The Resident Review: Emergency Contact (Season 2 Episode 18)

The Resident Season 2 Episode 18, “Emergency Contact,” has edge-of-your-seat storylines, but let’s get one thing straight: Julian Booth’s story need not apply to this category. It has never belonged. 

It hasn’t been hard to guess that she’s probably fine, though for the show’s sake I have been wishing otherwise. She’s fine. So, there really isn’t much to say about her. But I have to say I’m surprised at the execution here. 

For weeks, viewers are supposed to have been wondering about Julian’s well-being. Then, within just one episode, she’s magically here and fine because she pulled herself out of the river before she drowned. No big deal — Mom’s been keeping her safe and warm, and she’s convincing Marshall Winthrop to let her start a nonprofit.

Then, just as fast as she is alive and fine and having sex with Devon, she’s gone. 

So Devon will become likable again. Except he definitely needs a new friend or two. In Season 1, Conrad is clearly his teacher. In Season 2, they are almost equals, but not quite.

Since Bradley Jenkins died — really since he left medicine — Devon has been alone a lot. This episode proves that there’s a void, and Julian is not the one to fill it. 

Hopefully, this is the fact of the matter, even though they left it open-ended. I know chemistry that makes viewers feel like they are inside the love story. Acting ability aside, Manish Dayal and Jenna Dewan just don’t have that chemistry.

Kitt Voss and Brett definitely have that magic. There is no clue as to whether Brett will live or die, and I enjoyed the character enough to want him not only to live, but to come back for future episodes. So, Brett’s story is what has me on edge. Thankfully, he’s fine and will have the chance to come back. 

Jane Leeves’ character brings fun to the show, but the fact that it’s easy for viewers to connect with Kitt also means it’s easier to bring depth to her story that viewers will care about. Levees has been cast in a new pilot, but I’m crossing my fingers it doesn’t make it to air because The Resident needs Kitt Voss.

I say this every review, but she makes every episode she’s in better. And for the life of me, I hope the powers that be for the show can hold on to her!

Kitt’s journey could go in so many different directions — and viewers will probably be rooting for her no matter which one she makes. 

That brings us to Nic. Well, Nic and Conrad and Alec. Nic has made her choice clear to Alec — she’s with Conrad. It’s never really been a choice for her. She says, “I love him.” 

So, it’s very disconcerting that he even asks her what her choice would be if she and Conrad weren’t together. The answer doesn’t matter, dude. She didn’t pick you. 

That strange question combined with lying to Valerie makes Alec seem like a really sketchy person for the first time since we’ve been introduced to him. Who is this angelic doctor who rolls around in mobile clinics helping patients at no cost? Valerie isn’t the sex that anyone thinks she is at first. Maybe that’s a clue about Alec.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Someone needs to tell Mina that saying, because I love the girl — she’s my favorite. But the way she’s been handling her engagement is baffling. Apparently, she hasn’t talked to Micah since she asked for more time to consider an answer. 

There is nothing wrong with needing extra time to consider a proposal. But a proposal from someone who truly loves you is not an ultimatum.

Mina and Micah should’ve been together or at least discussing her answer. Avoiding someone is not the way to show them you love them and want to marry them. So I love Mina, but Micah’s reaction is understandable. 

Mina and The Raptor have always been endgame. So, watching that journey unfold at the end of Season 2 and into Season 3 is what viewers are ready for. 

Doctor’s Notes:

• Nic is totally right not to trust Kyle (Corbin Bernsen) and also not to call him dad. Nic hits the nail on the head when she says Kyle isn’t there to help Jessie — he just wants to pitch his strange app idea. 
• Marshall leaving is confusing. Watching his non-profit (or revamp of Quovadis? Has he picked one over the other?) come to life on screen would be interesting. Maybe next season. 

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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