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As midweek approaches, nothing quite compares to the anticipation of One Chicago on Wednesday nights.
While I typically enjoy all segments of the franchise, it often happens that I place Chicago Fire and Chicago PD higher on my list than Chicago Med.
For me, watching Chicago Med has been more about forming a routine, a warm-up while waiting for the more intense action of the other shows. The series has its merits and has never been poor quality; it just often feels like a side dish rather than a main course.
This season, however, Chicago Med is showing signs of significant improvement—so much so that it has even outperformed a notably lackluster season of Chicago Fire.
The characterization in Chicago Med has gained momentum, with characters like Lenox experiencing notable growth. Her evolution from a somewhat irritating presence to a complex individual with depth has made her much more relatable, showcasing Sarah Ramos’s acting range effectively.
Lenox’s character development has positively affected her interactions with other cast members, enriching the narratives within the series.
In a similar vein, Archer’s character, once a tough sell for the audience, has seen revitalization thanks to Steven Weber’s portrayal, offering deeper insights into his personality. Weber recently expressed that the show feels refreshed, particularly noted during discussions about the recent One Chicago crossover events.
While there have been missteps—such as the inadequate handling of Sharon’s stalking storyline—other character arcs involving Frost and Maggie have been engaging. The show has also taken more innovative directions in terms of filming and weaving in social commentary, which has enhanced the overall viewing experience compared to previous years.
Yet, the character Ripley remains a significant point of contention this season.
His presence tends to sap the energy from scenes, overshadowing the narrative with poorly conceived storylines and frustrating decisions, leading to what seems like character regression. There was a time when Ripley added layers to the storyline; however, this season, he appears to have been diminished to a troubled character devoid of emotional awareness or competence, dragging the storyline down with him.
Ripley’s continual struggles reached a peak following Sully’s death, resulting in his most destructive behavior yet, which does little to contribute to the overall emotional depth of the series. Instead of enriching the narrative, his struggles often come off as more exasperating than poignant.
The issues with Ripley also extend to his relationship with Asher, which has undoubtedly taken a turn for the worse. This pairing, which I had little investment in from the beginning, has grown to evoke indifference, primarily due to Ripley’s character flaws. Each time they interact on screen, it intensifies my belief that Archer deserves far better than what he receives.
This is an unfortunate development for the series, aptly dubbed “the Ripley Effect”—a phenomenon where one character’s decline impacts the overall quality of storytelling. It is worth noting that actor Luke Mitchell has demonstrated considerable talent outside of this particular narrative arc.
There is a crucial need for the showrunners to recalibrate Ripley’s character trajectory. Currently, he stands out as the primary stumbling block in an otherwise stellar season of Chicago Med.
What are your thoughts, fans of Chicago Med? How do you feel about Ripley this season? Let’s engage in conversation below!
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