St. Denis Medical Characters’ Secret Advice to Matt & Serena Revealed

by

On Tuesday, April 29th, NBC aired the final episode of their series, but it’s already been given a green light for another season. This sitcom, co-created by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer, is a comedic take on a struggling Oregon hospital where the hardworking doctors and nurses strive to care for patients while preserving their own mental health. Titled St. Denis Medical, this show boasts an impressive cast including Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper, and Kaliko Kauahi.

In episode 18 of Season 1, the show reaches a climax as Val discloses to Serena that Matt harbors feelings for her. The finale, titled “This Place is Our Everything,” closes with Serena trying to process this surprising news, while Matt questions whether she will ever reciprocate his affection. Meanwhile, Alex and Joyce grapple with maintaining harmony at the hospital but ultimately stand firm in doing what they believe is right.

I had a conversation with Allison Tolman, Wendi Mclendon-Covey, and David Alan Grier regarding the thrilling twist in the final episode of St. Denis Medical, the challenges faced by Joyce and Alex, and the intriguing relationship between Ron and Bruce.

The St. Denis Medical Characters Would Advise Matt & Serena Not To Move Too Fast

“It could blow up in their faces, then you have to keep working together, and it’s going to be a horror show.”

ScreenRant Query: What guidance might your character offer to Matt and Serena following the Season 1 finale?

Allison Tolman: It seems to me that Alex might say, “Stay away from Matt! He won’t stand a chance against you.” [Laughs] She could devour him. However, if I were giving advice, I’d suggest softening her tough exterior and showing a bit more kindness towards Matt, as being gentle and open is not one of Serena’s strengths, particularly when it comes to him. Therefore, that would likely be Alex’s counsel.

David Alan Grier implies that if Ron were here, he might advise against it. The situation could backfire on them, leaving them in a position where they have to work together, and the outcome might be disastrous – a real nightmare scenario. It’s as if you can almost hear people saying, “Wow, did Ron really go through this?” although he would never admit it himself, but it seems clear that he has experienced something similar in the past.

Wendi McLendon-Covey suggests that if we knew what we know about Joyce’s partner, Sanderson, she might advise: “Maintain a casual approach. Avoid cohabitation. Be smart about the situation. Maintain some distance between you both.” In simpler terms, she seems to be recommending that they should prioritize their careers, build strong foundations, accumulate wealth, and if after some time and without losing interest, consider moving forward with the relationship.

Joyce isn’t one for romance; she’s more about practicality and professionalism. She might put it this way: “I’m afraid neither of you are financially prepared for a full-blown relationship at this moment. If it’s just infatuation, I’d suggest keeping it that way. Once you kiss, the enchantment fades, and you start seeing the imperfections in each other. So, perhaps it’s best to hold off.

Joyce Wants To Be Loved By The St. Denis Medical Staff

“She overpromises because she wants people to love her, but in the end, she can’t make good on any of that stuff.”

Among my preferred lines from the final scene is where Joyce utters, “I won’t fulfill any of the promises I’ve made to you.” Hearing this line left me feeling a sense of admiration for Joyce. It seemed to me that Joyce had proven herself right in some way. How did it make you feel?

Wendi McLendon-Covey: It was such a blast uttering that phrase, then zooming off on my tiny scooter. Joyce never fails to underachieve. She excessively promises to win affection, but ultimately, she’s unable to deliver on any of her pledges.

Frankly, it’s astounding how swiftly ten million dollars can vanish, especially when you find yourself agreeing to everything. Granted, I understand that everything she was asked to do was essential, but let’s face it, such a budget just won’t stretch as far as it once did, regrettably. [Laughs]

Joyce’s concept for the birthing center was excellent, and Ron agreed. As the seasons progressed, did it seem to you that they found it increasingly effortless to express praise towards each other?

Wendi McLendon-Covey: I look forward to exploring this topic further in season 2. We’ve hinted that these characters spent their residency years together. As a result, they’ve been acquainted for many decades, bickering like siblings, and both of them have become cynical.

It’d be intriguing to include some scenes depicting the past, specifically their time during residency in the ’90s for those two characters. I’m unsure if our show typically features flashbacks, but it could add depth and insight into their relationship if we did.

What’s your take on their relationship? It appears there’s some tension, yet a level of respect, and it looks like they genuinely have feelings for each other.

David Alan Grier: Indeed, and somewhat unwillingly. There are individuals we encounter who, beneath their tough exterior, there lies a wellspring of kindness waiting to be discovered. I prefer not to jump to hasty judgments about characters until it becomes essential.

There are several directions we might take to elaborate further, providing additional details about our history together and the present state of our relationship. For instance, I imagine that Ron may have been planning to retire, but Joyce persuaded him not to, saying something like, “No, no, no, we need you here.” This is just a speculative scenario.

Alex And Tim Are At Peace With Their Recent Life Decision

“They just had to sit down and talk about it, but that time was not in the middle of a gala when they were drunk.”

Alex and Tim have decided not to have kids. Do you feel that they are at peace with this decision?

Allison Tolman: I agree. The unseen discussions at home between episodes before the last one – if only we could listen in! It feels to me that they were very content. They seem like a solid, peaceful couple to me.

It seems to me they’re perfectly in sync, but there was just never an opportune moment for them to discuss it, not during a formal event when they were under the influence of alcohol. [Laughs] In other words, the gala incident taught us that significant life discussions should ideally take place in appropriate settings.

It seems to me that Alex has significantly progressed, and her firm stand in the final episode truly highlighted this growth. I’m curious about your expectations for how her character will develop further now that the series has been renewed for a second season.

Allison Tolman is thrilled about the upcoming season 2. She can hardly wait to see what unfolds, as she hasn’t yet envisioned what will take place. It’s still a novelty to her that we have a season 2 at all. Going back to work feels like a blessing, marking her first time experiencing a second season pickup. While she has worked on anthologies and shows with just one season, the fact that they get to return is something she’s still getting accustomed to. The team feels incredibly fortunate.

Grier Believes That Ron Sees Through Bruce’s Act

“He thinks he’s this super guy, but he’s such a fragile man.”

I discovered something fascinating – it appeared as though Joyce and Alex were mirroring one another. They both seemed to be exaggerating their commitments to others. I wonder, what do you believe the contrast was between them?

Wendi McLendon-Covey: I have the feeling that Alex doesn’t issue checks she can’t cover, whereas Joyce might. I find Alex grounded in reality, so whatever she speaks about, it’s based on truth, and her intention is genuinely to assist others.

In simpler terms, it seems that Joyce is unique in a challenging way as she’s trying to move an entire hospital uphill ahead of her. This means that whatever she assures others, it might be best for Joyce not to make any promises at all. Her ability to follow through isn’t consistent, and the tasks she’s promising are beyond her current capabilities. Therefore, it would be advisable for Joyce to avoid making promises altogether.

I’ve been pondering… Is it your belief that Ron has strong negative feelings towards Bruce? It occasionally crosses my mind if his dislike for him is as intense as it appears to be.

David Alan Grier recounts a childhood friend, hailing from Hawaii. This classmate was the subject of my endless curiosity. I’d ask him questions about surfing: “Did you surf? Was surfing part of your upbringing? What is surfing like?” His response, delivered with a sigh and an eye roll, was, “Surfers are considered deities of the ocean.

In simpler terms, Ron perceives Bruce as if to say, “Really?” When Bruce mentioned that he was like ancient sea gods moving on boards, Ron doesn’t buy it. To Ron, Bruce is not the invincible figure he pretends to be; instead, Ron sees him as a fragile individual.

As a movie enthusiast, can’t get enough of ScreenRant’s prime-time coverage? Click below to subscribe to our weekly Network TV newsletter! Don’t forget to tick “Network TV” in your preferences. Get an exclusive look behind the scenes at your favorite series, straight from the actors and showrunners themselves.

More About NBC’s St. Denis Medical

Created By Eric Ledgin And Justin Spitzer

Alex, a diligent nurse, has recently been advanced to the position of Supervising Nurse within the emergency department at St. Denis Medical Center, Oregon. She collaborates with an assorted group of dedicated yet underfunded physicians, nurses, and hospital personnel, including her supervisor Joyce, who aspires to transform the hospital into a renowned global medical hub, and Dr. Ron, a veteran doctor who’s experienced it all but is growing weary. They strive to maintain their composure in a hospital overwhelmed by patients, providing care not only to each arriving individual but also to one another.

Check out our other St. Denis Medical interviews here:

  • Allison Tolman
  • Eric Ledgin
  • Justin Spitzer & Eric Ledgin
  • Eric Ledgin & Jim Donnelly
  • Josh Lawson
  • Josh Lawson & Kaliko Kauahi
  • Morgan Jay
  • Kahyun Kim & Mekki Leeper

St. Denis Medical season 1 is available to stream on Peacock.

Read More

2025-06-04 02:51