During Chicago Med season 10, fans of the beloved series got to see several characters from the show's lengthy history return. One of the reasons why season 10 was the best in the show's history to date is the fact that those characters' returns were handled incredibly well. After the show previously gave its former stars who reappeared great storylines to be part of, it has been confirmed that Chicago Med season 11 will feature a massively important past character returning.
One of the reasons why Chicago Med fans have been excited for season 11 is that it has long been known that Nick Gehlfuss would be returning as Dr. Will Halstead. As fun as it will be to see one of the show's most beloved characters ever make a comeback, Dr. Halstead needs to be part of a storyline during his return that is worthy of bringing the character back.
Dr. Will Halstead's Chicago Med return needs to focus on Dr. Mitch Ripley
When Dr. Will Halstead returns to Chicago Med's Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, I will be outraged if the character doesn't share special moments with his old co-workers. After all, I can't wait to see Dr. Halstead interact with Dr. Hannah Asher, Sharon Goodwin, Dr. Daniel Charles, Dr. Dean Archer, and even Doris Perez. Still, I will be severely disappointed if Dr. Halstead's main storyline focuses on any of those characters. Instead, it seems incredibly obvious to me that Dr. Halstead desperately needs to take Dr. Mitch Ripley under his wing as a protégé.
Of course, Dr. Ripley's pride would likely make his character initially balk at the idea of taking on any mentor. Despite that, Dr. Halstead and Dr. Ripley's similar backgrounds should be good grounds to overcome that. Ultimately, I don't care what storyline reason there needs to be to explain why Dr. Ripley would listen to the elder doctor, since Luke Mitchell's character could be greatly improved due to Dr. Halstead.
Throughout Dr. Halstead's time at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, his reckless behavior often got him in hot water in his career and personal life. After Dr. Halstead left following season 8, Dr. Ripley debuted during season 9 and quickly took the mantle of Chicago Med's most reckless doctor. In fact, Dr. Ripley has nearly gone to prison for two different reasons, which proves that he has been even more impulsive than Dr. Halstead ever was. If that wasn't enough, Dr. Ripley has recently jumped headfirst into a relationship with a mother who he seems to be invested in, mainly because he is on the rebound and doesn't want to be alone.
After Dr. Halstead repeatedly risked his career, it now seems like he has matured and built a stable life with his greatest love, Dr. Natalie Manning. As such, Dr. Halstead should have wisdom to impart to Dr. Ripley about how being less hasty can lead to a better life and improve a doctor's ability to help patients. After several seasons of Dr. Ripley's often impetuous behavior, it would be a breath of fresh air to see him turn over a new leaf thanks to Dr. Halstead's influence.