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Chicago Med is facing significant issues with its portrayal of relationships that can no longer be overlooked.
While past grievances were raised about the dynamics between Will and Natalie, many would now prefer to see a storyline focused on them than the current narratives involving Mitch and Hannah.
Although there are other couples featured on Chicago Med, it seems that only Will and Natalie are afforded substantial storylines, leaving the others to languish without meaningful development.
The One Chicago Crossover Highlights this Concern
The recent One Chicago crossover, which aired on March 12 in reruns, serves as a pertinent moment to analyze this dilemma.
During this crossover, characters from both Chicago Fire and Chicago PD were shown grappling with the perilous situations of their partners. For instance, Trudy was shot, leaving Mouch in a state of anxiety as he contemplated the best medical decisions for her while Ruzek and Kidd found themselves trapped underground during a chaotic crisis.
One might expect that with three shows on air, at least one couple from Chicago Med would confront similar life-threatening circumstances. However, the crossover featured two couples from Chicago Fire and one from Chicago PD dealing with the challenges together, while Chicago Med’s team merely attended to those in need after the fact.
This narrative oversight highlights a serious issue: the writers seem unable to find a couple within Chicago Med whose story is compelling enough to feature prominently in such a significant crossover.
Who Could Have Fit into This Storyline?
In theory, the only couple that could have been included in the “dangerous couples” plotline was Hannah and Mitch. However, their own ordeal aired in a recent episode, demonstrating the destructive nature of their relationship.
Mitch’s near-fatal experience echoed the events in the crossover when he disregarded warnings to rescue a mother and daughter, only to find himself trapped and low on oxygen. Ironically, this occurred right after Hannah finally decided to end her relationship with him, a step she should have taken long before that moment. The scene that unfolded felt like something out of a fairy tale rather than a realistic drama.
Hannah’s declaration of love prompted a dramatic awakening for Mitch, leaving the audience anxious about their future as a couple despite the evident toxicity of their relationship.
Throughout the episode, Hannah also wrestled with thoughts of whether she had been too hard on Mitch, despite recognizing that her own past mistakes had merited forgiveness without scrutiny. This portrayal leaves much to be desired.
The current season has revealed that Hannah and Mitch are at vastly different points in their lives, indicating their incompatibility. Mitch’s ongoing struggles with personal demons conflict directly with Hannah’s commitment to sobriety, as she takes active steps to ensure her recovery.
Chicago Med Tends to Lean on Hannah and Mitch Due to a Lack of Alternatives
This couple seems to be receiving the same central focus that Will and Natalie once had, which is frustrating for many viewers. The writers are left with few options as they attempt to craft narratives involving romantic relationships.
In recent installments, the show has dissolved Maggie’s relationships with two very promising partners. While her attachment to Ben was genuinely heartfelt, the premise of their meeting in the chemotherapy unit was quite far-fetched. Unfortunately, they were separated for dramatic effect and never reunited.
Similarly, Maggie’s brief dalliance with Loren was abandoned without any logical explanation. While Archer and Margot had potential, their connection also strained due to external conflicts involving Sean.
Sharon’s budding relationship with Dennis shows promise, yet progress remains hindered by her recent traumatic experiences with a stalker. Meanwhile, Dr. Charles has found himself caught in relationships of dubious quality that mirror the dysfunction of Hannah and Mitch.
The ongoing issues stemming from his involvement with Pawel strained his previous relationship with Liliana, making it a topic no one wants to revisit.
Interestingly, Hannah and Mitch are currently one of the more “acceptable” pairings, which only solidifies the argument that Chicago Med has a serious couple dilemma.
Chicago Med Missed a Golden Moment to Transition Hannah Away from Mitch
Hannah’s decisive breakup with Mitch coincided with Margot’s definitive end with Archer, presenting a significant opportunity for Hannah and Archer to connect in a different capacity.
While merging Hannah and Archer romantically might not single-handedly remedy the couple crisis, it certainly could offer fresh narrative possibilities. However, even an age-gap relationship brings its challenges, and I remain skeptical about the dynamics of such pairings.
Yet, the strong friendship that exists between Hannah and Archer offers a solid foundation that can translate into a fruitful romantic relationship. They have navigated their way through various conflicts, proving they can support one another during difficult times.
Regrettably, it appears the series is steadfastly leaning on the tumultuous Hannah and Mitch narrative once more.
Does Chicago Med Really Need Couples?
There’s a case to be made that Chicago Med could alleviate its issues by redirecting its focus away from romance altogether. The emphasis on relationship conflicts often overshadows the core medical drama, threatening to shift the series into more soap-opera territory.
Other, more established shows already cater to this blend of drama and romance, creating a unique niche for them. Chicago Med, however, has traditionally had a foot in both camps, reflecting that blend of genres.
While I advocate for the inclusion of romance in Chicago Med, it must be oriented around partnerships that resonate with viewers rather than revolving around toxic relations.
As a Chicago Med aficionado, what are your thoughts?
Do you believe the series has a legitimate couple issue? What changes would you suggest to enhance the romantic dynamics within the show?
Join the conversation below!
Chicago Med airs on NBC on Wednesdays at 8/7c and streams on Peacock on Thursdays. The next new episode is scheduled for March 26, 2025.
Watch Chicago Med Online
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