True crime is an intensely popular genre for a TV series, as many viewers take an interest in knowing about everything from serial killers to kidnapers. On September 12th, 2021, upcoming show Dr. Death will premiere on Starzplay, and focus on someone who was supposed to be a figure of care.
Based on the Podcast from Wondery, Dr. Death tells the harrowing tale of former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, who will be played by Joshua Jackson in the series. Duntsch, between 2012 and 2013 in Dallas, Texas, botched multiple surgeries and even killed a number of his patients. His nickname came from the gross malpractice he performed.
Along with Jackson in the titular role, the cast also includes Grace Gummer, Anna Sophia Robb, with Christian Slater and Alec Baldwin.
Duntsch was said to have been charming and extremely intelligent; he was creating a blooming neurosurgery practice when things began to get rather sombre. Patients who entered Doctor Duntsch’s surgery for complex, yet routine spinal surgeries, left the operating theatre permanently maimed or dead.
As more and more patients, now called victims, die in the hands of Duntsch, two fellow physicians, neurosurgeon Robert Henderson (Baldwin) and vascular surgeon Randall Kirby (Slater), as well as prosecutor Michelle Shugart (Robb), decide to work together in order to stop Dr. Death.
The series is set to explore the dark, twisted mind of Doctor Duntsch, and how the system designed to protect the defenceless, failed.
Duntsch’s case is similar to a British serial killer, Doctor Harold Shipman; he too used his position of power and care (as a GP) to kill patients who were supposed to be looked after. Shipman’s kill count is believed to be around 200.
Jackson, the actor tackling the tough role of Duntsch, has been seen in films such as Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Scream 2 (1997), and The Mighty Ducks film series (1992-1996).
The role of Dr. Death himself is no doubt a daunting task, but we’re sure that Jackson will do an outstanding job. Duntsch was convicted in 2017, and received a life sentence for his gruesome crimes.
Dr. Death is proud of its all-female directing team which includes Maggie Kiley, who will also executive produce the first two episodes; Jennifer Morrison, and So Yong Kim.
From the teaser trailer we can see that this team has done a brilliant job with the show. It looks fantastic; the brief look at the series is both eerie and terrifying, showing us just enough to really grab our attention.
Dr. Death will air on September 12th, 2021, only on Starzplay.
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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