Warning: SPOILERS for Doctor Odyssey season 1, episode 18.Doctor Odyssey’s ridiculous theme weeks. Most of the medical drama’s most exciting storylines had nothing to do with medicine, however.

The many romances in Doctor Odyssey kept viewers on their toes as Avery, Max, and Tristan took turns pairing up and breaking off, in a nearly never-ending cycle. Captain Robert Massey (Don Johnson) nearly had a baby with Heather (Shania Twain) and nearly lost his job back-to-back. Tapping into its melodrama, Doctor Odyssey’s season finale followed a situation of biblical proportions: an earthquake, tsunami, and aftershock. Whether the episode’s conclusion is a temporary ending or the final voyage for Doctor Odyssey is still unknown, but a decision regarding the procedural's future is imminent.

Doctor Odyssey's Renewal Is Ryan Murphy's Decision

The Procedural's Fate Is In The Hands Of Its Creator

For many, Doctor Odyssey hanging in renewal/cancellation limbo may seem confusing. After all, the freshman procedural has out-performed titles like Grey’s Anatomy on the ratings front, which would typically be enough to secure at least one more batch of episodes. However, the hold-up with Doctor Odyssey lies entirely with its creator. Though it goes against standard protocol, Doctor Odyssey’s renewal depends on Ryan Murphy and whether he’ll prioritize the medical drama with multiple other titles (9-1-1, 9-1-1: Nashville, Hulu’s All’s Fair) demanding his attention.

Doctor Odyssey raked in impressive numbers for a pilot season, but the procedural could easily become a one-season wonder if Ryan Murphy decides not to continue with the series. ittedly, concerns have been raised for months regarding the narrative longevity of Doctor Odyssey’s contained setting and small cast, but the obstacles could easily be manageable with a dedicated team behind the scenes.

Unfortunately, Ryan Murphy holding off his decision for so long indicates that, even if Doctor Odyssey is renewed for season 2, it likely won’t be given total effort or consideration for potential long-term success.

Doctor Odyssey Season 1 Finale Can Double As A Series Ending

Every Loose End Was Tied Up

If “The Wave” is truly the end, Doctor Odyssey’s finale gave every character their own happy ending— to a certain extent, at least. After forgoing corporate protocol and rescuing locals after the tsunami, Captain Massey faced termination and turned to Spencer Monroe (Marcus Emanuel Mitchell) as his successor. In a heartwarming moment of solidarity, the Doctor Odyssey crew bands together and takes a stand against corporate, saving Massey’s job. Furthermore, every major character introduced in the penultimate episode survives, with Massey officiating a grand beach wedding in Doctor Odyssey episode 18.

Best of all, Doctor Odyssey’s convoluted love triangle was put to rest (permanently, this time). After flip-flopping all season, Avery insists she loves Max and wants to pursue a relationship with him, but not at the expense of her education. Max agrees and vows to Avery as she goes through med school, with the couple citing “FaceTimes” and “frequent flyer miles” as the key to their future relationship. In a rare moment of clarity, Doctor Odyssey gives its third wheel a much-needed reality check. Tristan finally lets Avery go, ending the season alone but enlightened.

Doctor Odyssey Season 2 Will Look Quite Different From Season 1

The Medical Drama Would Need Some Big Changes

Nevertheless, there are many avenues the drama could take if Doctor Odyssey season 2 is ordered. While it’s possible the procedural would include a time-jump and skip Avery’s time at med school, it may be more interesting to split the narrative between land and sea. Tristan’s storyline is the only one left partially unresolved since he’s single, but Doctor Odyssey could always bring back his former love interest, Vivian (Laura Harrier), now that he’s seriously moving on from Avery. Additionally, the extensive crew aboard the Odyssey could be promoted and developed into full-fledged characters.

Phillipa Soo is known for originating the role of Eliza in Hamilton.

Doctor Odyssey could also experiment with its tone. If it wants to lean into its camp factor, purgatory theory in Doctor Odyssey, which Max himself mentions in the closing scene of the season finale. Whether Doctor Odyssey needs a second season at all after the finale is another conversation, but the future could be bright— if Ryan Murphy so chooses, that is.

All episodes of Doctor Odyssey are now streaming on Hulu.

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