Ep 1. Never Going Back to Normal

The show Chicago Med season 5 revolves around the heroic doctors and nurses at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. These medical professionals continuously face various high-stake challenges that test their skills and compassion. Season 5 brings back the audience to the bustling Chicago hospital to catch up with their favorite characters. Episode 1, entitled "Never Going Back to Normal," opens with the terrifying aftermath of a car crash that involves several teens. The incident marks the beginning of an emotionally-charged episode that deals with life-changing decisions and the difficulties that follow them.

The episode starts with Dr. Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss) struggling with his feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Dr. Natalie Manning (Torrey DeVitto), who left to Chinatown to follow her passion for alternative medicine. Will gets called to the scene of a major accident where the car carrying the teens crashed after an evening out. The scene is chaotic and tense as the doctors scramble to save the teenagers' lives. The case also highlights the continuous conflict between Will and Dr. Crockett Marcel (Dominic Rains), the newest member of the ED team who is determined to challenge Will's approach to medicine.

While Natalie is not physically present in the episode, the impact of her absence is felt throughout the hospital. Dr. Ethan Choi (Brian Tee) is also struggling to deal with his feelings towards Natalie, and the uncertainty of their future together. Meanwhile, Dr. Connor Rhodes (Colin Donnell) juggles his responsibilities as the head of cardiothoracic surgery while dealing with the arrival of his estranged father, Cornelius Rhodes (D.W. Moffett), and the revelation of a family secret.

In addition to the emotional turmoil of the romantic relationships, the ED team is dealing with a new challenge - the board of directors has implemented new protocols that limit the amount of time patients can stay in the hospital. The new approach, aimed at reducing costs, sends the ED team into a frenzy as they try to make quick decisions that could result in the patient's release despite potential medical risks.

Chicago Med season 5 episode 1 "Never Going Back to Normal" also features the return of Dr. Ava Bekker (Norma Kuhling), who left the hospital for a prestigious job in Miami. Dr. Bekker's comeback brings another layer of tension to the ED team, as her methods clash with those of Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt), the hospital's psychiatrist, whose diagnosis of a patient leads to Dr. Bekker's intervention.

Overall, episode 1 is an intense and emotional start to the new season of Chicago Med. It showcases the high stakes decisions the medical professionals must make, while also highlighting the importance of personal relationships and the impact they have on the hospital's day-to-day operations. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger that promises to keep the audience on the edge of their seats for the rest of the season.