'Chicago Med' Season 5 Episode 14: Dr Daniel Charles saves the day and fans couldn't be more proud

When Dr Elsa Curry notices a catatonic boy's movements, she brings it to Dr Charles' attention, whose prompt diagnosis saves the boy's life
Oliver Platt as Dr Daniel Charles (NBC)
Oliver Platt as Dr Daniel Charles (NBC)

This week's episode of 'Chicago Med' saw three cases, one of which was led by Dr Daniel Charles and Dr Elsa Curry. When Dr Curry notices a catatonic boy's leg move, she reports the finding to Dr Charles.

Dr Charles is able to diagnose that the boy can still be saved and he decides to notify the parents. When the boy is taken off ventilation, he breathes on his own. This moment was big for fans as they appreciated the doctor's actions.

One fan wrote, "Dr Charles is a risk taker but knows his limits even when taking them to the edge," while another tweeted, "Love that they are expanding Dr Charles' role. AMAZING actor."

A viewer wrote, "Charles just saved Xavier's life. The man is a legend. #ChicagoMed," and another tweeted, "Great take from dr Charles. That was great that he saw that. No other doctors caught it."

Later, Dr Charles and Dr Curry try to figure out what may have led to the boy's vegetative state. On speaking to the mother, Dr Charles guesses that the stepfather's job as a cop may have led to the boy developing a certain fear that led to his current state.

Dr Curry calls Chicago PD to figure out the stepfather's job to understand what might be affecting the boy. Though Dr Charles reprimands Dr Curry for violating the patients' trust, they figure out what may have affected the child.

The doctors learn that there was a threat to the stepfather's life. At one point the boy noticed his stepfather's car's wreckage (from an accident) being towed away. Dr Charles suggests that the boy's understanding of how scary his stepfather's job is may have led to his catatonic state.

While the boy's mother is angry at the suggestion, the stepfather understands that he may have to step aside to save the boy. Dr Charles says that while the stepfather steps aside while the boy recovers, he has to be there when the boy starts therapy so that they can move forward as a family.

The family's pain is palpable as the boy wakes up and the stepfather watches him from a distance, tearing up. 

Though it is Dr Charles' diagnosis that helped the boy, he credits Dr Curry for bringing it to his notice — thereby preventing the boy from remaining in a catatonic state. His conduct in the episode proves why Dr Charles is one of the integral members — both of the hospital and the show.

'Chicago Med' airs on NBC on Wednesday nights at 8/7c.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Titus Welliver and Tom Bernardo address Harry Bosch’s future ahead of the MGM+ prequel.
2026-10-31T18:58:21.000Z
‘It: Welcome to Derry’ uncovers the dagger’s origins and a Stephen King connection in its surprise Halloween special.
2026-10-31T15:59:16.000Z
'Beyond The Gates' received 13 nominations at the Daytime Emmys in its first year
2026-10-31T10:54:38.000Z
Jay Gatsby gets a new career while the familiar Long Island characters enter a modern crime-solving world
2026-10-31T10:27:21.000Z
'Avatar: Seven Havens' released its first season finale named 'The Root of Chakra' on October 30
2026-10-31T09:02:29.000Z
'General Hospital' wins its sixth consecutive 'Outstanding Drama Series' award at Daytime Emmys
2026-10-31T07:32:44.000Z
The Apple TV series relocates a Swedish crime saga to rural Pennsylvania and keeps its prisoner underground
2026-10-31T07:04:20.000Z
Bertha Russell and her family face shifting social dynamics, new rivalries, and personal challenges in the next chapter
2026-10-31T06:09:14.000Z
'Fire Country' introduces a new love interest for CJ in its latest episode
2026-10-31T05:46:21.000Z
Season 20 had already finished filming by the time Paramount+ made its call on the BAU drama
2026-10-31T05:09:12.000Z