Chicago Med 7×09 “Secret Santa Has A Gift For You” is basically the best episode in an already very strong season for Chicago Med. Every character works; and every storyline works, from Sharon Goodwin making the most Sharon Goodwin decision ever, and making sure Will didn’t make the decision himself — which we all know he would have, if he’d been given half a chance to simmer, to Dylan’s compassion, Stevie’s understanding and Vanessa’s confession.
What Chicago Med has done in nine episodes of season seven is nothing short of amazing. The show has gone from an obligatory, but not always exciting, part of One Chicago Wednesdays, to the best way to kick off the evening. And the fact that there’s so much to explore, so many dynamics to delve into, so much growth, only makes what comes next all the more exciting.
For Will Halstead, to begin with, because there was a moment in this episode where I thought, “oh no, here we go again with Will,” and then …he surprised me. This is the Will Halstead I’ve always wanted to see, yes, one that cares too much, that wears his heart on his sleeve, but also one that isn’t self-sabotaging all the time because of it. Chaos can be channeled—ask Max Goodwin. And if this is the season Will learns to channel that chaos, and does it for himself, not for someone else, then I will count myself satisfied.
For Sharon Goodwin, who proved this episode that she was just the character I thought she was, the one who will do the right thing despite the consequences. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, she’s always been this person, but the fact that the show seems willing to explore some actual consequences from her decision is interesting, particularly considering absolutely everyone – from her doctors to the viewers, is on Sharon’s side.
Beats what Chicago P.D. is doing with Hank Voight, that’s for sure.
For Dr. Daniel Charles, the kind of Doctor Iggy from New Amsterdam wishes he were, the one that puts patients first, but who respects them enough to listen and not try to dictate what they want and/or need.
For Stevie Hammer, who brings an exquisite sense of compassion to her work, and who little by little, is also allowing herself some of that compassion she’s so quick to give to her patients. Being kind to yourself is often so much harder than being kind to others, but the journey she’s taken in just nine episodes makes me excited for the journey to come.
For Dylan Scott, who is more than just the new guy, there for other characters to bounce ideas off, and who is instead a calming, comfortable presence on a show that has truly needed his steadiness and his heart.
For Crockett Marcel and Pamela Blake, with all the messy romantic complications they will bring us, because, honestly, we wouldn’t be able to say no to Donna Paulsen either, so how can be blame Dr. Marcel for his decisions?
For Maggie Lockwood and Vanessa, who have been tugging at our heartstrings since the moment their connection was first revealed, because the show is allowing them both to be amazing characters outside of the relationship they have with each other, while also giving us that growing connection that, as Vanessa discovered this episode, is truly something to be proud of, not the other way around.
And, surprisingly so, maybe even for Dean Archer, who, for the first time ever, got a storyline that made me think there was something else, deep inside, that we hadn’t gotten a chance to see.
There’s what I mentioned, and there’s more, and it’s just been nine episodes. Imagine what Chicago Med can do with a full season of these people, these storylines. Imagine how much more I can care. Just imagine.
I can. And I never thought I would, not again.
Things I think I think:
- I’m glad Will wasn’t just letting himself get carried away, because if he’d truly thought an invitation for eggnog was just an invitation for eggnog, well …I would have judged him.
- Where do I get Dr. Marcel’s Christmas sweater?
- Hospital politics suck, but I’m super interested in seeing what the “consequences” are for Sharon. Is she going to lose her job? I don’t think that’s sustainable long term, but the fact that I’m worrying doesn’t strike me as a bad storyline, all things considered.
- I didn’t even care about Med nine episodes ago.
- ALSO, WILL, YOUR BROTHER GOT MARRIED, GO CALL HIM. PLEASE.
- More Dylan and Will working together, please.
- And yes, to Vanessa and Stevie. The little nods to the fact that yes, there’s a little bit of a mentorship situation going on there, are A+. For a few seasons there, it seemed like the only women on this show who spoke to each other were Maggie and Sharon. I’m so happy that’s changing.
- That pointed look from Stevie to Will at the end, when she realized it was him who turned on Matt Cooper.
- This is the kind of cliffhanger that just makes me EXCITED.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Med 7×09 “Secret Santa Has a Gift For You”? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.
