St. Denis Medical’s Toxic Romance: A Relationship That Should Be Avoided

Warning: this article contains SPOILERS for St. Denis Medical. Despite proving its comedic talent, NBC’s mockumentary introduces a romantic subplot that might not be worth pursuing. The series showcases a vibrant cast of characters, such as rookie nurse Matt, played by Mekki Leeper, and the seasoned Serena, portrayed by Kahyun Kim. Matt’s character is particularly humorous, as his incompetence and sheltered past lead to awkward situations, while Serena demonstrates her expertise in nursing by effectively managing chaotic scenarios. The dynamics between the two become noticeable at the end of episode 1, titled “Welcome to St. Denis,” when Serena’s encouragement causes a flutter of attraction in Matt—though his feelings seemingly remain superficial.

The hype surrounding the St. Denis Medical reunion with Superstore has sparked discussions, yet the two shows diverge significantly in terms of character development and romantic possibilities. At present, the relationship between Serena and Matt is minimal at best, raising questions about any genuine chemistry or compatibility between them. While season 2 might offer opportunities to delve deeper into their characters and possibly evolve Matt’s crush into a substantial connection, the current narrative offers little justification for a romantic storyline.

Matt’s Infatuation with Serena Appears Superficial in St. Denis Medical

Matt Is Confusing Friendship with Romance

Mekki Leeper as Matt pointing at himself in St. Denis Medical

Matt’s character is characterized by a profound naivety, often reminiscent of a child experiencing the world anew. Despite being a trained nurse, his religious upbringing in Montana has left him unprepared for the complexities of modern medical practice. This comedic facet of Matt’s ignorance contributes significantly to the charm of St. Denis Medical, although it also highlights the drawbacks of a narrow perspective. The kindness Serena extends to him during a particularly challenging first day causes Matt to misconstrue her empathy as romantic interest, as he lacks the experience to interpret these interactions accurately.

Matt has numerous misconceptions about medical practices—he finds organ donation “gross”and expresses doubts about medical care as a whole. This sheltered background creates a continual culture shock, forcing Matt to navigate his responsibilities as a nurse while unprepared for typical workplace dynamics. His feelings for Serena lack depth, as they seem to be exaggerated reactions to her kindness rather than genuine romantic emotions. Consequently, Matt’s feelings may be platonic at the core, merely misinterpreted because he’s never been taught how to express them appropriately.

Serena’s Compulsive People-Pleasing Fuels a Misguided Romance

Serena Often Masks Her Authentic Emotions

Mekki Leeper as Matt and Kahyun Kim as Serena in St Denis Medical season 1 episode 6

Conversely, Serena’s character often gives the impression of deeper emotional involvement than she genuinely feels. For instance, she persuades her colleague Joyce (Wendi McLendon-Covey) that she finally has a solid idea for the office’s social media presence, only to later confess to the camera operator that she aimed to placate her boss in that moment (seen in season 1, episode 6, “Ho-Ho-Hollo”). This tendency for people-pleasing can confuse her interactions with Matt, misleading him into believing that her kindness signifies romantic interest. What Matt interprets as attention from Serena arises from her instinct to support a coworker she perceives as struggling.

The first season of St. Denis Medical is currently available for streaming on Peacock, with six episodes accessible to viewers. While the series excels in character development, it’s apparent that Matt and Serena’s potential romance is fraught with complications. If Matt pursues Serena without addressing these misunderstandings, he risks heartbreak, or conversely, he may inadvertently pressure Serena into a situation where she feels compelled to protect his emotions, leading to further miscommunication. There could exist a narrative where Serena gently lets Matt down, which he manages to accept gracefully, yet that premise seems unlikely in the context of this engaging mockumentary.

Is There Still Hope for Matt and Serena’s Relationship?

There’s a Path Forward, but It Won’t Be Simple

If St. Denis Medical aims to cultivate a believable romantic arc, there are opportunities to enhance the relationship between Matt and Serena. Fans of workplace mockumentaries frequently recall the iconic pairing of Jim and Pam from The Office, however, Matt and Serena’s interactions currently fall short of achieving a similar level of engagement. For a successful romantic development, the duo must focus on fostering professional respect and collaboration, transforming their existing dynamic into a reliable friendship capable of evolving organically.

Actor	Character in St. Denis Medical
Wendi McLendon-Covey	Joyce
Allison Tolman	Alex
David Alan Grier	Ron
Josh Lawson	Bruce
Kahyun Kim	Serena
Mekki Leeper	Matt
Kaliko Kauhi	Val

Building their connection on a foundation of friendship resonates with the series’ established reputation for relatable storytelling, steering clear of predictable tropes. Rather than following the cliché of sudden realization of mutual feelings, St. Denis Medical must adhere to the axiom that patience breeds the best rewards when it comes to romance.

St. Denis Medical returns on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, on NBC.

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