‘Chicago Med’ Recap: ‘Family Matters’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

CHICAGO MED -- "Family Matters" Episode 1007 -- Pictured: Sarah Ramos as Dr. Caitlin Lenox -- (Photo by: James Washington/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1007 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One of the best aspects of the hit NBC series, Chicago Med, is that the show always makes a point to resolve plotlines and conflicts in a logical and prompt manner. For it understands that much like real life, some problems don’t persist for weeks on end. They come to a head quickly and are resolved in some form or fashion, and the same goes for the chapters and adventures we go upon. For they come to a close quickly now and again, and that is why it should come as no surprise that last night’s episode of the show, took the time to resolve a grand problem that has been brewing for the past few weeks. Specifically, the constant conflict between Doctors Archer and Lenox.

For they simply have not worked well together and that came to a head during last week’s tale when Lenox lost a patient for trying to aggressively get them help, when Archer thought she should have leaned into a slow treatment plan, and ‘Family Matters’ wasted little time in bringing this to a close. In fact, Lenox’s case review is what brought about a prompt end to this conflict, since Lenox and Archer simply went at it in front of the review board, and that informed Goodman, she had a real problem on her hands that could no longer wait. So, she began to dig deep into Dr. Lenox’s conduct at the hospital. To understand what was happening on the floor, and that brought about some hard conversations for certain. The kind that seemed to bring about trouble for Lenox.

Because she was riding everyone even harder after her case review, as though she was projecting her failure upon others, also an unprofessional move. But those talks helped Goodwin to learn, that neither Lenox or Archer were bad doctors, in fact, Goodwin came to learn that despite her brash style, Lenox was respected by the doctors in the ER, and she truly did work to make people better. Which meant, this came down an ego battle. Between two a-type, top-tier doctors that simply wanted to be in charge and well… that left Goodwin with a tough call. Step down the newcomer that was making progress and being the right guiding force? Or the seasoned veteran who was being quite unprofessional in nature, and well… Goodwin chose Lenox to be the sole chief of the department, because she needed that level head in there.

Which left Archer stunned and pondering on his future and rightfully so. Because this will be a huge change for him. But as is tradition in this series, there was more to focus upon here. In fact, the title related to those focal points, since Dr. Charles dealt with a young woman that was trying to basically starve herself to fit in with her family, despite the risks, reminding us that sometimes family can create some undue stress. Meanwhile, Dr. Asher dealt with a sorrowful case involving an estranged family. Where a father that chose alcohol over his boy tried to make amends in his eleventh hour, only to find himself alone and facing uncertainty for his mistakes. A reminder that the choices we make have consequences, and there was even a story involving a broken marriage and the wishes of the lover over the wishes of the wife, when it came to saving their shared lover’s life.
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All of which brought forth, one amazing tale. One that really harbored some sobering lessons regarding family, since those stories ended in a realistic and bittersweet manner, something that doesn’t always happen in these kinds of tales, and of course, it made good on resolving a huge plot thread. One that could have gotten out of control but didn’t. Thanks to level heads and more realism. Since this kind of outcome played out in a manner that felt akin to how it would play out in the real world. For those who lose their heads at work, tend to be the ones to take on the penalty, regardless of whether or not they were right or wrong, and truly, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic changes in the emergency department. Now that Archer is on the sidelines and Lenox is running point. Until next time.

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