Since Chicago Med's fall finale recently aired on NBC, the hit medical drama will not air any new episodes until 2026. With that in mind, it makes sense to look back at what has already happened during Chicago Med season 11. Of course, many exciting things took place during the first part of the season, including fans learning who the father of Dr. Hannah Asher's baby is and the returns of two of the show's original characters. However, there have been some aspects of the season so far that have felt underwhelming.
During the first part of Chicago Med season 11, it was exciting to see the show introduce an actor who previously starred in one of the most acclaimed shows ever as the son of Sharon Goodwin. Other than that, however, the handling of Goodwin's character during the first part of the season has left a lot to be desired.
Why Chicago Med must make a major choice for Sharon Goodwin in 2026
By the time that Chicago Med season 10 came to an end, it was remarkable to see how much Sharon Goodwin's character had grown during the season. After grappling with being stalked, kidnapped, and attacked, Goodwin understandably spent some time finding herself overcome with fear. However, the character ultimately decided to take her power back by sticking up for herself when she broke up with her boyfriend and refused to forgive her attacker.
While Goodwin was always a formidable character, largely because it is impossible not to respect S. Epatha Merkerson as an actor, she was often portrayed as a diplomatic person who looked out for others. It was refreshing to see Goodwin not only prioritize herself, but also come to terms with the kind of behavior she would accept in others. When season 10 ended, it was exciting to see how Goodwin's new attitude would affect her career and personal life.
Sadly, however, a lot of the momentum that season 10 created for Goodwin as a character was lost during the first part of season 11. Instead, Goodwin has felt rudderless during the first part of the season as her role in the personal and professional arenas of her life has felt insubstantial. In her personal life, Goodwin has mostly grappled with shepherding her family as she and her children cope with the impending passing of her ex-husband. At work, Goodwin has returned to mostly arbitrating tensions that arise amongst hospital staff.
To be clear, Goodwin acting in both of those ways is totally logical given the situations she has found herself in. After all, any decent parent would want to be there for their children as they go through the trauma and pain of accepting that someone they love is passing. Similarly, it is Goodwin's job to pass judgment on the drama that arises amongst hospital employees.
Given that the current handling of Goodwin's character is logical, but falls short of the potential the character had at the end of season 10, a major decision must be reached in 2026. The remaining episodes of Chicago Med season 11 will decide if Goodwin will return to her old patterns, which have been proven to entertain fans, even if that wouldn't feel fresh. Alternatively, if Goodwin's character undergoes explosive growth at least in some aspect of her life, that could risk upsetting fans, but there is a lot more potential for viewers to be excited.