‘Brilliant Minds’ Recap: ‘The Lovesick Widow’

​Written by John Edward Betancourt

BRILLIANT MINDS -- "The Lovesick Widow" Episode 108 -- Pictured: (l-r) Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Wolf, Susan Nimoy as June Sullivan, Jim Watson as Patrick Sullivan, Kristopher Turner as Kevin Sullivan -- (Photo by: Rafy/NBC)

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that we are entering a brave new frontier in the medical world. Simply because we are finally acknowledging that mental health is something that needs to be maintained in a manner akin to our physical health. Which means we must indulge in actions that keep our mind sharp, keep our emotions healthy and if such matters need treatment, we should address it with the same urgency as a badly sprained ankle. Because the fact of the matter is, mental health is paramount and it determines so much about how we live our lives, how we thrive, and whether or not our tomorrow will be a good one or a sour one, and for proof as to how this works, look no further than this week’s episode of Brilliant Minds on NBC.

Which the ‘The Lovesick Widow’ explored in beautiful detail, courtesy of several key storylines all tied to one important element that we need to thrive… a deep human connection. Be it romantic or physical. And the first storyline that pondered deeply upon such matters, involved a patient in the hospital that was presenting some interesting and unique symptoms. For June, an elderly woman, was in the hospital for observation regarding a stunning libido. One that got her booted from her retirement home and of course, everyone wanted to know what caused this surge of sexual desire. Since it was sudden, and her family wondered if it was related to something serious, and while it wasn’t immediately life threatening, there was a medical cause related to the matter.

In that, June had an uncured form of syphilis, which can bring about a heightened sex drive in later years when gone untreated, and well, her family wanted treatment to take place, and her to move in with them, but she did not want any of that. Because for the first time ever, she felt free, she felt desired, and she felt happy and the thought of letting go of that… depressed her deeply. To the point where the solution to keep her vibrant was to give her, her freedom and work with her on treatments to keep her sex drive high. Because human connection in that manner gave her life, gave her what she needed emotionally and mentally. All because we do get a thrill when we feel desired, and it does boost our mental health and that was a great and unique way to teach us that lesson, and it was wonderfully complimented by more romantic journeys in this tale.

For Ericka talked with June often and received some solid advice on taking a moment to enjoy life and find connections period because they’re so special, and she listened to that advice by going for it with Van and she did find that spark and that thrill that nourished her mental health to a tee and even Dr. Wolf participated in such matters. Mainly because his mother ran interference on his budding relationship with Dr. Nichols, and that reminded him of the fact that she denied him this before and put him in a fragile place because of it. But having Roman pass away on his watch and seeing the joy that June exhibited when she was close to the men that adored her, reminded him to reach out and grab his happiness and find value in love and he did, and it was just wonderful to see Dr. Wolf go for it for a change and fulfill an emotional and mental health need. 

All of which made, for a supremely progressive and uplifting tale when all is said and done. Even with Carol’s somewhat Since it did remind us of the power of connection and what that can do for our minds and our souls, and it spoke to the healthy nature of sex and the importance… of living life to the fullest and embracing what brings us joy. All of which was just delightful to see here, especially after last week’s devastating story. Not to mention, it was so sweet and so delightful that this episode just took a moment to pay tribute to Leonard Nimoy and his family and Zachary Quinto’s role in the Star Trek Universe. Since Leonard’s widow Susan played June here, and the little shoutout to Zachary’s resemblance to Leonard was also a joy and a fitting bow on a positive and uplifting story about the wonder of what it means to connect with someone that sends our heart a flutter. Until next time.

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