From the moment that Chicago Med premiered on November 17, 2015, fans of the hit medical drama have absolutely loved Dr. Daniel Charles. Notable for how he connects with everyone around him and how much empathy he exhibits, Dr. Charles is typically such a lovely character that it isn't unusual for the show's fans to worry about him. As such, it can feel hard to fathom how Chicago Med could continue without Dr. Charles remaining as a staple of the series. Still, it seems like the show's fans may have to deal with that possibility in the future.
As the history of Chicago Med shows, there is a long history of main characters departing. Most of the time when one of the show's most important characters have left in the past, the storyline that led to their exit was being set up several episodes in advance. With that in mind, it is impossible to ignore the fact that Chicago Med's season 11 fall finale may have just set up what could lead to Dr. Charles leaving the show.
Chicago Med may have just set up Dr. Daniel Charles' exit
Since Oliver Platt has been starring in Chicago Med for 11 seasons now, it can be easy to take the idea that he will always be part of the show for granted. However, Platt is such a talented and respected actor that every fan should recognize that he almost certainly could easily move on to other roles and projects if that ever ended. After all, Platt is in such high demand that he has been starring in The Bear and Chicago Med simultaneously. Considering how quickly Platt could probably move on if he left the medical drama, that puts Dr. Daniel Charles' most recent storyline in a new light.
During Chicago Med season 11's fall finale, Dr. Charles' storyline revolved around his interactions with a younger peer named Dr. Theo Rabari. While the two doctors were trying to help a young female patient, it was their relationship that took center stage during the storyline due to the aftermath of a stunning accusation.
After Dr. Rabari ordered a surprising test for the patient on a hunch, Dr. Charles implied that the younger doctor may have dosed the young child with a medication. Dr. Rabari has been working in Gaffney Chicago Medical Center on a study that could have been severely undermined depending on the patient's diagnosis. Dr. Charles suspected that Dr. Rabari may have dosed the patient to ensure that she wasn't diagnosed with an ailment that could ruin his study. However, Dr. Charles' theory about Dr. Rabari turned out to be entirely wrong.
Near the end of Chicago Med's fall finale, Dr. Charles apologized to Dr. Rabari for making the accusation and suspecting him, to begin with. While reflecting on that fact, Dr. Charles made a statement that could have substantial implications for the character's future. "Something's going on with me. I don't know what it is. I'm looking into it. But, it's like, affecting my judgment. You know? And, I just reached an unfair conclusion." After he made that statement, Dr. Charles suggested to Dr. Rabari that maybe they could work as a team, and the younger doc seemed open to the idea.
After that scene and the implications of the powerful admission that Dr. Charles made in it, two possible outcomes seem likely. In the first case, Dr. Charles could take Dr. Rabari under his wing and they could help each other, in a relationship that might call back to Dr. Sarah Reese's time on the show. In the second scenario, Chicago Med could be setting Dr. Rabari up to take Dr. Charles' place in the show's storylines. After all, the fall finale perfectly set up the prospect of Dr. Charles leaving the hospital to deal with whatever is going on with him.
While I have to admit that the show has orchestrated a storyline that could logically lead to Dr. Charles' exit, I need to make it clear that I would hate it if that is what happens for two reasons. First off, I would be severely disappointed if Dr. Charles left Chicago Med because I love the character. As a result, his absence would be sad, no matter how expertly the show explained Dr. Charles leaving. Secondly, if Dr. Charles does leave the show, I want him to walk away on a celebratory note. While Dr. Charles prioritizing his own mental health would be something positive, I want the character to get the closest thing possible to a happily ever after.