Doctors battle Rio's chaos in 'Emergency 53'

"Emergency 53," a new procedural series commissioned by Globoplay, centers on doctors, nurses, and drivers of a special mobile service unit navigating intense personal and professional challenges. Four years after their success with "Under Pressure," creators Andrucha Waddington and Cláudio Torres have reunited for this project, produced by their banner Conspiração.

The series departs from traditional medical dramas by focusing on a mobile unit rather than a hospital. Torres explained that the concept originated from a desire for a multi-protagonist medical procedural set in Rio de Janeiro, a city known for its blend of societal organization and conflict. The creators intentionally subverted the formula of "Under Pressure," opting for a more pop-oriented tone, a younger cast, and a narrative inspired by "Seven Samurai" and comic books, even featuring a "Batmobile"-like ambulance.

Waddington highlighted the challenge of establishing a consistent visual language across multiple directors, noting their co-direction of the first episode to define a unique aesthetic. The show embraces experimentation with varied episode structures, including flashbacks and diverse settings, to avoid a rigid procedural format. Globoplay's trust in the project allowed for artistic input and a belief in the audience's willingness to engage with complex societal issues.

With the first season not yet released, Waddington and Torres are already developing ideas for a potential second season, feeling they have more stories to tell within the "Emergency 53" universe. Globoplay is praised for its supportive and constructive approach to artistic development.