Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 10 Review: A Little Change Might Do You Some Good

Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 10, “A Little Change Might Do You Some Good,” brings the One Chicago franchise back from hiatus with a bang.

April and Ethan have moved on, but there’s a new ship in town that’s just delightful, and absolutely worth cheering for. For the second time on network TV this week, there is a woods-based medical emergency that puts hospital staff firmly outside of their comfort zone. 

Daniel Charles has the distinction of having the most heartbreaking case. So much of this case, involving a grandmother who’s raising her disabled grandson, is difficult to watch.

This case is a commentary on the rampant ableism in our society. There are too many who take exactly the same view as this grandmother, that the disabled cannot possibly function or be cared for by anyone other than their core caregivers. 

Oliver Platt is so good at playing these quieter, emotional moments. It’s so obvious that his character is impacted by these events. This is absolutely true to life, and clinicians don’t always know which cases will stick with them. 

A lot of his new relationship with Liliana isn’t shown. What is on screen is nothing less than enthralling. These two are so well-matched and ready to sit with each other in silence feeling their respective feelings. 

This relationship has so much potential. Hopefully, Daniel will be able to get out of his own way and commit to the woman who’s right for him. 

As usual, Crockett Marcel is Chicago Med‘s shining star. His skepticism of technology’s ability to provide medical care is well-founded.

It’s true, this episode often delves into science fiction. Of course, new medical technology is being developed every day, but there is still no substitute for surgical brilliance and human judgment.

The conclusion Crockett comes to, that technology is a tool that can possibly be used for good in a medical setting, feels like the right one. 

This is such a humanizing moment, to see him reckon with his own beliefs about technology and medicine. While the HAL-esque system may not be winning friends fast, there may be a place for it yet. 

There’s still a lot of uneasiness when it comes to watching an AI system overrule surgical judgment. Hopefully, the wrinkles can be ironed out before anyone gets hurt. 

Jack Dayton, one of Chicago Med’s newest additions, is now firmly in charge. Only time will tell if this is a good thing. He’s still finding his way, and it remains to be seen whether he thinks a hospital can be run simply by throwing money at it. 

Of course, leave it to Will to antagonize someone, having little to no context, rather than making his point with logic and reason. 

Thankfully, Will’s point is made and Jack can at least start his tenure off on the right foot. There’s a glimmer of hope for this character. He shows understanding befitting the Gaffney professionals in speaking to a young patient reluctant to undergo a life-saving procedure.

There’s a part of Jack that does care about patient care and clinical excellence. He will need to maintain this attitude if he wants to succeed in this new venture. 

It also has to be said that Chicago Med continues to develop some fantastic new doctors, with bright futures ahead of them. This episode highlights Justin Liu and Zach Hudgins in particular.

Justin Liu remains an aspirational figure, navigating becoming a doctor at an age where most in the profession are already well-established in their careers. He’s able to flex his professional muscles here and call on his experience with search and rescue.

This works, because it establishes his range as a professional. It’s also proof that there is no age limit on saving lives, even in the field. The storyline in the woods works because of him, and his willingness to get dirty and work collaboratively with his colleagues. 

While he’s featured a little bit less, seeing Zach in action is nothing less than endearing. His heart is so obvious when he speaks to his patients and their family members. 

Here’s hoping Zach never loses that compassion for his patients, even when the cases are especially dark. 

Finally, it seems that Hannah and Dean are making peace. This could be such a beautiful friendship. There is a lot of potential for mutual support.

Maggie’s romantic future is still at stake, as she and Ben currently taking some time apart. They can’t be done yet, after all they’ve been through. Obviously, Chicago Med isn’t done spotlighting each member of the Gaffney team. 

It’s been said before, and it’s worth repeating, this show has a formula that works. It can so often be played to perfection.

This is an example of an above-average entry, combining medical drama with the magnetic relationships that keep us all coming back for more. 

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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