Crystal’s Reunion with Jeremy Raises Questions about Character’s Development in SkyMed

At first glance, the Canadian medical drama series could seem like yet another [cliche] addition to the ever growing genre catalogue. But such assumption would be a mistep as SkyMed genuinely offers something inventive. Crisscrossing between medicine and aviation. Both of which are important aspects of the show, even though the medical aspect tends to claim most of the focus.

Still just a season old, the series features a main cast of characters that are [almost] instantly likeable and unique. However, none stands out quite like Crystal Highway.

The Character of Crystal Highway

From the start of show, it is made abundantly clear the type of person Crystal Highway is or rather became. The character is essentially akin to a leader when it comes to the SkyMed crew, and this even extends to her communal relations.

While one can certainly blame it on the writing, actress Morgan Holmstrom absolutely sells the leader-esque characterisation. And as the story progresses, peeling back layers to give viewers insight into this character’s past. It is then made clear why Crystal is in fact so evolved and matured. But with the past ever present, there is that tendency to devolve. By allowing old habits to slip back in.

Fortunately enough, it is only a reunion with former love interest, Jeremy that makes the cut, and while this should have been a poetic story of star-crossed lovers finally finding their way back to each other. It ultimately doesn’t carry such weight [at least subjectively speaking] and here’s why.

🚨Spoiler Alert🚨

Getting Back Together

First off, the context or grounds on which the reunion occurs feels superficial and forced. As Jeremy simply sells Crystal on the fact that she never gave him a chance to be better (which he tried to do) after he learnt of her pregnancy. All of which happened when they were younger.

Faced with this truth and her current crisis of commitment to her then lover, Trevor. The two would eventually rekindle their love afterwards.

Granted a lot of ‘affectionate displays’ are sprinkled throughout SkyMed which could further add to the show’s appeal — especially amongst YA audiences. However, this is probably the one time such affectionate display did the story more of a disservice; as while the argument can be made that the character was shown to have a softer side, not to mention the immense love she has for her community and its inhabitants. It still isn’t enough to negate the standards the character constantly holds herself and others to. By letting such a level-headed character simply succumb to words of mouth, conflicts with the established pragmatic nature of said character.

Although, this wasn’t enough to hurt the show’s quality as the merits far outweigh its demerits.

With a sophomore season incoming, the hope is for the positives to continue to outweigh the negatives.

Season 1 of SkyMed is available for download or streaming.