The latest episode of Ryan Murphy’s Doctor Odyssey dove headfirst into uncharted romantic territory, addressing the simmering question of a potential threesome (“throuple”) between the show’s central trio. In an episode fittingly titled “Oh, Daddy!” and set during the ship’s “Gay Week,” the series didn’t shy away from exploring the complexities and comedic potential of a modern, polyamorous relationship dynamic.
Following the cliffhanger of the previous episode, where Avery (Phillipa Soo) playfully suggested a threesome to Max (Joshua Jackson) and Tristan (Sean Teale), this week’s installment wasted no time in plunging into the aftermath. Avery’s proposition, initially made in jest, sparked a genuine conversation about desires and boundaries, pushing the characters to confront their feelings and consider unconventional relationship structures.
The episode opens with a humorous scene featuring Don Johnson’s Captain Robert attempting to decipher gay slang, setting the stage for “Gay Week” festivities and foreshadowing the relationship explorations to come. The arrival of guest star John Stamos, accompanied by not one, but two boyfriends, further normalizes and highlights diverse relationship models within the Doctor Odyssey universe. This sets a playful yet accepting backdrop for the central throuple’s unfolding drama.
However, the initial excitement surrounding the threesome quickly gives way to the realities of navigating such a dynamic. Avery expresses her enjoyment and desire to explore further, stating her wish for the threesome to be more than a one-time event. Yet, underlying tensions emerge as Max and Tristan grapple with their individual comfort levels.
A professional disagreement between Max and Tristan spills over into their personal lives, prompting Tristan to confess his reservations to Avery. Max, in a moment of vulnerability, admits to both Avery and Tristan that he struggles with the idea of a polyamorous relationship. “What happened the other night was wonderful, but it’s just not me,” he confesses, seemingly putting a damper on the threesome’s future. Adding another layer of complexity, Tristan later reveals to Avery that he is hesitant to “share” her, indicating a preference for a more traditional dyadic relationship.
Despite the focus on the central romantic entanglement, “Oh, Daddy!” offered other entertaining moments. Bob the Drag Queen made a memorable appearance, performing to Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go,” adding a vibrant and celebratory element to “Gay Week.” John Stamos’ character provided comedic relief, quipping about his own fulfilling two-boyfriend dynamic. The episode also included a classic Doctor Odyssey element: a birth aboard the ship, grounding the relationship drama with the show’s medical setting.
While the episode initially teased a progressive throuple storyline, it appears Doctor Odyssey might be reverting to a more conventional love triangle – at least for now. However, as the episode title itself suggests, and as is characteristic of Ryan Murphy productions, Doctor Odyssey thrives on the unexpected. The door remains open for future explorations of the threesome dynamic, proving that in the world of Doctor Odyssey, relationship possibilities are as vast and unpredictable as the ocean itself.
Doctor Odyssey continues to air new episodes Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC, promising more twists and turns in both its medical cases and its characters’ personal lives, leaving audiences to wonder if the Doctor Odyssey Threesome will resurface.
