The end is here, at least the end of season one, even if this triumph of a show feels conclusive on its own. The show comes full circle after an overwhelming shift, with the team handling casualties from a mass shooting, and characters confronting parts of themselves, including Robby’s experiences during Dr. Adamson’s death.

When I first learned about this show, I didn’t expect it to take over my life the way it did over the next four months. After the first four episodes, I was hooked, but to be honest, I was reeled in after the second episode after the premiere and we had to anxiously wait for what happened next week. After I worked my magic, I was lucky enough to get each episode 2 days early, leading me to a finale that I believe will satisfy everyone.

Over the past few episodes, we have been feeling the decline from the shooting that occurred at a local music festival. It’s amazing how the show was able to ramp its way back up and then find a steady ground that feels not as nail-biting. The episode has plenty of exciting moments, but it is perhaps the calmest episode to help us feel satisfied with the season closing out. We learn more about characters & leave it open enough for more stories to tell. Luckily, we won’t have to wait too long.

If you’re reading this, then you probably already know what happened in last week’s episode. Needless to say, I was frustrated with happened. Luckily, the way that story closes out goes in a completely different direction that what I was expecting. I will leave it at that. We also get closure to a few more cases, including a young boy who had measles. That particular storyline is resolved in a satisfying way. Robby even does something shocking to get his point across. It might have been too much for him to do it, but I’d agree it was necessary.

Robby is truly at his breaking point in this episode, but in a good way. He uses frustration properly to get his point across, but also finds the time to still be there for others. It’s tough to see what happens with Jake. I think many viewers will certainly agree that Robby’s and Abbott’s dynamic works. Their way of being there for each other is commendable. We even learn more about Abbott that gives more insight into what he’s gone through without anyone having to directly say anything.

It is amazing how we still haven’t seen Tracy Ifeachor as Dr. Collins come back. I am sure she will be in the next season though. I am glad that she was able to avoid the chaos that ensued. Patrick Ball brings a lot of sympathy to a character that shouldn’t be redeemable due to his personality. We learn more about why he was stealing drugs, and I am glad to see how Robby reacts to it.

As for Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans, I feel like her future is open-ended. Supriya Ganesh as Dr. Mohan shows a new side. Fiona Dourif as Dr. McKay, well… you just have to see it. Taylor Dearden as Dr. King continues to show promise as a leader. Isa Briones & Gerran Howell develops a new dynamic. Finally, Shabana Azeez as Javadi proves to be one tough individual after her first day on the job. It doesn’t get much better than the way these characters were written.

As for the way this season ends, it certainly leaves it up for more stories to tell. I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, I would be okay with this being a miniseries. I know the next season will tackle Independence Day, which I am sure will even be more nerve-wracking. I haven’t been this invested in a story and its characters in a TV show in a while. It’s commendable how well conclusive it is, proving that Noah Wyle is coming for that Emmy.

Overall, what a way to end one of the best new shows. I feel completely satisfied with what I saw. It feels like a true privilege being able to cover this show. I hope everyone else enjoys this as much as I did.

VERDICT: 5/5 (Perfect)