The Resident feels like it’s at a natural end point and it’s frankly heartbreaking. The season finale wraps up so many stories and leaves the potential for characters to simply walk off into the sunset. In a way, it’s satisfying to give so many characters fitting endings after all everyone’s been through. It’s also very sad to think that this could possibly be the end of the Chastain story.
The show is moving a little fast with Billie being Gigi’s mom. Sure, it’s adorable and sweet. Anything that makes Gigi happy is the right choice. However, this story with Billie being suddenly cast in the role of mom rings hollow when it should be heartwarming. The finale is proof that the show had a good idea in developing the relationship between Billie and Conrad but just hasn’t spent enough time on it. It’s a shame because there’s chemistry between these two.
Sammy is back but unfortunately under less-than-ideal circumstances. It’s always great to see Bell’s family, but not in the middle of a medical emergency. It’s too bad that the show hasn’t given us more of Bell’s family this season. They are so lovable, and it would be so great to get to know them better. Thankfully, everything works out for Sammy thanks to a top-notch medical team who was never going to let her down.
The Resident remembered that Andrew McCarthy was hired as a series regular this season and brought him back for the big finale. This fakeout would actually be very humorous, if Ian wasn’t needed for such an essential purpose. It also has to be said: from a healthcare regulation standpoint, the decision to not report Ian is at least ethically questionable. Sure he’s given his scouts honor, but addiction requires support and hopefully he’ll get that at Chastain.
The season finale also featured Conrad all over the place, being the diagnostician that he hasn’t been able to be for a while. This whirlwind is a little bit much at times but this is where Conrad shines as a clinician. While the show’s recent focus has been on the relationships between characters as opposed to actual medical drama, this finale was a nice effort at restoring balance. The character of Conrad wouldn’t be complete, of course, without plenty of dad-related storytelling.
AJ’s Michael Jordan approach to surgery is just such a perfect way to show that he is and will always be The Raptor. This dogged determination is what has made this character magnetic since his introduction. Sure, it’s been nothing less than enthralling to see this character’s softer side, and both aspects of the character work together to form a man who’s always easy to love. As he starts his fatherhood journey in earnest, he remains worth cheering for.
Leela absolutely gets her moment on this episode. It’s a shame that the rest of the season hasn’t delved more into what makes her character great. This season she has largely been in the background. While she is a wonderful source of support, she hasn’t fully been able to shine until this moment. Better late than never perhaps. Hopefully if the story is to continue, this is a new beginning for Leela to step into a leadership role and show off her abilities.
Finally, even though he has also been mostly in the background this season, Bell steals the show on the season finale. It can’t be emphasized often enough: this character has had one of the best redemption arcs on television. Now he gets to end his surgical career on his own terms and pass the torch to his successor.
This could very well be the end of Chastain’s story... at least officially. The finale does an excellent job of serving as a satisfactory conclusion to many character arcs. But at the same time, the door is left open for more stories to be told. The season finale serves as an inspiration to begin the series fresh and perhaps revisit the show’s source material. Whatever comes next, this show has made a massive impact and has provided viewers, characters, and stories that won’t soon be forgotten.
Other Things:
- The secondary romance is charming enough. Cade always deserved better and hopefully this is the start of her finding happiness as well.
- Devon. That proposal was always coming, but still, heart eyes all around!
- It’s great that Padma’s doing better. Hopefully she can continue on this trajectory of recovery.
- The pathetic press conference feels like an appropriate way to wrap up the governor storyline. Count on Kit to look like the boss she is next to a politician who has his tail between his legs.
- “You know what you taught me from my very first day at Chastain: that if the answer isn't on this whiteboard —” “Go back to the patient and the initial exams. Have I ever told you you're the best intern I ever had?” “Well, I had the best teacher.”
- “You're the lead surgeon; patient couldn't be in better hands. So if you don't mind, I will leave you to it.”
- “You know Padma, when my mom died, I felt lost and alone. I know no one can ever replace her, but my heart feels full. And now I have a family, and I'll never be alone again. And it's thanks to you.”
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