Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Episode 4 Recap: Was Nurse Avery’s Surgery a Success?

The fourth episode of Doctor Odyssey’s inaugural season, dubbed “Wellness Week,”premiered on ABC on Thursday, October 17, 2024. This latest installment presents the crew with significant hurdles as the cruise ship fills up with ill guests, including one of their own, all while sailing amidst hurricane conditions.

Amidst turbulent seas, Dr. Max and Nurse Tristan faced a perilous job, yet they managed to navigate the chaos, culminating in a successful operation for Nurse Avery, who was treated for a ruptured appendix. On a brighter note for Avery, she joyfully disclosed earlier in the episode that she was awarded a scholarship for her MD studies.

However, Nurse Avery wasn’t alone in facing medical crises during this episode of Doctor Odyssey season 1. Surprisingly, the Wellness Week theme saw a spike in ill passengers aboard The Odyssey, compelling the crew to manage a range of unfortunate health complications brought on by various wellness activities. Guest stars Amy Sedaris, Kate Berlant, Margaret Cho, and Laura Harrier made special appearances in this episode.

Disclaimer: This article contains significant spoilers for Doctor Odyssey season 1. Reader discretion is advised.

What occurred during Nurse Avery’s surgery in Doctor Odyssey season 1 episode 4?

While she was less than enthusiastic about Plastic Surgery Week in the previous episode, Nurse Avery was visibly excited as the ship ushered in Wellness Week. She had the opportunity to meet one of her heroes, wellness expert Agnes, portrayed by Kate Berlant.

Avery later shares the encouraging news with Dr. Max regarding her scholarship for medical school. However, her enthusiasm quickly shifts to distress after experiencing severe abdominal pain following a dinner hosted by the Captain that welcomed Wellness Week guests.

Dr. Max discovers Avery in her cabin, doubled over and in anguish yet reluctant to visit the infirmary.

Avery self-diagnoses, suspecting she has food poisoning from the raw organ dish prepared by Wellness Week’s chef, Vivian (played by Laura Harrier). Dr. Max, however, instructs her to forego self-diagnosis and insists on a wheelchair ride to the medical bay.

Ultimately, it’s revealed that she is suffering from acute appendicitis. Although surgeries are prohibited on ships, they must conduct an emergency procedure to save her life. As preparations unfold, Captain Massey requests that everyone return to their cabins and brace for turbulent waters.

With The Odyssey battling a hurricane, the situation becomes even more precarious for passengers and medical staff alike. Still, Captain Massey collaborates with Dr. Max to implement a plan—he will maneuver the ship in a zig-zag course to provide Dr. Max short intervals of calmer conditions for the operation.

What ensues in Doctor Odyssey season 1 episode 4 showcases the formidable challenge faced by Dr. Max and Nurse Tristan as they maneuver through the operation amidst constant instability.

At one point in the surgical process, they must pause while Avery is open, reacting to the Captain’s course change, leading to excessive bleeding. Nevertheless, Nurse Avery’s surgery concludes successfully, highlighted by Nurse Tristan’s unique suturing method, which he dubs the “cruise ship knot.”

By the end of this gripping episode, Nurse Avery is all smiles, joking about her near-death experience while engaging in a card game with Captain Massey.

Doctor Odyssey season 1’s “Wellness Week”sees an influx of unwell cruise guests

In a twist of irony, Wellness Week aboard The Odyssey coincides with an influx of unwell passengers, prominently featuring the renowned wellness guru, Bethany Welles (played by Amy Sedaris).

The cruise initially promised a rejuvenating wellness retreat, where “gurus”and “enthusiasts”imparted healthy living techniques to devoted wellness aficionados.

Amy Sedaris as Bethany Welles in Doctor Odyssey season 1 episode 4 (Image via ABC) — Amy Sedaris portraying Bethany Welles in Doctor Odyssey season 1 episode 4 (Image via ABC)

Agnes and Judy (played by Margaret Cho) initiated the Wellness Week festivities with a special smoothie recipe featuring a controversial ingredient—Judy’s Diva Dust.

An unexpected twist occurs when a secondary ingredient, bitter almonds, leads to disastrous consequences; after drinking the concoction, Agnes suffers liver failure and requires dialysis to recuperate.

Agnes isn’t the only wellness aficionado in need of urgent medical assistance. Judy also ends up in surgery following an acupuncture mishap with Agnes. Although Agnes advises Judy to seek acupuncture for her wellness, one needle penetrates too deeply, causing Judy to suffer from a punctured lung.

Additionally, the mastermind behind the wellness concept, Bethany Welles, ends up in the medical bay also nursing a case of copper poisoning from excessive raw organ consumption.

By episode’s end, Bethany seizes the opportunity presented by her health scare to market a new venture—B. Welles Detox, touting a “top-notch at-home chelation system”designed to purge toxins from the body.

Doctor Odyssey season 1 bids farewell to “Wellness Week”in episode 4

Following the chaotic Wellness Week portrayed in Doctor Odyssey season 1 episode 4, Nurse Avery, who had reservations about the event from the start, feels relieved to learn that this chapter has closed for good.

In the episode’s concluding moments, as passengers disembark from the luxurious cruise ship, Captain Massey updates the crew on their expulsion from Bethany Welles and her wellness entourage.

He reveals he had a conversation with Lenore, the cruise line owner’s wife, regarding Bethany’s future with the company, announcing that they would not be extending her contract. This decision came quick after Lenore experienced hives as a reaction to one of Bethany’s sunless tanning products.

While The Odyssey’s saga with Wellness Week has concluded, a potential romantic development emerges for Nurse Tristan. Chef Vivian, the object of his affections throughout this episode, will join the crew as the new chef following their previous chef’s sudden exit. Vivian wins Nurse Avery over by revealing that all of the “raw meat”incidents were Bethany’s directives, not hers, and she presents Avery with a warm, “cooked”soup.

Stay tuned for new episodes of Doctor Odyssey season 1 every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, exclusively on ABC, or catch up by streaming on Hulu the following day.

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