From the instant Dr. Caitlin Lenox made her debut on "Chicago Med," stepping into Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, she and Dr. Dean Archer have been locked in a perpetual clash. United in the daunting task of co-managing the Emergency Department, the duo has faced an uphill battle in seeing eye-to-eye—on virtually every conceivable front. Their utter lack of consensus on anything has fostered an atmosphere of palpable tension, hardly conducive to the smooth operation of an E.D. where swift, life-or-death decisions are the norm and patient care hangs in the balance.
It was evident from the outset that Goodwin would ultimately have to pick sides, as their discordant leadership could never sustain the department's success. Many presumed that Archer would reclaim his throne, steering the ship solo. But to our astonishment, episode 7 unveiled a shocking twist: Goodwin bestowed the reigns of the E.D. solely upon Lenox, relegating Archer to a mere attending physician. We foresaw this decision stirring up controversy and rocking Archer to his very foundation. The hint of a resignation letter in the promo only escalated our anxiety, hearts pounding in anticipation.
As the season's cliffhanger unfolded, we anticipated a fierce battle from Archer. Instead, his response was a stark contrast. He walked into the E.D. with an unexpected calm and clarity, assuring Lenox that he wouldn't stir up trouble and that a burden had lifted from his shoulders. Archer not only pledged non-interference but also vowed to reinforce Lenox's authority among the staff, facilitating her leadership with open arms.
His sentiment was echoed later as he caught up with Goodwin amidst his patient consultations, confessing to her that regaining his sole identity as a doctor felt like a liberating breath of fresh air. Following a hectic day in the Emergency Department (E.D.), Asher stumbled upon Archer sitting alone in the locker room, expressing surprise at how well he had adapted to the change. However, he revealed to her a different truth – he was planning to slip a resignation letter under Goodwin's door.
Despite his attempts to maintain a positive demeanor, Archer admitted to Asher that he had come to the realization that it was time for him to step away. "With Shawn leaving Chicago and Margot and I calling it quits, what's the point of staying?" Asher, taken aback, questioned how he could utter such words to her. In response, Archer acknowledged that she was indeed a reason for him to stay but insisted, "Goodwin's right. Lenox is the future of the E.D., and it's time for me to move on. I won't let anything hinder that journey."
Not wanting to see her friend leave town so easily, Asher proposed a deal to Archer. They would break the wishbone from their Thanksgiving celebration: if he won, he could slip the resignation letter under the door; if she won, he would take 24 hours to cool off and reconsider his decision. Asher ended up winning, gaining some precious time, but it was evident that Archer was deeply conflicted about this new turn in his life. In fact, as the episode concluded, Archer made his way to Goodwin's office and ultimately slipped the resignation letter under the door, hinting that his time on "Med" might be drawing to a close. However, we sense a change in his thoughts looming.
Just as he stepped into the elevator, a bloodied Goodwin rushed out, seeking help. Archer was destined to play a crucial role in saving her life, and given the events that are sure to unfold in the winter premiere, we imagine that Archer won't be abandoning "Med" anytime soon.
