Chicago Med does a fantastic job of giving even the most minor of characters an excellent backstory. It seems that each person has their own motives and stories, all of which are expertly woven together to make one of the best procedurals in America. Not to mention, a lot of these individuals appear in other aspects of the One Chicago universe, highlighting their versatility and ability to adapt to new storylines.
Liliana Wapniarski has been a recurring cast member since Season 8, and although she may not be at the front and center of the show, she does a fantastic job of bringing others into the spotlight. Thus, she manages to weave her way into a collection of complex plots, making her a very controversial character in the minds of avid Chicago Med fans. So, who is Liliana Wapniarski, and how has she managed to stir up so much trouble in just a few episodes?
Who Is Liliana Wapniarski?
- Wapniarski enjoys cooking traditional Polish dishes such as zrazy and golabki.
Liliana Wapniarski first joined Chicago Med in Season 8, Episode 9, “This Could Be the Start of Something New.” Liliana is first seen singing at a local bar, which caught the eye of fan-favorite character Dr. Daniel Charles. Drawn in by her beautiful voice and classic looks, Charles finally plucked up the courage to ask her out. Yet, their encounter wasn’t exactly love at first sight, as it turns out that Wapniarski is also a janitor at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Thus, it seems that the pair had crossed paths before without even realizing it.
This character is originally from Poland, which also offers her a unique perspective on the American healthcare system. Though she doesn’t comment on it too much, she does strive to find justice and adequate working conditions in her own role. Admittedly, Liliana initially comes across as a sweet lady who’s determined to sweep Dr. Charles off his feet. However, as her arc progresses, fans quickly discover that this humble singer isn’t all she makes out to be, and she’s harboring some dark family secrets of her own.
Lilana’s Brother Acts as a Frustrating Roadblock
- The actress who plays Liliana, Alet Taylor, has appeared in multiple Broadway musicals, including Guys and Dolls and The Brain From Planet X.
Liliana’s brother Pawel is another secondary character within Chicago Med, but his intentions make him a threat to the show’s entire canon. Though not much is known about this man, what fans do know, they don’t like. As such, many viewers believe that Pawel acts as an obstacle in Liliana and Daniel’s relationship, possibly because he sees Dr. Charles as a threat. A prime example of how Pawel tries to jeopardize their relationship is evident in Season 9, Episode 8, “A Penny for Your Thoughts, a Dollar for Your Dreams.” Here, Pawel arrives at Dr. Charles’ door in the middle of the night, complaining of a dislocated shoulder. Instead of asking for medical advice or appropriate treatment, it’s clear that Pawel just wants easy access to painkillers. Pawel’s menacing attitude in this episode doesn’t just highlight his actions as an addict, but it also indicates that he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. This conversation also shows that Liliana is too scared to cut off her toxic brother and start living life for herself. Thus, not only is she putting her relationship with Daniel at grave risk, but she’s also putting others in the way of Pawel’s harmful desires.
It’s also clear that Liliana feels responsible for Pawel’s screw-ups and illegal activity, so much so that she feels drawn to help him get out of every situation he gets himself into. For example, in Season 8, Episode 22, “Does One Door Close and Another One Open?” Liliana admits that she intends to spend the funds she’s been saving for a house to pay off her brother’s excessive gambling debt. This is a key example of how Pawel interjects himself into Daniel and Liliana’s relationship because it’s evident that she cannot move on with her own life and better herself until she sorts her brother out. Yet, the complex relationship between Liliana and Pawel also pushes viewers to believe that she’s also a part of his schemes. Thus, fans are unsure whether they can trust her story as a victim or if she’s also just as bad as Pawel.
Liliana Doesn’t Prioritize Her Relationship With Daniel
5 of the Best Liliana Wapniarski Episodes
- Season 8, Episode 20, “The Winds of Change Are Starting to Blow”
- Season 8, Episode 18, “I Could See the Writing on the Wall”
- Season 9, Episode 7, “Step On A Crack and Break Your Mother’s Back”
- Season 9, Episode 13, “I Think I Know You, But Do I Really?”
- Season 8, Episode 12, “We All Know What They Say About Assumptions”
Fans also believe that Liliana and Daniel’s relationship is very one-sided, particularly because it seems that Liliana doesn’t make the effort to put her partner first. In Season 8, Episode 15, “Those Times You Have to Cross the Line,” Gaffney Chicago Medical Center experiences a widespread janitor strike, and Daniel joins Liliana on the picket line. This suggests that, despite his higher status and rank in the hospital, Dr. Charles is still willing to risk these privileges and stand by his partner in her advocacy. Yet, fans will notice that there aren’t many examples of Liliana doing the same for Daniel. Admittedly, this may be because the pair work at opposite ends of the hospital’s hierarchy, so it would be inappropriate for her to enter his line of work. But, many would also argue that she doesn’t support Daniel in the same manner because she doesn’t view him as a priority in her life. Therefore, Liliana seems to go around in circles by placing her brother first and then asking Daniel to come and rescue her.
