Sunday, October 30, 2022

The Resident 6x06 Review: “For Better or Worse” (Milestone Alert) [Contributor: Justine]


“For Better or Worse”
Original Airdate: October 25, 2022

The 100th episode of The Resident is here, and it’s exceeding all expectations. Such a milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the series so far and take stock as the show continues into the future. This episode highlights just how far all of these characters have come. For some, it’s a genuine surprise and delight that they have ended up where they have. Surprising though it may be, everything somehow falls into place. 

Let’s begin with that KitBell wedding, one of the most anticipated network weddings this season. Kit and Bell have come so far individually. Who would have thought that when this series began, Bell would be the one to cheer for as he found true love? Color this fan truly surprised in the best possible way. It’s true, this is a love story worth waiting for. The Resident needs to be commended for making a love story between two people of a certain age the one that receives the most attention. Finding love later in life rarely gets the affection it deserves. 

Kit’s story, with her going up against the governor of Georgia, is just getting started. This remains a story ripped right from the headlines. The increased privatization of healthcare and lack of government funding continues to wreak havoc on an already strained healthcare system. It is good that The Resident continues to highlight this, as the show's characters strive to provide the best patient care possible. Kit Voss demonstrates why she is the perfect candidate to lead the charge to do right by patients across her state. 

Bell also is given a chance to shine; he is back to providing surgical heroics to save a young patient with idiopathic liver disease. It’s also a testament to the fact that he and Kit are well-matched when she immediately understands Bell’s need to see his surgery through. Bell’s story this season has been set up as being in the shadow of his M.S. diagnosis. It’s great to see him back at the height of his surgical powers, while he feels his best. It’s great to see them in the spotlight. 

Billie and Gigi getting to spend time together is the heartwarming throwback everyone needed. One of this show’s strengths is its ability to continue weaving in stories of grief with stories happening in the present. Nic will never be forgotten, and her legacy is her incredible daughter Gigi. This is a chance for Billie to shine and remind everyone of what a great friend she was to Nic. The pain of losing someone never fades; it only evolves with time. 

Ian’s addiction is barreling toward disaster. It’s incredibly effective for the show to keep showing near-misses. The reality is that many people who live with addictions continue living their lives as usual while turmoil brews within. By continuing to show Ian nearly causing disaster for his patients, it keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. We know the disaster is coming if he doesn’t get help. It may not be tomorrow or the next day, but it’s coming. 

Finally, Manish Dayal deserves to be commended for directing such a brilliant episode. He has proven his directorial prowess many times before. However, this is the pinnacle of his directorial achievement for The Resident. His vision is stunning. The fact that he’s able to draw a direct parallel from this episode with Ian demanding music in the O.R. while spiraling out of control with the premiere episode featuring Bell blaring music as he caused a patient’s death is art. It’s only unfortunate that with his directing, Dayal can’t devote as much time to playing Devon.

The Resident’s 100th episode is a triumph for a series that has not always been able to find its way. This is the best of what the medical drama can be; the balance between character stories and commentary on real-world issues is not something that has always been done effectively. This episode brings the Chastain family back together in a way that they haven’t been in a long time. KitBell’s wedding was absolutely worth waiting for. Hopefully, the next 100 episodes of The Resident can live up to this legacy. 

Other Things:

  • I’m still not sold on the Cade/Conrad/Billie love triangle. Personally if I absolutely had to choose one pairing to cheer for, I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story, so I have to back Billie and Conrad.
  • Jake being an all-purpose wedding professional, including officiant and musician, is exactly what he deserves. Hopefully this isn’t the last we’ll see of Jake for the rest of the season. 
  • Sammie is incredibly adorable. It’s a stroke of genius for Kit to tap into this cuteness to make her appeal for greater funding for Chastain. Never underestimate the power of an adorable child with a message. 
  • “When I first met you, I thought you were a bit of an arrogant sod. But I never expected you'd make me feel so happy, so loved. And I never, ever thought you'd be my forever. But Randolph, you are. And I've never been so glad to be so wrong.”
  • “Kit, thank you for waiting for me to become the man I am now. I've made some mistakes. Most of you can name a few, and then I met someone who believed I could be better. A better surgeon. A better father. A better person. All I can do is try and become the man that somehow you knew I could be. Kit, everything that's good in me is because of you.”
  • “I am so proud of you, Mrs. Bell.” “And I of you, Mr. Voss.”

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