Before Chicago Med recently returned, there were many reasons to be excited about the show's 11th season. Now that the season premiere has aired, fans will be likely be even more excited to learn about the next episode for several reasons. The most notable reason why the episode will be a landmark chapter in the show's history is that it will feature the return of Dr. Will Halstead. Even though I have high hopes for Halstead's return, that isn't the only reason to anticipate the episode.
When NBC released the preview for Chicago Med season 11, episode 2, it was revealed that two of the show's current main characters will have an interesting storyline. According to the network, a patient will inspire a pair of the show's most notable doctors to go to battle against each other. It is also interesting to note that the upcoming battle will almost certainly involve more than a disagreement over a patient.
Dr. Dean Archer and Dr. Mitch Ripley will battle during season 11 episode 2
Chicago Med season 11, episode 2, “A Game of Inches," will bring about a huge moment in the show's history as the 200th Chicago Med episode. While the press release largely focused on that and the return of Nick Gehlfuss as Dr. Will Halstead, it also teased a tension-filled storyline that will play out during the landmark episode.
"Elsewhere, things get personal when Dr. Ripley (Luke Mitchell) and Dr. Archer (Steven Weber) disagree over the treatment plans tied to an unusual case."
Throughout Chicago Med's history, there have been many times when the show's fictional doctors have seriously disagreed over treatment plans. Based on that history, Ripley and Archer have to be considered two of the most dogmatic and stubborn Gaffney Chicago Medical Center doctors that the show has highlighted. With that and the fact that each character will go to extremes when they think they are right in mind, their upcoming battle could be intense.
While the press release didn't mention in, it seems very likely that another factor may play a major role in Archer and Ripley's professional disagreement. After Chicago Med's baby cliffhanger left fans wondering for months who the father of Dr. Hannah Asher's baby is, Archer was revealed to be the one. Before Ripley learned that Archer is the dad, he briefly believed he could be the father, and he was notably upset to learn that wasn't the case.
Given Ripley's disappointment and his complicated history with Asher, it seems like Archer being the father could come between the two men. The upcoming episode could have been even more dramatic if the show had gone forward with a crazy twist that was considered for the baby cliffhanger.