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Critic’s Rating: 1.5 / 5.0
1.5
Regrettably for fans of Ripley, the narrative of redemption presented in this episode does not resonate.
Chicago Med Season 10 Episode 15 employs Ripley’s brush with death as a facile means to achieve forgiveness that feels undeserved, particularly regarding his relationship with Hannah.
While I wouldn’t wish harm upon Ripley, I had reservations about the direction this story took.
Predictable Plot Developments from the Start
The episode kicked off with Ripley experiencing what seemed like an unnecessary car accident, leading to the discovery of two individuals stuck in a well.
And there it was: the hurried redemption arc.
The moment he encountered the mother and child, it became clear how the story would unfold.
Ripley would rescue them, the city would hail him as a hero, and his suspension from the hospital would magically evaporate.
This was disappointing.
A genuine redemption narrative for Ripley could have been compelling, but this felt more like a mechanism to erase the recent past, including Hannah’s decision to end their relationship, which was based on valid concerns.
The Pointlessness of Ripley’s Near-Death Encounter
My skepticism about Ripley’s potential death made it all too apparent that this plotline was merely a means to prompt Hannah to reconsider their relationship.
This notion is frustrating. Hannah ended things for valid reasons, given their toxic dynamics. Ripley had been spiraling, relying on her to save him instead of taking responsibility for his actions.
What would justify her changing her mind? While it’s true that such experiences can lead to profound life reassessments, this felt forced.
The thought of Hannah potentially negating her self-care decision in the next episode is disheartening.
In the final moments, the scene felt reminiscent of an emotional farewell witnessed when Melendez passed on The Good Doctor. I almost checked to see if Luke Mitchell was also exiting Chicago Med!
Nonetheless, once Hannah rushed to him, professing her love, it confirmed my suspicions about how this would end.
Her declaration seemed to be the catalyst that resurrected him, despite indications earlier that he was already recovering from his out-of-body experience.
As the credits rolled, viewers noted this encounter would be the last scene before a month-long hiatus until March 26.
This is unfortunate. I expect more substantial storytelling from Days of Our Lives, and even more from Chicago Med, which occasionally strays into melodrama.
Contrasting Story Quality Within the Episode
The initial segment, where Ripley collaborated with Mouch to rescue the victims, proved more engaging than what followed.
While not groundbreaking, it was enjoyable, albeit I remained unsure of Ripley’s reasoning for being on that road or the necessity of his car accident to propel the story forward.
As a viewer of Chicago Fire on occasion, I appreciated Mouch’s involvement, as his strategy for aiding the mother and daughter was sensible.
Yet, I couldn’t help but empathize with the victims, who endured the ordeal for hours, clearly frightened and in dire need of swift assistance.
Repetitive Themes in Storytelling
However, when Ripley opted to disregard Mouch’s counsel and entered the well himself, it felt eerily familiar.
This scenario echoed the events of the 2025 One Chicago crossover involving Adam and Kidd trapped on a train.
In both instances, characters faced dire circumstances with limited air and communication, as loved ones were left anxiously awaiting updates.
Is it possible to conduct crossovers without resorting to trapping characters in such dramatic scenarios?
Moreover, Chicago Med had previously explored this theme without ending in a personal crisis.
If we were to engage in yet another Ripley-centric narrative, should it not have enriched the previous crossover plot rather than revisiting the same trope a month later?
Lack of Integration in Hospital Scenes
Overall, this episode devoted excessive focus to Ripley’s predicament instead of mixing it with hospital-related storylines.
Once Emelie and her mother arrived at the hospital, they faded into the background.
Although Hannah performed surgery, it felt devoid of depth.
Most hospital interactions revolved around the concern for Ripley, overshadowing any real developments for the mother and daughter.
Additionally, much of Archer’s communication with Hannah occurred off-screen, with both she and Charles appearing at the well without sufficient setup.
What significance did it have for Sadie and Emelie to reach the hospital if their storylines were neglected?
Although Ripley was the focal point, presenting other characters merely as instruments to support his journey felt disingenuous.
Other Engaging Subplots in Season 10 Episode 15
Despite the drawbacks, this episode did offer some lighter yet intriguing subplots:
Hannah’s sister is expecting a child and stepped up in her role as a supportive sibling. I felt a sense of missed continuity, but it was gratifying seeing them bond. More stories exploring their relationship would be welcome.
Frost encountered a woman from his past, hinting at a budding romance when they nearly kissed. This subplot may not have been thrilling, but it sets the stage for a potential will-they-won’t-they dynamic.
Your Thoughts on Chicago Med Season 10 Episode 15
How did you feel about this episode, Chicago Med enthusiasts?
Was Hannah’s decision to break up with Ripley primarily for drama, or is it best for her to maintain her distance?
Share your opinions in the comments and participate in our poll to rate the episode.
Chicago Med airs on NBC on Wednesdays at 8/7c and streams on Peacock on Thursdays. The next new episode airs on March 26, 2025.
Source
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