This latest spinoff of the long-running daytime soap opera premiered on SOAPnet in July 2007, logging 13 weekly episodes before closing out its tyro season in October. Like its inspiration, Night Shift unfolds in and around the Port Charles General Hospital, but most of the daytime version's characters aren't seen—the few holdovers include Dr. Robin Scorpio (Kimberly McCullough), Dr. Patrick Drake (Jason Thompson), mobster Jason Morgan (fan favorite Steve Burton), and erstwhile good girl Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms). Also starring Billy Dee Williams (The Empire Strikes Back), Night Shift shares the original's preoccupation with densely plotted, fast-moving stories—here, revolving around a possible corporate takeover of Port Charles, and…um…sex. Yes, Night Shift is spicier than General Hospital, with a greater emphasis on affairs of the heart (and nether regions) as befitting both the nocturnal setting and the ubiquity of young attractive characters. To those for whom watching soap operas remains a guilty pleasure, Night Shift—while hardly must-see TV—offers a full quotient of the melodramatic hokum that makes such programs fun. DVD extras include an “On the Set” behind-the-scenes featurette. A strong optional purchase. (E. Hulse)
General Hospital: Night Shift—Complete First Season
Buena Vista, 3 discs, 530 min., TV-14, DVD: $29.99 May 26, 2008
General Hospital: Night Shift—Complete First Season
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