Skip to Content

Brilliant Minds Has Too Many Doctors, and Not Enough Core Four Focus!

Brilliant Minds became a fan favorite, not only because of its focus on mental health and Dr. Wolf’s approach to his patients, but also because of his team of interns.

Dana, Ericka, Van, and Jacob formed a found family in Brilliant Minds Season 1 as they discovered their hidden quirks and abilities and learned from them.

Their friendship and interactions have been missing in Brilliant Minds Season 2, and we’ve barely seen the four of them together.

(Rafy/NBC)

The series introduced several new characters, and while we’ve enjoyed seeing how other characters handle cases, we didn’t want to sacrifice the interns’ screen time as a result.

They’re the heart of Brilliant Minds.

Jacob and Van Are Just Recurring Now in Brilliant Minds Season 2

We had heard the rumors, and it seemed that Jacob and Van were being dropped to recurring status in Brilliant Minds Season 2.

This didn’t make sense to me, given that they often had intriguing storylines. We had the most to learn about Jacob with how his concussion affected his career choice.

(Pief Weyman/NBC)

Now that Dr. Thorne is mentoring him, I wanted to see what medical specialty he would choose and if his father would finally be proud of him.

There was so much more they could do with Van, too. It wasn’t until Brilliant Minds Season 2 Episode 3 that he used his Mirror Touch Synesthesia to help a patient.

Van was the most in tune with Adam’s needs, and seeing Michelle in action helped him see her in a different light.

If the boring love triangle is over, there is a possibility for different match-ups, but we need Jacob and Van.

We Haven’t Seen All Four Interns Interact Since the Premiere, and I Miss Them

(Rafy/NBC)

We haven’t even seen Wolf’s interns all together since Brilliant Minds Season 2 Episode 1, when Jacob confided that Tommy’s dad reminded him of his own.

That was a genuine reveal, and I wanted to see more development there.

I loved that Van teased Jacob about how conceited he used to be. Those two grew to behave like brothers, and I miss that bond.

It’s not about the love triangle (though I still saw a spark between Jacob and Erika). The friendship has always been the most important thread.

With less Jacob, we haven’t seen him act as Dana’s wingman, and he was such an entertaining shipper for Dana and Katie. It was a different kind of dynamic.

Brilliant Minds
(Rafy/ NBC)

When Van’s on-screen, he’s known to tease his fellow interns, such as mentioning how Katie acted like a superhero.

I doubt he knew how much it would affect Dana, but these little interactions were what developed their friendships.

We’ve seen a lot of Dana and Ericka, but some of it’s still only been surface-level.

The series hasn’t explored Ericka’s pill-popping habit in depth, and I’m anxiously awaiting seeing how Dana discovers the truth and how it affects their friendship.

Fans Want More of the Interns, Not Charlie

Charlie seems to hold a grudge against Dr. Wolf. While we’re unsure why, he taunted the interns for their unwavering support in the “Dr. Wolf fan club.”

Brilliant Minds
(Pief Weyman/NBC)

I had hoped that his secret would be related to another quirk or ability, like those of the interns, but I suspect Charlie resents Dr. Wolf and is Dr. Frederick’s mole.

He has the same personality, where he seems professional, but he lacks the sensitivity needed to relate to some of Dr. Wolf’s patients.

I hated how he kept questioning Adam and acted like Adam hit him on purpose, forcing Dana to clean up his mess.

We don’t need to see more of him acting like an insensitive jerk weekly, unless he’s going to be reformed soon and become one of the Wolf pack.

If he’s going to be an outsider continually and we’re going to be deprived of the fun-loving interns, let’s swap screen time, please!

(Pief Weyman/NBC)

Do You Feel the Same?

I feel like Brilliant Minds has been too cluttered, and it’s only going to get worse in a few weeks when Al Calderon joins the cast as a new nurse.

While I’m excited for his character, I didn’t want to sacrifice Van or Jacob for the new characters.

Over to you, Brilliant Minds Fanatics. Have you enjoyed the new doctors, or do you miss the interns’ friendship that was stronger in Season 1?

Let me know in the comments.

Agree? Disagree? Have a theory?

Let us know in the comments, or share this article with someone who will want to argue about it with you. That’s what makes it fun.

TV Fanatic is searching for passionate contributors to share their voices across various article types. Think you have what it takes to be a TV Fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.

Lee

Saturday 11th of October 2025

For me Oliver, Josh, and Carol are the heart of the snow, not the interns. I can't stand Charlie but have enjoyed the addition of Dr. Thorne. As soon as Nurse Silva is introduced I'm sure things will balance out and well see more of the original four ducklings. Right now I'm irritated at Dana, I like Jacob's development as a doctor, Ericka bores me as does Van.

Laura Nowak

Saturday 11th of October 2025

I adore WolfNichols and Carol, but they can't carry the show alone. Brilliant Minds has changed this season. I like all the interns in different ways, so I hope we get more of them soon.

Most Commented

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!