It’s “E.R.” meets “Grey’s Anatomy” with a twist of mental illness. “Black Box” follows the story of Dr. Catherine Black – a world-famous neurologist who is bipolar. The bipolar TV character is played by British actress Kelly Reilly. But how realistic is the show’s portrayal of bipolar disorder?
Unlike Claire Danes’ role as bipolar C.I.A. agent Carrie Mathison on Showtime’s “Homeland” – which is screamingly authentic, “Black Box” has some work to do. For starters, the depiction of bipolar is flat. And way too hyperbolic.
Addicted to mania, Dr. Black goes off her meds in an effort to feel the highs of her mania. In the first episode, she dumps her pills out in the toilet while on a business trip. Almost instantly, she is suddenly manic. This manifests in her dancing by herself on a balcony of a hotel room and being sexually promiscuous with a handsome chauffeur, despite the fact that she already has a boyfriend back home.
As many who are bipolar know, not taking meds might cause sleepless nights or bad sleep, but it wouldn’t bring on a manic episode in just a few days.
However, the show is entertaining. It just doesn’t paint an accurate portrait of bipolar disorder. If you’ve already got a full plate of shows on your DVR – “Mad Men,” “Game of Thrones,” “Veep,” “GIRLS,” “Orange is the New Black” to name a few, skip this one. It’s probably going to get cancelled anyway.
