The Resident Review: Virtually Impossible (Season 2 Episode 13)
The Resident Season 2 Episode 13, “Virtually Impossible,” is the show’s strongest episode since its winter return. This is thanks in large part to how effectively it streamlines the plots.
Most of the doctors work on Eloise’s surgery. Even Jessie and Nic’s story is connected to Eloise, as the Nevin sisters knew Eloise’s donor. Even though Quovadis and Julian are sadly still factors in Chastain’s story, both Devon and Bell’s plots that deal with Quovadis take a backseat to Eloise.
This is a breath of fresh air — which is ironic, considering that Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is responsible for Eloise needing a triple transplant. She deserves to make history. I love that she live streams her journey.
We are on the internet a lot, perhaps too much. But at the same time, Eloise proves that technology can help connect people. Some stories need to be told, even if it does take a ton of courage to live stream a surgery during which you might die.
I’m also really glad Dr. Austin and Mina come “off the bench” for this surgery. Of course, no one else except “The Raptor” has enough courage and confidence to do it. It’s a great sign that he’s bored and refuses to take “no” as an answer. Plenty of doctors stand up to Bell, but AJ’s absolute conviction makes me trust that he means it more.
All of the complications with the surgery are necessary to make an entertaining TV show. Some, like the former addict’s lungs not being viable, are predictable. It’s also convenient that Eloise’s parents were both matches in case she needed other donors.
But convenient and predictable are different than forced. This whole story flows very well. I don’t even care that I saw at least some of it coming from jump. It works beautifully, thanks in part to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s “Maps” playing throughout the most dramatic scene of the episode.
Plus, it doesn’t work out perfectly. Eloise’s mom has a long way to go in recovery. The hand squeeze between her and Eloise is a satisfying ending to that storyline. I also love how they use Conrad through the whole thing. When other doctors are ready to give up, he’s there with a solution.
So, let’s move on to a story that seems to be just beginning all over again: Jessie’s addiction.
I appreciate how The Resident has introduced us to Jessie. We know her. We’re on her journey with her and with Nic.
Many shows just introduce relatives for convenience. We may or may not have heard about them before, sure. But relatives are usually introduced for at least a six-episode arc, and at most a full season one. Then, they die or leave again (usually die).
Sometimes, they move a main character forward in their journey. For the most part, I’m usually left scratching my head wondering what the point of meeting them was.
Not with Jessie. She has informed so much of what we know about Nic’s journey and why she is a nurse practitioner.
Depending on how the story continues to be told, it has the potential to get repetitive. That is a reality of addiction, though. Addicts and their family members go through the same cycle over and over again until the addict is ready for it to end.
Even when they are ready, it’s a day-to-day situation. Every day they wake up and choose to be sober.
Jessie isn’t there yet. And since viewers know her so well, it’s hard to pick a side, especially in the scene where Nic and Jessie fight.
Of course I want Jessie to be healthy. But I can see that Nic’s personality could be a lot to handle, especially if Nic is making career choices for Jessie. There is no way anyone could be a paralegal if they don’t want to be. That’s a competitive career field for anyone, and an addict who hasn’t made that choice themselves is definitely not going to make it.
But that is no reason to use. Jessie is a grown woman who can speak up for herself. As pushy as Nic can be, she seems like the kind of sister who would be happy to help Jessie figure out a career path that feels right for her.
Jessie’s addiction is not Nic’s fault. But she also needs to stop making herself the victim of it. She has to let go, as hard as that is.
In the scene where they fight and Nic kicks Jessie out, it’s hard for me to “pick a side.” That’s a testament to Emily Van Camp and Julianna Guill’s acting. It’s easy to see why each woman is where they are. And while it’s heartbreaking, it’s a treat to watch.
As a fan of TV, all I ever want is for shows to embrace the gray (and forget that love triangles are ever a plot choice).
The Resident does a great job of this most of the time. This is most clear when considering Randolph Bell as a character.
Since the pilot episode, he’s been so hard to pin down. Is he a bad guy that does good things sometimes? Or a good guy that does bad things sometimes? After this episode, I’m leaning toward the latter.
Because let’s get real. The fact that Quovadis heart valves will no longer be used at Chastain deserves an “Amen!” But it’s Bell’s ban combined with Devon’s detective work that makes Conrad, Nic, and Devon FINALLY realize they need to look into Quovadis. Can Mina just catch them up off-screen so we can get this story going?
Doctor’s Notes:
- Bell and Voss are going to be a ship soon. *Cue happy dance*
- Mina mentioning that the triple transplant could’ve been a “triple tragedy” is pretty classic Mina.
- “Our time on this earth begins and ends with a heartbeat.” Have you ever really thought about that? It’s the stuff of TED Talks.
- Why is Jeanie, the little girl, even in the episode, let alone a promo pic? It’s sweet that Eloise is kind, but that’s unnecessary.
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.