FOX's The Resident - Episode 2.14 "Stupid Things in the Name of Sex"
When Conrad's attempt to surprise Nic with a lavish Valentine's Day dinner is foiled, he gives the reservation away to someone who could really use it. Mina and Devon distract themselves from all Valentine's celebrations by trying to figure out how their seemingly healthy neighbor has suddenly passed away. Kit gives dating advice to a sex-injured patient. Irving hits a crossroads in his not-so-secret relationship with Nurse Jessica.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of FOX's The Resident.
"Stupid Things in the Name of Sex" was written by Jen Klein and directed by David Crabtree
It's cruel of the show to cut away before Mina can answer Micah's proposal. It's also very telling. If the answer was going to be an easy yes, then the show would have proudly declared it in that moment. Instead, there are lingering questions. This entire episode operates with the understanding that they are in love. Sure, their relationship hasn't been seen in a long time. But they are happy together. Of course, there is the constant worry that she will always be checking on him because of his heart transplant. That may doom this relationship in the end. But again, all of this is awkward in a way that points out the melodrama and probably keeps the audience from enjoying it. Plus, Mina has a nice story with Devon as they try to understand what happened to their neighbor who suddenly dies. They have to maneuver around the system in order to conduct an autopsy. In doing so, they are able to save the life of her niece. Sure, the niece is a very annoying character who just wants to get enough money to move to Portland. She is very one-note in that way. As such, it's mostly bittersweet that the doctors are able to save her life. In fact, she's not the only foolish patient this week either. Kitt has to deal with one as well because he keeps getting injured during sex. It's a broad story though. One where Kitt and Bell mock this young man because of how desperate and clueless he is. Again, the show continues to tease that sparks are beginning to ignite between them. That too is awkward because Kitt has been a welcome addition this season while Bell continues to be seen as a complicated and morally ambiguous figure at the hospital. But they both get dressed up to spend the night at a fancy fundraiser together. That too is a very telling moment. They do flirt but nothing comes out of it yet. As such, the show really leans into the Valentine's Day trappings of propping up all of the romantic couples. Sure, it's a low-key week for Nic overall. She spends most of the time offscreen. However, she and Conrad are able to catch a few moments together as well which are very sweet to watch. In fact, Conrad is reminded of just how powerful love can be. It can literally change the world. That's what the husband of his patient has to accept. The love of his life has dementia that will only get progressively worse as time goes on. That is so tragic but Conrad can help them through it right now. Meanwhile, Jessica and Irving have to take their relationship public. It's clear that the show wants to say something meaningful about this relationship and the insecurities that both of them feel about how it could be perceived. And yet, it talks around what may be going on too much which leaves the audience mostly confused as to why they are being so secretive in the first place. Plus, the final romantic moment in the elevator mostly seems like a waste of resources and an inconvenience for the hospital instead of a sweeping and emotional gesture. But that also may just be my cynical take on things. Again, this hour wants to split people into two groups. Those who believe in the power of love and those who don't wish to get swept up in it. However, the show ultimately ends with the suggestion that everyone essentially loves love and wants it in their lives when something tragic occurs. That's a sweet message if a little too clean-cut as well.
