In the fourth episode of Doctor Odyssey, viewers are welcomed aboard for what promises to be an eventful and unpredictable “Wellness Week.” This episode brings together the quirky crew, a few new characters, and an impending storm, all wrapped up in themes of self-care, alternative medicine, and the unexpected.
The episode opens on a lighthearted note, with the crew engaging in a fun game of strip poker, signaling the calm before the literal and figurative storm to come.
Max (played by Joshua Jackson) steps into the “Boys, Butches, and Bis” card game, a playful tradition among Captain Massey (Don Johnson) and Tristan (Sean Teale). Max wins his first round by handing out a Full House and defeating Captain Massey, which sets up an amusing, competitive tone.
Yet, the scene offers more than just fun, as Captain Massey uses the moment to reflect on climate change. He shares his observations about how the storms have worsened over the years and how hurricane season is lasting longer. This conversation foreshadows the challenging weather that will soon hit the Odyssey, preparing the audience for the turbulence ahead.
As the game ends, the lighthearted atmosphere gives way to the real focus of the episode: “Wellness Week.” But while most of the crew seems less than excited about the arrival of the health gurus and the quirky newcomers, the audience is pulled into the complexity of the episode’s unfolding drama.
Max and Captain Massey’s Game: Foreshadowing More than Fun
The episode begins with Max joining Captain Massey and Tristan for the ship’s regular “Boys, Butches, and Bis” card game, a tradition that seems to serve as a moment of bonding between the male characters.
What starts as a friendly competition quickly turns into a deeper moment of foreshadowing when Captain Massey speaks about climate change and the worsening weather he’s noticed over his years at sea.
This discussion is not just a random insertion of political commentary but serves as a direct setup for the storm that will be central to the episode’s climax.
Massey’s comment on climate change is a subtle, yet timely nod to real-world environmental issues. His observation about the storms and how hurricane season has been growing longer adds realism to the show’s fictional drama.
The show writers do an excellent job of intertwining real-world concerns with the Odyssey’s unpredictable plotlines. At this point, viewers may not realize that the storm Massey talks about is not just metaphorical, but a very real threat that the ship will face later in the episode.
This card game scene does more than just hint at upcoming weather troubles; it also serves as a moment of character development.
Max’s easy win against the captain shows that he’s a quick learner and not afraid to face challenges head-on. This early victory mirrors the larger personal battles Max will face in the episode, and it also sets up a rivalry with Captain Massey that adds tension to their dynamic.
Wellness Week Begins: The Arrival of New Faces
Once the card game wraps up, “Wellness Week” begins, and the focus shifts to the new characters and their interactions with the Odyssey’s regular crew. Avery (Phillipa Soo) is one of the few who fully embraces the concept of Wellness Week.
Her enthusiasm for natural remedies and alternative medicine stands in stark contrast to the rest of the crew’s skepticism. Avery’s excitement becomes even more pronounced when Bethany (Amy Sedaris), the owner of Be-Well, arrives on board.
Bethany is clearly delighted to see Avery, hinting that they’ve crossed paths during previous Wellness Weeks. This connection provides some backstory for Avery, suggesting that her interest in holistic health is not a recent development but a long-standing part of her character.
Bethany’s character is a quirky and comedic addition to the episode. Her eccentric personality and obsession with “auras” introduce a lighthearted element to the narrative.
When she meets Max, she is immediately struck by what she describes as his “crimson aura,” a detail that may be an allusion to the death and trauma that seem to follow Max.
However, Doctor Odyssey isn’t known for being straightforward, and Bethany’s aura-reading abilities are later called into question. Despite this, her initial impression of Max adds a mystical layer to the episode’s unfolding drama.
Agnes (Kate Berlant), another new character, also enters the scene as a self-proclaimed new-age witch. Agnes brings with her an air of mystery, and her persona adds an interesting dynamic to Wellness Week. But her health-conscious practices quickly go awry when she consumes a terracotta-infused smoothie that leads to her being poisoned.
This darkly comedic incident highlights the dangers of blindly following alternative health trends, serving as a subtle critique of wellness culture.
The fact that Agnes is the first to suffer from her own health choices is a clever way for the writers to poke fun at the extreme nature of some wellness trends. At the same time, Agnes’ ordeal sets the stage for the medical drama that will intensify as the episode progresses.
Avery’s Changing Role: From Excitement to Jealousy
While Avery begins the episode excited about Wellness Week, her mood quickly shifts with the arrival of Vivian (Laura Harrier), Bethany’s chef. Vivian’s introduction creates tension almost immediately, as her role on the ship raises questions about her qualifications.
Vivian isn’t exactly a traditional chef, and her reluctance to actually cook anything she serves adds to the humor of the episode. However, her cooking methods, or lack thereof, become a key plot point when the crew starts worrying about food safety.
Avery’s attitude also shifts as the episode progresses. In previous episodes, her relationship with Max has been playful and romantic. Last week, they were having fun together, with Tristan giving them his approval. But in this episode, things take a different turn.
Avery seems to pull away from Max, her attitude toward him suddenly less friendly and more aloof. Her behavior hints at some deeper issues within their relationship, possibly jealousy or insecurity.
Tristan, ever the mediator, accuses Avery of being jealous when she storms off during dinner, signaling that her emotions are far more complicated than they first appeared.
Avery’s inconsistencies in how she interacts with both Max and Tristan weaken her character’s arc, as viewers may struggle to understand her motivations. One minute she’s happy and playful, the next she’s distant and irritable.
This could reflect deeper internal conflicts that haven’t fully surfaced yet, but it also makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in her character. That said, her reaction to Vivian, especially when combined with the rest of the crew’s skepticism toward the Wellness Week concept, catalyzes some of the episode’s more dramatic moments.
The Dinner Disaster: Tristan and Vivian’s Connection
The dinner scene brings together most of the episode’s key plotlines. Vivian’s raw food approach immediately raises concerns among the medical team, with Max suggesting that someone should oversee meal preparation in the kitchen.
He volunteers Tristan for the job, and this decision leads to one of the episode’s more romantic subplots. Tristan and Vivian’s chemistry is evident from the start, and it doesn’t take long for them to cross professional boundaries and make out in the kitchen.
Their flirtation adds a playful dynamic to an otherwise tense situation, but it also raises questions about professionalism and safety. Given that they are working in a kitchen on a ship, their disregard for the rules is both amusing and concerning.
When dinner is finally served, Avery’s mood takes another turn for the worse. She spends the meal complaining, which leads to a confrontation with Tristan.
He accuses her of being jealous, and while this may be true, Avery’s emotional response suggests that there’s more going on beneath the surface. Max, ever the diplomat, tries to calm things down, but the tension between the characters remains palpable.
Just as the dinner drama seems to reach its peak, the real trouble begins. Avery suddenly becomes violently ill, throwing up at the table. At first, it seems like she might have food poisoning, a natural assumption given the questionable safety of Vivian’s raw food dishes.
But the situation quickly escalates when Captain Massey announces that the Odyssey hasn’t escaped the storm as they had hoped. In fact, they are now in the eye of a powerful storm that has formed around them.
Avery’s Medical Emergency: Appendicitis in a Storm
As the storm intensifies, so does Avery’s medical emergency. Max quickly realizes that what she’s experiencing isn’t food poisoning but something far more serious: appendicitis. This diagnosis shifts the tone of the episode from lighthearted to tense, as the medical team must act fast to save Avery’s life.
With the ship caught in the middle of a storm, the situation becomes even more dangerous. The rough waters make it difficult for the team to operate, and every movement of the ship adds to the complexity of the procedure.
Max and Tristan, however, prove to be up to the challenge. Their teamwork in the medical bay highlights the strength of their friendship and their ability to work under pressure. Captain Massey, despite being on the bridge, maintains constant communication with them, helping to guide them through the operation.
This collaboration between the captain and the medical team adds a layer of tension and excitement to the episode, as it becomes clear that saving Avery’s life will require everyone’s cooperation.
As the operation unfolds, the storm outside mirrors the chaos inside the medical bay. The choppy waters make it feel like the ship itself is fighting against the crew’s efforts to save Avery. This parallel between the natural disaster outside and the medical emergency inside adds to the episode’s dramatic intensity.
Just when it seems like the storm and Avery’s condition might overwhelm them, the team manages to pull through, saving her life in the process. It’s a moment of victory for Max and Tristan, who both earn their metaphorical sea legs in this high-pressure situation.
Avery’s Operation: The Storm Isn’t Over Yet
After the tense and chaotic operation to save Avery from appendicitis, the crew has little time to relax. Although they manage to stabilize her, the situation is far from resolved. Avery’s recovery is slow, and the ship is still caught in the midst of the storm.
While the medical team breathes a sigh of relief after saving Avery’s life, they are soon confronted with more challenges. The rest of the Wellness Week passengers are starting to experience their own health crises, forcing Max, Tristan, and the rest of the team to remain on high alert.
At this point, the storm outside becomes a visual representation of the chaos inside the ship. The weather has grown more violent, and the Odyssey is being tossed by massive waves.
Inside the ship, the Wellness Week participants, who arrived expecting a calm and rejuvenating retreat, are now facing a series of bizarre and dangerous medical issues. The contrast between their expectations and the reality of the situation adds to the dark humor that runs throughout the episode.
Avery’s condition remains a source of tension, despite the successful surgery. She’s still weak and in pain, and her recovery is complicated by the rough seas.
Max and Tristan, exhausted from the operation, are left to care for her while also dealing with the new medical emergencies coming from the Wellness Week participants. The strain on the medical team is palpable, and it’s clear that the storm is far from over—both literally and figuratively.
Bethany’s “Aura” Exposed: The First Medical Mystery
Bethany, the eccentric owner of Be-Well, is the first Wellness Week participant to show signs of serious illness. Earlier in the episode, she had been going around reading people’s auras and promoting her “miracle cures,” but now it becomes clear that something is very wrong with her.
Bethany begins to show physical symptoms of jaundice, her skin turning a disturbing shade of yellow. Max quickly realizes that she’s not suffering from a mystical imbalance or a spiritual crisis—she’s actually experiencing copper poisoning.
This revelation is both shocking and ironic. Bethany, who has been promoting herself as a wellness expert, has unknowingly poisoned herself with her own so-called miracle remedies. Her belief in the power of alternative medicine has blinded her to the very real dangers of the untested substances she’s been using.
Copper poisoning, which can occur when someone ingests too much of the metal, is a serious condition that can lead to liver damage and other complications. In Bethany’s case, her overconfidence in her treatments has put her life in danger.
Max’s discovery of the copper poisoning is a critical moment in the episode. It not only exposes the dangers of blindly following wellness trends but also serves as a turning point for the crew. They can no longer treat Wellness Week as a joke or a minor annoyance—people’s lives are now at stake.
The irony of Bethany’s situation is not lost on the audience, and it adds a layer of dark humor to the unfolding drama. Despite her earlier arrogance and claims of spiritual insight, Bethany is now at the mercy of the very medical professionals she had dismissed as too conventional.
Agnes’ Acupuncture Accident: A Deadly Mistake
While the crew deals with Bethany’s copper poisoning, another Wellness Week participant faces an even more dire situation. Agnes, the self-proclaimed new-age witch, has been offering acupuncture treatments to the other passengers, promising quick relief from their various ailments.
However, her unconventional methods take a deadly turn when one of her patients, played by Margaret Cho, experiences a fatal reaction.
Agnes’ acupuncture mishap is both tragic and darkly comedic. Her confidence in her abilities as a healer is clearly misplaced, and the consequences of her actions are devastating. What was meant to be a simple, relaxing treatment ends up costing someone their life.
This incident underscores the risks of unregulated alternative medicine and highlights the dangers of entrusting one’s health to unqualified practitioners. While the scene is played for dark humor, it also raises important questions about the balance between traditional and alternative medicine.
The death of Agnes’ patient adds a new level of tension to the episode. It’s no longer just about quirky characters and lighthearted wellness trends—real lives are at risk, and the medical team is stretched thin trying to keep up with the emergencies.
Max and Tristan, already exhausted from Avery’s surgery, are now faced with the grim task of managing a death on board. The stress of the situation is beginning to wear on them, and it’s clear that the Wellness Week participants are more trouble than they initially seemed.
Vivian and Tristan’s Kitchen Romance: A Bright Spot in the Chaos
Amidst the chaos of the medical emergencies, one subplot provides a moment of levity and romance: Tristan and Vivian’s budding relationship. Their connection, which began in the kitchen during meal prep, continues to develop throughout the episode.
Despite the mounting crises around them, Tristan and Vivian manage to find moments of flirtation and connection, offering the audience a brief respite from the tension.
Vivian’s raw food approach may have sparked concerns about food safety, but her chemistry with Tristan is undeniable. Their relationship is a welcome distraction from the storm and the medical dramas, providing a softer, more human side to the episode.
However, their disregard for food safety protocols raises questions about their priorities. While their romance is endearing, it also serves as a reminder that the crew is not always as professional as they should be. This dynamic adds complexity to their characters, showing that even in the midst of danger, human connections and desires can take precedence.
As the episode progresses, Tristan and Vivian’s relationship deepens, though it remains largely unspoken. Their stolen moments together in the kitchen, away from the prying eyes of the rest of the crew, create a sense of intimacy that contrasts with the storm raging outside.
This subplot hints at a potential longer-term romance between the two characters, adding another layer to the show’s ongoing interpersonal drama.
Captain Massey’s Dilemma: Leadership in the Eye of the Storm
While Max and Tristan are dealing with the medical crises, Captain Massey faces his own challenges on the bridge. The storm has grown worse, and the Odyssey is now trapped in the eye of the storm, with no clear path to safety.
As the captain of the ship, Massey is responsible for the safety of everyone on board, and the weight of that responsibility is beginning to take its toll.
Massey’s earlier comments about climate change and the worsening storms now seem prophetic. He had warned about the dangers of the changing weather patterns, but even he couldn’t have predicted just how severe this storm would be.
As the winds howl and the waves crash against the ship, Massey must make quick decisions to keep the Odyssey from capsizing. His leadership is tested in this moment, and viewers are reminded of the high stakes involved in his role as captain.
The storm serves as both a literal and metaphorical challenge for Massey. On the surface, he is dealing with the immediate danger of going through rough seas. But on a deeper level, the storm represents the chaos and unpredictability of his life as a leader.
Massey is a seasoned sailor, but even he is not immune to the pressures of his position. His calm demeanor and quick thinking during the storm are a testament to his experience, but there’s also a sense that he’s struggling to keep everything under control.
Massey’s interactions with the medical team during this crisis highlight his ability to work under pressure. He maintains a clear line of communication with Max and Tristan, offering guidance and support as they perform the surgery on Avery.
His leadership is crucial to their success, and the episode reinforces the importance of teamwork in moments of crisis. However, the storm also exposes Massey’s vulnerabilities, as he grapples with the reality that some things are simply beyond his control.
The Aftermath: A New Normal on the Odyssey
As the storm begins to subside and the immediate medical emergencies are resolved, the crew is left to deal with the aftermath of Wellness Week.
Avery’s recovery is slow but steady, and the tension between her, Max, and Tristan seems to have eased for the moment. While their romantic entanglements remain unresolved, the experience of saving Avery’s life has brought them closer together.
Vivian’s role on the ship is solidified when she agrees to stay on as the new chef, replacing the previous chef who conveniently departs at the end of the episode.
Her presence on the ship adds a new dynamic to the crew, particularly in her relationship with Tristan. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and viewers are left wondering how their romance will evolve in future episodes.
Bethany, despite her earlier illness, is also recovering from her copper poisoning, though the experience has shaken her faith in her own wellness practices.
Her character, once confident and overbearing, is now humbled by the realization that her miracle cures were anything but. It remains to be seen whether this experience will change her approach to wellness, but it’s clear that she has been deeply affected by the events of the episode.
Agnes, on the other hand, is left to deal with the fallout of her deadly acupuncture treatment. The death of her patient casts a dark shadow over the remainder of Wellness Week, and it’s unclear whether she will face any consequences for her actions. The episode ends on an uncertain note, with Agnes’ future on the ship hanging in the balance.
Avery’s Recovery: A Moment of Reflection and Reunion
As the storm outside the Odyssey slowly dissipates, the tension inside the medical bay begins to ease as well. Avery, still weak from her appendicitis surgery, is starting to recover, though she is far from being back to full strength.
Max and Tristan, both physically and emotionally drained from the ordeal, remain by her side. Despite their exhaustion, neither of them leaves the room, not even when Captain Massey offers them the chance to take a break and relax after their harrowing day.
This moment highlights the strong bond between the three characters. Despite the romantic complications between Max, Tristan, and Avery, their loyalty to each other is unwavering. Avery, though groggy and in pain, insists that they shouldn’t waste their rare downtime sitting by her bedside.
Yet Max and Tristan refuse to leave, showing just how much they care for her, both as a patient and a friend. This scene offers a rare glimpse of emotional vulnerability, with the usual banter and conflict replaced by quiet affection and mutual respect.
Avery’s recovery also serves as a moment of reflection for the crew. Throughout the episode, they’ve been dealing with both literal and metaphorical storms—whether it’s the chaos of Wellness Week or the actual storm battering the ship.
Now, with the worst seemingly behind them, they are left to contemplate how close they came to disaster. This moment of calm allows the characters to reconnect, and for the audience, it’s a chance to see the deeper emotional ties that bind them together.
The Calm Before the Next Storm: Wellness Week Wraps Up
With Avery’s condition stabilizing, attention turns back to the remaining Wellness Week participants, who have caused more trouble than anyone anticipated. Bethany, now recovering from her copper poisoning, seems humbled by her brush with death.
Her confidence as a wellness guru has been shaken, and it’s clear that she’ll need to rethink her approach to health after nearly poisoning herself with her own remedies. While Bethany had been the driving force behind Wellness Week, her sudden vulnerability forced her to take a step back from the spotlight.
Agnes, however, is not so lucky. The tragic death of her acupuncture patient has cast a shadow over the remaining days of Wellness Week. Though the incident was clearly an accident, the fallout is significant. The other passengers, once excited by Agnes’ mystical treatments, are now wary of her.
Agnes, who had come aboard the Odyssey with a sense of purpose and self-assuredness, is now faced with the consequences of her overconfidence.
Whether she’ll be held accountable for the patient’s death or simply shunned by the other passengers remains to be seen, but it’s clear that her role on the ship has changed dramatically.
As Wellness Week draws to a close, there’s a sense that the events of the past few days have left a lasting impact on everyone involved. What started as a lighthearted retreat has turned into a series of medical emergencies and personal crises.
The crew of the Odyssey, though used to handling difficult situations, has been pushed to their limits by the unpredictable events of Wellness Week. With the passengers disembarking, the medical team is finally able to catch their breath—but it’s clear that they won’t be getting much rest.
Vivian’s Role Solidifies: A New Chef and a New Romance?
One of the most significant outcomes of Wellness Week is the solidification of Vivian’s place on the Odyssey. After the departure of the ship’s former chef, Vivian is asked to stay on permanently, much to Tristan’s delight.
Their chemistry, which has been building since their initial flirtation in the kitchen, continues to grow stronger throughout the episode. Though their relationship has been mostly lighthearted and playful, there’s an undeniable connection between them that hints at something deeper.
Vivian’s presence on the ship adds a new dynamic to the crew. Not only does she bring a fresh perspective to the kitchen (despite her questionable approach to raw food safety), but she also seems to have a unique way of connecting with Tristan.
Their relationship is still in its early stages, but it’s clear that Vivian will play a significant role in Tristan’s storyline moving forward. The two of them have a natural chemistry that has been missing from some of the show’s other relationships, and it will be interesting to see how their romance develops.
However, their budding relationship isn’t without its challenges. The stresses of life aboard the Odyssey, coupled with the unpredictable nature of their jobs, will undoubtedly test their connection.
Additionally, with Avery still in the picture and her relationship with Max and Tristan remaining undefined, there’s potential for more romantic tension as the season progresses. For now, though, Tristan and Vivian seem to be enjoying their time together, offering a rare moment of happiness in an otherwise chaotic episode.
Captain Massey’s Leadership: Reflecting on the Storm
As the captain of the Odyssey, Massey’s role in this episode has been one of steady leadership and calm under pressure. Throughout the storm, he maintained control of the ship, ensuring that the medical team could operate on Avery and handle the other emergencies without being overwhelmed by the situation outside.
His earlier comments about climate change and worsening storms now seem all the more poignant, as the crew narrowly avoided disaster by remaining in the eye of the storm.
Massey’s leadership is not just about guiding the ship physically through rough seas—it’s also about guiding the crew emotionally through difficult situations. In this episode, he demonstrates his ability to balance the needs of the passengers with the safety of his crew, offering support where it’s needed most.
His decision to let Max and Tristan take an early break after Avery’s surgery shows his understanding of the toll the day’s events have taken on them, even though they ultimately choose to stay with Avery.
This episode reinforces Massey’s role as the steady hand on deck, but it also hints at the growing weight of responsibility he carries. The storm, both literal and metaphorical, has taken a toll on him, and even the most experienced captain can’t control everything.
The eye of the storm serves as a metaphor for the delicate balance Massey must maintain—not just between the ship and the sea, but also between his duty to the crew and his struggles.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Massey’s leadership is tested in future episodes, particularly as the challenges aboard the Odyssey become more complex.
Looking Ahead: Halloween Week Teases Zombies and More Chaos
As the episode comes to a close, viewers are given a sneak peek at what’s to come: Halloween Week aboard the Odyssey.
The teaser for the next episode promises even more chaos, with the cruise line turning into a haunted ship full of real-life zombies. It’s a dramatic shift in tone, and one that promises to deliver both thrills and laughs as the crew is forced to deal with an entirely new set of problems.
The teaser hints at a ship full of passengers dressed as zombies for Halloween—but things take a dark turn when some of the costumes seem a little too real. The implication is clear: something strange is happening aboard the Odyssey, and the crew will need to show this new supernatural threat.
After the intense events of Wellness Week, it seems like the crew will have little time to rest before they’re thrown into another high-stakes situation.
This shift toward a more supernatural storyline adds a new layer of intrigue to the show. While previous episodes have focused on medical mysteries and interpersonal drama, Halloween Week promises to take the show in a different direction, blending horror and comedy in a way that’s sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The teaser hints at plenty of action, suspense, and dark humor, setting the stage for an unforgettable episode.
Final Thoughts: Wellness Week Leaves a Lasting Impact
By the end of Episode 4, it’s clear that Wellness Week has left its mark on the crew of the Odyssey. From Avery’s life-threatening appendicitis to the medical emergencies caused by the Wellness Week passengers, the episode has been a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges.
Max and Tristan have proven their abilities under pressure, saving Avery’s life and showing the complexities of Wellness Week’s alternative medicine disasters.
The episode also deepens the relationships between the characters, particularly in the case of Tristan and Vivian, whose budding romance provides a bright spot amid the chaos.
Captain Massey’s steady leadership has been crucial in guiding the ship through the storm, but even he is beginning to feel the weight of his responsibilities. As the crew prepares for the next big event—Halloween Week—they are left to reflect on the events of Wellness Week and how it has changed them.
Looking ahead, the promise of zombies aboard the Odyssey adds a new level of excitement and unpredictability to the show. After the intense drama of Wellness Week, the crew will need to gear up for an entirely different kind of challenge. Whether they’re ready for it or not, Halloween Week is sure to be a wild ride.
