The medical team at Bronx General faces a critical challenge in the next episode of Brilliant Minds. Season 2 Episode 5, titled “Once Upon a Time in America,” will air on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. The episode finds Dr. Oliver Wolf and Dr. Josh Nichols in a race against time to save two patients arriving at the hospital in grave condition.
Episode Preview: A Critical Situation Unfolds
The official synopsis for the episode sets the stage for a tense narrative. It states that when two patients arrive in critical condition, Dr. Wolf and Dr. Nichols “must do whatever it takes to keep them alive.” Previews suggest the two patients are involved in a major accident, having fallen from a building, presenting a complex and challenging case for the doctors.
This high-pressure situation comes at a pivotal time for Dr. Nichols, who has recently taken on the role of Chief at the hospital. The professional dynamic between the methodical Dr. Nichols and the intuitively brilliant Dr. Wolf will be central to the episode as they navigate this medical crisis together.
Cast and Characters: Who Returns to Bronx General
The episode features the core cast of the medical drama, led by Zachary Quinto as the unconventional neurologist Dr. Oliver Wolf. He is joined by Teddy Sears as Dr. Josh Nichols, the chair of neurosurgery and Wolf’s on-again, off-again romantic interest.
The ensemble cast also includes:
- Tamberla Perry as Dr. Carol Pierce, Chief of Psychiatry
- Ashleigh LaThrop as Dr. Ericka Kinney, a first-year resident
- Alex MacNicoll as Dr. Van Markus, a first-year resident
- Aury Krebs as Dr. Dana Dang, a first-year resident
- Spence Moore II as Dr. Jacob Nash, a first-year resident
- Donna Murphy as Dr. Muriel Landon, the Chief Medical Officer and Wolf’s mother
Newcomers to the second season, including Brian Altemus as the competitive new resident Dr. Charlie Porter and Bellamy Young as clinical director Dr. Amelia Frank, also feature in the season’s storyline.
How to Watch ‘Once Upon a Time in America’
Viewers can watch Brilliant Minds on its regular night and time. The episode will air live on NBC on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET.
For those who stream their content, “Once Upon a Time in America” will be available on Peacock the day after its broadcast premiere, on Tuesday, October 21. Peacock is NBC’s official streaming platform and hosts the entire series.
Story Developments from the Previous Episode
The new episode follows significant events from Episode 4, “Lady Liberty.” That installment ended with a major cliffhanger in the Hudson Oaks timeline, where Dr. Wolf is being held in a mental facility. He managed to sneak a phone call to Dr. Nichols, revealing he is being kept against his will before being caught by orderlies.
The scene also revealed that Dr. Charlie Porter, the new intern, was overhearing the call in Nichols’s office. Making the moment more suspicious, Charlie was introduced as the new head neurologist of Bronx General, a position that opened up due to Wolf’s absence.
Behind the Scenes of the Episode
“Once Upon a Time in America” is directed by Paris Barclay. The episode’s story is written by Stasia Demick and Shannon Looney.
The series itself is created by Michael Grassi and draws inspiration from the real-life work and books of famed neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks. The show explores complex neurological cases while delving into the personal and professional lives of the doctors at Bronx General.
Also Read: Connor Tomlinson Joins Brilliant Minds Season 2 in Guest Role
