It’s a mini In Living Color reunion of sorts with the Season 3 premiere of St. Denis Medical—as Ron (David Alan Grier) takes a medical leave of absence to recover from open heart surgery, leaving Dr. Highland, played by Damon Wayans Sr., to temporarily fill his position.
In Episode 301, “He Ain’t Noah Wyle,” Dr. Highland comes in with lots of dramatic energy that’s the comedic lovechild of The Pitt and Major Payne. And with his entrance comes the spotlight on questionable workplace boundaries and antics.
But he also comes with a personality that is infectious, bright, and charming—adding to the genuine charm that is St. Denis Medical.
As the NBC comedy enters its third season, the series itself begins to feel more like an old friend than a new acquaintance.
But in “He Ain’t Noah Wyle,” some people struggle with new acquaintances and changes in staff dynamics that challenge personal and professional relationships.
Especially Alex (Allison Tolman).
Change is Good…Right?
Dr. Highland (Wayans) brings a different energy to St. Denis, especially in how he approaches patient care.
He’s enthusiastic, inclusive, and extremely patient—qualities that win over everyone except Alex.
While the rest of the staff seems genuinely welcoming, Alex is less than impressed by his charms, which she likens to him trying too hard to be Noah Wyle.
It’s a hilarious nod to a completely different medical series, but beneath Alex’s skepticism is something more personal.
For years, she’s worked alongside Ron, whose familiarity and friendship (whether Ron admits it or not) created a workplace dynamic that doesn’t necessarily translate to his replacement.
And in her attempts to build a connection with Highland, she finds that maybe he isn’t the problem, putting her in the position to confront an uncomfortable reality about herself.
While Alex manages her mixed feelings about Highland, Matt (Mekki Leeper) and Serena (Kahyun Kim) navigate their new ones in the early stage of their relationship.
And it’s a relationship complete with the affection and uncertainty that comes with figuring out how serious each person wants it to be.
Their chemistry remains endearing as the excitement of what “could be” exposes just how much they don’t know about one another and what they still need to figure out.
On top of being coworkers.
Yikes!
An All-Star Ensemble
As their relationship continues to develop, Joyce (Wendi McLendon-Covey) finds herself celebrating being nominated for an award.
But Joyce being Joyce, this doesn’t just become an individual celebration. It’s the possibility of professional validation becoming yet another opportunity for her comedic absurdity.
McLendon-Covey continues to portray the humor within Joyce’s confidence, especially when she learns that recognition doesn’t always come with universal admiration.
But St. Denis Medical’s strength doesn’t just lie with its central characters.
Kaliko Kauahi and Dan Leahy shine in the season three premiere, delivering their lines with a precision that makes even the briefest interactions memorable.
Their comedic timing, alongside the effortless chemistry of the ensemble, demonstrates how natural the cast has become with one another.
And Damon Wayans Sr. fits right in, bringing his seasoned comedic energy and instincts without disrupting the show’s established identity and rhythm.
What makes “He Ain’t Noah Wyle” a solid season premiere is how it confidently balances comedy with the insecurities that accompany change.
Alex’s discomfort with Highland, Matt and Serena’s growing relationship, and the staff’s inability to leave Ron alone all reflect characters who’ve grown accustomed to occupying each other’s lives.
And when those dynamics shift, even slightly, the outcome can be both frightening and extremely hilarious.
That’s the genius of St. Denis Medical.
Even as its characters struggle with change, the series continues to find comfort in the relationships that make the hospital feel like home.
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Laugh Out Loud Funny
Kivonshe—founder of So There’s That—is a film & TV critic who explores compelling storytelling, fandom relationships, character psychology, and the impact of entertainment media through film reviews, episodic recaps, and in-depth theme analysis.
© Kivonshe | So There’s That
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