New Amsterdam

Golden Boy

Season 1, Episode 2, Aired 3/6/08

Episode Summary

While John and Eva are investigating the death of a student at a private school in New York City, a big revelation is made. A flashback of 1941 reveals a big secret that John was keeping to himself.

9.0

EPISODE RATING: Superb

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Cast & Crew

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Zuleikha Robinson

Eva Marquez
Nikolaj Coster Waldau

John Amsterdam
Alexie Gilmore

Dr. Sara Dillane

Fan Episode Reviews (8)

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John and Eva investigate a supposed suicide of a boy from a private school. They suspect foul play and their investigation leads to a sinister situation John must unravel. All of this brings back thoughts of Omar's mother and how John loved her.moreless

9.0

"Superb"

By jyarter, Jun 10, 2009 Report Abuse

Another thoughtful, romantic, and suspenseful episode. Well written, solid performances, and great dialogue. Nikolaj Coster Waldau specifically is wonderful as John Amsterdam in this incarnation of his life. The pieces of his former lives fall into place like an intricate puzzle that is put together just right.

Stephen McKinley Henderson as Omar brings a lot to his role as Omar. The performance at the end of the episode is especially touching. I find the honesty of this series to be refreshing and the way that John obviously loves his son is very real. What fine performances.

The case still seems a little secondary to the complexities of his life but the way in which they weave the conclusions based on all of his living into the solving of the crimes is fantastic. Zuleikha Robinson is solid as Detective Eva Marquez who seems to have a little bit of a background herself. I like that they have given him a solid backup and someone you get the feeling he can rely on in a pinch.

Yolonda Ross plays Lily Mae, Omar's mother and one of John's former loves. It was interesting how they showed his secretary was one of his daughters as well and how he must have weaved his lives together.

Kids say the darnedest things and John's great-grandson mentions the possibility of getting his head cut off. John looks a little surprised with this revelation. Of course this is the only way to truly kill an immortal in many stories such as Highlander and some of the vampire tales.

We find that John is a writing specialist or forger and we also find out he was fascinated with Omar Khayym as that was the story he was telling Lily earlier in the episode.

In the end the case is solved and the killer revealed thru a little slight of hand by John to get her to trip herself up. Nice ending with the father coming in to thank him for following through.

Another fine episode. Thanks for reading...moreless

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Great episode it was fun to watch and answered questions about the series up front and prepared us for later episodes. An entire episode dedicated to one of John's past lives and how it impacted his present. In hindsight we should have guessedmoreless

9.1

"Superb"

By danharr, Mar 28, 2008 Report Abuse

Great episode it was fun to watch and answered questions about the series up front and prepared us for later episodes. An entire episode dedicated to one of John's past lives and how it impacted his present. In hindsight we should have guessed why the entire episode revolved around an inter-racial relationship during WW2 era America. Seeing John struggle with his love in such prejudiced times. The subtle hints at the final revelation surrounding this episode were done well. Culminating with Omar being revealed as Johns son and explaining Omar's purpose. It was nice that he wasn't the typical side kick having a much deeper relationship with John.moreless

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A 17-year old high school student is found dead of apparent auto-erotic asphyxiation. Flashback: one of Amsterdam's former love interests reveals the nature of Amsterdam's relationship to Omar, his friend at the bar.moreless

9.6

"Superb"

By Selune13, Mar 16, 2008 Report Abuse

A great episode that reveals something deeply personal about Amsterdam's past and shows you a little more about his character. I wasn't really expecting what they revealed, but think it adds a nice depth to Amsterdam that I really enjoy seeing. The show has definitely improved over the premiere. The relationship Amsterdam has with his partner is still strong, and I'm enjoying how they let her be a strong character, even though there's probably the temptation to let Amsterdam's character take the lead on investigations. I worry a little at how they are going to develop the relationship with the doctor and just hope future episodes are as well written as this one. I'm also surprised at just how much I like the main actor. He does an excellent job.

One thing that still bothers me a little is how they have Amsterdam constantly "reveal" to others that he's sort of immortal or that he's lived a long time. How could someone that loose-lipped have kept his secret for so long? But, it's just a minor irritant. As long as they keep up the good acting, I'll keep tuning in (until Fox cancels it, which they do to every "supernatural" show).moreless

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A vast improvement over last week's lackluster pilot

8.0

"Great"

By count-chocula, Mar 15, 2008 Report Abuse

After watching the Pilot episode of "New Amsterdam" last week I was left with an iffy feeling: should I stay or should I go? No, it's got nothing to do with the legendary song by The Clash but rather should I continue to view this series. Thankfully, I decided to perceiver as you can't really judge an entire series based upon the pilot. And I extremely glad that I did!

The storyline from this week's installment seemed to flow a lot better and it actually had me asking questions and guessing the suspects. If a show can engage me in the storyline then it must be something good! This week, we find out more about John's past and that Omar is actually his son! Having said that, this did occur to me last week after the Pilot as a possible plot twist. Once again this episode there are some great musical monatages and great directoral techniques. The musical opening was brilliant!

After episode 1 I was annoyed that we had not seen any flashbacks to other periods of Amsterdam's life, which would make some nice storylines. This week, the producers must have received my telepathic message and we travelled back (figuratively, I must point out) to 1941, when John was been "persecuted" for dating a black woman.

The character of Eva still continues to annoy me however, as she is so damn cliched! I think we have all seen the "I hate my boss who doesn't play the rule" person before!

Hopefully, this series will live up to the quality that was "Golden Boy" and not slip back down to the level of the Pilot. Long live "New Amsterdam"!moreless

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Quantum Leap, anyone? Omar: The man, or the Poem? What Eva! Have teachers always sleep with students, or is this just a current fad? How many dogs did he have before he got tired of thinking of new names?moreless

7.7

"Good"

By animalgrace, Mar 12, 2008 Report Abuse

I am so glad I started watching this show. It reminds me of one of my favorite television shows as a child, which was Quantum Leap. It is great to catch a glimpse into other time periods. I can't really say why that is favourable, except that you can never really guess as to where he will "land" next. I was quite surprised that Omar was revealed as his son. They have zero chemistry as father and son, but I guess that is why their relationship works. I loved the interaction between John and Corey, his Great grandson. John was genuinely caring without being overt about it. Corey was funny, I hope we see him again.

Eva has to quit whining that John doesn't let her in on anything. It's already getting old. I like her character, I think she has some really original qualities, but unfortunately they are being over shadowed by a few VERY overdone qualities. But still, I think they work well together. But I think it could be better.

As for the cop storyline, I watched this episode twice and still didn't much like it. Yes, capitalize on the current trend of teacher/student relationships. Yes, the teacher can even be hot, that happens in real life too. But the whole screwed up thing about the husband finding out, kicking him off the track team, the ex and soon to be current girlfriend gets her hands on compromising pictures - it just left me feeling confused and unfulfilled. It did hardly anything but show how John can relate to the victims of the crime, no matter what their background is. But who am I kidding? I don't much care about the cop story. I care about John Amsterdam.

This episode was not as funny as the first one. But my favorite part was the fact that is dog in current times name is 36, and his dog in the 1940's was 29. Priceless!!moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- After John burns the fake note during the interrogation, the shot cuts to a woman, and then back to a wide shot, and no burning note of any sort can be seen. Edit
- While filling in his application for the Army his voiceover states his original identity: Name: Johan van der Zee Date of birth: June 1st 1607 Place of birth: Amsterdam, Holland Edit
Notes
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- International Air Date: Norway: August 6, 2008 on TV3 Edit
- In the US, this episode was rated TV14-DLSV. Edit
- Songs featured in the episode: "Nature Boy" - Nat King Cole "One Night on Earth" - The Veils "Haunted Town" - Lena Horne Edit
Quotes
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- Eva: Autoerotic asphyxiation. Whatever happened to doing it the old-fashioned way? John: Well, this is old-fashioned. In the 1600s, people used it as a cure for erectile dysfunction. Eva: I want a new partner. Edit
- John: Watch your step, Omar. Omar: Or what? You're going to ground me? Take me to the woodshed? I'm a 65-year old man. John: You're also my son. Edit
- Omar: Cop dropped this off. Snow White and the 7 Dwarves, the real story? John: Close. Omar: I always thought Dopey got a bum rap. Just because he doesn't talk doesn't he mean he doesn't have something to say. And what's the deal with Happy? Why does he have to be fat? Are most fat people you know happy? Edit
Allusions
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- Highlander: The Highlander and Heroes: When John is telling Corey about all the things he's lived through, Corey asks "What if your head was cut off?" In the Highlander movies and TV series, decapitation is the only known way to kill an immortal. Similarly, on the NBC show Heroes, decapitation is also the only known way to kill the characters of Adam Monroe, Peter Petrelli, and Claire Bennet, all of whom have superhuman regenerative healing ability. Edit
- Jeopardy: When Amsterdam stops the ambulance to question the driver, the woman giving birth in the back asks if they can "play Jeopardy later." Jeopardy is a long running television game show hosted by Alex Trebek. Edit