Relationships are hard. And we have a lot in our lives. We have our work relationships and our family relationships. St. Denis Medical Season 2 Episode 12 “Nod And Agree” was a lesson in the truth and how we deal with it. Alex learned that sometimes a lie is better than the truth, and Ron’s visit with his son led to them reconnecting. At least in the best way they know how.
MORE: Need a refresher? Read our review of St. Denis Medical Season 2, Episode 11!
One of the things I have been most interested in is Ron’s family. We hear him talk a lot about his ex-wife and his kids, but we haven’t seen them yet. That’s why I was excited to see Ron’s son, Michael (Sam Richardson). We know from past episodes of St. Denis Medical that Ron’s relationship with his son is a little strained. Their visits are often tense, and according to Ron, there is always an argument. Both are two different people with very different personalities. Ron decided to use a different approach on this visit. He chose to “Nod and agree” to prevent any arguments. To him, this made the perfect visit.
Joyce didn’t see it that way and thought it was a bad idea for Ron to do this. I agree. I understand Ron didn’t want to get into fights with his son. Nobody wants to fight with their family. Especially when you’re supposed to have a nice visit. But the visit for them wasn’t honest. The interactions felt forced. And even if Michael couldn’t tell that his dad was playing along, it was obvious to everyone else. As Joyce said, “Conflict is natural.”
Chasing The Perfect Visit
The only way Michael and Ron can work on their issues is to be honest with one another. A small white lie is fine because we all do it. But sometimes those lies to please someone lead to an even bigger lie, and the truth always comes out. When Ron has an incident with another physician, Dr. Axler (Wayne Knight), who talks down to him in front of Michael, he urges him to report it to Joyce. Michael wants his dad to “Be the change.” Of course, Ron doesn’t want to do it.
I can see why, but I also recognized the importance of doing so. Ron has to work with Dr. Axler even when Michael is gone, so to him it feels like an inconvenience to report him. Ron does go to Joyce, but he tells her he does not want to make a formal complaint, and if his son asks her about it, he wants her to pretend that it was handled. Unfortunately for Ron, life doesn’t work that way.
As I expected, Joyce informed Ron that what he told her she would have to address officially. His issue with Dr. Axler was important, and if she did not address it, it would lead to a toxic work environment. The whole thing blows up in Ron’s face, and Michael learns the truth. But there were some positive outcomes. Not for Ron in his work relationship. But I think his relationship with his son mattered more.
Ron confesses to Michael and reveals he lied because he wanted to have the perfect visit. Ron learns that Michael never expected him to be perfect. He knows who his dad is. He wants to have a relationship with him. And even if the visit isn’t perfect. Michael wants his dad to be real. It was nice to see them be honest with one another, and they still have a lot of progress to make, but this visit was a start.
This Is The System
Alex has been the Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department for a while now. With that comes a lot of responsibility. And there is also the never-ending challenge she faces in being a friend and a manager. After Alex learns from Serena that Val, whom she believed was on jury duty, was on a vacation in Cabo, she wants to get to the bottom of this. Alex doesn’t want to believe that Val or anyone would ever lie to her to have some time off. Serena tells her not to take it personally, and it’s just the way things work. Especially now that Alex is their boss.
To Alex, she is no different than the nurses she is in charge of. But sadly, she is. She’s part of management now. Whether she wants to admit it or not. I know what it feels like to work with a friend and then they transition to your manager. The dynamic changes. It’s no fault of anyone. It’s just what happens. And Alex struggles with that a lot.
And as is always the case, she goes overboard in trying to relate to her nurses. She decides to sit down with them and have a meeting. She thinks it will make the nurses open to her, but it just creates more tension. And Val learns that Serena snitched. I can’t say I blame Val for being mad at Serena because it wasn’t her place to tell Alex anything. Val thought she could confide in Serena, but she learned she couldn’t. I will say that Alex learned a hard lesson, though.
I’m Not A Pressure Cooker, I’m A Crock Pot.
When Alex confronts Val for the truth, she gives it to her. And it’s sad. Val informs Alex that she had to get away because she’s been feeling angry and numb. She’s having relationship issues with her girlfriend, Shelly. And she just wanted to take a mental health day. Val asks Alex point-blank what she would rather hear: the truth as to why she wanted to be off, or a lie. Alex says she’d rather hear the lie. Surprisingly, considering Alex cares about people, I thought she would have told Val she wanted the truth. But the truth is painful. And I guess Alex prefers Val leave her drama at the door.
That’s how most jobs are. It’s been said that we all need to leave the drama at home. We’re not supposed to bring our drama into work. And we most certainly should not be saying the words “I need a mental health day.” But why can’t we? Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. And healthcare workers are entitled to them.
Healthcare workers see a lot, and it gets overwhelming and heavy. Then you go home and live your life. Val’s feelings were valid, and I loved that she had that moment because we saw her human side. Since St. Denis Medical began, Val has been the comic relief. She’s been one to make everyone at the hospital laugh. For once, it was good to see her vulnerable side. And I think that Kaliko Kauahi did a great job showing what it feels like when a nurse reaches their breaking point. I’m hoping this was a learning experience for Alex and Serena. Sometimes it’s better to leave things alone.
St. Denis Medical airs Tuesday Nights at 8/7c on NBC.
