Warning: SPOILERS for Doctor Odyssey season 1, episode 18.Doctor Odyssey’s fate is still uncertain, but the ABC procedural’s season finale explains why season 2 may not be necessary. Joshua Jackson led theDoctor Odysseycast of charactersas Dr. Max Bankman, the new head of the titularOdyssey’s infirmary. Alongside Phillipa Soo’s Nurse Practitioner Avery Morgan and Sean Teale’s Nurse Tristan Silva, Max navigated medical emergencies that break out duringDoctor Odyssey’s ridiculous theme weeks. Most of the medical drama’s most exciting storylines had nothing to do with medicine, however.
The manyromances inDoctor Odysseykept viewers on their toes as Avery, Max, and Tristan took turns pairing up and breaking off, in a nearly never-ending cycle. Captain Robert Massey (Don Johnson) nearly had a baby with Heather (Shania Twain) and nearly lost his job back-to-back. Tapping into its melodrama,Doctor Odyssey’s season finale followed a situation of biblical proportions: an earthquake, tsunami, and aftershock. Whether the episode’s conclusion is a temporary ending orthe final voyage forDoctor Odysseyis still unknown, but a decision regarding the procedural’s future is imminent.
Doctor Odyssey’s Renewal Is Ryan Murphy’s Decision
The Procedural’s Fate Is In The Hands Of Its Creator
For many,Doctor Odysseyhanging in renewal/cancellation limbo may seem confusing. After all, the freshman procedural has out-performed titles likeGrey’s Anatomyon the ratings front, which would typically be enough to secure at least one more batch of episodes. However,the hold-up withDoctor Odysseylies entirely with its creator. Though it goes against standard protocol,Doctor Odyssey’s renewal depends on Ryan Murphyand whether he’ll prioritize the medical drama with multiple other titles (9-1-1,9-1-1: Nashville, Hulu’sAll’s Fair) demanding his attention.
Doctor Odyssey raked in impressive numbers for a pilot season, but the procedural could easily become a one-season wonder if Ryan Murphy decides not to continue with the series. Admittedly, concerns have been raised for months regarding the narrative longevity ofDoctor Odyssey’s contained settingand small cast, but the obstacles could easily be manageable with a dedicated team behind the scenes.
Unfortunately, Ryan Murphy holding off his decision for so long indicates that, even ifDoctor Odysseyis renewed for season 2, it likely won’t be given total effort or consideration for potential long-term success.
Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Finale Can Double As A Series Ending
Every Loose End Was Tied Up
If “The Wave” is truly the end,Doctor Odyssey’s finale gave every character their own happy ending— to a certain extent, at least. After forgoing corporate protocol and rescuing locals after the tsunami, Captain Massey faced termination and turned to Spencer Monroe (Marcus Emanuel Mitchell) as his successor. In a heartwarming moment of solidarity, theDoctor Odysseycrew bands together and takes a stand against corporate, saving Massey’s job. Furthermore, every major character introduced in the penultimate episode survives, with Massey officiating a grand beach wedding inDoctor Odysseyepisode 18.
Best of all,Doctor Odyssey’s convoluted love trianglewas put to rest (permanently, this time). After flip-flopping all season,Avery insists she loves Max and wants to pursue a relationshipwith him, but not at the expense of her education. Max agrees and vows to support Avery as she goes through med school, with the couple citing“FaceTimes”and“frequent flyer miles”as the key to their future relationship. In a rare moment of clarity,Doctor Odysseygives its third wheel a much-needed reality check. Tristan finally lets Avery go, ending the season alone but enlightened.
Doctor Odyssey Season 2 Will Look Quite Different From Season 1
The Medical Drama Would Need Some Big Changes
Nevertheless, there are many avenues the drama could take ifDoctor Odysseyseason 2 is ordered. While it’s possible the procedural would include a time-jump and skip Avery’s time at med school, it may bemore interesting to split the narrative between land and sea.Tristan’s storyline is the only one left partially unresolved since he’s single, butDoctor Odysseycould always bring back his former love interest, Vivian (Laura Harrier), now that he’s seriously moving on from Avery. Additionally, the extensive crew aboardthe Odysseycould be promoted and developed into full-fledged characters.
Phillipa Soo is known for originating the role of Eliza inHamilton.
Doctor Odysseycould also experiment with its tone. If it wants to lean into its camp factor,Doctor Odysseycould include a musical episodeand make use of Phillipa Soo’s Broadway background. Conversely, the drama could take a more existential approach and consider the popularpurgatory theory inDoctor Odyssey, which Max himself mentions in the closing scene of the season finale. WhetherDoctor Odysseyneeds a second season at all after the finale is another conversation, but the future could be bright— if Ryan Murphy so chooses, that is.
