Conrad comes under fire when a former patient files a malpractice lawsuit against him, putting Bell in a difficult position with Red Rock. When Devon discovers that his VIP patient has a life-threatening brain condition, the doctors ban together to perform a risky surgery. Mina discovers that Adaku has a dangerous heart condition that puts her and the baby at risk. Kyle forms a personal relationship with a patient.
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.
"Out for Blood" was written by Marc Halsey & Eric I. Lu and directed by Dawn Wilkinson
Conrad tortured a patient for information. He saw it as the right thing to do at the time. He still stands by the decision he made because he saved a life. He ensured that another criminal wasn't allowed to kill again. However, that central action had to have consequences for him. Until this point, it felt like the only repercussion came from Devon wanting to be moved off his service. That is still drastic because their friendship has been a huge component of the show. The tension presented itself in startling ways as well. Devon could no longer abide by Conrad's tactics in practicing medicine. Nic may see the world in the same way as Conrad. That helps ensure that they are solid and stable as a couple. The only concern is with Devon and whether or not he will expose Conrad's actions. Right now, Logan Kim and Cain are using this accusation in order to force Conrad out of the hospital. They view him as nothing more than a liability because he has a proven track record of coming forward when he sees heinous abuses being done in the health care system. They see that as problematic behavior that will cut into the bottom line. They would rather continue to prop up a dangerous system hurting their patients than protect those who speak out when they see something that isn't right. Conrad can still be positioned as a hero. However, he did a bad thing and has to face some punishment for it. All of this allows the new antagonists to come across as reasonable people. Sure, their motivations are still mired in horrifying views of how to conduct a business when public safety needs to be a top priority. They don't really care about that. It's a little too obvious that they are trying to tank Red Rock's defense of their own doctor in this lawsuit. Bell doesn't believe there are any merits to the case. The accusation may be legitimate. However, he knows that any judge would throw out the complaint because it's filed by a criminal who is going up against a well-respected doctor. The staff at Chastain are all supportive of Conrad. It just proves how the business interests of a company don't always align with their employees. It's a dangerous time to be employed by this hospital. Some doctors and nurses operate with compassion and help make this place the sanctuary that so many people need when they are going through health emergencies. The staff is all very skilled at what they do. However, the corporation that now lords over them has malicious intentions. This won't be the last time they go after Conrad. They know they have to be crafty in how to get him out. They believe they can coerce Bell into cooperating by positioning his job against Conrad's. That threat does bring legitimate stakes to the proceedings. However, it's a little lame that it all ends with Bell resigning as CEO but retaining his title as Chief of Surgery. He operates with confidence in the end because Logan can't go after his surgical contract. That should have been a much bigger deal earlier on to ensure that the pressure wasn't so intense. As it currently stands, it comes across as a cheap out that may bring Bell back to the people who respect him and unify them against the corrupt executions at the top. But his removal will likely come with more sweeping changes because he always saw himself as the last line of defense against executives making decisions without understanding how it would impact the patients. Now, it seems like everything may turn into despair. As such, it's important for the characters to remain united. And so, Devon and Conrad do have that moment where they learn to respect each other even though they may not have the bond they once had. Things may go back to normal soon. It's still odd though when Devon decides to protect Conrad under oath. He does so mostly because Logan speaks up in favor of the opposing side. That's strange and out of place to really drive that point across. The show needs to pursue consequences for the characters' actions a bit more actively. The lackluster nature here makes it all seem formula driven to create the most intense moment in a familiar genre and form of storytelling.
