Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Doctor Odyssey Season 1.

The conclusion of <em>Doctor Odyssey</em> Season 1 has left fans reeling with disappointment, particularly due to its anticlimactic finale and the uncertainty surrounding a potential second season. As I reflect on the intricate relationship dynamics among Tristan (Sean Teale), Avery (Phillipa Soo), and Max (Joshua Jackson), I find myself mourning the transformative throuple that could have emerged. Their evolving connections provided a unique anchor for Doctor Odyssey, especially amidst a revolving door of guest stars. However, the finale disintegrates the love triangle in an all-too-predictable manner, leaving viewers yearning for what could have been.

Since the pilot episode, it was evident that the love triangle between Tristan, Max, and Avery would serve as the show’s central storyline. Both Tristan and Max have been openly infatuated with Avery since the beginning, creating a tension that the series initially capitalizes on. After a pivotal moment in Episode 6, where the trio partakes in a drunken threesome, the narrative tantalizingly hints at expanding their dynamic into a full-fledged throuple. Yet, much to my dismay, Doctor Odyssey opts for the safer route, ultimately having Avery choose Max, despite her intentions to leave The Odyssey and pursue medical school. In a series that thrives on colorful characters and unpredictable twists, the decision to shy away from a committed throuple feels like a missed opportunity that could have distinguished Doctor Odyssey from its peers in the medical drama genre.

Embracing a Throuple: Why ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Should Have Fully Committed to Tristan, Avery, and Max’s Relationship

From the very first episode, Doctor Odyssey establishes that the intricate relationship among Tristan, Avery, and Max will be the crux of its narrative. Tristan openly confesses his love for Avery, despite her not returning his affections, and Max is drawn to her charisma right away. Their chemistry culminates in a passionate kiss and the tension between the characters is palpable, prolonging their romantic entanglement over several episodes. In Episode 6, the series takes a dark turn as they grapple with the tragic suicide of a guest character, leading to a drunken escapade where the three leads find themselves in a compromising situation. Although the aftermath brings a sense of awkwardness, they quickly return to work during Gay Week, only to have their interactions complicated by the arrival of Captain Massey’s (Don Johnson) brother, Craig (John Stamos). Craig’s unconventional relationship, as part of a throuple with two men, inspires Avery to contemplate the possibility of forming a similar bond with Tristan and Max. However, despite Tristan’s enthusiasm, it is ultimately Max’s reluctance that leads to the abandonment of this intriguing narrative direction, forcing the trio back into the confines of a traditional love triangle.

Throuples are a rare occurrence in mainstream television, particularly on network channels; however, Ryan Murphy has previously explored this theme, as exemplified by the brief inclusion of a throuple in American Horror Story: Hotel back in 2015. The undeniable chemistry between Teale, Soo, and Jackson serves as the backbone of Doctor Odyssey, so fully embracing the concept of a throuple with Tristan, Avery, and Max would have brought an exhilarating twist to the conventional love triangle narrative. This choice could have introduced numerous avenues for unique conflicts and dramatic moments, challenging the characters to balance their personal relationships with their demanding professional lives in an environment where such a feat is nearly impossible. Yet, Doctor Odyssey chooses to abandon this concept before it can truly take form. In a show that champions open-mindedness and acceptance, pursuing this alternative relationship dynamic would have provided a refreshing perspective on romantic relationships, both in the realm of fiction and in real life. Although it might have seemed like a daring move, committing to transforming the central trio into a proper throuple, even temporarily, would have added an exciting layer to the narrative of Doctor Odyssey, rather than relegating their interactions to a prolonged and predictable love triangle.

The Disappointing Conclusion: How ‘Doctor Odyssey’s Main Love Triangle Fizzled Out

After quickly discarding the throuple storyline, Tristan and Max continue to grapple with their feelings for Avery throughout the season. They introduce various new love interests that ultimately fail to develop into anything substantial. Additionally, the unexpected pregnancy subplot leaves viewers guessing about the potential father, but this tension is quickly resolved when it’s revealed to be a false positive. Once Avery is free from the looming reality of impending parenthood, she finds herself still attracted to both Tristan and Max and even engages in casual encounters with Tristan in Episode 16. Despite her claims of wanting to avoid emotional entanglements since she is preparing to leave The Odyssey for medical school, she ultimately confesses her feelings for Max in the season finale, leaving Tristan—who has lost his other love interest, Vivian (Laura Harrier)—alone and heartbroken.

Having witnessed the tumultuous love triangle almost evolve into a throuple only to revert back to a love triangle, I found myself hoping that Avery would choose to focus on her independence instead. Yet, the narrative unfolds predictably, with Avery gravitating towards the more mature Max while relegating Tristan to the status of a friend with whom she shares a physical attraction, but nothing deeper. Unfortunately, even the clever “Despacito” callback fails to make the lackluster season finale feel like a proper resolution for the love triangle involving Tristan, Avery, and Max. Avery’s decision to ultimately choose Max, the man she has been more interested in from the start, reinforces the notion that Doctor Odyssey has taken the easy way out. By discarding the throuple concept and having Avery select Max instead of prioritizing her future independently, the show reflects a dwindling interest in its own storyline as Season 1 progresses. The reluctance to commit fully to a narrative arc for a significant duration, evidenced by multiple instances throughout the season, raises concerns about the show’s longevity. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful for a second season.

All episodes of Doctor Odyssey are currently available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.