Chicago Med - Free Will - Review

The fall finale operated (pun intended) a bit differently than most episodes, in that there wasn’t really one feature storyline. Instead, each character dealt with the legality, morality, and consequences of free will, which happens to be the title of the episode. We were given a lot to contemplate over the hour, and a few stories that will surely continue when the series resumes in the new year.

“You empowered him to make decisions. It’s what good doctors do.”

Picking up with the previous episode, Ethan and Sarah continue their search for Danny. Sarah’s preoccupation with finding Danny takes over as she beats herself up for not letting Danny stay with her. Later, Detective Erin Lindsay finds Sarah and breaks the bad news: Danny is dead. Wow. After weeks of Danny’s story, I was hoping for a happier outcome. But I suppose someone in his situation rarely gets a happy ending, so while I’m devastated for Sarah and Danny, I have a lot of respect for the writers and the story. It’s a tragic ending for Sarah, who is left asking “What if?” It’s not something she’ll move on from soon. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that Danny and his story will be a key piece in shaping Sarah into the doctor she’s becoming.

“Fortune favors the bold.”

Connor, Dr. Latham, and Jeff work with Karina, a young girl with William’s syndrome. The disorder causes an abundance of feelings of trust and social interaction, and is typically related to heart issues as well. Karina’s best option is heart surgery, but her mom initially says no. Because of her condition, Karina’s will is disregarded. But Karina’s visit to the prisoner sparks something in her mom, who later approves of the surgery.

Meanwhile, Daniel’s reservations about Connor, specifically Connor dating his daughter, force Connor to respectfully decline Robin’s invitation for a date. I don’t think Daniel actually has anything against Connor. Daniel wasn’t around much of Robin’s childhood, but she’s over it. He’s not, and it’s his overwhelming desire for a relationship with her that’s causing his disapproval of Connor. Daniel is just upset that the man Robin wants in her life isn’t him. And honestly, sushi for Thanksgiving? Who could blame her?

“You’re a real tough guy, huh? Took my best shots…deflected ‘em like Captain freaking America.”

Ethan treats a patient in from prison who caused himself harm for a “vacation”. For Ethan, someone who has seen war, having a patient who causes himself harm simply to escape the confines of a prison is probably as reprehensible as it gets. Ethan tries to get him out as soon as possible, but the prisoner cons Connor’s patient, Karina, into giving him her earrings. He swallows them, and buys himself additional time at the hospital. It’s no surprise that Ethan struggled with this one, but I loved the words Sharon had for him. “If you wrestle with a pig, you’re both going to get dirty. But the pig likes it.”

“I’m a nurse. I stopped listening to doctors a long time ago.”

April’s lab results are in, and it’s not good. Her TB is officially active, but that’s not the biggest news she received. She’s pregnant! What would ordinarily be a thrilling discovery instead added more confusion and concern to April’s already difficult situation. While there’s uncertainty surrounding her treatment, there’s no uncertainty concerning Tate. Seriously, could he be any better? (Bonus points for you if you read that with Chandler Bing’s inflection.) Tate’s excitement regarding the news was the one bright spot in an otherwise grim story for April.

April is given an impossible decision to make. The type of TB she has will only respond to one form of treatment, but that treatment could potentially be harmful and cause lasting damage to the baby. Without the treatment, both April and her baby will die. With the treatment, April will live, but the future isn’t certain for her baby. April initially refuses the medication, but after deliberation, agrees and moves forward with an optimistic and determined mindset. So, how long will we have to wait to see if her baby is okay?

“That man is dying in there. The least we can do is give him a chance.”

Things are going well with Nina and Will, and Natalie has definitely noticed. Things are friendly enough between the two, but her, “I’m really happy for you guys” was less than convincing. No time to focus on that though, as the two pair up to treat Jim Vance, a patient desperately in need of a new kidney. His heart problems don’t help matters, as that actually moves him further down the transplant list. Jim’s brother Ian is a perfect match for a kidney donation, but refuses to donate because he’s HIV positive. On top of that, Jim doesn’t approve of his brother’s sexual orientation, so they just don’t talk about it. But after Jim crashes and nearly dies, Ian decides to tell him everything.

After exhausting every option, Will and Natalie are left with only one: use Ian’s kidney. Jim is open to receiving it, even though it means also receiving HIV. Jim might be okay with it, but all ethics and laws are not. “Natalie…It’s unethical and illegal. Even if you found a surgeon willing to do it, the minute anyone found out, our licenses would be revoked.” But Natalie doesn’t care. She’s determined to find a way. Where there’s a Will, there’s a way, right? (Laughs at my terrible joke would be appreciated, thanks.) Leave it to Will to find a solution when Natalie feels defeated. The two offer Ian a syringe to transfer blood to Jim, which would give him HIV. It’s a way to work the rules to their advantage, as Jim would be legally allowed to receive the kidney if he had HIV.

And so, the Will and Natalie saga continues. Will (the attending) once again allows Natalie (the resident) to push the boundaries and blur the lines of professionalism. Natalie is clearly miffed at Will’s relationship with Nina. Is it because she has feelings for Will, or is it that she misses Will’s affections? And does Will let her do and speak the way she does because he still has romantic feelings for her, because he trusts her instincts, or both? Perhaps only time will tell. And by time, I mean about thirty minutes. There’s your answer.

But first, stop everything. Eternal thanks to Nina and Jay, who reveal to the housewarming party (and to us) that Will plays guitar and sings. And guess who his eyes wander to while he performs? If you guessed Nina, you’re wrong (and clearly didn’t watch the episode). Natalie’s obviously watching him too, and her comment about Jim (but not really about Jim) a bit earlier spoke volumes to what she’s feeling. “The one thing he needs most in the world is right in front of him, and he can’t have it. He doesn’t even have a choice.”

So, at this point, it’s only a matter of time, right? I almost don’t want to enjoy the scenes with Will and Nina or Natalie and Jeff, because it’s all going to end. And the longer they wait, the messier it will be. But I’ll be here, with snacks, to intently watch it all unfold.


What did you think of the episode? How will Danny’s death affect Sarah moving forward? Will April and Tate’s baby be healthy? When will Natalie and Will acknowledge their feelings? Share your thoughts below!