If you have been a longtime fan of NBC's One Chicago shows, then you're all too familiar with the frequent concern you feel for, well, every character's wellbeing. Being a medical drama, Chicago Med typically puts its characters in less danger than Chicago Fire or Chicago PD, but sometimes event episodes take place and find Ripley fighting for his life while trapped underground.
The shocking Chicago Med season 10 finale gave us reason to be worried about a number of characters, chiefly Caitlin Lenox since she privately dealt with her positive diagnosis from GSS prion. While her brother tested negative for the illness that killed their mother, Lenox tearfully battles the fact that she could meet the same abrupt life expectancy as her mom without telling anyone.
Likewise, ahead of the Chicago Med season 11 premiere, Marlyne Barrett was revealed to not be returning to the series as nurse Maggie Lockwood. We're not particularly worried about Maggie, more so curious about how the show will write her off. However, new comments from the showrunner now have us anxious about what could happen for Asher and her pregnancy.
Chicago Med boss reveals huge tease about Asher's baby
Obviously, the biggest question fans have about Asher's pregnancy revolved around the identity of the father. When Asher discovered that she was pregnant, an unexpected twist that took her out of the running to be a surrogate for her sister Lizzie, we all assumed that Ripley was the father. Well, the final moments of season 10 find Asher at Archer's door with something to tell him.
According to showrunner Allen MacDonald, the paternity cliffhanger won't be dragged out. We'll learn who the father is early on in season 11. While that answer will arrive quickly once the new season premieres, the storyline will continue to play out throughout season 11, MacDonald teases. But even though it's taking up much of the season, that doesn't mean it will end how we expect.
As MacDonald told TV Line, "It is a storyline we’re gonna track through most of the season." Still, the showrunner hinted that everything might not be as it seems with Asher's pregnancy after the biggest mystery is solved. He further teased that "sometimes pregnancy news changes… You’ll notice I didn’t say they’re going to have the baby."
Without seeing how a storyline is intentionally introduced, you never want to assume what could happen, especially when that particular storyline is very real and reflects relatable and tragic experiences audiences members have faced. But MacDonald's comments about this storyline appear to suggest a possible pregnancy loss for Asher, and we're officially worried.
The prospect of Asher having a baby is exciting, and the classic paternity twist truly makes for great television. As a medical drama series, Chicago Med also has a responsibility to represent realistic stories. If that's the path that they take for Asher, there's no doubt that the show will handle the storyline with the utmost care for not only the characters involved but also the viewers.
Chicago Med season 11 premieres Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8/7c on NBC.