Warning! Spoilers ahead for Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 16, titled “Poster Child.”
This article includes discussions on stalking, violence, and PTSI/PTSD.
Overview of “Poster Child”
In a surprising turn, the recent episode of Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 16, dubbed “Poster Child,”seems to overlook a significant aspect of Sharon’s (S Epatha Merkerson) character development. Earlier in the season, Sharon faced a harrowing ordeal involving a stalker, culminating in a violent encounter that left her with profound emotional scars. This traumatic event led to her diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI), a term that emphasizes the psychological impacts of such violence.
A Shift in Focus
Unlike the intense drama of her earlier storyline, “Poster Child”presents a more uplifting narrative for Sharon, where she seeks forgiveness from a mother who has been grappling with her daughter’s 22-year-long coma. Initially directed at Sharon in anger, the mother gradually comes to terms with her emotions, recognizing that her outbursts were rooted in her helplessness to aid her daughter.
Missed Connection Between Storylines
The Overlooked Parallels
What is striking is Sharon’s failure to acknowledge the parallels between her current situation and her prior traumatic experience. While she strives to mend her bond with the mother, there is no reference to the internal struggles that may be influencing her eagerness to seek redemption. This lack of connection leaves Sharon’s emotional journey feeling disconnected from her past trauma.
Potential for Deeper Storytelling
Integrating Past Trauma into Sharon’s Narrative
The opportunity to weave in elements of Sharon’s trauma into the narrative could have enriched the episode’s emotional depth. For instance, Dr. Charles could have remarked on Sharon’s desire for atonement stemming from her traumatic past, enhancing the storyline’s complexity without overshadowing its central themes.
Another impactful approach might have been to depict Sharon grappling with anxiety as a response to her interactions with the mother, showcasing her journey of self-assurance through positive affirmations. Such moments would not only resonate with viewers who have experienced trauma but also demonstrate the strength and resilience that can emerge from such challenges.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Depth
While “Poster Child”delivered a compelling narrative about Sharon’s mental health journey following her physical recovery, it regrettably bypassed an important opportunity to address her past trauma. Acknowledging this history would have enhanced the episode’s significance, infusing it with a powerful exploration of healing and personal growth that aligns with the show’s overarching themes.
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