr. Tyler and Peter won’t get along as Cat’s medical background makes it very difficult for her to understand him. Also, Peter brought up Cat’s dead son as a way to prove that he does have a special ability to connect with the dead, which was a very bad idea on his part. Although they don’t like each other much now, I can see where their relationship might develop into one of begrudging respect, followed by eventual friendship.
Overall, this was a great premiere episode. My initial worries about another doctor based drama were quickly washed away by the great acting/writing and the overall concept that makes it stand out from your typical drama. Cat is a strong female lead that I enjoy watching and the mix between her professional and personal life was just right. Proof definitely has something for everyone and I’ll be tuning in next week! What about you, will you be setting up your DVR to record Proof? "
