Despite a completely gratuitous shower scene in the opening of NBC’s Chicago Med episode “Clarity,” the story includes a nice (and rare) touch for network television – a nod to a patriotic American proud of his service to his country despite his own personal struggles.
Dr. Ethan Choi (Brian Tee), a Navy officer, suffers from PTSD. He is seeking counseling from the hospital’s psychiatrist, but his wife doesn’t know that. She asks if he is ok, after startling him in the shower.
Wife: Uh... Ha. That wasn't the warm reception I was expecting.
Dr. Choi: Sorry. Just thinking about the day ahead.
Wife: Speaking of... Dinner before the recruiting event tonight?
Dr. Choi: Oh, yeah. Inspiring the hearts and minds of the next generation of Navy sailors.
Wife: [Laughs] Don't sound so excited.
Dr. Choi: Wish I could stay, but duty calls.
Wife: Hey, you okay? You were tossing and turning like crazy last night.
Dr. Choi: Yeah, all good, and yes to dinner.
Though Dr. Choi misses dinner with his wife, he does make it to the Navy recruiting event later that night. Before going into the room with all the potential recruits, he tells her that he is seeking help for his PTSD and explains a family history of military service. He even tells her he would do it all again, despite the challenges he now faces.
Dr. Choi: Sorry about dinner.
Wife: Wasn't sure you were gonna show.
Dr. Choi: I—
Wife: What is it?
Dr. Choi: I've been talking to Dr. Charles, the hospital psychiatrist. Shared some things about my service--tough things.
Wife: You don't have to explain. I know.
Dr. Choi: I thought if I didn't think about it or talk about it...
Wife: I'm here.
Dr. Choi: My dad was Navy.
Wife: That why you enlisted?
Dr. Choi: It just always seemed like that was what I was gonna do.
Wife: There's a room full of kids in there who are gonna ask you about your service. What are you gonna tell 'em?
Dr. Choi: That I'd do it again.
How about that? Given the past television shows of creator and Executive Producer Dick Wolf, a more liberal bent is expected. Instead, the Chicago franchise is often conservative leaning. Even a 9/11 hero receiving a lung transplant in the episode didn’t evoke any anti-war remarks.
Do you think it is a nod to Wolf’s former classmate, President George W. Bush? Nah, probably not.
