It’s not every day that a long-running medical drama manages to outshine its flashier franchise siblings, but Chicago Med Season 10 is doing just that. For years, the series played third fiddle to Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, operating as the procedural appetizer before the main course. Yet this season, things feel different. Characters once sidelined now stand firmly in the spotlight, and story arcs delve deeper than ever. However, amid the renaissance, one character threatens to derail the progress.
Lenox and Archer: The unexpected pulse of the season
There’s no denying that Lenox has undergone a transformation. When she first appeared, her abrasive demeanor clashed with the ensemble, but now she’s evolved into a richly layered character. Sarah Ramos portrays her with an authenticity that’s drawn audiences closer, and her nuanced relationships with colleagues reflect some of the season’s most compelling development. According to TV Fanatic, her evolution has turned her from a wildcard into a pillar of the show’s emotional landscape.
Meanwhile, Archer has surprised long-time viewers. Steven Weber, who previously delivered a more stoic performance, now infuses the character with unexpected vulnerability. He recently told TV Fanatic that the show feels “rejuvenated and fresh,” a sentiment that resonates through his portrayal. His renewed dynamic with the ensemble has opened new narrative avenues and breathed fresh life into long-standing character dynamics.
A season of creative choices and missed opportunities
Beyond characters, Chicago Med has stepped up its narrative game. Episode formats are more experimental, weaving social commentary and case studies in ways that feel more reflective of real-world issues. It’s a pivot that many fans welcome. Arcs involving Frost and Maggie have added richness to the season, showcasing how the writers aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
But even amid innovation, missteps linger. The unresolved storyline involving Sharon and her stalker left viewers dangling, a rare lapse in an otherwise tight season. Still, these minor setbacks pale compared to the elephant in the ER: Ripley.
Ripley’s regression: A character in freefall
What happened to Ripley? Once a promising addition to the One Chicago universe, his character has spiraled into frustrating territory. Where there was once potential for complexity, there’s now an exhausting barrage of brooding and self-sabotage. As noted in TV Fanatic, Ripley has become “a chronically brooding, toxic guy with more issues than your favorite magazine.”
His storyline, especially after Sully’s death, has devolved into a cycle of self-destruction that drags down scenes rather than elevates them. His relationship with Asher doesn’t help either. Lacking chemistry and emotional payoff, their scenes feel obligatory at best, tedious at worst. For fans who remember Ripley’s early promise, this character regression is not just disappointing — it’s a blemish on an otherwise stellar season.
If Chicago Med wants to maintain its upward trajectory, it must reckon with the Ripley problem. There’s still time to course correct and give Luke Mitchell the material he deserves. But for now, Ripley remains the weakest link in an otherwise strong chain.
Airwrap by Dyson
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