Summer has officially arrived, and the 2024-2025 TV season has been consigned to the annals of history. In a few months, networks will be releasing new shows and new seasons for already existing shows. The One Chicago universe will return in the fall, with its long-running medical drama, Chicago Med, also returning for Season 11. The recently concluded season saw a hierarchical structure shakeup at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center’s emergency department with the arrival of Dr. Lennox (Sarah Ramos). It was a move that didn’t sit well with Steven Weber’s Dr. Dean Archer, and the skilled physician opts to resign. However, a disturbing episode would change his decision and his outlook.
In the episode, Dr. Sharon Goodwin’s (S. Epatha Merkerson) life is endangered when her captor stabs her. Archer thankfully discovers her in time, helping boost her chances of pulling through, but the series hasn’t really delved into how that has affected Archer. While speaking with Deadline, actor Steven Weber discusses how the event has changed and shaped his character since:
“It was interesting because while his instincts as a soldier and as a doctor kicked in, what was added to that was having feelings for somebody. I think he loves Sharon in a way that he may not understand. Not in a romantic way, but as a peer. And also, it was probably very easy for this guy, who’s from a different generation, to view women a certain way, as weaker, or he objectifies them, or all that b.s. But he saw this woman of such strength and command, who is also able to be vulnerable. And it’s not weak, it’s not weakness, it’s power for him to care for her. So the fact that he was able to help her and save her life was affirming for him, not only as an individual, but in this new world that he’s finding himself in.”
Archer’s views on women are long held, and Weber’s comments show there has been a shift. Being passed over for Lennox earlier in Season 10 really stung Archer, but it also provided an opportunity for the character to enjoy some growth. Weber sought to find emotional evolution in his character in Season 10, as his views were beginning to erode and harm other healthy relationships, including his professional relationship with Sharon Goodwin.
‘Chicago Med’ Season 11 Presents Archer With New Responsibilities
While Archer might have matured somewhat in the episodes since Dr. Goodwin’s attack, Season 11 might test him in a different way. The Chicago Med Season 10 finale left audience members in suspense about the identity of the father of Dr. Hannah Asher’s (Jessy Schram) baby, and Archer is a prime candidate. Hannah and Archer have long enjoyed a close bond, but Mitch Ripley (Luke Mitchell) is an equally strong candidate. However, Weber sees Archer as the frontrunner: “I think if you follow the breadcrumbs, you’ll see that it’s most likely that Archer is the father.” He goes on to explain:
“A few episodes back, I think it was in “The Book of Archer,” he and Hannah have an equally ambiguous encounter. If you relax for a second, it makes sense that they might have hooked up or connected in some way that is interesting and challenging. There’s nothing 100% definitive here, but you should put your money on Dean.”
