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Linden Cullen is a fictional character in the BBC medical drama Holby City, portrayed by actor Duncan Pow.[1] The character first appeared on 15 January 2008 in episode "Stolen" - Series 10, Episode 14 of the programme.[2] His role in the show is that of talented medical whizz kid, having attained Consultant and Head of Department status at the early age of just 32.
[edit] Creation
It was first announced on 6 November 2007 that Duncan Pow had been cast in the role of Linden.[3] In the context of the show, the new character was created as a permanent head of the hospital's Acute Assessment Unit, a position which had been tenuous since the departure of Consultant Abra Durant (Adrian Edmonson).
[edit] Development
[edit] Storylines
Linden arrives at Holby City Hospital in Series 10, Episode 14, "Stolen", surprising staff with the announcement that he is the new head of the Acute Assessment Unit, which is to be transformed into a surgical admissions unit.[4] Staff nurse Donna Jackson quickly develops a crush on him, but he proves more interested in his work than in dating, much to Donna's chagrin.[5] Realising he has upset her, Linden takes Donna on a brief lunch date in episode "Final Cut", but the two prove incompatible, with Donna more interested in discussing handbags and Linden, medicine.[6] The character develops a reputation as something of a maverick, irritating both Lola Griffin and Mark Williams by performing surgical procedures in the treatment bay, which is not yet ready for use as a theatre. Maddy Young is intrigued in episode "On A Mission" by Linden's refusal to treat one specific patient, believing his reticence to stem from his Catholic faith and his assumption the patient has just undergone an abortion, when in fact she had miscarried.[8] In the next episode, "We Serve All Who Come To Us", Linden visits a confessional to absolve his guilt over refusing to treat the patient, Chloe Baxter.[9] He is relieved when she is later re-admitted, and again uses the treatment room before it is fully ready, to operate on her cancer of the Caecum.[10] However, when Chloe dies in episode "Long Dark Night", he is forced to admit to Maddy that his actions towards her were driven by her strong resemblance to his deceased wife, Olivia. He later visits the confessional again, admitting to having killed his wife.[11]
[edit] Reception
The character's good looks have been a focal point of early reviews, with Holby City series producer Diana Kyle describing Linden as "dishy...good-looking and sexy".[3]
[edit] References
- ^ BBC - Holby City - Characters - Linden Cullen. BBC.co.uk. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ Episode Guide 15 January 2008. BBC.co.uk. Retrieved on 2008-03-06.
- ^ a b “Ask the BOSS!”, Inside Soap (England): 41, November 2007
- ^ "Stolen". Holby City. BBC. 2008-01-15. No. 14, season 10.
- ^ "The Key Is Fear". Holby City. BBC. 2008-01-29. No. 16, season 10.
- ^ "Final Cut". Holby City. BBC. 2008-02-05. No. 17, season 10.
- ^ "On A Mission". Holby City. BBC. 2008-02-26. No. 20, season 10.
- ^ "We Serve All Who Come To Us". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-04. No. 21, season 10.
- ^ "No Cars Go". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-11. No. 22, season 10.
- ^ "Long Dark Night". Holby City. BBC. 2008-03-12. No. 23, season 10.
[edit] External links
