Casualty Series 36 was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, drama, and character evolution that had fans hooked, even though it didn’t quite reach the heights of past seasons. The series kicked off with high hopes, especially as it marked the show’s 35th anniversary. However, like many things in life, the season had its fair share of ups and downs.

A Rough Start: The 35th Anniversary Special

The anniversary special was highly anticipated, with hopes that it would live up to past milestone episodes like the 30th anniversary. Sadly, the opening felt a bit underwhelming. The two-part special introduced a new consultant, Stevie Nash, and revisited Ethan’s past with a tragic mistake involving his sister. The dual nature of the episode left fans feeling like they got two separate stories crammed into one, making it hard to appreciate the impact of either.

While the idea of reflecting on Ethan’s past was compelling, it didn’t have the emotional weight or drama that fans might have expected for such a significant occasion. As a result, Casualty started Series 36 on a somewhat rocky note.

Character Growth and Some Notable Arrivals

While the first episodes of Casualty Series 36 didn’t leave fans in awe, the show found its stride as the season progressed. New characters, particularly Stevie Nash, brought some much-needed complexity to the roster. Initially, Stevie was a character who felt vindictive, especially in her vendetta against Ethan. However, as the series continued, Stevie’s character became more layered. Her relationship with Faith, especially after the loss of her husband Lev, provided a more compassionate side to her character.

David Hyde, portrayed by Jason Durr, stood out as the series progressed, particularly after the shocking school shooting episode, “Wednesday’s Child.” David’s emotional journey as a father dealing with his son Ollie’s involvement in the shooting was both moving and powerful. Jason Durr’s performance was nothing short of exceptional, and it’s hard to imagine Casualty without David’s deeply relatable storyline.

The Controversial School Shooting Episode

One of the standout episodes in Series 36 was the controversial “Wednesday’s Child,” which tackled the sensitive topic of school shootings. Casualty’s willingness to dive into such a topic showed its commitment to confronting real-world issues head-on. The episode was emotionally charged, showcasing not only the shock and trauma caused by the event but also the impact it had on the characters’ lives, particularly David and his family.

The performances were top-notch, and the writing was sensitive yet powerful, making it one of the most memorable episodes in recent Casualty history. The episode helped raise awareness about a very real issue, and its impact reverberated throughout the rest of the season.

The Mixed Bag of Characters and Storylines

In terms of character development, Series 36 had some interesting highs and lows. Stevie’s redemption arc worked well, and she became a more sympathetic character by the season’s end. However, the same cannot be said for characters like Matthew Offilami, who struggled with PTSD in a storyline that felt somewhat underdeveloped. His attempt to sabotage Stevie’s career in a desperate bid to cover up his mental health struggles didn’t resonate as strongly as it could have.

On a positive note, the arrival of new characters like Teddy, Paige, and Sar (the first non-binary character on Casualty) added fresh dynamics to the team. Sar, in particular, was a standout, being developed beyond just their non-binary identity, which was a refreshing and respectful portrayal.

The Mixed Reactions to the Christmas Episodes

The Christmas episodes of Casualty Series 36 also received mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciated the callbacks to past storylines, others felt they didn’t quite measure up to the usual festive drama the show is known for. The return of characters like Tess didn’t quite manage to save the Christmas episodes from feeling somewhat underwhelming, despite the emotional stakes.

David Hyde and Dylan: A Bromance to Remember

One of the highlights of Casualty Series 36 was the friendship between David Hyde and clinical lead Dylan. Their bromance brought moments of lightness and camaraderie to what was otherwise a rather intense series. The dynamic between the two characters worked well, especially when it came to their support for each other in the face of challenging times. It was a refreshing reminder of the importance of friendship in the hospital environment.

The Good, the Bad, and the Departures

Series 36 did have some notable departures, such as nurse Jade, who left early in the series after reconnecting with her mother. While Jade’s exit wasn’t particularly dramatic, it did offer a sense of closure for the character. However, the season didn’t provide any major, jaw-dropping departures like those seen in previous seasons.

Conclusion: A Solid Season with Room for Improvement

Overall, Casualty Series 36 had a bit of a shaky start but picked up steam as it progressed. The school shooting episode was a standout moment, and the characters, particularly David Hyde, were given strong, emotional arcs. However, the series also had some underwhelming moments, particularly in the Christmas episodes and with certain characters who didn’t quite land as intended.

While not the best series of Casualty, Series 36 still delivered plenty of memorable moments and solid character development. With new faces like Stevie and Sar, the series successfully introduced fresh dynamics to the team. As for the future, it will be interesting to see how these characters continue to evolve in Casualty Series 37.