Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) takes center stage in the Wednesday, October 21, episode of Chicago Med, aptly titled “They Call Me Ms. Goodwin” — a reference to Sidney Poitier‘s famous line in 1967’s In the Heat of the Night.
The episode features “a tour de force performance from S. Epatha Merkerson,” showrunner Allen MacDonald tells TV Insider. “She is a TV legend, and this hour illustrates yet again why: beautifully peels back deeper layers to Goodwin this season that we’ve never seen before. Epatha always shows new colors every season and it’s a marvel to watch. Can you tell that I think she’s awesome?”
Meanwhile, Ripley (Luke Mitchell) and Asher (Jessy Schram) may not have worked out as romantic partners, but they’re doing quite well together when it comes to treating patients. Also teaming up this hour: Pediatric doc Frost (Darren Barnet) and head of psychiatry Charles (Oliver Platt) help a young burn victim who may be suffering from abuse. Plus, there may be some drama coming for Archer (Steven Weber).
Below, showrunner Allen MacDonald previews the hour.
I, of course, have to ask about the title, “They Call Me Ms. Goodwin.” What can you say about that and what we’ll be seeing from Sharon in this episode?
Allen MacDonald: The talented Stephen Hootstein, who wrote this wonderful episode, came up with the title, which is a reference to the iconic Sidney Poitier line, “They call me Mr. Tibbs” from the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night. And if you haven’t seen the movie, do yourself a favor and make the time. I can tell you that the episode is fully centered on Sharon Goodwin, who commands tremendous respect at Gaffney and is very discerning about who calls her “Sharon,” and that conviction will be challenged and explored within the hour.
Archer gets unwelcome news. What can you share about that and what it’s related to? Who does he lean on?
Let’s just say it’s not the first time that Dr. Dean Archer speaks unfiltered truth to power. And who does he lean on in the aftermath? Well, I guess that depends on how upset Archer is by the news.
Ripley and Hannah will be working together on a patient. What’s their dynamic like, given their history? Is that present at all?
I love that you asked that. We have been making a very intentional effort to pair up Dr. Hannah Asher and Dr. Mitch Ripley on medical cases to showcase that a friendship can come out of a failed relationship. Obviously, they are no longer together romantically, but they know each other very well, and now that the bad feelings have faded with time, they’re able to now embark on a beautiful working relationship where their history is a help rather than a hindrance. They have a deep trust that time can’t erase.
George Burns Jr/NBC
What challenges will Frost and Charles be facing with their patient, and how does working together on that case go for them?’
Dr. John Frost pulls Dr. Daniel Charles into the case of a small boy who exhibits some textbook signs of physical abuse, but they’re both hoping that Frost isn’t right. Either way, the case takes an unexpected turn.
Chicago Med, Wednesdays, 8/7c, NBC