'Monroe', (ITV) a light-ish, medical drama starring James Nesbitt is very relaxing telly. Perfectly scheduled at 9pm Monday (for that weary, first day back at work viewer), it won't challenge too much but this contrasts with putting the audience through an 'ER' wringer where the medical storylines got increasingly more bizarre or extreme. While 'thetvreviewguy' is no doctor, he does enjoy the medical mumbo-jumbo in this slightly sedate series along with the self-deprecating humour which Nesbitt is a natural at delivering. Now in its second series, 'Monroe' has a strong supporting cast and credits in particular must go to Neil Pearson (of 'Drop the Dead Donkey' fame) playing Monroe's much put-upon supervisor and younger cast members like the talented Michelle Asante. But it's Nesbitt who excels, coasting the 'regular bloke' stuff and convincing during the more stressful scenarios too. Neurosurgery is one of those 'wow' areas for most of us and 'Monroe' captures the emotions of patient and surgeon alike with a mostly light touch but sensitivity too. It hits all the slot formula requirements; a generally comforting post-return to work programme for a Monday night, with attendant humour, a little romance and story arcs that aren't too demanding. Particularly easygoing viewing, 'Monroe' hits the mark as autumn fare and confirms Nesbitt as the talented television character actor he is.
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