I thought the pilot was beautifully done. The story of the young violinist's struggle to get her dexterity back was extremely touching and the episode was lavishly filmed. Stanley Tucci's character was well fleshed out and full of contradictions. I was eager to watch as Tucci and Feuerstein learned from each other and grew as characters. I will admit that subsequent episodes failed to pack the punch that the pilot did but I felt the show held a lot of promise. It really is a shame they are canceling it. The show was entertaining and educational. Simply put: fascinating. It's truly a shame they're canceling it in light of some of the other less interesting medical dramas that exist out there.
12 Reviews
Decent , but nevertheless I couldn't like it too much
Ryu_Darkwood23 July 2007
After watching the 4th episode today, I said to myself: why can't I like this show? It has likable and charismatic characters. It has a powerful and refreshing approach to it, by showing the effects of brain deceases on human lives. The dialogs are well-written, witty and filled with hilarious one-liners. But despite all my praise, I constantly had the feeling that something was missing and I can't really put my finger on what it might be. Maybe Dr Hanson can find the answer somewhere in my neurological system?! I'm at a serious loss here.
Maybe it has something to do with the format being too crystal clear. We have Dr Hanson, the cynical surgeon representing the ratio, and Dr Seger, the empathic surgeon representing the feeling. In every episode their method of approaching patients is significantly different, but in the end they must admit that they both are right in their thinking. By YOUR powers combined! No real surprises anywhere. The other characters are also too crisp to really ignite any real fondness for them. Charming, yes, but at the same time very dull and predictable. It'd be a much more powerful show if the writers either chose to make its main characters morally less transparent ( like in Nip/Tuck ) or by choosing for a more over-the-top style (like in Grey's anatomy ). I didn't need Dr Hanson after all...and neither did CBS apparently.
Maybe it has something to do with the format being too crystal clear. We have Dr Hanson, the cynical surgeon representing the ratio, and Dr Seger, the empathic surgeon representing the feeling. In every episode their method of approaching patients is significantly different, but in the end they must admit that they both are right in their thinking. By YOUR powers combined! No real surprises anywhere. The other characters are also too crisp to really ignite any real fondness for them. Charming, yes, but at the same time very dull and predictable. It'd be a much more powerful show if the writers either chose to make its main characters morally less transparent ( like in Nip/Tuck ) or by choosing for a more over-the-top style (like in Grey's anatomy ). I didn't need Dr Hanson after all...and neither did CBS apparently.
Pitfall
rafiqi_9911 January 2007
I think the real letdown of the show was the lack of diagnosis and the relative simplicity of the cases. Right off the bat Tucci knows what the problem is and since they don't show the actual surgeries a lot of the excitement and suspense is lost. All that was left was the drama of the character interplay and the Tucci's hallucinations, which sadly, it appears will never be explained. My attitude is, if you're going to make a show about the brain use cases that require diagnosis that would be unique to the brain rather than just difficult tumors. Nonetheless, I must admit I did enjoy watching it and am disappointed it is getting canceled.
NYC 400 - #389 - "3 lbs."
DeanNYC26 April 2024
"Did you know the human head weighs eight pounds?"
You might, if you saw the film "Jerry Maguire," where precocious Jonathan Lipnicki says that line; one of many quotable quotes from that movie.
But you may not have realized that three of those eight pounds is the human brain. That's where the title for this program originates.
Let's be clear. Television has trends and when a show becomes a hit series, every network wants a piece of that action. In this case, the show that this program was aspiring to be was Fox's "House, MD," which was the current hit medical drama of the day, about a team of doctors researching mysterious diseases, week to week.
It goes without saying that many people think that those who live in and around New York City have to be losing their grey matter. That's where this team of surgeons and physicians comes in!
Here, Stanley Tucci, as Dr. Douglas Hanson, the impatient, know-it-all, head of the the Neuro wing named for himself, and his team, including Hanson's newcomer assistant Dr. Jonathan Seger, played by Mark Feuerstein, were there to mind their patients as they dealt with their tumors, aneurysms and strokes.
Much like Dr. Gregory House on that other series I mentioned, Dr. Hanson here has a bothersome little problem with his own condition, which, of course, he keeps quiet, but the viewers can see the elements in his mind as he deals with his visions and demons when he's not mouthing off to his second, or flirting with his female coworkers, or the single moms of his daughter's (Addison Timlin) classmates.
The most interesting quality about this series is they were trying to expose what we know about how the brain works, what elements are connected and perhaps more importantly, what we still DON'T know about this organ of ours that controls most everything we think, write, say and do, and acts as a recorder and storage space for everything we encounter. That's a worthwhile effort, even if they had to simplify things so the jargon didn't get too technical for the non-medical student viewers.
Indira Varma provides a welcome relief from the not always friendly banter between Doctors Hanson and Seger as Dr. Adrienne Holland, the neurologist intent on solving problems and prepping those she encounters for what comes next. But even she rubbed Dr. Seger the wrong way.
New York plays a part, in that the name "Bellevue" has come to be associated with both mental disorders and The City, and though this hospital is clearly not THAT one, it shares the real life reputation of that other institution for being run-down and on the mend, with issues that create problems occasionally, like power outages at just the wrong moment.
As a bit of an aside, from a strictly behind-the-scenes perspective, Mr. Tucci didn't want to have to fly to Los Angeles to make this series, so the production accommodated him by shooting in NYC.
The special effects used were fascinating: when a patient has an episode, we see into their body, the brain stem, the spinal cord, the sinew and muscle that moves and get a glimpse as to what is happening, in real time. This was cutting edge stuff for 2006 and, in most cases, was cooler than the scripts for the stories being told.
But the problem was that those stories told were relentless, with some visual metaphors to help the audience understand what was happening to the patients, at least, and the embattled staff dealing with their temperamental and possibly cranially challenged leader. There wasn't much of a break between the patients' issues and Dr. Hanson's attitude and circumstances.
In the end, it seemed like the "3 lbs" was made up of two pounds, fifteen ounces of vinegar and only one ounce of honey, and that just seemed to give its viewers a headache.
You might, if you saw the film "Jerry Maguire," where precocious Jonathan Lipnicki says that line; one of many quotable quotes from that movie.
But you may not have realized that three of those eight pounds is the human brain. That's where the title for this program originates.
Let's be clear. Television has trends and when a show becomes a hit series, every network wants a piece of that action. In this case, the show that this program was aspiring to be was Fox's "House, MD," which was the current hit medical drama of the day, about a team of doctors researching mysterious diseases, week to week.
It goes without saying that many people think that those who live in and around New York City have to be losing their grey matter. That's where this team of surgeons and physicians comes in!
Here, Stanley Tucci, as Dr. Douglas Hanson, the impatient, know-it-all, head of the the Neuro wing named for himself, and his team, including Hanson's newcomer assistant Dr. Jonathan Seger, played by Mark Feuerstein, were there to mind their patients as they dealt with their tumors, aneurysms and strokes.
Much like Dr. Gregory House on that other series I mentioned, Dr. Hanson here has a bothersome little problem with his own condition, which, of course, he keeps quiet, but the viewers can see the elements in his mind as he deals with his visions and demons when he's not mouthing off to his second, or flirting with his female coworkers, or the single moms of his daughter's (Addison Timlin) classmates.
The most interesting quality about this series is they were trying to expose what we know about how the brain works, what elements are connected and perhaps more importantly, what we still DON'T know about this organ of ours that controls most everything we think, write, say and do, and acts as a recorder and storage space for everything we encounter. That's a worthwhile effort, even if they had to simplify things so the jargon didn't get too technical for the non-medical student viewers.
Indira Varma provides a welcome relief from the not always friendly banter between Doctors Hanson and Seger as Dr. Adrienne Holland, the neurologist intent on solving problems and prepping those she encounters for what comes next. But even she rubbed Dr. Seger the wrong way.
New York plays a part, in that the name "Bellevue" has come to be associated with both mental disorders and The City, and though this hospital is clearly not THAT one, it shares the real life reputation of that other institution for being run-down and on the mend, with issues that create problems occasionally, like power outages at just the wrong moment.
As a bit of an aside, from a strictly behind-the-scenes perspective, Mr. Tucci didn't want to have to fly to Los Angeles to make this series, so the production accommodated him by shooting in NYC.
The special effects used were fascinating: when a patient has an episode, we see into their body, the brain stem, the spinal cord, the sinew and muscle that moves and get a glimpse as to what is happening, in real time. This was cutting edge stuff for 2006 and, in most cases, was cooler than the scripts for the stories being told.
But the problem was that those stories told were relentless, with some visual metaphors to help the audience understand what was happening to the patients, at least, and the embattled staff dealing with their temperamental and possibly cranially challenged leader. There wasn't much of a break between the patients' issues and Dr. Hanson's attitude and circumstances.
In the end, it seemed like the "3 lbs" was made up of two pounds, fifteen ounces of vinegar and only one ounce of honey, and that just seemed to give its viewers a headache.
I agree with Annie
Liz33317 December 2006
I totally agree with Annie from N.Mexico...what is wrong at CBS, when they don't give a show of this caliber a chance???? I will say that an earlier time slot, say 9:00pm would be a better choice, as many people I've spoken to are in my age group (50+). This is a huge audience for intelligent writing with heart. I personally know someone in my own family who related to the "Heart Stopping" episode and he appreciated the exploration of that subject. This is a new field being explored in a medical show...not to mention Stanley Tucci's beautiful and multi-layered performance, that alone worth watching, along with newer talent. Let's let CBS know that they made a mistake!!!!
Too Derivative Of House, M.D.
AmsterdamReprobate6 July 2007
I watched the pilot and noticed more than a few similarities between 3 lbs and House, M.D.. Tucci's character is brilliant but socially inept out of choice, similar to Laurie's character House, but without the acerbic wit that Laurie brings to House. Meanwhile, Tucci's 'straight guy', the emphatic doctor Seger, is not developed into a more interesting character, like the fallible 'straight guys' Cuddy and Wilson. Indira Varma's character Adrienne Holland is too similar to Jennifer Morrison's doctor Cameron to be a co-incidence.
Someone at CBS obviously noticed the success of House, M.D. and told his staff to get him (her) a similar show, hoping that mimicry would prove successful. However, copying a show like House demands the same high level balance of wit and suspense and Tucci and company are just not up to the challenge.
I didn't know the show was canceled until I read the comments on IMDb, but it doesn't come as a surprise to me.
Someone at CBS obviously noticed the success of House, M.D. and told his staff to get him (her) a similar show, hoping that mimicry would prove successful. However, copying a show like House demands the same high level balance of wit and suspense and Tucci and company are just not up to the challenge.
I didn't know the show was canceled until I read the comments on IMDb, but it doesn't come as a surprise to me.
Love this Smart, Excellent, Well written show
annieoklieCerrillos10 December 2006
WHAT Was CBS thinking by canceling this excellent show? hope they bring it back and fast! the characters are interesting, the situations are very educational and keep your attention. a lot of people out there have brain tumors and other brain injuries, it's something that is very common, and as show this fun and interesting and educational all at once is a rarity. of all the MD shows on the TV today, this breath of fresh air is really wonderful. i sure hope everyone who has enjoyed this short lived show will write CBS and write here and see if it can't come back. just too much junk out there, and we sure were excited that there was a new show.
has anyone been watching the same programme as me?
spekelatius5 April 2007
3lbs is obviously just a self indulgent programme for Stanley Tucci to be a producer/moody deep doctor. Unlike House he has absolutely no personality and unlike Grey's Anatomy the brain surgery cases are't even interesting. This programme is supposed to be set in a leading centre for Neurlogical cases - yet there's nothing interesting or exciting going on! Not even the so called pathetic 'feud' between him and a rival adds anything to the show and neither do those hallucinations. In the pilot there was a brief glimpse into the leads's social life as a father - snooze! boring and pointless.
This show is pants,there's a glut of medical dramas around at the moment and this does nothing to make it stand out as special.
This show is pants,there's a glut of medical dramas around at the moment and this does nothing to make it stand out as special.
I hope they bring it back...
one-783 December 2006
This TV show had me hooked from the series premiere.
Its smart writing and excellent acting speaks to both neuroscience and philosophy.
It was a pleasure watching the only three episodes aired because each time I would walk away at the end and think of the philosophical issues brought up as well as remember the medical terms used.
I'm once again hooked on psychology and I have 3Lbs to thank.
Stanley Tucci shines in his portrayal of Dr. Hanson. The writers cleverly gauged the audience's reception to an exaggerated arrogance of the character and toned it down some notches in the ensuing episodes to reflect a little bit of humanity while still preserving his "cold science" attitude. I already miss the prospect of seeing this character grow and develop throughout a season.
Mark Feuerstein's Dr. Jonathan Singer is an immediately likable character who fits the part to a tee. He's a good counter balance to Dr.Hanson which keeps their professional chemistry interesting.
Indira Varma as Dr. Adrianne Holland is exquisite. This Swedish-Indian beauty has finally been given the chance to shine and she delivered. Her British charm speckled with Indian beauty creates the perfect sexual ambiance that I suspect would eventually capture Dr. Singer if the series were allowed to continue.
3lbs was cancelled due to poor ratings, however many successful series begin slowly. Hopefully this is only a hiatus and 3lbs is allowed to make a return and given a chance to build an audience.
The writing, storyline, plot and acting is brilliant and has the potential to be a hit series. I'm crossing my fingers that it is either recognized by CBS as such or picked up by another media outlet in the very near future.
Its smart writing and excellent acting speaks to both neuroscience and philosophy.
It was a pleasure watching the only three episodes aired because each time I would walk away at the end and think of the philosophical issues brought up as well as remember the medical terms used.
I'm once again hooked on psychology and I have 3Lbs to thank.
Stanley Tucci shines in his portrayal of Dr. Hanson. The writers cleverly gauged the audience's reception to an exaggerated arrogance of the character and toned it down some notches in the ensuing episodes to reflect a little bit of humanity while still preserving his "cold science" attitude. I already miss the prospect of seeing this character grow and develop throughout a season.
Mark Feuerstein's Dr. Jonathan Singer is an immediately likable character who fits the part to a tee. He's a good counter balance to Dr.Hanson which keeps their professional chemistry interesting.
Indira Varma as Dr. Adrianne Holland is exquisite. This Swedish-Indian beauty has finally been given the chance to shine and she delivered. Her British charm speckled with Indian beauty creates the perfect sexual ambiance that I suspect would eventually capture Dr. Singer if the series were allowed to continue.
3lbs was cancelled due to poor ratings, however many successful series begin slowly. Hopefully this is only a hiatus and 3lbs is allowed to make a return and given a chance to build an audience.
The writing, storyline, plot and acting is brilliant and has the potential to be a hit series. I'm crossing my fingers that it is either recognized by CBS as such or picked up by another media outlet in the very near future.
Why is it being canceled?
Christywmm2 December 2006
I love it. Why are they canceling it? The characters are strong and unique. The story lines are both inside and outside the box or the norm. This is not a dry uninteresting hospital show. There are characters you like and those who you do not. But even the bad or cold characters show some patient caring, not like Dr. House on House. There is even some time spent giving the characters a social life. This however does not take away from the theme of the show, brain study and surgery. The pace of the show is fast and interesting. Along with being entertained by the show, I have also learned interesting facts about brain.
3 lbs>
ShastaJMH010422 December 2006
I loved 3 lbs. It was so interesting and full of entertainment. It was becoming one of my favorites. I am really disappointed that they are canceling the show! I admit at first I was a little upset because it reminds me so much of House but it started to grow on me! I love 3 lbs and I think if the network would of gave it more time on the air it would have been extremely successful! I learned a lot about the brain in the 3 episodes that I saw. And each week I was looking forward to the next show. I wish there were more shows out there like House and 3 lbs that you can actually learn something from. There are so few. So as it stands now House is still number one in my book but 3 lbs could have been tied with my number one!!!
Pilot
stranded_intruder11 January 2007
I was surfing for CBS shows when I saw 3lbs. I watched the pilot episode and immediately got hooked. Every week I never failed to surf and watch it online. The show is not shown here in our country, even if we have a cable provider. I was not aware that CBS canceled the show. I was really disappointed because I really love it. Im a B.S Biology graduate and I can somehow relate with every episodes. I just hope that CBS will give it another chance. Dr. Hanson is really brilliant, I like his character, cold, stoic, arrogant and confident, every line is powerful.I learned a lot on this show, all the medical terms and the heart stopping operations really excites me. Pls give it another chance.
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