Picking up right from the last episode, the doctors begin treating the same guy who started spazzing out in the last episode. The situation is resolved pretty quickly within the episode’s opening minutes. Shortly after, more madness ensues. It’s astonishing how much is packed into this episode. This is most stressful episode yet, but also a heartfelt one where we learn more about the characters.

Much like the previous episodes, you are still seeing a large portion of what’s going on from Robby’s perspective. You have your moments with the side characters where Robby will pop in here and there. As someone who likes to keep themselves busy and like to help people, this episode actually made me question why I didn’t go into this field. This show just gives you a transparent view of this world. Just when you think someone isn’t going to make it, they end up pulling through, because these are trained professionals. I can’t even begin to understand how Robby can juggle so many cases at the same time. He can just flip like a switch.

We get more of Whitaker in this episode, who I believe will go down as a fan favorite by the end of the season if he isn’t already. In the prior episodes, we’ve seen him have to switch his clothes on multiple occasions. He doesn’t do it once, but twice in this episode. The guy isn’t safe from anyone. It’s admirable how he still keeps on going even when he doubts himself. There are people who believe in him. I think many people will see themselves in this character.

We finally get McKay’s backstory! She has been quiet around Javadi, who she knows has been lowkey judging her. McKay ends up confiding in another patient around the same age as her. We learn a lot more about McKay through this dialogue, which is one of the best conversations I have seen so far in the show. Fiona Dourif’s performance as McKay is outstanding. She manages to find this balance between being a doctor and being a person. When Javadi comes in and messes up the moment, McKay doesn’t even yell at her. She is honest about why she did was not okay in the hopes to make Javadi better at her job. It’s such a heartbreaking storyline that I deeply connected with.

Coming from the last episode is a storyline involving a teenager who is seeking an abortion. The story really goes to show how much the doctors care about her situation. This storyline actually ends the episode on a clever cliffhanger that worked better than last week’s. Without getting into any spoilers, I do wish it went a step further. If it went that extra step, my jaw would have been on the floor. You’ll know what I mean when you see it.

The patient from a few episodes ago who came in with sickle cell finally gets the treatment she needs, but it ends an interesting story with Dr. Mohan. She’s really focused on developing a relationship with patients instead of helping them at times. She talks to this patient and her wife like everything is okay. Just as Robby checks in, she immediately changes her tone with what’s going on. She tells Robby how bad she really is, forcing Robby to be real with all of them. Why didn’t she do that before? She ends up helping the patient though. I get the sentiment of developing relationships with patients to make them feel more comfortable, but there needs to be a line. I am really intrigued as to what’s going to happen next for Dr. Mohan.

As for other things, the guy with chest pain from the first episode is still trying to get treatment. A stolen ambulance is still on the run, forcing some employees to bet on it. A kid comes in puking blood. An older lady gets treatment for a dislocated shoulder with some of the best one-liners. I really like that character. This is just an all around terrific episode with so much to add. The events that are happening isn’t just happening to keep us on our toes. It’s happening to paint a realistic picture of what this life looks like.

I have two small issues with the episode. For how quickly the opening scene is resolved, the show didn’t need to end there on a cliffhanger. Ending it there last week amounted to nothing as it was not one of the show’s main focuses. Also, the episode clocks in at about 46 minutes. For a show that capitalizes on the hour format, I really want to be in this show in real time. I understand you probably aren’t thinking about it, but when you know how short it is, it does take me out of the illusion that I am right there with these doctors.

Overall, another impressive episode. I was looking away at times, because I couldn’t bare the thought of someone getting hurt again or worse. You just never know what’s going to happen in this show. This episode also manages to fill in the gaps with who these characters are. We’ve got 10 episodes left! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Please, let there be enough people who watch this to warrant a second season.

VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)