Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 21 Review: Might Feel Like It’s Time for a Change

Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 21, “Might Feel Like It’s Time for a Change,” highlights this season’s good, bad, and ugly. 

As the penultimate episode of the season, this episode reflects what has been working (and not working) about these stories. Things feel like they’re either about to come together or fall apart spectacularly as the season gets ready for the end. 

Chicago Med has spent most of this season setting up this conflict between healthcare providers and technology, specifically by introducing OR 2.0. 

While this has been an admittedly intriguing thought experiment since it’s so topical, things are ultimately starting to feel out of hand. 

The story has grown so far outside of what it could be. There could be a timely and thoughtful commentary on how privatized healthcare causes real damage to patients seeking treatment. 

Instead, conflict for the sake of conflict continues to hold the spotlight every time OR 2.0 is mentioned. This takes away from what could otherwise be a compelling analysis of a real-world issue. 

What doesn’t work about this story on this episode is that Crockett is thrown under the bus to save Jack Dayton’s vision. 

The fact that Chicago Med let us think for one moment that Crockett is responsible for that patient’s death makes no sense. It’s been established that Crockett is a staunch believer in OR 2.0’s ability to help him provide the best possible care he can to his patients.

On Chicago Med Season 8 Episode 17, “Know When to Hold and When to Fold,” he’s even featured in a documentary about all of the system’s benefits. 

Instead, the unnecessary drama clouds what could be a crucial moment for this character. Since Crockett has been OR 2.0’s champion from the beginning, he could have been shown to lose faith in this technology when it no longer benefits patients. 

Additionally, this is a missed opportunity to delve into the depths of Jack’s betrayal of someone who could have been his closest ally. 

Setting Crockett in the middle of this storm pulls focus from what could be genuinely emotional moments from him as he reconciles his role as a physician with his support for technological advancement. 

If there’s one thing about this episode that does work, Dr. Grace Song finally gets a chance at the spotlight. Thankfully, she doesn’t waste her opportunity.

It is disappointing that there’s more to this character than Chicago Med has shown so far. 

While Grace continues to show snippets of being a great doctor, this is the first opportunity she’s given to find her voice. Seeing her in action, even if for a moment, only adds to the story.

Her role as a mentee losing faith in her mentor anchors what would otherwise be a mediocre plot. This should have been the focus of this character’s trajectory all along.

It might be too little too late, but Grace stepping up and finally recognizing the very real harm Jack is liable to cause is the missing piece that this plotline has needed.

As someone both inside Jack’s inner circle and outside of the core Med group, Grace is in a unique position to see the writing on the wall and sound the alarm. This is an effective way to use this character who hasn’t been given much to do up to this point. 

Seeing Grace’s character development on this episode makes a strong case that she does have a future at Gaffney.

Surprisingly, the most endearing and heartfelt moments come from Dr. Sam Abrams.

Each part of this character that gets unlocked adds to the chaos he secretly embodies. Getting even the tiniest peak behind this man’s life’s curtains is hilarious and heartwarming. 

Now, as he faces a new chapter in his life as he faces fatherhood, there are limitless possibilities to explore.

This story could so easily be comedic alone, without any of the heart.

Instead, it’s nice to see that Sam’s called out multiple times for letting his ego get in the way of what should be exciting news. The fact that he’s then allowed to engage in some much-needed self-reflection makes Sam worth cheering for. 

Sam’s story illustrates a more significant principle that’s true on Chicago Med. The more some of these supporting characters get a chance to grow; the better off the show sets itself up to continue long into the future. 

Hopefully, this indicates a step in the right direction for the series, as many supporting characters have fascinating lives that could be unpacked. 

As Chicago Med prepares to wind down for the season, some decisions about the future need to be made. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time to complete these stories satisfactorily. Hopefully, they will serve as a launching-off point for Chicago Med’s future. 

 

Stray Thoughts:

• Where the heck is Sean? He’d better get himself together if he’s going to be the lifesaving donor his father needs.
• What a random way to re-introduce Dr. Nellie Cuevas. Seriously, this could not have been more out of left field.
• Speaking of random, shoutout to Will for finding the most convoluted way to insert himself into the main story. Honestly, it makes perfect sense.  
• Maggie’s definitely leaving Med. It’s sad, but it does make sense. Hopefully, she’ll get the send-off she deserves. 
• Lilliana and Dr. Charles have to be okay. They just do. They are the OTP of Chicago Med, and that’s the final word. 
• Another Dr. Natalie Manning reference…has anyone checked in with Torrey DeVitto lately?

 

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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