Is Bruce Being Intentionally Harsh in St. Denis Medical? Josh Lawson Cautiously Approaches the Situation

Created by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer, St. Denis Medical is currently on a short break following its holiday episode titled “Ho-Ho-Hollo.”The series is set to resume with its seventh episode of season one on Tuesday, January 14, airing at 8 p.m. ET. This NBC medical sitcom presents a unique storyline featuring a diverse group of committed medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, who strive to transform their facility into a renowned medical hub. However, the perspectives on healthcare and patient care among the characters often clash.

One notable member of the team is Bruce, a skilled trauma surgeon whose blunt demeanor can come off as harsh due to his lack of social awareness. Josh Lawson, known for his role in Superstore, portrays Bruce with the intent to convey that his character’s often misguided actions stem from ignorance rather than malice. Alongside Lawson, the cast includes notable talents such as David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Kaliko Kauahi, Mekki Leeper, Kahyun Kim, and Wendi McLendon-Covey.

In an insightful interview with ScreenRant, Lawson delves into the humorous NutRageous Bars storyline, explores the comical dynamic between Bruce and Ron, and shares his thoughts on maintaining his character’s integrity in St. Denis Medical.

Lawson’s Aspirations for the NutRageous Bars Gag

“I think the NutRageous Bars might be his ultimate obsession.”

Josh Lawson and David Alan Grier standing side by side in scrubs and a lab coat in St. Denis Medical

ScreenRant: Will Bruce ever gift Ron the collection of NutRageous Bars? Perhaps as a birthday gift?

Josh Lawson: No, no. Bruce is known for his hyper-fixations, and I believe that NutRageous Bars might be his greatest passion. I would suggest to the writers that, should we be fortunate to have more seasons, we continue this storyline indefinitely. The NutRageous saga could last forever.

The dynamic between Bruce and Ron is quite amusing; have you envisioned any specific scenarios for their interactions?

Josh Lawson: Absolutely! The comedic possibilities are vast. David, as Ron, is continually exasperated by Bruce’s antics. Although there’s much occurring within the hospital, I often envision them in social situations—perhaps at a staff pickleball tournament! It would be hilarious to see Bruce and Ron out of the clinical environment; I can only imagine the chaos that would ensue.

Lawson’s Commitment to Bruce’s Character Development

“He does run that risk, and it’s something we talk about a lot.”

Josh Lawson as a doctor looking into a patient's mouth in St. Denis Medical

Considering the absurdities of Bruce’s behavior, do you think his quirks contribute to his effectiveness as a surgeon?

Josh Lawson: Yes, that’s an intriguing perspective. His apparent lack of empathy could be rooted in his overwhelming self-interest, which may actually desensitize him emotionally—a trait that might be beneficial in surgery. It’s critical to maintain focus when saving lives; staying unemotional helps him remember the training involved. This angle is certainly worth exploring further, examining how Bruce’s obliviousness and inflated self-regard potentially enhance his surgical skills.

Bruce teeters on the edge of being perceived as unkind, yet occasional glimpses of depth shine through. Do you think he has good intentions?

Josh Lawson: I do feel there have been moments where Bruce nearly crosses the line into being perceived as mean. However, he isn’t inherently bad. There have been discussions with writers to ensure that he never comes across as intentionally hurtful. Bruce operates from a place of profound unawareness; while his actions can inadvertently harm others, his intentions remain innocent. He’d likely be taken aback to discover his unpopularity, as Bruce believes everyone is focused on him. This layer of complexity is critical in our writing process, ensuring Bruce’s misunderstood nature remains evident.

Explore More About NBC’s St. Denis Medical

A Collaboration by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer

In this comical world, devoted nurse Alex has recently ascended to the role of Supervising Nurse in the emergency department at St. Denis Medical Center, situated in Oregon. She collaborates with a diverse team of resource-strapped yet passionate medical providers, including her superior, Joyce, who aspires to elevate the hospital’s status to an international medical hotspot, and Dr. Ron, who possesses extensive experience but feels weary with it all. Each character works tirelessly to manage a bustling hospital filled with patients, prioritizing both their medical duties and one another.