Saagar KoteThe second season of NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds’ introduces complex storylines and new challenges for Oliver Wolf and his team at the Bronx General Hospital. Ericka struggles with a secret after her elevator incident, and Van reconnects with his former wife, Michelle. With several challenging cases in front of him, Oliver feels the intensity of the job, while he also deals with his feelings for Nichols. One of the central mysteries of the season is the protagonist’s time at the Hudson Oaks medical facility, where he is admitted for unknown reasons. The previous episodes of the season only show glimpses of his life at the facility, keeping a sense of mystery around the place.
With Ericka’s addiction worsening, she finally seeks help from Carol, hoping to get better. Oliver also deals with loneliness after the unexplained disappearance of his father. Ericka’s obsession with taking care of Sam reaches new heights as she hands him her credit card. These events set the tone for Oliver and the others in “The Firefighter,” the ninth episode of the second season. SPOILERS AHEAD.
The Tragedy of the Fireman
Matthew, a firefighter, has dreams about specific incidents in his life. He visits Bronx General to discuss his issues with Oliver Wolf. Thorne talks to the unhoused man, Sam, who suddenly coughs up blood. Van resumes his relationship with his former wife, Michelle, hiding it from his son Liam. Matthew takes a test at the hospital, conducted by Dana and Oliver. The protagonist tells him to take greater steps to look after his health. Muriel makes a surprising visit to the hospital, much to Oliver’s annoyance. She invites him to Thanksgiving, hoping to spend some quality time together. Throne talks to Ericka about Sam’s condition, who is showing signs of renal failure, potentially requiring a liver transplant. Oliver tells Matthew that his ALS condition is getting serious, and he may not be able to live by himself anymore.
He rejects any support, hoping not to put more pressure on his daughter and former wife by telling them about his condition. Ericka wishes to help Sam at any cost and seeks Oliver’s assistance for this purpose. Nichols refuses Sam a liver transplant due to his declining mental health. However, Carol, Ericka, and Oliver are not yet ready to give up on him. The protagonist worries about Matthew’s stubbornness and shares his feelings with Carol. Ericka visits Sam in the ward and performs basic tests on him. He tells her that he didn’t use her credit card to buy anything, but the voices in his head kept troubling him, despite the medicines. His liver failure is a result of his taking a harmful drug without supervision.
Sam Reaches a Breaking Point
Matthew gives a speech to kids about firefighting as part of an awareness campaign. He also introduces the firefighter dog Fred to the kids. Oliver calls Matthew and his family to the hospital and informs them about his condition. Matthew’s wife and daughter worry and agree to take care of him. The daughter, Gabbie, offers to take a break from her education, which is when Matthew says he can take care of himself. Ericka seeks help from Van and Michelle regarding Sam’s liver transplant options. Sam’s mother, Claire, gets a call from the hospital about her son’s condition. Matthew’s wife, Alisha, has a conversation with Carol about him, who advises her to be strong. Matthew was one of the firefighters during 9/11, which also caused trauma to the family.
At work, Matthew starts seeing and hearing things, which causes him to fall. He visits Bronx General to talk to Oliver. Claire and the entire family visit her son Sam in the hospital, which makes him happy. The firefighter chief named October goes to Bronx General to talk to Oliver about Matthew. Gabbie and Dana discuss Matthew’s condition and the latter’s memories. Sam’s condition worsens, leading the doctors to panic. They immediately start to treat him, hoping to save him at any cost. Their only option is to find a new liver immediately, without which he has no means to survive. Sam’s family members agree to be there for him and not abandon him again. Oliver visits Matthew’s ward, and the latter talks about his visions, where his family is crying for help. The patient agrees to undergo treatment and then discusses his dreams.
Muriel Discovers Oliver’s Loneliness
Muriel comes to Oliver’s home and sees that it is a chaotic and disorderly place. She gets emotional, realizing that her son is lonely. Carol informs Ericka and Oliver that the transplant committee refused to clear Sam for the procedure. Oliver goes to Matthew’s house for Thanksgiving, where the latter admits that he needs help. He says he has made arrangements with a facility to care for him, hoping not to burden his family. Matthew’s wife tells him to move back to the house and not stay by himself. When Matthew looks out the window, he sees the entire firefighting department there to support him.
At the hospital, Carol’s sister, Helen, joins the team for Thanksgiving dinner. Van and Michelle enjoy the dinner with their son Liam. The next morning, Matthew is cared for by Alisha, who reconnects with him. He then takes his daughter to an art gallery. Ericka still fights for Sam, with his family by his side. Oliver goes home and sees Muriel cooking a grand Thanksgiving dinner for him. Later, Matthew records a voice message for his family, before his condition goes beyond his control.
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