Heading into the Chicago Med season 10 finale, we knew that characters could be in jeopardy, but we still weren’t quite prepared for the final episode of the season to actually bring about the firing of a notable doctor at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Needless to say, spoilers are ahead for the season 10 finale of Chicago Med, so read ahead at your own risk.
In the promo for the season finale of Chicago Med, it was made clear that the hospital was about to undergo budget cuts, but the context behind the needed cuts was a mystery. As we learned early in the episode, the reason behind these cuts stemmed from the firing of Dr. Hayes in the penultimate episode of the season.
Hayes brought in a lot of revenue for the hospital with his higher-profile cases, and his firing means that money will no longer be coming through to the hospital. His firing also brought a lot of negative press to the hospital, which didn’t do the hospital any favors. As a result, the board has been forced to tighten the budget, and that means layoffs.
When the board informs Goodwin of the decision, they drop another piece of shocking news in her lap: Among those at risk of losing their job is Dr. Dennis Washington!
Upon learning the news, Goodwin does everything she can to save Dennis’s job. She meets with Dennis and informs him that he’s on the chopping block; however, she’s found a way to save his job. There are just two major caveats: he’ll need to take a salary cut and also relinquish his title. This news doesn’t sit well with Dennis, and he lashes out against Goodwin when she tries to say that she’s done everything to save his job.
Despite Goodwin extending an olive branch to him, Dennis gives Goodwin his letter of resignation, and she accepts it rather than pushing back. She also formally breaks things off with him, not liking the lack of respect he’s given her in their relationship.
Given that Dennis has handed in his letter of resignation and his relationship with Goodwin has now come to an end, we imagine that this was indeed the last we’ll see the character on the show. That doesn’t mean we couldn’t see Dennis back in season 11; however, it’s looking like the season 10 finale was his swan song.
Dennis being the doctor who was fired was a bit of a relief. While we enjoyed his time on the show and he’s certainly a key character, we’re glad it was Dennis who was on the chopping block and not one of the show’s more central characters. It’s never fun seeing a character go, but it’s a bit easier when they’re more of a secondary character rather than one of the main characters.
Chicago Med will return this fall on NBC, but you can stream past episodes now on Peacock!