Warning: SPOILERS for Doctor Odyssey.Doctor Odyssey has been filled with medical marvels galore, but there are a few storylines that need closure when season 1 returns. The pilot season of ABC’s new medical drama has garnered a cult following due to unique aspects of the show, like Doctor Odyssey’s ridiculous themed weeks. The extremely implausible medical emergencies are rivaled only by Doctor Odyssey’s celebrity guest stars, who add an extra layer of excitement to each episode.
But while the series focuses on different problems with each episode, some of the challenges faced by the characters carry over. This creates some long-term dilemmas for the characters, both medical and otherwise. With Doctor Odyssey episode 9 close on the horizon, there are several unresolved issues that need to be addressed in the second batch of episodes.
5 Is Max Really In A Coma In Doctor Odyssey?
The Popular Theory Would Have Huge Implications
Doctor Odyssey’s bizarre coma theory caught fire shortly after the series premiere due to the outrageous nature of the Odyssey and his backstory involving a near-death experience with COVID-19. The theory writes off the events of the show as hallucinations experienced by Max Bankman (Joshua Jackson), who would secretly still be comatose. It could go even further, with the Odyssey being Max’s version of Heaven or, at the very least, purgatory.
Doctor Odyssey needs to either debunk this theory or drop more clues for it in the second batch of episodes. If the show is simply leaning into its camp factor, it could add a tongue-in-cheek moment where Max subtly confirms the events of Doctor Odyssey are really happening. If there is merit to the theory, Doctor Odyssey should amp up the uncanny vibe to build towards the dramatic revelation. Either way, the show needs to consolidate its sense of realism (or lack thereof).
4 Will Avery Still Go To Med School?
It's Her Lifelong Dream
Phillipa Soo’s Avery Morgan alluded to her career aspirations as early as the first episode (“Pilot”), treating Max coldly because she hoped to be the new doctor on Doctor Odyssey’s luxury cruise ship. The first half of the season has already given Avery the chance to achieve her dream, with a scholarship offer for medical school and a job on the Odyssey following her residency. However, an unexpected pregnancy (episode 8, “Quackers”) throws a wrench in her straightforward plan.
Doctor Odyssey needs to carefully consider Avery’s character before she makes her ultimate decision. As a nurse practitioner, she’s already proven herself to be just as capable as Dr. Bankman in a crisis. Still, a full medical license would make her dream come true. It's unclear what it would take for her to abandon this golden opportunity.
3 Can Tristan And Vivian Have A Real Relationship?
Too Many Obstacles Might Get In The Way
After three episodes focused on the contrived love triangle between Max, Avery, and the third member of the Odyssey’s medical team, Tristan Silva (Sean Teale), Doctor Odyssey introduced Laura Harrier’s Vivian (episode 4, “Wellness Week”). Though her appearances have been rare, Vivian and Tristan’s instant chemistry was undeniable. In the midseason finale, she even confronts Tristan about where he stands in their potential relationship. Unfortunately, there are roadblocks the pair may not survive.
Despite Vivian and Tristan being the best couple in Doctor Odyssey, Tristan has baggage with Avery— and possibly a child. If they have any chance at a serious relationship, Tristan needs to make the mature decision to let Avery go for good. Of course, there’s also the lingering memory of his threesome with Avery and Max (episode 6, “I Always Cry At Weddings”). Vivian deserves a partner who’s all-in, and it’s unclear if Tristan will be able to offer her that.
2 Will Max Keep His Job Or Seek Out His Dream Life?
He Can't Settle Down While On The Sea
Joshua Jackson may be one of the headliners of Doctor Odyssey’s cast of characters, but the ship may not be able to provide his character with what he wants in life. Max becomes the Odyssey’s doctor because of his brush with death, inspired to use his new lease on life wisely. Every conversation he’s had about his values, however, points to a much quieter future.
Max wants a family and, much more importantly, stability. There’s no white picket fence on a cruise ship, so Max’s character must be realizing how little his new job aligns with what he truly wants. Whether he’ll truly make any changes or just sacrifice that suburban dream remains to be seen.
1 Who Is The Baby’s Father?
They May Never Even Find Out
Doctor Odyssey wouldn’t be a true Ryan Murphy show without a dramatic pregnancy storyline, and Avery’s is exceedingly chaotic due to one aspect: neither she nor the audience knows if Max or Tristan is the father. What complicates it further is that she may not keep the baby, which means this mystery could potentially go unsolved permanently. If she chooses to carry the fetus to term, the reveal of the biological father will have major ramifications.
Aside from revealing whether this pregnancy will impact Avery’s future career, Doctor Odyssey needs to answer how it will impact her life in general. Possible paternity tests will also affect Tristan and Max differently, with Max wanting to be a father and Tristan wanting to move on. The father mystery is surely the biggest question on every viewer’s mind during the hiatus, meaning it’s the most important for Doctor Odyssey to answer when it returns.
Dr. Max Bankman, a newly appointed physician on a luxury cruise ship, faces intense medical emergencies while navigating the personal dramas of his tight-knit medical team. Far from shore, the stakes are high as Max and his colleagues must work together to save lives, all while balancing their own complicated relationships.
Release Date September 26, 2024
Seasons 1
Cast Joshua Jackson , Don Johnson , Phillipa Soo , Sean Teale