Chicago Med - Bound - Review

Okay, I have a confession. I know it’s only been six episodes, but I’m ready to declare Chicago Med my favorite of the trio. Before the series started I sincerely hoped I wouldn’t like it (because I watch too much TV), but shoot. It’s so darn good. This episode was amazing and there’s a lot to talk about!

And so we begin…

Siblings with life-threatening injuries are brought into the ER, Miguel and Maria. The two were stowaways from Mexico found in the wheel well of a plane after landing. Yikes. Not exactly what I’d call first class traveling. The scene with Connor and April treating Maria was touching, but also a bit irritating. I don’t understand why they kept switching between English and Spanish. If April and Connor are both fluent in Spanish, why would they all not just talk in Spanish? We can read captions! I felt the switching back and forth a bit unrealistic. Nevertheless, it was nice to see Connor and April working together, as we haven’t seen much of these two together since the pilot.

Meanwhile, Halstead and Connor are still clashing. This feels very Severide/Casey, though I don’t think these two will bury the hatchet anytime soon. They are great foils of one another, and while I’d love to see them as friends, their antagonistic relationship will be far more interesting as the series progresses. They clash again in this episode as Connor makes the bold decision to operate on Maria out of the OR, as they don’t have time to wait. Will openly disagrees, and Connor rightly puts him in his place when the procedure is done.

The immigrant case seems to hit some personal chord with Connor, who takes a particular interest in Maria when Miguel dies. When Connor remarks how sad it is that Miguel and Maria were motivated to go to such drastic lengths to escape their country, Halstead fires back with the cheap shot, “We weren’t all born Rhodes.” It doesn’t help that a banner depicting a new psych ward and Connor’s father Cornelius, the donor, looms in the background.

What Will doesn’t know (until Maggie gives him the scoop) is that the new wing will be named the Elizabeth Rhodes Memorial Psychiatric Ward, after Connor’s deceased mother. According to Cornelius, Elizabeth suffered from depression and after a long battle, ended her own life by jumping off the roof of their house when Connor was just ten. That alone is heartbreaking, but things take an intriguing turn after the announcement of the new ward. Connor confronts his dad outside the hospital, and says that he shouldn’t have left his sister. Now his determination with Maria makes sense! He feels like he abandoned his sister, but now he’s back and threatens to reveal the truth about the night his mom killed herself. I’m hooked.

Sharon has a tough job. I was worried initially that as hospital administrator, we wouldn’t see much of her, as her job might not overlap with the doctors’ much. But I’m really enjoying the perspective her position gives us. Because of Miguel and Maria’s illegal immigrant status, Sharon deals with agents from Homeland Security and the hospital board to determine how to proceed. She ultimately decides to let the hospital repatriate Miguel and Maria to Mexico, which infuriates Connor. Sharon made the right call, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t tough.

Elsewhere…

Ethan treats a teen with a nasty cut on his face. The kid is a genius and plans on using the scar as a tactic to get his dad to buy him a car (he fell off his bike). It’s a lighthearted moment in what was an all-around heavy episode. That is, until the same kid returns later in critical condition because of a drive-by. Sadly, he doesn’t make it.

Sarah and Natalie (but mostly Sarah) treat a little boy, Parker, who at first presents with a broken collar bone; nothing serious. But when Parker starts seizing, Natalie knows it’s something much more serious. They run some tests, and conclude that Parker has a genetic disease that will leave him in a vegetative state in as soon as five years. Wow…not the turn I was expecting.

Sarah is unfortunately left to tell the family on her own, as Natalie goes into labor. Finally! Anyway, Sarah seeks out the wise Dr. Charles for help. Daniel is amazing. He has such a way with words and I can’t wait for him to get his own significant storyline. Breaking the news to the family was excruciating, and Sarah broke down in the bathroom after (and who can blame her?). But it wasn’t until Parker’s acceptance and peace with everything (yes, there’s probably a lack of full understanding there) brought tears to my eyes.

I can’t even convey to you all how much I love Will and Natalie. He really cares about her—dare I say, is in love with her? Everyone notices, except for Natalie of course (let’s be real, she probably knows). Maggie picks up on Will’s affection as he stares after Natalie. “What?” he retorts. Will, you are no mystery.

I’m fairly certain that Maggie is on board with this potential relationship and is taking it upon herself to play matchmaker—yes. I love this. Maggie has Natalie doing laps while she is in labor, and begins her matchmaking mastery! Will meets the two and Maggie leaves him in charge of Natalie, saying she needs to find someone to cover her desk. Sneaky, Maggie. I love it.

These two are adorable. I was so happy just seeing them walk together. And then all happiness faded when Helen, Natalie’s mother-in-law, walked in and ruined everything. Dang it, Helen! We got like ten seconds of Natalie/Will time! And watch out, Will. Helen is onto you and your feelings.

Later when Will goes to get Natalie ice chips, Helen confronts him. She says Jeff (her late son) died only seven months ago, and it’s too soon for Natalie to move on. On the one hand, I get that Helen is protective. She lost her son and doesn’t want some stranger taking his place, especially with her grandchild. But, it’s not your life, Helen! Natalie is allowed to move on. What I found most interesting in this scene is that while yes, Will first says he and Natalie are friends, he doesn’t get defensive about Helen’s insinuations. Guys, prepare yourselves. The Will and Natalie ship (Watalie? Nill? Malstead? Hanning? Let’s workshop that) is about to set sail. I’m ready.

Anyway, the baby is coming! There are some complications, because this is a drama so duh. Maggie aka kickass midwife takes over for the obstetrician and delivers the baby, a boy named Owen. Helen and Natalie share a sweet moment with Owen, but I have a feeling the Will vs. Helen battle is just getting started. After Helen, Will is the first to visit and seeing him with Owen and Natalie was perfection.

Though the episode was heavy and surprisingly sad, it ends on a high note with the entire cast celebrating baby Owen’s arrival in what is quite possibly the nicest hospital room I’ve ever seen. What did you think of the episode? What is the real story behind Connor’s mother’s death? How long before Will and Natalie get together? Share your thoughts below!

About the Author - Meghan Reynolds

A Colorado native, Meghan was born a raised a Denver Broncos fan. Aside from football, she loves television and some might say watches too much of it. Some of her favorite shows of the past and present include Galavant, The Blacklist, The Office, Veronica Mars, The 100, and Gilmore Girls. She reviews Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med for SpoilerTV.