Too Old for This Shift

Too Old for This Shift

Too Old for This Shift is the first episode of the thirty-first series of the long-running British medical drama Casualty. It originally aired on BBC One on 27 August 2016. This episode marks a significant milestone in the history of Casualty, being the 1000th episode of the series. It also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the show, which first aired on 6 September 1986. The episode is notable for its dramatic and emotional content, focusing on the professional and personal lives of the staff at the fictional Holby City Hospital's Emergency Department.

Plot

The episode centers around the character Charlie Fairhead, portrayed by actor Derek Thompson, who has been a staple of the series since its inception. On the day of Charlie's 30th anniversary at the hospital, the Emergency Department faces one of its most challenging days. A car crash involving a wedding party leads to multiple casualties, putting the staff under immense pressure. The situation becomes even more personal for Charlie when he discovers that his colleague and friend, Josh Griffiths (played by Ian Bleasdale), is among the injured.

As the team battles to save lives, Charlie reflects on his three decades in the department, questioning his future and the toll the job has taken on him. The episode explores themes of dedication, sacrifice, and the impact of a career in emergency medicine on an individual's life.

Production

"Too Old for This Shift" was written by Matthew Barry and directed by Steve Hughes. The episode was produced as part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Casualty, and it aimed to pay tribute to the show's legacy while also setting the stage for new stories. The inclusion of a major incident, a hallmark of the series, served to highlight the high stakes and emotional intensity that have been central to the show's appeal.

The return of former cast member Ian Bleasdale as Josh Griffiths was a significant aspect of the anniversary episode, providing a link to the show's past and deepening the emotional impact of the storyline.

Reception

The episode received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised its handling of the emotional storyline and its tribute to the history of Casualty. Derek Thompson's performance as Charlie Fairhead was particularly highlighted, with many noting the depth and nuance he brought to the role.

"Too Old for This Shift" succeeded in celebrating the past of Casualty while also looking forward to its future, embodying the spirit of resilience and compassion that has defined the series for three decades.

See Also

• Casualty (TV series)
• Holby City
• List of Casualty episodes