The Emotional Reason Why Dr. Blake Leaves Chicago Med

Season 8 of Chicago Med has been full of surprises, from medical supply shortages to shocking returns of beloved characters. And the October 12th episode has brought forth a bitter farewell for Season 7 Chief of Transplantation Surgeon, Dr. Pamela Blake (Sarah Rafferty).

Blake was part of the main cast for the majority of Season 7 as a mentor and supervisor to Dr. Crockett Marcel (Dominic Rains) after he pursues transplant surgery. Despite having previous entanglements with Blake's daughter, romantic tension quickly arose between Blake and Crockett, and they started dating. Matters became even more complicated when Blake's health took a turn, resulting in her needing extensive surgery. 

As seen in the Season 7 Chicago Med finale, Blake gives Crockett power of attorney, trusting him to make the right decision if anything goes wrong during the surgery. Sure enough, the surgery was compromised, and Crockett was forced to choose between saving Blake's life or risking Blake losing feeling in her hands (a known necessity for any transplant surgeon). Dr. Crockett decided to save Blake, but when Blake woke up from surgery, she was devastated to learn about the chain of events. Blake cut all ties with Crockett for his role in the surgical disaster. 

Why did Dr. Pamela Blake leave Chicago Med?

Blake was last seen in the Season 8 premiere, "How Do You Begin to Count the Losses," when she was free to go home from Chicago Medical Center. Crockett visited Blake beforehand and explained that he would continue as the new head of Transplant Surgery, owing his success to her. Naturally, Blake didn't express much happiness for Crockett, instead assuring him that if and when she returned to work, she would never work with him again. 

In the episode "The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Teacher," Crockett finds Blake's locker cleaned out. Dr. Archer (Steven Weber) reveals that Blake has recovered from her surgery and has taken a position in Boston. Crockett is blown away by the news and is fazed throughout the entire episode as it dawns on him that he might never see Blake again. He calls Blake numerous times, and in the episode's final moments, attempts to visit Blake at her apartment.

But Crockett is too late. Blake's daughter informs him that Blake left that morning and has no interest in speaking with him. Crockett admits he was selfish about his role in Blake's surgery, wishing only to spend more time with her and hopes that her daughter will let her know he understands where he went wrong. 

So, does this mean Blake is gone forever? In the One Chicago universe, a potential return is always a possibility. “If the character’s alive, the character can and very often will come back,” Chicago Med showrunner Diane Frolov told Variety. 

Watch Chicago Med Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.

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