Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 1 Review: How Do You Begin to Count the Losses

Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 1, “How Do You Begin to Count the Losses,” kicks off One Chicago’s return, and it’s safe to say that the season is going to be a wild ride. 

The fire that ended Chicago Med Season 7 was always going to cause more chaos. That comes in a heartbreaking loss and a sad goodbye to two characters. 

It would hardly be a Chicago Med premiere if a lead character didn’t say goodbye. This is a pattern that has developed over the past several seasons. It’s an interesting choice.

Dr. Dylan Scott’s exit is made all the more devastating after he loses Milena/Jo. After spending such a significant part of Chicago Med Season 7 falling in love with her, it’s crushing to see him experience such a loss. 

Props to Guy Lockard for delivering such a heartfelt performance. He has always put his soul into this character. It would be a mistake to think fans will never see this character again. His story is still being written. 

Dr. Pamela Blake has also concluded her time at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. This paves the way for Crockett to be the lead transplant surgeon, and he has a long journey ahead of him to re-establish his professional relationships.

Chicago Med continues to stunt Will Halstead’s emotional development. His life is put in danger, he helps his friend process a horrific loss and then sees that friend promptly leave town. 

Add to all of this, he’s supporting his former love, Dr. Hannah Asher, as she faces the fact that her addiction has led to lasting physical effects. This show will never make it easy for these two to be together.

Rather than being allowed to process any of this, he of course has to continue to prioritize the needs of others above his own. Hopefully, he will be allowed to take care of himself before he completely burns out. He’s going to need to. 

It is also a bizarre choice to not show any part of the Vas-COM court case. This has been such a long and brutal road for Will in particular. It would have been cathartic to have some kind of wrap-up. Perhaps this story isn’t finished yet.

Unfortunately, all of the surgical storylines here feel fairly rushed. Crockett’s transplant could have been incredibly dramatic. Instead, it feels rushed, and a success that isn’t fully earned. 

The medical story that feels like it sets the stage for the rest of the season is perhaps the young patient who is in the middle of what initially seems like drug-induced psychosis.

Dr. Charles has always been the glue that holds Chicago Med together, and he’s absolutely in his element with this case. It’s also great to see him acting as a mentor again since he has so much wisdom to share. 

Dr. Cuavez is lucky to be studying under this inspirational mentor. She is being set up as the next generation of Chicago Med, which is always exciting to see. 

Dr. Charles continues to prove that he’s the psychiatrist you’d want in real life. His compassion, towards his patient, and to his parents who are in complete denial, are aspirational. 

The fact that Dr. Charles walks out of a horrific therapy session is an excellent way to illustrate what a tremendous provider he is. He knows quality when he sees it, and it serves the story to have him reject any substandard medical care. 

Sharon and Dr. Charles have such a beautiful friendship, and it’s endearing to see them together. This season would be served well if these two are allowed to continue teaming up and executing brilliant healthcare shenanigans. 

It will be interesting to see how this season handles Maggie’s relationship with Grant. There are so many possibilities, especially with this new addition of Vanessa into the mix.

Maggie always deserves the best. Hopefully, she will be allowed to be honest with herself and what she needs, and not get stuck in the past. 

Finally, the return of April Sexton is nothing less than a triumph. Clearly, there are still so many feelings between Her and Ethan. She has always been the best of this show, and it has been lesser for her absence. 

Rather than falling into old habits, it would be nice to see this be a new beginning for April and Ethan. Seeing them move forward together could be so incredibly satisfying. 

Chicago Med is off to a strong start. The stage is set to continue to explore the trauma that these characters have endured, as well as the promise of second chances.

This premiere is Chicago Med at its best. It is a fantastic blend of beloved characters and new faces that are sure to make their mark in the Chicago-verse. 

What did you think of this episode of Chicago Med? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

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Nick Gehlfuss and Jessy Schram Preview the ‘Chicago Med’ Season 8 Premiere [Video]