‘Chicago Med’ 8×01 Review: “How Do You Begin to Count the Losses”
There was so much going on in this episode! With Will’s apartment fire and the consequences that came from that, I would have been occupied with just that. But of course, that’s not all that was going on. We had people leaving and people coming in, along with people making returns. This season premiere had me nervous, crying, and smiling. Which is not generally what this show does to me. Maybe things are changing for the better with this one. So keep reading for my Chicago Med 8×01 review!
Endings and Beginnings
The season picked up right where we left off. Which wasn’t a great place. Will’s apartment building was on fire and there was more than enough danger to go around. While I was worried about everyone, my heart was breaking for Dylan. When he broke down, I bawled. And the way that he blamed himself for Jo’s death was devastating. Watching him work on her and beg her to come back had my heart breaking into pieces on the floor. Dylan has been a favorite of mine since he first appeared. He’s an amazing character and I love the way he speaks his mind and isn’t afraid to express his emotions to those around him. Honestly, that just made Jo’s death that much harder to watch. Because Dylan’s devastation was palpable. So of course, because I like him, Dylan is leaving. Another one bites the dust.

Image via NBC
I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t a big fan of Hannah’s when she showed up. But she really has grown on me and I kind of like the idea of her and Will being together. Maybe I just had to accept that Natalie wasn’t going to come back and that she and Will weren’t going to be together. Also, looking at Will these last couple of seasons and I feel like he’s really grown a lot. So maybe he and Hannah are ready to be together and give their relationship a real shot. I know, I can barely believe I’m saying it. And it’s probably partly due to my love for Jessy Schram. I’ve always been a fan of hers and when I first heard she was coming to Chicago Med I was super excited. But then I wasn’t Hannah’s biggest fan. So I’m glad that things have changed!
Butting Heads
It’s no secret that I don’t always agree with Crockett’s methods. Or his attitude. But I’m on the fence about the entire situation with Pamela. I really don’t think that Crockett had ulterior motives or was trying to push himself to the top of anything. He really seemed to be doing what he thought was best. As to whether the decisions he made were the right ones, I really don’t know. Though I can understand why Sam was feeling the way he was about the entire thing. It’s never a good feeling being called into question about your profession. Especially when it’s one that you’re so passionate about. I’m hoping that given time, things will cool down and all will be well. But that’s not usually how this show works.
Hannah is the epitome of stubborn. Maybe that’s why she and Will are such a good match. But I was really worried about what was going on with her. Speaking of stubbornness, that’s a language that Ethan knows well. Sure, he was right about Hannah and that she should have been intubated sooner. But you can’t force patients to do what you want them to do. Will and Ethan have butted heads a lot over the course of this show and I don’t think it’s going to stop any time soon. But I also think that it’s good for both of them. I think they make one another better doctors. And I think they’ve come a long way with how they’ve learned to express their thoughts and disagreements over the years. Which is really great to see. I love the way they support one another.
Newcomers and Returns
I think Archer had it right when he called Nellie “another lamb to slaughter”. Was it mean? Yes, it was. But was it also kind of true? Well, it’s certainly no secret that Dr. Charles has had a struggle or two when it comes to his psych residents. As far as first impressions go, I liked what I saw from Nellie. While I try to reserve judgment with new characters, I do like Nellie’s character so far. She seems very competent. And the best was saved for last. April was back! I cannot express how much I hope she’s going to be back for good. Please, please don’t take April away again. We need some happy times with this show and maybe after some time and distance, Ethan and April can figure things out this time around.

Image via NBC
What did you think of Chicago Med 8×01? Do you feel like the series is looking up? How did you feel about Jo’s death and the utter devastation that Dylan was feeling? What did you think about Dylan’s decision to leave? Do you like Will and Hannah together? What did you think about Dr. Charles’ latest psych resident? Do you think Nellie will be sticking around? Or will she leave too? Were you as excited as we were when April returned? Do you think she is going to be sticking around for real? And will she and Ethan be able to work things out? Find and follow me on Twitter @Sarah_Jeanne17 and find and follow the site on Twitter @capeandcastle! Be sure to also check out our site for more content on all things Disney and beyond!