The first episode of Doctor Odyssey introduces the ailments and injuries distinct to a cruise ship that Dr. Max Bankman (Joshua Jackson) hasn’t seen. It doesn’t take long for him to feel out of his depth when he misdiagnoses a patient, followed by the correct diagnosis from nurse practitioner Avery (Phillipa Soo), who deduces the patient has accidentally poisoned themselves by eating too much shrimp. A hospital on steady, Earth-laid ground won’t have the same emergencies as on a luxury ship at sea. Max learns that quickly in his first week.

It’s because of Max’s lack of experience that viewers may feel Avery is the best option and was overlooked in getting promoted to head medic. She has the insights to care for The Odyssey‘s patients who come to the infirmary, but she just doesn’t have the title. But as Season 1 goes on, Avery comes to respect Max (as well as fall in love with him), but respect doesn’t come easily from Tristan (Sean Teale). Tension simmers between the men, and that’s what creates an intense moment in Episode 7 that shows Max is the best of the trio and the one who deserves to be head medic.

Many ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Episodes Have Max Relying on His Team

Teamwork saves lives in Doctor Odyssey. Max holds the title of the show’s namesake, but he needs Avery and Tristan by his side to treat the sick or wounded. Although he gets the ailment wrong in Episode 1, Max goes on to help the same man after a pool accident leaves him with a severe injury that could leave permanent damage. His clavicle is separated from his sternum, puncturing a hole in his windpipe, and it needs to be put back in place as soon as possible. It can’t wait for the ship to get to land. There are no good options and Max resolves to go against protocol, but he explains to Tristan and Avery that the “decision has to be unanimous.” Tristan is the one who continues to voice his concerns, even in front of the patient.

The three are successful, but tension remains in the infirmary and the ensuing love triangle doesn’t help. Tristan likes Avery, who has deeper feelings for Max, which Max reciprocates. Tristan’s jealousy lingers, even if it’s left unsaid. Then a positive step forward is taken to get these guys onto common ground in Episode 4, “Wellness Week.” Avery’s well-being hinges on Max and Tristan working together when she must undergo emergency surgery to remove her rupturing appendix. A pretty big problem looms, though. The Odyssey is in the middle of a hurricane, crashing into waves without any sign of calm waters.

Surgical tools nearly topple over as Max and Tristan coordinate with Captain Massey (Don Johnson) to operate in carefully timed, fleeting moments of stability. When Max is unable to finish applying the sutures, Tristan steps in by using special knots to get the job done. Max praises him for it, but their “bro bond” is a fragile thing, and it comes undone again when their working relationship hits rough waters without a hurricane this time. Tristan oversteps Max’s authority a few episodes later and there are two possible outcomes. Either the ship is ground zero for a deadly virus or Tristan has misdiagnosed a patient. It’s up to Max to chart the right course.

Joshua Jackson’s Max Needs To Take Charge in ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Episode 7

Episode 7 brings an LGBTQ-themed celebration onto the ship. Joining guests like Massey’s brother Craig (John Stamos) and drag performer Marsha (Bob the Drag Queen), are the couple, Mark (Jared Scott) and Marco (Brock Ciarlelli). Avid travelers, their fun week abruptly stops when both end up in the infirmary with a mysterious illness. They have jaundiced skin along with symptoms that include a fever and rash. Tristan instantly fears the ship’s medical trio is facing a contagion, quickly claiming they could be facing an outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus. He gets Avery to join him in his worries. It’s two against one, though Max stays calm under pressure as he tries to properly diagnose if the couple is infected with the rare virus, or if the panic is misplaced and the illness is something more innocent.

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Avery finally picked her man, but that wasn’t the satisfying outcome for the finale.

Captain Massey is alerted and explains the next steps that will involve a quarantine, CDC, and homeland security. There will be no turning back. Max’s reluctance to agree with Tristan and Avery begins a countdown. Massey orders the team to agree on an answer in ten minutes. The tension between Max and Tristan in previous episodes then spills out, from Tristan’s fighting Max’s orders in Episode 1 to the unspoken, awkward feelings Tristan has from the throuple hookup. But this is a very different situation with larger consequences if the wrong action is taken. Max doesn’t believe the couple is infected with Marburg, and he chooses a last resort to find the answer.

Max Proves He’s a Leader in ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Episode 7

Max’s history as patient zero of COVID means he understands the implications of being at the forefront of an outbreak. Yet, he doesn’t let that experience or Tristan’s vocal concerns cloud his judgment. He gets his team ready to do an invasive biopsy on one of the patients to find a proper diagnosis. It’s not how Max uses a surgical tool, but it’s his bedside manner that saves the day. He talks to the visibly nervous Mark, finding out the couple has been on a strict diet of sweet potatoes. The planned biopsy gets called off. Max figures out the illness is not Marburg. It’s a combination of too many sweet potatoes and mono. Holding a conversation is an important skill for Max, whose bedside manner can ease patients. He demonstrates in Episode 7 that it can be used to diagnose as well. Tristan’s claim of Marburg was a mistake, and it would have left the brain swelling in the couple untreated.

The hectic case may not be the show’s grossest surgery, but it’s a hectic countdown that almost ends badly. A patient avoided getting cut into, and the ship avoided a quarantine because of how Max handled the mystery illness. Tristan does go on to be more heroic than panic-stricken when a cheerleader nearly drowns in a hot tub. His quick thinking keeps her alive before Max and Avery arrive. In the other medical cases on the ship, Avery then proves to be capable of becoming a head medic in the future. The two going solo is not as effective as the great team all three form when united, as seen in later episodes. But the critical moment in “Oh, Daddy!” confirms Max Bankman is the right one to be in charge during Season 1.