The Resident Review: Nightmares (Season 2 Episode 6)
The Resident Season 2 Episode 6, “Nightmares,” is full of more treats than tricks — just the way I like any episode of TV!
Let’s begin at the beginning, because it’s a pretty amazing idea to start the episode inside of the patient’s mind. Sure, tons of TV episodes start with dreams. But to begin inside the nightmare of a patient viewers have never met is an unsettling, unique choice. The scene isn’t the scariest, but it sets up the episode well, especially considering it ends with Conrad’s own nightmare (perhaps one he has actually lived through).
What scares me is that the show seems to be reading my mind. Every week when I ask for something in my review, the next episode seems to deliver it.
I have long been wanting to learn even more about the characters’ families and see them outside of the hospital. The Halloween episode is an unconventional yet genius time to deliver on this. The show is a bit festive, but we learn enough about everyone that it can’t be considered pure filler.
I’m surprised Mina goes so big on Halloween. She is more the type to sit in the corner, bored, and provide the necessary sarcasm of the night. Her Halloween party is the perfect time to bring Micah in for even just a scene to give us a glimpse into her personal life. That’s the one big missed opportunity of the episode.
The more time goes by, the less invested I am in him. I predict his death is going to be a big episode this season, and so far, I just don’t think it will hurt me as much as The Resident will want it to.
I love that we learn about Nic’s panic attacks at the party. She is one to take care of others more than herself. I have mentioned wanting to see her go to medical school. She has the ability, but until she learns to take care of herself, it’s now clear she’s not ready.
It’s also great to see Jessie sober and making out with Tarzan. She even has enough coping skills to be handed drugs and give an excuse not to take them. It’s hard to tell if she’s back for a big reason, but I hope it’s not a relapse arc so soon.
Perhaps Nic needs more care than viewers know about right now… I’m intrigued.
Conrad might be too busy trying to find out what Marshall is up to to notice his girlfriend needs help as soon as the viewers want him to.
Marshall fascinates me. He’s not the “deadbeat dad” trope we see so often, but he’s far from the perfect father or even a good one. He definitely has a reason for keeping his whereabouts secret from Conrad. Everything he keeps from or tells his son is calculated.
But I don’t get the feeling that he’s keeping a secret for a good reason this time.
Conrad: Parents split. My dad kept me from my mom, and then she passed away, you know that.
Conrad says this in the recap, before the episode begins.
Conrad’s family is clearly an important topic on this particular episode. His journey mirrors Laurie’s. Just as she left her family to come to the “big city” and be a nanny, he left his for 10 years.
Dr. Hawkins is usually emotionally attached to his patients. Perhaps there’s a stronger desire in him to help Laurie because he knows what it’s like to be alone. He’s also worrying about his father’s whereabouts all throughout this episode.
But even his nightmare in the final moments, which is the scariest part of the episode for me (aside from the baby voice whispering “Trick or Treat” in Laurie’s nightmares), doesn’t tell viewers much.
The scene gives me chills because it’s one of those “real life” nightmares. It’s a terror that follows him into his dreams, where he goes to escape his reality.
There are no goblins or ghosts or zombies, but in his dream, Conrad’s father just physically looks like a monster. His voice is also distorted, so he actually sounds like one. He’s physically towering over a helpless woman as his equally helpless son watches, literally stuck and begging for help.
Alcohol and stairs might literally be to blame for the woman’s (presumably Conrad’s mother) fall. But I can’t shake the image of Marshall Winthrop in that nightmare from my mind. The Resident sure knows how to keep viewers on edge!
They’re giving us pieces of the puzzle. I’m just impatiently waiting for it to all come together.
Doctor’s Notes:
- Kit Voss is the most badass grandma around.
- Clyde is my favorite character of the episode, but the story of the man Clyde belongs to is boring.
- Laurie’s story intrigues me mostly because of the connection to Conrad. Otherwise, someone please tell me how a nurse can be so incompetent and how a patient can so easily access the roof?
- Randolph’s sex scenes skeeve me out. Not so much because of his age but because of how much of a “player” he seems to be. Does anyone else think he needs a woman like Kit in his life to keep him in line?
- I’m sorry, but I could really do without Irving in any episode at all.
What did you think of this episode of The Resident? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Resident airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.