With a new season of a series usually comes a change to the cast. Doc season 2 is going to be no different, especially with the way things ended in season 1. However, it will mean a new villain is needed.
Doc co-showrunner Hank Steinberg talked to TV Insider about the upcoming season and what the season 1 finale means for a particular doctor. Scott Wolf took on the role of the villainous Dr. Richard Miller, immediately showing that he had a failure in his own work to hide. Despite Amy (Molly Parker) losing her memories, she was able to prove that Richard had made a fatal mistake.
Don’t expect Scott Wolf back for Doc season 2 (right away)
There is a change to the cast, as there’s a new Chief in Doc season 2. Felicity Huffman will take on the role of Dr. Joan Ridley. Right now, we have no idea what to expect of her, but she can’t be as bad as Richard, can she?
What does it mean for Richard, though? Well, he’s not around in Doc season 2. At least, not right away. Steinberg shared that there is some hope that he’ll return in the back half of the season, but the first half is going to be focused on new challenges.
This wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to many, even Wolf, that he wouldn’t be in the first part of season 2, at least. His character’s storyline was wrapped up, as we learned that Richard ordered the wrong medication for his patient due to being distracted. Had he opened up about it right away, the punishment may have been less severe. However, it took Amy, who had lost the memories of the last eight years, to continue the investigation she hadn't realized she had started.
What could be next for Richard in Doc?
The first season ended with Richard packing up his office after his medical license was suspended. It’s important to note that it was just suspended and not completely taken away, factoring in the events that led up to the mistake and his career before that.
Wolf shared that he hoped Richard would still have a future in medicine and that he wanted to be back for the second season. Of course, the story goes where it has to go, but it does mean that he’s open to returning in the second half of the season, should the writing allow.
There’s no doubt that we need to see where Richard is. The actions against him could either turn him into a changed man for the better, or he could end up trying to go after Amy again after she foiled his plans the first time. I’d love to see the narrative of him coming back with no hard feelings and even helping Amy.
Doc season 2 premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 9/8c on FOX.