The Real Reason Chicago Med Brought April Back For Season 8
After the conclusion of "Chicago Med" Season 6, actor Yaya DaCosta, who had portrayed nurse April Sexton since the series' premiere, left its cast in order to star in a Fox drama titled "Our Kind of People." Fox then canceled "Our Kind of People" after the conclusion of its first season (via Entertainment Weekly), freeing DaCosta up from a significant career commitment.
As it turns out, rather than continue to pursue other acting opportunities, DaCosta decided to return to "Chicago Med" for its eighth season. April's return could mean big things for "Chicago Med," particularly regarding her romance with Dr. Ethan Choi (Brian Tee). At the time of her departure, DaCosta acknowledged that April and Ethan's relationship remained unresolved, becoming a casualty of her departure. Now, already in "Chicago Med" Season 8, Episode 1, April is wasting no time rekindling what she previously had going with Ethan.
In an interview published on the date of the "Chicago Med" Season 8 premiere, co-showrunners Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider shared some insight into why they brought April back, and how her presence shakes up the existing status quo, particularly regarding Ethan.
April's return will allow Chicago Med to bring closure to unresolved storylines
In conjunction with the premiere of "Chicago Med" Season 8, Episode 1, TVLine published an interview with showrunners Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider centered around April's return, and why they wanted to bring her character back.
During their conversation, interviewer Vlada Gelman asked the two series heads whether or not the fact April and Ethan's storyline remained unresolved influenced their decision to reintroduce April. "It goes back to really wanting to honor that character," Schneider replied.
"And as you say, to answer some of these questions and to give them closure," added Frolov.
These responses, then, suggest that April's unfinished business — and particularly her relationship with Ethan — remain the primary reason for the behind-the-scenes decision to rehire Yaya DaCosta. Schneider also happened to specify that her return wasn't contingent upon Fox canceling '"Our Kind of People," but was something they had in the works regardless of the status of DaCosta's starring vehicle.
In an interview with Deadline, Frolov suggested that fans will enjoy how April and Ethan's storyline develops in Season 8. "Let's just say she's coming back and we're going to resolve the Ethan/April relationship in a way that we hope will make you dance," Frovlov said.
Where, exactly, April and Ethan are headed may well become some viewers' principal reason to tune into "Chicago Med" Season 8 as it continues.