Chicago Med is a prime example of how the One Chicago universe has managed to dominate the primetime procedural sector. With a wide collection of fully-formed characters and exceptionally complex plot lines, this show allows audiences to delve deeper into the lives of these staff as they work their way through an abundance of nail-biting cases. As such, this is a fantastic show for audiences who are in need of a high-powered TV adrenaline hit.
But, with so many brilliant episodes to choose from, it can be hard for fans to pinpoint an exact example of how this show tugs on the viewer’s heartstrings. Yet, Season 5, Episode 1, “Never Going Back to Normal,” manages to immerse fans in a selection of tearjerking situations while keeping them on the edge of their seats. But why was this episode so sad, and how does it impact the rest of the One Chicago canon?
What Happens in “Never Going Back to Normal?”
- Season 5 of Chicago Med was supposed to have 23 episodes, but the season was cut short due to the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Chicago Med is part of the One Chicago universe, which includes spin-offs such as Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Justice.
Season 5, Episode 1, “Never Going Back to Normal,” begins with a bang, and the viewer is forced to watch Dr. Halstead rush into Gaffney Medical Center holding Dr. Manning’s lifeless body in his arms. It turns out that the pair were involved in a tragic car accident, and Dr. Manning is now suffering from a harsh traumatic brain injury. The team also help to treat a young boy with hypothyroidism as well as a patient experiencing a schizophrenic episode.
This episode also offers fans a detailed glimpse into the personal lives of their favorite characters, especially Dr. Connor Rhodes. He discovers that Ava Bekker is responsible for his father’s death, causing both of them to experience a whirlwind of difficult emotions. Plus, April and Ethan work through a pregnancy scare that ultimately puts their relationship at risk.
Despite the amount of dramatic tension stuffed into this episode, every situation complements each other so that the plot flows effortlessly and without any stagnation. Even the title of this episode signifies the theme of change, so audiences expect to be taken on a rollercoaster of emotions before the first scene appears on their screens. It’s clear that audiences appreciated the tension within this episode as it managed to accumulate 7.53 million viewers in the U.S. alone.
This Episode Shows the Fine Line Between Personal and Professional
Medical Cases Involved in Season 5, Episode 1, “Never Going Back”
| Patient’s Name | Medical Issue |
|---|---|
| Will Halstead | Minor wounds from a car accident |
| Natalie Manning | Traumatic brain injury from a car accident |
| Cameron Geddes | Schizophrenia |
| Thomas Donovan | Blindness caused by hypothyroidism |
| Tim Burke | Minor injuries from attacking Will and Natalie |
As the staff at Gaffney Medical Center continues to collaborate on a daily basis, it is no surprise that these doctors may struggle to separate their personal lives with the demands of their jobs. Yet, this episode highlights this level of dedication and how many members of the team just can’t release the pressures associated with this line of work. For example, Halstead blames himself for Manning’s injury despite being attacked by Tim Burke. As such, it’s clear that he carries these burdens regardless of the situation, and even though he is an esteemed medical professional, he cannot eliminate these irrational thoughts. This example also signifies the unity within the hospital and how the team struggles to cope when one of their own is in danger.
Dr. Charles also exemplifies how his job blends the personal and professional, particularly when he leaves his honeymoon early to help a patient with schizophrenia. When Cameron Geddes arrives at the hospital displaying a selection of worrying symptoms, Dr. Charles rushes to be by his side to ensure that he can receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. It could be argued that by leaving his honeymoon early, Dr. Charles is acting obsessively and selfishly. But, it could also be said that he is always looking for new ways to improve his professional stature.
Dr. Rhodes’ Departure Signifies the Drama Within the Gaffney Chicago Medical Center
Notable Members of Dr. Connor Rhodes’ Family
| Name | Relation |
|---|---|
| Cornelius Rhodes | Father |
| Elizabeth Rhodes | Mother |
| Claire Rhodes | Sister |
| Robin Charles | Ex-Girlfriend |
| Samantha Zanetti | Ex-Girlfriend |
| Ava Bekker | Ex-Girlfriend |
One of the most surprising twists in this episode involved Dr. Connor Rhodes and Dr. Ava Bekker. Here, viewers discover that Ava was responsible for Connor’s father’s death due to an overdose of insulin. To make matters worse, Bekker decides that the only way that she can get herself out of this situation is to take her own life. Though she is rushed to surgery, the team cannot save her life in time. As such, Rhodes has to face the fact that he’s lost his father and his ex-girlfriend in such tragic circumstances. The fact that Ava exhibits such distressing signs of self-harm in front of Connor indicates that she was deeply struggling with feelings of guilt and anxiety. As such, this example highlights the stress that the staff at Gaffney Medical Center is under and how, in times of trouble, they cannot think of healthy and helpful ways to cope.
“Never Going Back to Normal” also showcases Dr. Connor Rhodes’s departure from the show, leaving long-term fans to experience a profound sense of grief and upset. After experiencing a wealth of ups and downs, Rhodes decides that he can no longer put up with the constant stress and decides to resign from his position at the hospital. Although this is a very sad situation for both Rhodes and the audience, Connor leaves with his head held high as he says a final goodbye to his colleagues. Thus, the ending of this episode exemplifies Connor’s noble and confident demeanor one last time, helping to portray him as a secure and unforgettable character.
Why Was This Episode So Impactful?
5 of the Best Dr. Connor Rhodes Episodes
- Season 1, Episode 17, “Withdrawal”
- Season 3, Episode 8, “Lemons and Lemonade”
- Season 2, Episode 3, “Natural History”
- Season 4, Episode 17, “The Space Between Us”
- Season 4, Episode 20, “More Harm Than Good”
Season 5, Episode 1, “Never Going Back to Normal,” is undoubtedly one of Chicago Med’s greatest episodes, mainly because it’s filled to the brim with emotional pressure and anguish. Yet, these emotions don’t push viewers away from the true core of the story. In fact, these aspects only work to draw fans in closer. As such, this episode strives to highlight what makes Chicago Med so bingeworthy, particularly with its profound character arcs and developing storylines.
