Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 20 Review: Hell Breaks Loose
Fiiiine, we take it back. Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 20, “Hell Breaks Loose,” actually delivered some development between Archer and Asher. While it would have been more interesting to see Archer’s breakup happen onscreen, it’s nice to know his (ex)girlfriend realized what we’ve all been saying: he is in love with Hannah.
And of course, he shares this with Sean, who immediately laughs at Archer’s reaction. There is absolutely no denying that Archer has feelings for Hannah; the issue is finding the time to finally come forward and tell her how he feels.
However, “Hell Breaks Loose” might not be the right time with everything going up in flames. And the promo promises it’s all about to get even crazier during the season finale.
As viewers hold their breath after Archer’s “I need to talk to you,” Asher goes through every emotion possible as the end of her pregnancy is approaching. We are not surprised that her delivery is going to be one of the most chaotic deliveries in Chicago Med history.
While many viewers would have preferred to see a smooth delivery with Archer by her side, everything is pointing in the opposite direction. Hannah starts having contractions as she takes care of a patient, and her water breaks the moment said patient is ready to push. Because, of course, the show had to give us two pregnant ladies in labor while a prisoner roams the hospital.
And because having the two pregnant ladies stuck in one room isn’t enough, the promo for Chicago Med Season 11 finale gives us hints that while Hannah is giving birth, Archer is being held at gunpoint. Do we believe this couple will ever catch a break?
Will Archer finally have the opportunity to tell Hannah how he feels about her?
If you are one of the viewers who is tired of the Charles and Theo storyline, you might be happy to know that Charles has found the perfect way to fight back. Having Goodwin on his side and confirming she will do everything she can to save his job has given Charles the motivation he needed to keep fighting.
It’s also a sign of the great professional and coworker he is when Doris mentions to him that everyone in the ED has his back. But if that wasn’t enough proof, Lenox goes as far as to tell Theo that everyone knows what he is trying to do, and that no matter what, he will never be Charles. That is a punch directly where it hurts Theo the most.
It has become obvious that not only does he want to get rid of Charles, but he also wants to be him. He wants the power that comes with Charles’s position at the hospital, forgetting that everything Charles has earned comes from years of dedication and loyalty to the hospital.
It takes Charles all of two seconds to find out Theo’s ulterior motive and diagnose him. Now that Theo has been exposed, Charles has everything he needs to fight back and remind the board why they’ve kept him around for so long.
It is great to see the contrast between Lenox as a person and Lenox as a professional. While she is great at keeping her cool in the middle of the chaos, she isn’t as great at handling her personal relationship with Ripley.
It is actually quite funny to see her going off on him when she thinks he’s talking to her, but he is actually talking to one of the nurses. She has become quite the comedic relief.
But, once again, Sarah Ramos delivers an excellent performance the moment Lenox finds herself locked with Ripley. Every single one of Lenox’s emotions comes through as she paces the room, starts raising her voice, and spills the beans on how she feels.
No one in the audience was probably betting that Lenox would finally say she is in love with Ripley. Our surprise probably matches his. But, if we’re honest, both of these characters deserve to have a fair chance at love and a relationship that motivates them to be their best versions.
It might also be the push Lenox needs to go for the trial Abrams mentions.
While Chicago Med Season 11 Episode 20, “Hell Breaks Loose,” is a nearly perfect episode, it feels like the show misses the chance to give Doris her moment in the spotlight while handling the chaos from the prison riot. In the past, the show would have used this as an excuse to place Maggie at the center of the story. We can’t help but wonder why that same treatment hasn’t been given to Doris.
Nevertheless, Goodwin coming into the ED and yelling at the prisoners to keep their cool makes up for it a little. As it does to see Frost’s mom apologizing for the hell they put him through when he was a teenager.
What did you think of this episode of Chicago Med? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.
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Lara Rosales
By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature known as a Media Relations Expert. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Eulalie Magazine, Geek Girl Authority, W Spotlight, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.