One Chicago show ever since the character had a recurring role in season 6 before being bumped up to series regular in season 7. Archer's no-nonsense attitude and dry sense of humor bring energy and intensity to the other doctors working at Gaffney. This includes his argumentative confrontations with Dr. Caitlin Lenox and his growing bond with Dr. Hannah Asher. However, Dr. Archer's role in Med originally wasn't intended to be a series regular.

During an interview with Deadline, Weber spoke about how his role as Dr. Archer was initially intended to have a violent fate after a few episodes during his recurring appearance in season 6. Archer's first season on the show focuses on his camaraderie with Dr. Ethan Choi after serving in the Navy. Since Archer has PTSD because of his traumatic experiences in the military, the writers were going to have Archer killed off; however, they instead decided to further develop Archer's backstory. Read Weber's quote below:

When he was first on the show, he was originally conceived in a way that would have him leaving the show in a rather violent way after four or five episodes. He was a guy with a military past. He had terrible PTSD, and that’s what was going to be the explanation for what was going to be a violent demise. But I think the writers saw that that was an opportunity to explore the mental health issues that many veterans experience. The fact that my father was a Korean War veteran allowed me to find a connection to this character. And so over time, it allowed me to connect [Archer’s] often anti-social behavior and brusqueness to what was going on with him psychologically. And again, I think the writers liked that, and they began including more of his backstory, which aided in his evolution into a more contented version of his originally explosive self, which helped the audience evolve in their understanding of him, too.

What Weber's Comments Mean For Archer's Development In Chicago Med

Archer Has Been One Of Chicago Med's Most Intriguing Characters

Weber's comments on the writers' decision to continue Archer's story rather than kill him off in season 6 show that Dean has become one of the more intriguing and complex characters in Chicago Med. Archer's backstory as a military veteran displays the character's anti-social behavior, which is why he's argumentative at work with colleagues like doctors Lenox, Asher, and Daniel Charles. Whether Archer is running Gaffney or treating a patient, he wants to run things his way and would instantly get upset when others oppose his methods.

Archer's "my way or the highway" approach has intensified the show since he became a series regular. However, the last few seasons have also transformed Archer's character by making him more approachable and friendly. This includes Archer's potential romance with Hannah, his more sentimental interactions with ED charge nurses Maggie Lockwood and Mitchell Ripley. This shows that, despite Archer's arrogance at the workplace, he's still committed to having a strong bond with his fellow doctors and can be a team player.

Our Take On Weber's Continued Success As Archer And The Character's Future In Med

Archer Still Has More To Offer In Chicago Med

The writers of Chicago Med made the right decision not to kill off Dr. Archer and further develop his characterization over the past four seasons. Archer's transformation from an anti-social individual to a more open and communicative doctor at Gaffney is proof the doctor can make changes in his life and improve his career. Archer's relationship with his son has also been crucial in showcasing Dean's love and devotion as a father. As Archer continues his tenure at Gaffney and his care for Dr. Asher, Dean can still offer more in Med's future.

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Source: Deadline

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