Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 9 Review: This Could Be the Start of Something New
Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 9, “This Could Be the Start of Something New,” is an episode that could have been a disaster, but ultimately succeeds.
This is a moment of massive changes for the One Chicago franchise. When any character could apparently leave at any moment, it’s nice that at least two members of the Gaffney family are headed for happily ever after.
Dr. Pretty — sorry, Dr. Marcel — is back to saving the world, and he sure looks good doing it. This time, his battle is against new technology, and people who think that the future of medicine is automated.
This is an interesting thought experiment, exploring the role of this technology in modern medical care. This episode combines the precision that this technology can offer, with indispensable human judgment that guides these real-time decisions.
It’s too bad that Chicago Med doesn’t flesh this story out further, as it’s incredibly topical. As technology continues to develop, people in healthcare are constantly revisiting how to incorporate it to best provide care to patients.
Crockett’s initial hesitation around the new surgical technology is well-placed. He has always put the needs of his patients first. This is brand new territory that he needs to navigate as a surgeon, and hopefully this is not the end of his journey to use this technology for good.
Dr. Charles’s story is among the sweetest that Chicago Med has given fans this season. He has always had a massive heart. This sometimes gets him into trouble with his multiple marriages.
Him meeting Liliana the housekeeper, while she’s singing opera, feels like fate. While good things don’t always happen to good people, this is a touching fictional example of two sweethearts just coming together.
It’s also great that the show acknowledges the potential power imbalance that could exist in such a relationship. The fact that Daniel even considers this speaks incredibly well of his character.
With the departure of April and Ethan, and nothing really new happening between Hannah and Will, Liliana and Daniel could be the ship to cheer for as this series continues.
The Dean situation is getting more convoluted, and more worrisome. He has been struggling since being attacked in the ED. Now, we have some more answers. It’s evident that Dean still does not want anyone else to know exactly what he’s going through.
If Dean is living with an addiction, this could be an authentic way to show that journey. In reality, many folks have underlying physical condition that exacerbate substance use issues. If this is what Dean is facing, he is in for the struggle of his life.
Hopefully, Hannah will become more than just someone who also lives with an addiction. If this is the only basis on which she and Dean’s professional relationship is founded, it would be an insult to Hannah as a character.
Hannah and Dean’s relationship as colleagues has the opportunity to be a poignant one. Hannah clearly cares about Dean, and Dean has obviously developed a level of trust to confide in Hannah.
Of course, the big Chicago Med news is that April and Ethan are now happily married and are about to begin a new chapter to bring healthcare directly to communities who cannot otherwise afford to be seen in an American hospital.
Although this journey is lovely for them, they will both be sorely missed. It’s too bad that there is now a permeating feeling through this franchise that anyone could leave at any moment, even major characters.
It’s unclear whether all the hullabaloo with April’s father having a day-of-wedding medical emergency was necessary. That being said, this is Chicago Med, and family medical emergencies are just part of the package.
The wedding itself is appropriately stunning, filled with beautiful people. Fans can only hope that this isn’t the end of April and Ethan’s story on this show. However, they have a lot to accomplish. No one can stand in their way.
Finally, this episode represents a turning point for other characters who are sticking around for now. Maggie has to come clean about the car accident. Only time will tell if she and Ben will be able to weather this storm.
This is also just the beginning for Jack Dayton, as he consolidates ownership of the hospital. At best, this story could be a reflection on healthcare in America, and the impacts of putting profits over people. At worst, this could be a tiresome storyline that leads nowhere.
With Chicago Med going on a break until after the new year, there is a lot to take in about the season so far. Some storylines have worked, others…not so much.
The fall finale distills all of this into one episode. While fans wait, it’s worth looking ahead to where each of these characters could go next. With so many possibilities, it’s anyone’s guess what’s in store for this dramatic yet loveable work family.
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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Justine Kraemer
Justine is an unashamed fan of too many TV shows and movies with a particular love of all things Marvel. She balances her love of massive massively popular shows with hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered.