Season 2 of Fox’s ‘Doc’ takes a deeper look at Amy Larsen’s personal and professional life following a life-altering injury that erases the last eight years of her life. Surrounded by a new world, the doctor is forced to reevaluate her medical cases, as well as the relationships she has painstakingly built over the years. This journey is not without surprises, as the differences between her past and present slowly begin to create a rift in her psyche. The medical drama show uses its narrative structure to explore memory and how it can change a person. While the previous episode takes a break from Westside and features Amy and Michael saving lives in a snowy cabin, this episode, titled ‘Next’, brings them back to familiar territories with unfamiliar mindsets and lets things play out.
Amy and Jake Clash When Treating a Pregnant Teen
‘Doc’ season 2 episode 19 begins with Kacy, a teenager who gets caught between an argument between her divorced parents on the day of visitation. Before she can even interject, however, Kacy falls to the ground puking, setting up the main medical mystery of the episode. At Westside, we are reunited with Joan, who is here to spend her last day in office selecting a suitable successor. Michael is tasked with assisting her in this process, as the board reveals that they have an entire list of prospects. However, Joan quickly reminds them that the power to choose the next Chief of Internal Medicine ultimately rests in her hands, and it might not be anyone from the current batch of candidates. Meanwhile, Amy and Jake take on Kacy’s case, though it becomes clear that the two are not as much in sync as they should be.
Following their preliminary checkups, it doesn’t take Amy and Jake long to figure out that Kacy is pregnant, but has hidden that fact from her family. When they talk in private, Kacy reveals that it is specifically her mother that she is keeping the truth from, and she doesn’t mind telling her father. Meanwhile, as Joan’s interviews begin lining up, Sonya’s anxiety begins to rise just the same. As her conversation with Joan isn’t scheduled until later that evening, her only way of getting to know things is via TJ, who also has his own things to worry about. Not long ago, he sent his request to Joan regarding the surgeon residency program, but whether or not he is accepted still remains to be seen.
TJ Finds an Orphan Who is Not Being Taken Care of
Just as TJ wraps up his call with Sonya, his eyes catch a boy in a wheelchair who seems to be stranded at the reception. This boy, named Walter, reveals that he has been here for four hours, as the social worker who came with him had to leave and left no contact. Walter is dealing with stomach ache and breathing issues, and TJ decides to take on the case. Meanwhile, Kacy tells her dad the truth, and is met with a rather supportive response. Where things go sideways, however, is when Amy and Jake have to figure out the future course of action. Kacy’s ultrasounds confirm that while she is pregnant, the baby isn’t viable and needs to be extricated. Although pills can usually do the trick, Amy suggests an emergency surgery, citing how waiting any longer can add unnecessary risk.
Jake is the first to turn down Amy’s suggestion, as he believes surgery to be too risky a procedure at this relatively harmless stage. Despite their disagreement, it is ultimately the father’s choice to make, and that too serves as a source of conflict for Amy. While she urges Kacy to tell her mother the truth, both Kacy’s father and Jake assert that it isn’t her place to comment. Following this, we return to Joan’s side of the story, but not before a flashback details Michael’s time at the Emergency Ward. Even when he was just a regular doctor, Hamda was exceptionally committed, which in turn made his seniors feel threatened. In the present, the same trait helps Hamda screen out the insincere candidates alongside Joan, who is still looking for the best match for this hospital.
Kacy’s Case is Solved, While Walter Risks Slipping Deeper Into the System’s Cracks
Ultimately, Kacy’s dad chooses to go with the pill option, which only serves to infuriate Amy a bit further. She believes that Jake’s advice was warped by his affinity towards the father, which in turn causes Jake to lash out as well, souring the day even more. Meanwhile, another flashback takes us 8 years back, with Michael coming to Amy with two big announcements. The first is that he is taking command of an open source division at his hospital, but more importantly, that he is planning to do an MBA course and become Chief Medical Officer, and handle things from behind the scenes. While Michael believes this to be a step in the right direction, Amy believes that he is simply running away from responsibility, which leaves him deeply hurt.
Meanwhile, Gina takes command of Walt’s case, learning more about the social workers who abandoned him. As it turns out, it was largely a systemic error, as all volunteers are swamped with responsibilities, not unlike Gina herself. Walter is revealed to be a prodigy, but because of his unfortunate circumstances, all of his potential threatens to be lost. With no supervisor authorizing his treatment, Gina has to personally authorize TJ for a treatment that can save Walter’s life. Meanwhile, Kacy’s mother forces her way into the patient’s room, which leaves Kacy with no choice but to tell the truth. Surprisingly, the mother isn’t upset about it all too much and is more pressed about her ex-husband potentially manipulating Kacy.
Michael Becomes Joan’s Successor, Whereas Amy and Sonya Share the Title of Chief Resident
Although the pills show promise at first, Kacy soon stops responding to them, which leaves only surgery as an option. While things come under control not long after, Amy is left pondering the status of her and Jake’s relationship. Meanwhile, Michael, after rejecting half a dozen candidates, makes a rather bold choice by nominating himself for the position. While he initially chose this career path to make the system better from the outside, he still misses the thrill and camaraderie of being a doctor, and wants it back. Although he has a lot to catch up on, Joan agrees that he is indeed the right choice.
Meanwhile, the decision of the next Chief Resident ends with just as big a surprise, as we learn that both Amy and Sonya will share the title. Although Amy is left exasperated after this news, this serves as a learning lesson for her as well. Joan rightfully points out that Amy has often prioritized being right over saving patients, and the only way out of this is by maintaining a healthier relationship with her fellow doctors. These become Joan’s final words of wisdom as a member of the Westside hospital, and she bids Amy goodbye with a warm hug, knowing that this could be the last time they meet.
Read More: Doc Season 2 Episode 18 Recap: Will Amy and Michael Get Back Together?
