Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 9: Goodwin’s Joke Teases Return of Original Character

Warning! Spoiler alert for Chicago Med season 10, episode 9.

The latest episode of Chicago Med, titled “No Love Lost,”features a humorous remark from Sharon Goodwin, portrayed by S Epatha Merkerson, which hints at a potential character comeback. This season holds special significance as the medical drama celebrates its tenth anniversary. Allen MacDonald, the new showrunner, is already fulfilling his promise to reintegrate several beloved characters into Gaffney Medical Center. The return of Sarah Reese, played by Rachel DiPillo, in episode 8, was the first step in this exciting revival.

Reese had not appeared since her abrupt departure in season 4, a decision stemming from her emotional turmoil after accusing Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt) of letting her father die. Her recent return provided closure to her storyline, leaving the possibility open for future appearances. As Goodwin jokingly referenced one of the show’s most cherished characters in her quip, it ignites anticipation for more familiar faces to come back as the series progresses through its tenth season.

Goodwin’s Quip on Halstead’s Possible Return Following Reese’s Visit

Halstead’s Departure at the End of Season 8

Chicago Med Archer carries Sharon into the hospital

The episode “No Love Lost”primarily delved into the aftermath of Goodwin’s traumatic office attack. Although she was seriously injured, Goodwin made significant strides in her recovery and was able to receive visitors by the end of Chicago Med’s winter premiere. Among those was Reese, who sought to make amends with Dr. Charles and visit Goodwin before departing again. Goodwin, surprised to see Reese after such a long time, joked, “Who’s next? Will Halstead?”

Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss), who has been absent from the show since season 8, currently resides in Seattle with Natalie Manning (Torrey DiVitto). Notably, he had developed a strong rapport with Goodwin during his tenure at Gaffney Medical Center, leaving fans to speculate whether his name drop in Goodwin’s playful comment hints at a potential return to the hospital.

The Reasons Behind Will Halstead’s Departure from Gaffney

Moral Dilemmas Leading to Halstead’s Exit

Throughout the majority of his eight seasons, Halstead served as a pivotal character, linking various narratives across the One Chicago franchise through his connection with Chicago PD’s Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer). His decision to resign from Gaffney at the end of season 8 came as a shock to fans. While Halstead frequently skirted the rules to ensure the best care for his patients, his departure was a narrative closure following actor Nick Gehlfuss’s choice to move on from the series.

Halstead’s exit was rooted in a season-long plot involving Jack Dayton (Sasha Roiz), a tech billionaire who compromised ethical standards at the hospital by introducing AI-based surgical assistance. When OR 2.0 made a critical error leading to a patient’s death, Halstead’s moral obligation compelled him to sabotage the technology to avert further danger. After submitting his resignation, his story concluded with a semblance of contentment as he relocated to Seattle to be with Manning.

Potential Return of Will Halstead Could Enrich Chicago Med’s 10th Anniversary

A Significant Figure in the Series’ History

Chicago Med Will Halstead wearing red scrubs and stethoscope around his neck

A return from Halstead would undoubtedly heighten the excitement surrounding Chicago Med’s milestone season. As a long-term character deeply woven into the fabric of the series, Gehlfuss’s reappearance would be fitting for this celebratory year. Unlike Reese, who had unresolved issues, Halstead’s comeback would likely serve as a chance to reconnect with old colleagues and lend his expertise to a patient in need.

Although he currently resides in Seattle, there are multiple plausible scenarios for Halstead’s return. While a visit to Goodwin may seem likely, it would be more captivating if he were drawn back by a pressing medical case. For instance, if something were to happen to Manning’s son, Owen (Ari Morgan), and they sought specialized treatment at Gaffney, this would create a compelling narrative that brings both Halstead and Manning back into play while introducing a high-stakes drama for viewers to engage with.

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