‘Chicago Med’ Recap: ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

CHICAGO MED -- "Love Will Tear Us Apart" Episode 1008 -- Pictured: (l-r) Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher, Luke Mitchell as Dr. Mitch Ripley -- (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1008 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that Thanksgiving no longer holds the weight that it once did in American life. After all, we now have a better understanding of what was taken from Indigenous Americans in order for colonists to ‘give thanks’, and the past eight years have divided families since there are some who believe politics are now part of an identity and are happy to back the wrong horse in the name of ideology. But there are still reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving, if we focus on the core of it. In that, it is about being thankful for what we have and what is in front of us, and it just so happens that Chicago Med took the time to remind us of that during this week’s fall finale of the show on NBC.

A feat that ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ accomplished by having the past and some important cases arrive at the hospital. For instance, a couple that was on shaky ground came to understand the power of the moment in the ED. Because their day was a weird one. Where, after finally going on a date after years of toying around with dating, they were on the brink of losing everything thanks to an accident. Which informed them both, to cherish the moment and be thankful for what we have within it. To the point where they got married right there, in the ED, and thanks to Dr. Lenox’s skill as a surgeon, they have more days to be thankful for. Which was a nice way to explore how to be thankful and present during this holiday, since Thanksgiving was the backdrop for this particular tale.

Yet, it also spoke to how it is okay to have somber thanks on this day. Since we learned that Dr. Lenox lost some important people in her life, and her family was shattered because of it. But she made sure to be thankful for the time they had regardless on this day. Plus Dr. Ripley seemingly figured out a way to get Smitty into the hospital for a little thanksgiving of his own. Because Smitty was down bad this holiday, courtesy of news he was staying in jail and away from his family. So, he and Ripley seemingly worked out a painful way to get him to the hospital through a fight, so he could see his family and make a few lasting memories before his health got worse. Which was another fine reminder of cherishing that moment and what we have.  

But of course, since this show explores all sides of the human condition, it also showcased how this holiday can be a sour time as well. Since it can be a period where the past comes back to haunt us, and we are forced to confront it. As Dr. Charles did here with the return of Sarah. Who once again, caused trouble with her garbage views on mental medicine and that forced Dr. Charles to face her chaos again and react accordingly to help a patient. Not to mention, this episode revealed Goodwin’s stalker. Who as it turned out, was the wife of the woman who Goodwin decided wouldn’t receive a transfusion during the fallout of the boating collision. For she could not stand that her wife was gone, and the holiday clearly made that worse and she brought Goodwin within an inch of her life as part of the plan for vengeance. But had it not ironically been for Dr. Archer, who had his resignation on his mind, he might have died in her office.

Granted, she may still die, since this episode leaves us on a scary cliffhanger. But while we wait to see if Archer can save her in time, we can revel in a smart midseason finale. One that perfectly hammered home the bitter moments of the holiday when the past haunts and when people have little to be thankful for. Along with the majesty of the holiday when we don’t think about its divisive nature. All of which gave rise to a powerful tale. One that moved us and featured some lovely moments for certain, and it is important to recognize those now. Because in a day or two, our minds will be focused on one thing, Goodwin, and whether or not she will make it out of the midseason premiere alive, when Chicago Med returns on January 8, 2025. Until next time.

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