The Resident Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Choice Words
Jasmine Blu
at
.
Updated at
.
And we're back to our regularly scheduled program.
In case you missed the dozens of times the word was uttered, "choice" was the theme of The Resident Season 3 Episode 5.
All of our characters were making choices, facing repercussions from those they made, or exchanging some choice words with each other. May whatever deity or entity have mercy on us all as we weather the Conrad/Devon storm.
The chasm between Conrad and Devon continues to expand and by now has most folks firmly planted on "Team Conrad," some backing Devon, and many needing them to stop being at odds with each other.
Some of us kids don't like it when the bros fight.
Related: The Resident Season 3 Episode 4 Review: Belief System
Shows thrive off of relationship drama, and since the first two seasons put CoNic through the wringer with theirs, it was time to spread relationship conflict out in new and creative ways.
Sure, you can argue that the team against the latest antagonist serves as conflict, but it's what one expects. You also need some tension amidst the protagonists.
Outside of CoNic, the next best relationship to screw with involving our lead is Conrad and Devon.
Conrad: What about you?
Devon: Long day.
Conrad: Evey doctor has them. We go home. We learn from our mistakes.
Devon: The thing is I didn't make one. I was right not to report that pilot.
Conrad: Wrong. Drunk pilots should not be flying period. Sixty-two injuries. Fourteen critical.
Devon: Do I feel bad about what happened? I do, but patients need to know that when they come to us that we will keep their medical history private good or bad. Once we lose that trust we can't help anyone and people will die.
Conrad: People did die. Because of your choice, how do you not see it?
It's not surprising that there are fundamental differences between the two as doctors and also as men. They were always different from one another.
The abrupt nature of the divide between them is the odd part of the latest conflict. Yes, we know the tipping point for Devon was Conrad's actions with the criminal patient.
At some point, something was going to lead to this predicament. But of all the things Conrad has done in three seasons; why that incident? Why now?
I can accept that Devon wants to draw a line.
Devon: I took an oath. I get that you would have made a different choice.
Conrad: The right one
Devon: For you, but I don't want to be the kind of doctor you are.
Conrad: Well, clearly I've been wasting your time.
I can deal with Devon concluding that they're different people. However, the execution of the conflict between them is shoddy because of the sudden animosity Devon is displaying.
It feels forced. Conrad is doing and being what Conrad has always done and been. They can disagree on how he does things, and it's cool.
It gets weird when Devon's stance comes with digs about how he doesn't want to be like Conrad.
It's unnecessary and out of the blue.
It's also hard to take their scenes when Devon tacks that on as an aside needlessly. It's grating because of what it does for him.
Related: Prodigal Son Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Q&A
Because, and many people don't like to hear this, Devon does have a leg to stand on here. He's not wrong for his opinion and his stance.
He's not even an anomaly for the position he holds. He only is on a show like The Resident.
Devon's stance alone has merit without undercutting it with biting commentary about Conrad. The problem with having a protagonist like Conrad is anyone who challenges him is checked off as "wrong," and that isn't necessarily the case.
It's something similar to a situation that is happening on Grey's Anatomy or what happens frequently on Chicago PD.
Devon's stance that he could not go along with certain things Conrad is saying or doing is valid on its own.
Devon behaving like he suddenly cannot be friends or respect Conrad with an addendum of claiming, with disdain, he doesn't want to be like Conrad is random and heavy-handed.
I'll write your boss the best doctor's note you've ever seen.
Conrad
Their conflict can exist without it. It doesn't help that Devon has yet to elaborate on what it means.
It's like he's withholding a deeper explanation about where he's coming from, and their conversations feel incomplete.
As a result, their conflict feels contrived. It's possible the show is biding time until it comes to a real head, but the idle period is uncomfortable, and not in the manner of which it's designed.
I do appreciate the series doubling down on Devon's stance.
Related: 911 Season 3 Episode 7 Review: Athena
He wouldn't win either way for some fans, but in Devon standing by his position, he distinguishes his intended goal from him being a hypocrite because of previous actions.
It's a word used loosely to describe him now. However, a hypocrite would call Conrad out while doing the same as him.
Devon hasn't compromised himself or his new rigid ethics since he's taken issue with Conrad.
This crash wasn't my fault. The next one could be. I need help.
Pilot
If he "learned from his mistakes" during his previous questionable behavior, then the hypocrisy argument doesn't hold.
Related: Billions Season 5 Julianne Marguiles Among New Cast Members
The case with the pilot showcased that. He could have violated HIPAA by reporting the man's alcoholism for the greater good or respected his patient's rights and dealt with the aftermath.
He was concerned about the pilot and worried about what would happen if the man stepped foot into a cockpit.
He spent most of the hour guilt-ridden about the plane crash and worried the pilot was his patient. It ate at him, and Nic and Conrad tried to reassure him about it.
Every doctor has a patient in their past they want to go back to and treat in a different way. Focus on the ones who need you right now.
Conrad
It was the perfect time for him not only to waver but succumb to circumvent ethics for morality, but he didn't.
Conrad assumed Devon's guilt was due to making a mistake. But Devon didn't feel like he did, and in the end, his pilot wasn't the one responsible.
It was like a switch flipped during their final conversation. They are on two different sides of something.
It's an intriguing game of ethics versus morality versus justice versus legality.
Related: Supergirl: Why Lena Luthor Needs to Forgive Kara
They're both caught up on what's "right." The issue is that what's morally right isn't the same as what's ethically right.
Devon: I took an oath. I get that you would have made a different choice.
Conrad: The right one
Devon: For you, but I don't want to be the kind of doctor you are.
Conrad: Well, clearly I've been wasting your time.
What's legal isn't the same as what's just.
Conrad represents someone challenging a flawed system, but Devon is upholding that system while working within its restrictions.
Conrad thought he taught Devon to buck against the bureaucracy, but to him, Devon is becoming another cog in the machine.
At the heart of the issue between them, discretion plays a role, too. Everyone has a different line for that as well. Discretion doesn't load the same for everyone.
Related: Riverdale Round Table: Is [Spoiler] Dead?!
The conflict between the mentor and mentee is messy. Devon has been positioned as a foil to Conrad, and it's, I don't know what it is.
But while we're distracted with Devon, it does seem like Conrad is taking more risks and getting bolder.
It gives some credence to why Devon feels the way he does, despite it not being enough to make sense.
Related: All Rise Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Uncommon Women and Mothers
Do you guys think Conrad pressed the button?
He and Nic are determined to get to the bottom of the drug trial issue. They're both willing to risk it all if it comes down to it. For Nic, it's only if it comes down to it, though.
The couple going on the quest in Jessie's memory may be the thing to bring RRMM to its knees.
If they come from their angle and Mina and AJ resume their position from the creepy town, then the takedown will be spectacular.
Conrad: Making sure a drug is safe shouldn't be this hard.
Nic: If it is harming patients it's only going to get harder.
Conrad: Red Rock Pharmaceutical company do you really want to take these guys on?
Nic: I keep thinking what would Jessie want me to do? She made a lot of bad choices but she was fearless. She always wanted the truth.
Conrad: Then we don't stop until we get it
All of the moving pieces have to get into play, though.
Conrad can jumpstart it if he accesses all the medical records of all the patients, so he can build up their case.
So far, Conrad has skated by facing few consequences from his actions, and it seems like they're building up to him taking a fall.
If CoNic takes down RRMM, it won't be soon enough.
Related: Televison's Hottest Sex Scenes That We'll Never Forget
Who the f**k did Cain think he was talking to when he spoke to Kit like that?
How can someone so handsome be so freaking evil?
In this fandom, we protect Kit Voss at all costs, and what we're not going to do is stand for any Voss disrespect.
Cain leaned nothing from his experience with Hades. He was right back to being an asshole.
Devon: She needs you to operate.
Cain: I'm booked five weeks out.
Conrad: She's got gold-plated insurance.
Cain: Oh, okay. I get it, so you guys think I'm some Red Rock tool who only thinks about the money? I could have gone to any hospital in the country, gentlemen. I chose Chastain because I saw the opportunity to help as many people as possible. With a staff that would support me or at least stay out of my way. Coming at me like this is not how it's done. Your patient needs my help, I will operate on her because I care, not because she can pay.
Devon: Maybe we misjudged him.
Cain [to nurse]: Check her insurance.
What was the point of him pretending he gave a damn about Sasha whether her insurance was good or not?
We know the truth. It was laughable when he went on that spiel and then wanted the nurse to double-check the insurance.
It's the season of no one respecting each other's methodologies, and it continues with Cain and Kit.
She has her way of doing things, and so does he, but the lack of respect in the OR is appalling. Cain speaks to Kit like she isn't a seasoned surgeon herself.
Related: The Good Doctor Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Communication Problems
You expect this kind of scalpel measuring and assertion of alpha status from different ranking doctors. Attendings asserting their power over residents and interns is what you envision.
Cain thinks his billables make him superior, and they don't.
Kit considered leaving, and then she was back to wanting to stay. She cares about the people there, but with Cain riding her ass and trying to push her away, she's as good as gone.
Cain: So I guess you're the Bell whisperer.
Kit: Hardly. I don't think anyone's quite figured out that man yet.
Cain: You talked an educated doctor out of proven medical intervention.
Kit: Well, if Bell's mastered one thing is self-preservation.
Cain: Yes, and he also plays well with others which is more than I can say for you. Don't ever speak to me like that in the OR again.
Kit: I can say the same thing.
Cain: I can say whatever I want. That's the difference between a surgeon who bills 80 million dollars a year like me and one that bills two.
What will Chastain do without the Bell Whisper? Will the honor go to Grayson?
In Grayson's defense, the coach seating screwup is what saved Bell during the plane crash.
It's a miracle he walked away with a herniated disc. Bell remains likable and appealing this season.
The special interest he took in Jerry, despite the man irritating him on the plane, was touching.
This crash wasn't my fault. The next one could be. I need help.
Pilot
Bell's scene with Jerry's feisty, pole-dancing wife was moving, too.
We all win when Bell takes special interest in cases. His bedside manner has improved drastically, and he's genuine and authentic with patients these days.
Bell is such a complicated character and portrayed with such nuance that he grows more endearing with each installment.
AJ's parents are endearing, too. Weren't they they cutest?
Yi: Tell us everything. What was he like? No sense of humor like you?
AJ: Well, he's stubborn. He's melodramatic, and he's opinionated, so no, he's nothing like me.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner used to guest-star on The Closer and Major Crimes, so it was amusing that his father was played by Michael Paul Chan who was Lieutenant Tao.
His parents are lively and vibrant. His father makes Dad jokes.
They seemed like loving people, and you could tell AJ grew up in a loving environment. He didn't want to disrespect his parents by seeing his birth parents.
It weighed heavily on him. His parents didn't mind it, though, which put the decision back on his shoulders.
Mina: They are great people.
AJ: They are amazing people. Even when they don't know what they're saying yes to, they still put me first. Even if it hurts. That's family. The ones who sacrifice for you out of love. Who make the difficult decisions even if they have every reason to ignore them. I hope I can be the type of parent they are.
If AJ wanted to use his parents as an excuse, they didn't allow it. It was his choice to make it on his own.
His mom was the one who seemed resigned over it, but when she spoke to him, it made sense.
Moms always know. She wouldn't feel displaced if he met his birth mom. She didn't want to take that opportunity away from him because of his concern about how she would feel.
It was cute when she laid down her ground rules, though. She got most of the time and all the days that mattered.
AJ's Mom: Listen, you won't know what you'll find when you walk through that door. But you know exactly what you'll find when you walk back through ours. No matter what, we will always be here for you. So when you're ready, you go see her my son. But I got a few ground rules. Birthdays and holidays are mine. You got it? And every other day in between.
AJ: You got it.
AJ'S scenes with his parents gave a girl the warm fuzzies.
He is well-loved. As a result, he was able to pass some advice to Mina without meaning to do so.
Family is important, and it matters. Family of choice matters, too.
Adaku, who is now 75 months pregnant, wanted Mina to be her child's godmother.
Related: Christmas Reservations Review: A Cute and Quirky Christmas Love Story!
Mina should've seen it coming, and Adaku should've known Mina would be hesitant.
Adaku is a lovely girl and Mina's best friend, but she's confusing.
They're supposed to be like sisters, and it implies a level of knowledge she should possess.
Does Mina even like children? She would love her godchild, of course, but taking care of her is different.
Adaku; Mina Okafor, I want you to be my baby's godmother.
Mina: Godmother?
Adaku: I'm cancer-free now, but we both know that that can change. If anything happens to me, I want my baby to have a strong brilliant Nigerian woman to show her the way.
Mina is an ambitious resident. She has her eye on a fellowship. She's devoted to her career.
The likelihood she could end up taking care of this child is higher than the norm given Adaku's medical history.
It doesn't feel fair that Adaku could decide to have a baby despite the risk. She chose to go through the process.
She chose all of it, and mostly against Mina's concerns and advice. She made those choices and then resented Mina for wavering on being a godparent.
Related: Power Season 6 Episode 10 Review: No One Can Stop Me
How is it different than someone having a child against their spouse's wishes?
Adaku expects and hopes that Mina will be there to take care of her child if something happens to her. Mina's choice didn't feel like it was her own. It seemed like she was strong-armed and guilted into it, which wasn't fair to her.
Mina doesn't even have a plan if the worst happens and she's left to take care of her godchild.
The focus on that storyline and Adaku's presence is concerning. Aunt Mina the single mother feels like a real possibility by end of The Resident Season 3.
What happens if Mina has to put her life and aspirations on hold if life throws Adaku and her and curveball?
Over to you, Resident Fanatics!
Does the Conrad and Devon saga feel contrived?
Does anyone else want to kick Cain's ass for disrespecting Kit? Will Conrad click "enter"?
Hit the comments below!
You watch The Resident online here via TV Fanatic!
---------------------------------------------
Editor's Note: Our system got updated! Now, you'll be able to scroll through many articles at once. That required a bit of a change to the comments, though, and now you have to click the blue "comments" bar at the bottom of an article to access them.
There are also two segments to comments now. You can either comment using Facebook or Disqus. Either way, you can SEE both types of comments. We hope that will be more inclusive of our community at large and that the conversations will grow as a result.
Jasmine Blu is a senior staff writer for TV Fanatic. She is an insomniac who spends late nights and early mornings binge-watching way too many shows and binge-drinking way too much tea. Her eclectic taste makes her an unpredictable viewer with an appreciation for complex characters, diverse representation, dynamic duos, compelling stories, and guilty pleasures. You'll definitely find her obsessively live-tweeting, waxing poetic, and chatting up fellow Fanatics and readers. Follow her on X.
