A new medical drama is joining the scene. Brilliant Minds, which is led by Zachary Quinto, pulls from the real life story of author and physician Oliver Sacks. In a first look trailer released by NBC this week, Quinto is introduced as “Dr. Wolf,” a medical professional known for his unique approach to patient care — much like Sacks, the inspiration for the character.
In the first moments of the trailer, Qunito’s character appears before the medical board for an apparent hearing after putting the hospital, Bronx General, at risk. In the clip, it’s clarified that Dr. Wolf is an “actual genius” and suffers from a neurological disorder in which he cannot see nor recognize faces.
In the clip, Quinto’s character also goes for a dip in the Hudson River (yes, gross) and boldly whisks an elderly patient out of the hospital so he can attend his granddaughter’s wedding.
As Wolf sneaks the patient out of the facility in the wheelchair, he has to dodge nurses as he takes the man to the elevator.
“Sorry Marcie, we’ll be back soon,” Wolf says as he rushes the man out before the nurses can stop him.
The next thing we know, Wolf is taking the man across a bridge on his motorcycle.
Once they arrive at the wedding, a man asks Quinto’s character, “Have you lost your mind? He can’t even remember our daughter,” but Wolf insists, “He has memories, we just need to unlock them.”
Wolf then sits the man at a piano in the center of the venue. After a heart-stopping pause, the man begins to play music, and a smile slowly spreads across his face. The clip ends with the bride approaching her grandfather and taking his hands. He looks up at her, and simply says “Sophie,” a sign that Wolf has successfully unlocked the man’s memories.
Along with Quinto, the show also features Tamberla Perry from All American: Homecoming and Ashleigh LaThrop from The Handmaid’s Tale. The series is written and executive produced by Michael Grassi, who is most known for his work on Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.
Brilliant Minds premieres Sept. 23 at 10/9c on NBC and will stream next day on Peacock.