It's a dubious distinction, but here goes: NBC's "Trauma" is the best of a disappointing bunch of new medical dramas by the sheer din of its pilot episode. A tragic accident sets the show's murky mood -- Let the bad times roll! -- and it never really lets up.

A medical drama about EMTs caring for victims before they get to the ER, "Trauma" begins with one explosive set piece, and it's followed by two more, including an accident caused by a guy who texts while driving.

Viewers have seen this show's premise before, most recently on "Third Watch." "Trauma" attempts to distinguish itself, in part by taking advantage of its shot-in-San Francisco look -- perhaps too much. An emergency flight to the hospital feels like a sightseeing trip as the chopper zooms past Coit Tower and then doubles back for a view of the Bay Bridge.

The show has a large ensemble, and there may be some likable characters among them, but in the pilot only the egotistical and damaged come front and center.

Flight medic Rabbit (Cliff Curtis) shows off a cocky swagger that hints at hidden vulnerabilities beneath, but he's such an irresponsible jerk, it's difficult to see beyond the surface. Paramedic Cameron Boone (Derek Luke) uses the challenges of the mayhem he sees on the job as an excuse for cheating on his wife. ("I could not bring this home to my family, my wife and kids. Who do I take this to? Who do I talk to?") Paramedic Nancy Carnahan (Anastasia Griffith) is simply a wounded soul in search of some peace.

"Trauma" benefits from some fine performances -- Curtis, especially, plays his role with panache -- but to be redeemable or at least interesting, the characters need to reveal more complexities, stat. Without them, viewers may skip the drama of "Trauma."

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.