Chicago Med: Fans Were Stunned By S8, EP 20's Tapeworm And Baby Delivery Storyline
The healthcare professionals at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center are no strangers to tackling some unique cases that come through their doors. But they — and "Chicago Med" fans — certainly experienced an interesting and first-of-its-kind situation in Season 8, Episode 20 ("The Winds of Change Are Starting to Blow"). Not only does Tim Boyd (Nate Torrence) unknowingly have a massive tapeworm inside of him, but his wife Pam Boyd (Madison Hatfield) is unknowingly pregnant.
On Twitter, as Dr. Hannah Asher (Jessy Schram) and Dr. Dean Archer (Steven Weber) work to free the Boyds of their surprise guests, many fans expressed their amusement over the situation.
@the_el_zy joked, "So they're both impregnated by something they had no idea was in their stomach." @starshine_3 said, "A baby and a tapeworm just got born simultaneously on Chicago Med." @Primetime_TB enjoyed how both husband and wife are in for a massive surprise when they're reunited: "'Is my husband still in surgery? He's not gonna believe what just came out of me!' True, but you're not gonna believe what just came outta him!!!"
While many "Chicago Med" fans found humor in the plotline, others were more disgusted than amused over what unfolded on their TV screens.
Some fans were grossed out over the tapeworm, which was made from silicone
The extraction of Tim Boyd's (Nate Torrence) tapeworm proved to be too much for some "Chicago Med" fans, who expressed their disgust on social media. @lexiesdaisy said, "That tapeworm is turning my stomach." @barrettmarlyne said, "Pause! Nope...didn't want to see that!" @mariabronn75 shared a GIF of Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) from "Friends" screaming, "My eyes! My eyes!," and captioned it, "Me watching."
Fans' disgust is a testament to the talent of those working behind-the-scenes on "Chicago Med." Wolf Entertainment revealed that the show's special effects makeup artists crafted the tapeworm out of soft silicone. Then, in order to help it wiggle through Tim's fake intestines, they utilized lubricant. Additionally, director Nikki Taylor Roberts conducted much research on tapeworms so that Tim's predicament is as accurate as possible. She told CinemaBlend, "I learned a lot of stuff that I didn't want to know about tapeworms, tapeworm extraction, and how a person just doesn't know that they have one and how common it is."
Regardless of how one feels about the tapeworm, it can't be denied that the Boyds are able to enjoy a happy ending. Not only are they both freed of their mystery ailments, but they also have a new addition to the family. Roberts said, "Both are exciting surprises, one gross, but the other is very much welcomed and heartwarming and delightful."