ridiculous theme weeks in Doctor Odyssey drew in a sizable audience throughout fall 2024, the second batch of episodes has dramatically changed the show’s trajectory. Since the medical drama returned from its midseason hiatus, the storylines have been more emotional, character-driven, and action-packed with a discombobulating level of sincerity.

Unfortunately, not all the characters introduced in the first half of the season are still on Doctor Odyssey cast— have retained their positions aboard the Odyssey, but a recurring character named Vivian (Laura Harrier) seems to have disappeared completely. After first appearing in Doctor Odyssey’s “Wellness Week” (episode 4), Vivian ed the crew as the ship’s chef, but she suspiciously hasn’t been seen since episode 8’s midseason finale.

Vivian Hasn't Appeared In Any Of Doctor Odyssey Episodes In 2025 (Thus Far)

She Was A Major Force In The Midseason Finale, Then Vanished

Vivian’s role in Doctor Odyssey episode 8 implied she’d have a bigger impact on the plot moving forward, but she’s been completely absent since the show returned. Although Vivian and Tristan’s relationship in Doctor Odyssey seemed to be growing more serious, with “Quackers” serving as a make-or-break moment for Tristan to make his feelings known, the nurse hasn’t mentioned anything about the woman he was seeing, who now seems to have vanished. While other Odyssey crew have come into the fold— like Marcus Emanuel Mitchell’s Spencer and Jacqueline Toboni’s Rosie— the ship’s chef has been forgotten.

It would be one thing for Doctor Odyssey to write Vivian out and give the character a proper sendoff, but nobody has mentioned how or why (or even if) Vivian left the crew. The complete abandonment of her and Tristan's storyline, paired with the way the show itself has buried the character’s existence, makes Vivian’s absence from Doctor Odyssey feel intentional. It feels as though, to prop up Avery and Tristan, Doctor Odyssey sacrificed Vivian without a second thought. If so, that would make Vivian's departure all the more disappointing, as she could have complicated everything for the better.

Why Vivian's Absence Is A Missed Opportunity For Doctor Odyssey

Her Character Could Add Some Realistic Complexity

If Doctor Odyssey had kept Vivian around, her character could have enriched its overarching plots. The convoluted love triangle in Doctor Odyssey between Tristan, Avery, and Max has been the underlying focus of most episodes, but Tristan’s relationship with Vivian would’ve added some much-needed tension. Without any competition or alternate partners, the love triangle sometimes feels like Tristan and Max are simply tugging on Avery’s arms like a rag doll. Having Tristan pursue a relationship with Vivian would be tenfold more interesting, leaving the option for Tristan to more meaningfully “choose” Avery or let her and Max date.

New episodes of Doctor Odyssey can be streamed on Hulu the day after they air on ABC.

Beyond Doctor Odyssey’s romances, Vivian could have become a more present member of the ensemble cast. With each ing episode, Doctor Odyssey seems to highlight its crew more and more. Whether they’re sailors, engineers, or even bartenders, the medical drama has let people beyond the infirmary begin to develop into fully-fledged characters. Vivian would have fit right in at the crew poker nights, and her role as the chef could have been the fuel for hilarious mishaps, medical emergencies, or fun subplots. While the threat she posed to the love triangle was compelling, Vivian’s character deserved more in Doctor Odyssey.

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