The January 29 episode of Chicago Med left two characters on the sideline, though not many fans seem to have noticed.
Chicago Med season 11, episode 11, “Our So-Called Lives,” was quite the eventful episode. We met two of Dr. Charles’ former med school friends and went on an emotional rollercoaster ride that ended with a heartbreaking death. Lynne returned and got into some fun shenanigans with Ripley as the pair snuck into Wrigley Field to spread Sully’s ashes on the anniversary of his death. And we then saw a new curveball thrown in the direction of Asher and Archer fans as a new love triangle continued to form with Archer and Kingston growing closer after their initial date in episode 10.
Amid all of the action, it was easy to miss the fact that the episode was without two major members of the Gaffney team: Sharon Goodwin and John Frost.
After playing central roles in the tenth episode of the season, Goodwin and Frost were both randomly MIA in episode 11, with not even so much as a mention of the two characters across the episode. There was no quick line about them being off for the day or traveling; they simply just did not appear, and no update was provided as to why they weren’t around.
Of the pair, it was particularly disappointing that Goodwin was not involved in the episode, as it would have been nice to see her there to support Charles when his former med school friend died in surgery. Charles and Goodwin’s friendship has always been a standout in the One Chicago universe. The two characters have seen each other through their lowest of lows, while also being by each other’s side for the highs in life as well to celebrate in their wins, so it would have been nice for Goodwin to be present for this particular storyline.
While we imagine the death of Charles’ friend might come up in conversation down the line, it’s a shame that we didn’t get to see Goodwin there in the immediate aftermath of the loss or to be there as Charles faced his past with the return of his two former friends.
It was also surprising to see Frost sidelined this week, especially after getting twice as much of the character the previous week with Frost appearing on Chicago Fire as well. This week, there was no Frost on Chicago Med, and there was no Frost on Chicago Fire either – Chicago Fire did at least drop his name as Novak made plans to see him as the episode ended.
The good news is that after failing to appear in episode 11, both Goodwin and Frost will be back for Chicago Med season 11, episode 12, “Spill Your Guts.” Even better, the two characters will be part of the episode’s central storylines!
As the promo teased, Goodwin is about to have to jump into action when a member of the Gaffney board requires immediate medical attention during a flight. It looks like Goodwin is going to have to perform an emergency procedure of some kind thousands of feet in the air to save the board member’s life in what promises to be an intense storyline.
Frost, meanwhile, is going to have to confront the demons of his past which has us thinking we’re about to see someone from his acting days pass back through Chicago. Could we be about to see one of his former Nick of Time co-stars coming to town, or might we perhaps be about to finally meet one of Frost’s parents leading to a confrontation between Frost and his parent(s) over the lack of protection and support he was given as a kid when they thrust him into the acting industry? We’ll find out on February 4 when episode 12 drops at 8/7c on NBC!
