Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular moment we see often in just about every medical drama out there, is the happy ending. Wherein in some form or capacity, the person suffering from a hideous ailment, is given joyous resolution. It might be that they have a long road ahead or that they can expect some baby steps as they heal, but they heal none the less and we have tears in our eyes because there is beauty in watching people survive the ravages of fate. But while it is nice to enjoy a happy ending and see wonders come forth in medical dramas, those endings are indeed, escapist in nature. Because not everyone that walks into a hospital for major care is cured when their journey is done. Because sometimes, there is no cure for what they have, and they must figure out how to live with that ailment. Which is why the NBC series, Brilliant Minds is of note. Simply because it is that rare medical drama that makes sure to tell that truth and explore what that kind of surprise looks like, as evidenced by this week’s story. For ‘The Haunted Marine’ offered someone the bad news that there was no cure for their ailment, after of course, expanding upon the John Doe storyline. Because now that everyone was aware of the fact that John was conscious, they had to figure out how to communicate with him and reach him, so they could better diagnose and heal him. Which led to another wondrous sequence of events, wherein Dana and Van worked hard to reach him and believe it or not, they figured out a way to communicate with him, using his eye movement, and in doing so… learned he’s Russian and also… terrified. Terrified of being sent off again, something that struck Dr. Wolf to his core and only tied him closer to this mystery patient who we know now… has hope. Especially since Wolf has quite the idea to give him a chance to speak, via a microchip implant. But while it was amazing to see the team figure out a way to speak with a patient in this state and not give up on him, it was the central story here that explored how some folks don’t get the news they want regarding their health. Which was handled by way of the introduction of a man named Steve Hill. Who was a former marine and was struggling with something that seemed to be an easy diagnosis, PTSD. Because he was seeing literal ghosts of fallen marines he served with in his unit, and he was prone to behavioral swings and explosions of emotion. But a quick look over Steve’s record made it clear… that PTSD wasn’t possible. Because he and his unit were never once on the front lines of combat. They worked with a cannon unit and hit the enemy from afar with their gear. Leaving Dr. Wolf to ponder upon the possibility that something worse was at play here within his body, and that too, went nowhere since Steve’s scans were all clear and healthy by medical standards. However, an off the cuff comment from Dr. Nichols, led Dr. Wolf to ponder upon something that few would ever consider, CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). A neurodegenerative disease often associated with NFL players since it relates to concussions and the long-term damage those incur upon the brain. Which of course should not have applied here. But the fact that Steve was showing symptoms, and that the fallen surrounding him showcased similar symptoms before passing, prompted Dr. Wolf to prove this diagnosis, and with the help of the family of one of the deceased soldiers in that unit… that proof came to light, Steve did have CTE. Which allowed for the team to get long-term benefits activated for him since this injury happened in combat, and it put Steve on a long road to… living with his affliction. For there would be no cure, and eventual trouble, so all that could be done was to mitigate his symptoms and give him every moment. Which was an unconventional ending. Because just like that, there was no sustainable joy, no bright tomorrow for Steve. Just the harsh reality that he was ill and would forever be and that was sobering… but welcome from this unconventional series. Because it did remind us that happy endings aren’t always possible and until science reaches a revolutionary apex, these moments happen, and it really does become about the moment and cherishing every good day for patients like Steve. Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out that this episode also featured more intimate moments with the characters, the kind that showcased more of why Wolf does what he does, what haunts Nash, and Van’s intelligent. All of which just added to a thoughtful tale that informed us, that love, and care is sometimes all we can offer to the sick, and that has its own weight and worth, since it calms fears and helps people do the work, to maintain for as long as they can. Until next time. Watch ‘Brilliant Minds’
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