Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from the Chicago Med season 10 finale, “…Don’t You Cry.”
Following the shocking (in more ways than one) ending ofChicago Medseason 10,one doctor’s time on the show is now finite,which is unfortunate, seeing as their character just became likable. The NBC medical drama certainly isn’t new to character exits. Over the course ofChicago Med’s 10 seasons, many doctors and nurses have come and gone from Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. The current cast’s makeup isn’t the same as it was back in season 1, and based on the events of the season 10 finale, it’s subject to change again in season 11.
According toNBC Insider,Chicago Medseason 11 will premiere in fall 2025, reclaiming its usual timeslot — Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on NBC.
IntheChicago Medseason 10 finale, Asher deals with her pregnancy surprise. At first, many understandably assume that Ripley is the father of her baby, but as the episode’s end draws near, it becomes clear that the truth isn’t as straightforward as it initially seems. It’s possible that Archer could be the father. However, fans must wait until season 11 to learn more. Elsewhere in the finale, Goodwin faces her attacker and breaks up with Dennis, Charles pays a visit to Reese in the wake of his daughter’s car crash, andLenox learns unsettling news.
Lenox Started Out As A Divisive Character, But Has Gradually Been Fleshed Out In Chicago Med Season 10
Lenox Has Become Endearing
Chicago Medseason 10 added two new charactersto its cast — Sarah Ramos' Dr. Caitlin Lenox and Darren Barnet’s Dr. John Frost. Frost was charming right out of the gate, endearing himself to viewers. Lenox, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. She was cold, slightly too direct, and harsh, and it surely didn’t help that Goodwin brought Lenox in to (essentially) demote Archer, an established character in the series. Nevertheless,as the episodes continued, we learned more about Lenox and why she is the way she is,making her much more relatable and likable.
Darren Barnet
Dr. John Frost
Yes, Lenox’s bedside manner intheOne Chicagouniverseisn’t the greatest. However,her open communication, determined and caring nature, leadership skills, and brutal honestycome in handy in the ER and make her an intriguing, complex character. They are also why Lenox has become endearing to the audience throughoutChicago Medseason 10’s 22 episodes, and why it was so heartbreaking to learn about her troubling news in the finale.
Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 22 Hints At Lenox Testing Positive For Prion
The Finale Reveals Lenox’s Diagnosis
As fans discovered in previousepisodes ofChicago Medseason 10,Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome, an extremely rare prion disease, runs in Lenox’s family.It killed her mother, and it might kill Lenox, too. At the beginning of the finale, Lenox and her brother learn that he has tested negative for GSS. They revel in the news, and Lenox shares that her test results also came back negative. However, she was lying.
During theChicago Medseason 10 finale’s last moments, we see Lenox crying in her apartment, with her GSS test results lying in front of her. They’re positive, meaning Lenox carries the gene that killed her mother, and it will eventually kill the ED Chief, as well. GSS is an incurable, fatal neurodegenerative disease. As a result, Lenox’s death is seemingly inevitable. Given that GSS has an average life expectancy of about five years from diagnosis (perMerck Manuals),Chicago Medwill have to write out Sarah Ramos' character eventually.
How Lenox Possibly Having Prion Impacts Chicago Med’s Future
Lenox’s Diagnosis Is Likely Fatal
WhenChicago Medseason 11 premieres, Lenox’s GSS storyline will presumably play a big role in the upcoming episodes. It’ll at the very least significantly affect Lenox’s arc. Now,Lenox knows she has a short lifespan,whereas before, she held onto the possibility that she could live a long life. So, unless some miracle happens (which is quite unlikely), Lenox is going to die, and it could happen as early asChicago Medseason 11, breaking the hearts of many fans who have grown to love her.
Chicago Med
Cast
Chicago Med is a medical drama series that explores the high-stakes environment of a bustling Chicago hospital. Set against the backdrop of chaotic emergency room scenarios, the series follows a team of dedicated doctors and nurses as they confront challenging cases inspired by real-world issues, while navigating complex relationships.
