Chicago Med could easily be mistaken for a soap opera with its complex love stories spanning nine seasons. However, a new love triangle in the upcoming season is causing frustration among fans. Created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, the NBC medical drama began as a spin-off of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, becoming the third show in the One Chicago franchise. While it may not be the franchise's strongest entry, Chicago Med is known for its drama and entertainment, even if it can be a bit unbelievable at times. Unfortunately, the upcoming storyline in season 9 is not generating much excitement.
In the season 9 premiere of Chicago Med, viewers were greeted with a six-month time jump, marking the departure of Nick Gehlfuss' character, Will Halstead. However, as one doctor exits, another steps in, with Luke Mitchell taking over the role. Mitchell portrays Dr. Mitchell Ripley, an ED Attending Physician with a complicated history with Dr. Daniel Charles. Amidst the drama, Ripley finds himself growing closer to Dr. Hannah Asher, who is also involved in a strong relationship with another doctor at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
A Love Rectangle Is Brewing Between Hannah, Dean, Ripley, & An Unknown Woman
Hannah looking intensely at another another doctor in Chicago Med - A Love Rectangle Is Brewing Between Hannah, Dean, Ripley, & An Unknown Woman
Hannah and Dr. Dean Archer share a strong bond on Chicago Med. Initially, their relationship seemed purely platonic. However, in the upcoming season 9 episodes, there may be a shift towards romance. While there is no clear indication of romantic feelings between them yet, showrunners Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider hinted at a possible romance in an interview with TVLine. Frolov mentioned that Hannah will remain close to Archer as their story progresses.
Schneider added:
"Friendships can turn into romantic relationships. I think they both have feelings, but they're very sublimated."
Hannah has been dating other people in Chicago Med season 9, but new doctor Mitchell Ripley has caught her attention. The two seem to have chemistry, and based on their interactions in the episodes and the showrunners' comments, Hannah and Ripley may soon take their relationship to the next level. Schneider hinted at this development:
"Hannah and Ripley are starting off as friends, but there is potential for their relationship to become something more romantic. Archer may feel a little jealous, but he's not showing it because he's a generous person. Plus, he has his own romance brewing."
Chicago Med Already Attempted a Love Triangle Involving Hannah & Dean In Season 8 (And It Didn't Work Out)
Sean and Asher stand next to Archer's hospital bed in the Chicago Med season 8 finale. - Chicago Med Already Tried A Love Triangle Involving Hannah & Dean In Season 8 (And Failed)
In Chicago Med season 8, there was a hint of a romance between Hannah and Dean. Dean's son, Sean Archer, mistakenly thought there was something romantic going on between them. This led to a love triangle situation as Sean had feelings for Hannah. Fortunately, the misunderstanding was quickly resolved, with Dean and Hannah clarifying the situation to Sean. Hannah made it clear that she did not have romantic feelings for Sean, bringing an end to the brief love triangle.
The first love triangle in Chicago Med didn't work out well. Now, a new love rectangle with the same characters is also likely to fail.
It was a bit of a stretch for the show to have a love triangle involving a father, his son, and a colleague. It was awkward to watch and didn't really click with the audience. That's probably why the writers decided to wrap up the story quickly. So, it's puzzling why the writers in season 9 are revisiting the idea of a relationship between Hannah and Dean. The first Chicago Med love triangle was a failure, and a new love rectangle featuring two of the same players is surely doomed, as well.
Chicago Med Season 9 Should Avoid A Romance Between Hannah & Dean Altogether
Steven Weber as Dr. Dean Archer and Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher in Chicago Med Season 9. - Chicago Med Season 9 Should Avoid A Romance Between Hannah & Dean Altogether
It looks like the love triangle in Chicago Med season 8 and the upcoming love rectangle in season 9 are leading to a possible romance between Hannah and Dean. However, turning their friendship into a romantic relationship might not be a good idea for several reasons. Their friendship is one of the highlights of the show, and not every close bond between a man and a woman needs to become romantic. Additionally, Hannah and Dean lack the chemistry needed to justify a romantic connection.
New episodes of Chicago Med season 9 premiere on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Dean is significantly older than Hannah. Even though age shouldn't matter in a relationship between two adults, the Hollywood cliché of an older man dating a younger woman is overly used. It would be more interesting for Hannah and Dean to remain friends in Chicago Med season 9, allowing Hannah to explore a romantic connection with Ripley, with whom she shares chemistry.
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming love triangle in "Chicago Med" Season 9 has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While the show is known for its dramatic and entertaining storylines, the repetition of a love triangle involving the same characters from Season 8 has raised concerns. The failed attempt in Season 8 suggests that a similar storyline in Season 9 is likely to fall flat. Additionally, the idea of turning the close friendship between Hannah and Dean into a romantic relationship is met with skepticism, as it could potentially damage their dynamic and lack the necessary chemistry.
Fans argue that the writers should explore other storylines and focus on the medical drama that initially drew viewers to the show. The constant focus on romantic entanglements can overshadow the compelling medical cases and character development that made "Chicago Med" appealing in the first place. By avoiding unnecessary love triangles and emphasizing the core strengths of the show, the writers can maintain the interest and satisfaction of fans.