Chicago Med’s Steven Weber Reveals Archer Was Meant to Have a Violent Demise

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I’ve been captivated by the character of Dr. Dean Archer on Chicago Med since he started as a recurring character in season 6, later becoming a series regular in season 7. As portrayed by Steven Weber, Dr. Archer’s brusque demeanor and sharp wit add an electrifying dynamic to the medical team at Gaffney. From his heated debates with Dr. Caitlin Lenox to his deepening connection with Dr. Hannah Asher, Dr. Archer’s presence on the show is undeniably impactful. Interestingly, it wasn’t initially planned for Dr. Archer to be a series regular on the show.

During an interview with Deadline, Weber discussed that his character Dr. Archer was initially planned to meet a violent end after just a few episodes in season 6. However, the writers of the show chose to delve deeper into Archer’s background instead, focusing on his bond with Dr. Ethan Choi following their time in the Navy. Since Archer suffers from PTSD due to his harrowing military experiences, the original plan was for him to be written out, but they decided against it and opted to expand upon Archer’s past. Here is Weber’s quote:

“Initially, Archer was meant to die after a few episodes in season 6, but the writers ended up exploring his backstory more.

Initially, the character was designed to depart the series violently following four to five episodes due to a violent ending stemming from his military past and PTSD. However, as it turned out, the writers recognized this as an opportunity to delve into the mental health challenges faced by many veterans. Being a Korean War veteran myself, I found common ground with this character. This connection allowed me to link his often abrasive behavior to his psychological state over time. The writers seemed to appreciate this approach and gradually introduced more of his background, which played a significant role in transforming the explosive character into a more content and peaceful version. This evolution helped the audience develop a deeper understanding of him as well.

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 observations on the writers choosing to carry on Archer’s tale instead of ending it in season 6 imply that Archer has evolved into one of Chicago Med’s most captivating and multidimensional characters. Archer’s history as a military veteran highlights his antisocial tendencies, causing him to clash with coworkers such as doctors Lenox, Asher, and Daniel Charles. Regardless if Archer is managing Gaffney or treating a patient, he insists on having control and swiftly becomes agitated when others challenge his strategies.

As a die-hard fan of this show, I’ve noticed how Archer’s “my way or the highway” attitude has really ramped up the excitement since he became a series regular. Yet, the recent seasons have also subtly changed Archer’s character, making him more relatable and friendly. This transformation is evident in his potential romance with Hannah, as well as his softer interactions with ED charge nurses Maggie Lockwood and Mitchell Ripley. These moments reveal that beneath Archer’s workplace arrogance lies a genuine desire to foster strong relationships with his colleagues, proving he can indeed 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 creators of Chicago Med wisely chose not to write off Dr. Archer and instead have deepened his character over the past four seasons. Archer’s evolution from a socially aloof person into a more empathetic doctor at Gaffney demonstrates that he can bring positive changes to his personal life and professional growth. Furthermore, Archer’s bond with his son has played an essential role in highlighting Dean’s fatherly affection and dedication. As Archer carries on at Gaffney and attends to Dr. Asher, there is still plenty of room for further development in the show Chicago Med.

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2025-06-04 02:57