The fall finale of Chicago Med Season 10 is generating significant buzz, and for good reason. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of a beloved character from Gaffney Medical Center’s past: Dr. Sarah Reese, portrayed by Rachel DiPillo. This exciting guest appearance has sparked curiosity among viewers, especially those who may be newer to the One Chicago franchise, about why Dr. Reese departed in the first place. Let’s delve into the circumstances surrounding her exit and what her return might mean for Chicago Med.
Why Did Dr. Sarah Reese Leave Chicago Med?
The narrative arc leading to Dr. Reese’s departure is a compelling and dramatic storyline that unfolded over several seasons. Initially introduced as a somewhat hesitant medical student in Season 1, Reese evolved into a dedicated psychiatry resident under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Charles. Their relationship was central to her growth, as she navigated complex cases and honed her skills within the psychiatric department. However, the reappearance of her estranged father, Robert Haywood, became the catalyst for a series of events that ultimately led to her leaving Gaffney.
Robert Haywood’s re-entry into Reese’s life was under the guise of seeking medical treatment for heart failure at Gaffney. Dr. Charles, as a psychiatrist, became involved in Robert’s care. During this time, a brain scan revealed Robert’s antisocial personality disorder. Disturbingly, Robert confessed that his primary motivation for reconnecting with Reese was to exploit her medical position for his own benefit, specifically to expedite his placement on the transplant list. Dr. Charles, displaying his astute clinical judgment, began to recognize alarming signs of psychopathy in Robert. He uncovered Robert’s history of criminal behavior, including the shocking revelation that he was a serial killer.
Legally bound by HIPAA regulations, Dr. Charles was unable to directly disclose this information to Reese. However, his protective instincts kicked in, and he attempted to caution Robert to stay away from his daughter. In response, Robert manipulated the situation by telling Reese that Dr. Charles was blackmailing him, further complicating the already tense dynamic.
The Tipping Point and Fallout
The situation reached a critical juncture in Season 3, Episode 20, titled “The Tipping Point.” During a conversation with Dr. Charles, Robert suffered a heart attack. In a morally ambiguous moment, Dr. Charles hesitated to immediately perform CPR as Robert lay coding. This hesitation was witnessed by Reese, who entered the room to find Dr. Charles seemingly frozen over her father’s body.
Reese immediately took charge, initiating life-saving measures for her father. Robert survived the immediate crisis and was subsequently hospitalized and later imprisoned due to Dr. Charles’s evidence of his crimes. While Reese was physically safe from her father, the trust between her and Dr. Charles was irrevocably fractured by the witnessed hesitation.
In the Season 4 premiere, Reese cooperated with authorities, providing evidence from her father’s storage unit. Dr. Charles attempted to bridge the gap between them, commending her actions. However, Reese remained distant and emotionally closed off. Shortly thereafter, Reese informed Dr. Charles of her resignation from Gaffney. In a poignant and tearful confession, Reese explained that while she could endure the whispers and judgments of others knowing her father’s horrific acts, she could not bear to continue working alongside Dr. Charles. She revealed that the image of him hesitating over her father haunted her, eroding her trust in him completely. Dr. Charles, though heartbroken by her departure, understood the depth of the chasm that had formed between them. Reese ultimately left Chicago to pursue a position at another hospital, seeking a fresh start away from the shadow of these traumatic events.
Dr. Reese’s Return in the Fall Finale
Dr. Reese and Dr. Charles have remained estranged for six years within the Chicago Med timeline. Their upcoming reunion in the fall finale is highly anticipated and laden with unresolved tension. How will they navigate this encounter after so much time and emotional upheaval? Will they find a way to reconcile, or will old wounds be reopened? To witness this pivotal moment and the unfolding drama, be sure to watch Chicago Med on Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC. You can also catch up on past episodes and prepare for Dr. Reese’s return by streaming Chicago Med on Peacock.
