Next week’s episode of Casualty sees Flynn attempting to take control of the chaos engulfing Holby City — but his well-intentioned plan to impress the CQC could end up exposing new cracks instead.

Determined to show inspectors that the ED still deserves its teaching status, Flynn sets a clear task for his newest residents: a simulation exercise designed to demonstrate training standards, teamwork, and preparedness under pressure. On paper, it’s exactly what the CQC wants to see. In reality, it quickly becomes a test of attitude, trust, and authority.

A dangerous simulation with a familiar face

Flynn brings in his old friend Grace, a specialist in dangerous pathogens, to run the exercise. Playing “patient zero” in a simulated outbreak of a highly contagious illness, Grace raises the stakes immediately. This isn’t a gentle teaching session — it’s meant to replicate the fear, urgency and protocol-heavy reality of dealing with a serious biohazard.

For Flynn, the simulation is about more than education. It’s a statement: Holby City is still capable of training doctors to the highest standard, even under scrutiny.

Matty pushes back — publicly

But almost as soon as the exercise begins, things start to unravel. Matty, already struggling with confidence after recent mistakes, refuses to fully engage with the simulation once he realises the safety equipment is out of date.

Rather than quietly raising the issue, Matty challenges the exercise outright — declining to wear the protective gear and questioning the credibility of the scenario. His resistance immediately shifts the tone of the room.

Is he being sensible… or insubordinate?

Kim caught in the middle

For Kim, the situation is deeply uncomfortable. As Matty pushes back, she’s forced to choose between backing her fellow resident or following Flynn’s lead and completing the task as instructed.

The simulation suddenly becomes less about pathogens and more about professional maturity. Kim’s response — whether she follows protocol or hesitates — may shape how both Flynn and the CQC view her potential as a trainee.

A bad look at the worst possible time

With inspectors watching closely, Matty’s refusal sends the wrong message. Even if his concerns about outdated equipment are valid, his approach risks reinforcing fears that the ED lacks discipline and consistency in its training environment.

For Flynn, the moment is a blow. His attempt to showcase leadership and structure instead highlights conflict, resistance, and poor communication — exactly what the CQC is looking for signs of.

What this storyline is really about

This plot isn’t just about a simulation gone wrong. It taps into several deeper themes driving the Learning Curve boxset:

• The pressure of being watched

• Junior doctors finding their voice — and misusing it

• Leadership under inspection

• The thin line between questioning authority and undermining it

By the end of the exercise, it’s clear that the biggest danger isn’t the fictional outbreak — it’s the reality that Holby City’s teaching culture is being tested in real time.

And as the CQC looks on, one question hangs in the air:
Will speaking up protect the ED — or cost it everything?