Examining Dr. Will Halstead’s Journey on Chicago Med
Nick Gehlfuss reprises his role as Dr. Will Halstead in the latest season of Chicago Med. His return as a guest star in Season 11 has sparked excitement among fans. The episode featuring Halstead is titled “A Game of Inches.”
Dr. Will Halstead’s Return to Chicago Med
Dr. Halstead will return to Gaffney Medical Center to reconnect with old friends, including Owen, a character who is also linked to former mainstay Natalie Manning. Showrunner Allen MacDonald confirmed that Halstead will first appear in the 200th episode, and viewers will see more of him throughout the season.
Gehlfuss shared insights about Halstead’s current emotional state. He noted that Halstead had been doing well until recent changes unsettled his relationship with Owen, leading him to visit Chicago for some bonding time.
Dr. Will Halstead’s Journey
Dr. Will Halstead was one of the first physicians at Gaffney Medical Center, having debuted in the pilot episode “Derailed.” He is also known as the brother of Jay Halstead from Chicago P.D. Throughout his tenure, Halstead demonstrated his commitment to patient care, often bending hospital rules to ensure their well-being.
During his years at Gaffney, he collaborated closely with former Chiefs Ethan Choi and Dean Archer, but his rebellious nature frequently clashed with hospital protocols. Despite this, he was admired for his dedication and energy.
Romantic Relationships
Halstead’s personal life was just as complicated as his career. He engaged in several brief relationships with colleagues, including Dr. Sabeena Virani, Nina Shore, and Grace Song, but none of these romances lasted long.
One significant relationship was his engagement to Dr. Natalie Manning. Their romance was eventually strained, leading to Natalie calling off their engagement. Although they remained friends, unresolved feelings lingered, especially after Nat moved to Seattle.
After Natalia’s departure, Halstead also dated Dr. Hannah Asher, who was struggling with addiction at the time. Their relationship ended when Hannah went to rehab, but it was evident Halstead still harbored feelings for Natalie.
Why Did Dr. Will Halstead Leave Gaffney?
Halstead’s exit in Season 8 was a pivotal moment. He orchestrated a surgical glitch in an AI-assisted operating room to expose its dangerous flaws, which had previously caused patient deaths. Halstead resigned from Gaffney to prevent others from being blamed for the incident. His departure left a significant emotional impact on the staff, especially on Sharon Goodwin, who expressed her mixed feelings about his leaving.
In a touching final scene of Season 8, Halstead and Natalia reunited at the Seattle airport, offering fans hope for their future together.
What’s Next for Dr. Will Halstead?
As Dr. Halstead returns in the upcoming episodes of Chicago Med, fans are eager to see how his character evolves. Tune in to Chicago Med every Wednesday at 8/7c on NBC or catch up the next day on Peacock.
