The Knick season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In New York's Chinatown, a woman converses with her taxi driver about the route. At The Knickerbocker Hospital, Dr. Thackery and Dr. Christiansen face a tragic loss during a high-risk pregnancy surgery. Dr. Thackery delivers a eulogy for Christiansen, reflecting on the challenges of medical advancement. Cornelia Robertson introduces Dr. Algernon Edwards for a surgical position, but Thackery, influenced by racial prejudice, rejects him. Health Inspector Speight discovers a tuberculosis case in a crowded tenement. Dr. Gallinger's patient, Mr. Gentile, develops septicemia, leading to an urgent, innovative surgery by Thackery, with Dr. Edwards assisting despite his initial decision to resign.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### Scene 1: Opening in Chinatown - **Location:** Streets of Chinatown, New York - **Characters:** Unnamed woman, Johnny (taxi driver) - **Events:** - A woman converses with Johnny, the taxi driver, about the route. - She prefers a longer route, enjoying the wait and observing the city's bustle. ### Scene 2: A Medical Emergency at The Knick - **Location:** The Knickerbocker Hospital (The Knick) - **Characters:** Dr. Thackery, Dr. Christiansen, Mrs. Warren, Nurse Monk, Bertie Chickering - **Events:** - Mrs. Warren, experiencing complications in her eighth month of pregnancy, requires an emergency procedure. - Dr. Thackery and Dr. Christiansen attempt a challenging surgery under time pressure, but face complications. - Despite their efforts, both Mrs. Warren and her baby do not survive. ### Scene 3: J.M. Christiansen's Funeral - **Location:** Funeral Site - **Characters:** Dr. Thackery, Miss Robertson, Sister Harriet, Mr. Barrow, Cornelia Robertson - **Events:** - Dr. Thackery delivers a eulogy for Dr. Christiansen. - Miss Robertson and Mr. Barrow discuss the impact of Christiansen's death on the hospital. - Cornelia Robertson reflects on Christiansen's struggles after multiple failed surgeries. ### Scene 4: The Knick's Board Meeting - **Location:** The Knickerbocker Hospital's Board Room - **Characters:** Cornelia Robertson, Dr. Thackery, Mr. Barrow, Dr. Everett Gallinger - **Events:** - Cornelia, as her father's proxy, introduces Dr. Algernon Edwards for the Deputy Chief of Surgery position. - Dr. Thackery, resistant to the idea, reluctantly agrees to meet Edwards. ### Scene 5: Dr. Thackery's Encounter with Dr. Edwards - **Location:** The Knick's Surgery Theater - **Characters:** Dr. Thackery, Dr. Edwards - **Events:** - Dr. Thackery meets Dr. Edwards and dismisses him due to his race, despite Edwards' impressive qualifications. - Dr. Edwards, feeling humiliated, decides to leave. ### Scene 6: Health Inspection and Tuberculosis Case - **Location:** Tenement Building, New York - **Characters:** Health Inspector Speight, Officer Sears, Mrs. Krawetz and her family - **Events:** - Speight and Sears enforce health regulations in a crowded tenement. - They discover Mrs. Krawetz with tuberculosis and transport her to The Knick. ### Scene 7: Dr. Gallinger's Patient Complications - **Location:** The Knick - **Characters:** Dr. Gallinger, Mr. Gentile (patient), Nurse Elkins - **Events:** - Mr. Gentile, recovering from surgery, shows signs of complications. - Dr. Gallinger realizes the situation's severity and seeks Dr. Thackery's help. ### Scene 8: Dr. Thackery's Cocaine Use - **Location:** Dr. Thackery's Home - **Characters:** Dr. Thackery, Nurse Elkins - **Events:** - Nurse Elkins finds Dr. Thackery in a state of distress, needing cocaine to function. - Elkins reluctantly administers the drug to Thackery, enabling him to perform surgery. ### Scene 9: Emergency Surgery - **Location:** The Knick's Operating Theater - **Characters:** Dr. Thackery, Dr. Gallinger, Dr. Edwards, Nurse Elkins, Bertie Chickering - **Events:** - Dr. Thackery performs an innovative and risky surgery on Mr. Gentile, using a new method for anesthesia. - Dr. Edwards, despite his intention to resign, assists in the surgery, impressed by Thackery's skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the taxi driver in the opening scene?

The taxi driver's name is Johnny.

What complication does Mrs. Warren face during her pregnancy?

Mrs. Warren faces a case of placenta previa.

Who performed the emergency surgery on Mrs. Warren?

Dr. Thackery and Dr. Christiansen performed the surgery.

What is Dr. Thackery's opinion on Dr. Christiansen's death?

Dr. Thackery sees Christiansen as a brave man who fought against inevitable death.

Who does Cornelia Robertson suggest for the Deputy Chief of Surgery position?

Cornelia Robertson suggests Dr. Algernon Edwards for the position.

Why does Dr. Thackery reject Dr. Edwards for the surgery team?

Dr. Thackery rejects Dr. Edwards due to his race.

What disease is found in the tenement building by Health Inspector Speight?

Tuberculosis is found in the tenement building.

What complication does Mr. Gentile face after his surgery?

Mr. Gentile develops septicemia after his surgery.

How does Dr. Thackery prepare himself for surgery on Mr. Gentile?

Dr. Thackery uses cocaine to prepare himself for the surgery.

What innovative method does Dr. Thackery use during Mr. Gentile's surgery?

Dr. Thackery uses a spinal injection of cocaine for anesthesia.

Does Dr. Edwards assist in Mr. Gentile's surgery?

Yes, Dr. Edwards assists in the surgery despite his intention to resign.

What condition does Mrs. Krawetz suffer from?

Mrs. Krawetz suffers from advanced tuberculosis.

How does Nurse Elkins react to Dr. Thackery's cocaine use?

Nurse Elkins is reluctant and distressed but administers the cocaine.

What is Dr. Thackery's view on hiring Dr. Edwards at The Knick?

Dr. Thackery is opposed to hiring Dr. Edwards because of his race.

What innovative tool does Dr. Thackery use in the surgery?

Dr. Thackery uses a new device to reconnect the intestines.

The Knick season 1 episode 1

Method and Madness