Chicago Med Season 9 Episode 9, “Spin a Yarn, Get Stuck in Your Own String,” does an effective job of setting up storylines and character development for the rest of the season. This is desperately needed as the end of the shortened season rapidly approaches. While the story may be a mixed bag, there is plenty to appreciate in the choices made on this episode. The character work is what shines through, and elevates this episode to one of the best of the season so far.
The patient story on this episode is actually quite interesting. While there are occasional patient stories that have stuck in the course of this series, they usually facilitate character development for the members of the Gaffney team. The cult storyline is unique, and gives the doctors and nurses a chance to showcase their skills. It’s nice to see Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt) in particular get a chance to show what an effective practitioner he is. This is a nice change of pace.
Unfortunately, this episode features Liliana (Alet Taylor) and Dr. Charles being driven apart. It would be disappointing if this is how their relationship ends. As mentioned many times before, these two carry so much emotional weight in this series. It would be a shame if Pavel ends up being the reason they go their separate this way. This episode does give hope, however, that these two will possibly be able to weather this storm.
Chicago Med Season 9 Episode 9, “Spin a Yarn, Get Stuck in Your Own String,” is also possibly the end of Dr. Ahmad (Sophia Ali). With the return of Dr. Tanaka-Reed (Devin Kawaoka), it seems that Marcel (Dominic Rains) needs a new mentee. This is an interesting choice, to say the least. If this is the end for Dr. Ahmad, she was hardly given a chance to make her mark in this story. It would be unfortunate to see her become simply a plot device to further Marcel’s character development.
Switching gears, the perhaps surprising best-handled character story is Sam’s (Brennan Brown) and his family’s. Sam’s stories are always particularly strong. This narrative is handled with such care, and gives Sam a chance to showcase his humanity. Additionally, Hannah (Jessy Schram), Dean (Steven Weber) showcase how well they’re able to show up for their friend and colleague. While frightening, this storyline comes across as particularly authentic, and humanizes the struggles that new parents face.
Finally, Bert’s (Gregory Alan Williams) story provides this episode’s emotional gut punch. This story gets more and more tragic as time goes on. For anyone who has ever walked the road of dementia with a loved one, this story feels heartbreakingly authentic. Watching Sharon (S. Epatha Merkerson) and the entire family rally around Bert and tap into the power of music is beautiful to watch. Clearly, this story is going to be the emotional anchor of the rest of the season.
As the shortened season enters its second half, there is plenty of opportunity and chances for missteps. At worst, the second half of the season could devolve into a shallow trap filled with nothing. However, if the show remembers its heart, Chicago Med can be something great. These deep, character-driven narratives are what make it more than just a simple medical drama.
Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.