The Resident Review: The Accidental Patient (Season 4 Episode 3)
A TV show is only as good as its worst villain, and the best villains are the most human. The Resident Season 4 Episode 3, “The Accidental Patient,” proves this true.
Despite his numerous flaws, Dr. Barrett Cain has some humanity in him. It’s why he saves Eva, even if he’s going to milk the perks of being labeled a hero who risked his life to save hers when his lawsuit comes around.
I can’t help but share The Raptor’s hope that at some point, Cain’s story is one about redemption. How is he to learn compassion if he’s only been taught that as a Black man the only way he’s indispensable is if he makes a profit, regardless of if he’s a surgeon?
Cain’s storyline is too complex for him to actually die– there is no real threat of that no matter what we’re meant to think. It would be new to see him backed into an extremely vulnerable corner, defending a lawsuit while unable to operate. But we’ll just have to wait and see.
The Resident is definitely capable of a satisfying redemptive arc, and we only need to look at Dr. Bell to know that. The man has a huge ego and Mina has a good memory. Her skepticism is understandable. We have information about Chastain’s fate that she doesn’t.
It’s just a relief to be able to watch Bell’s journey without questioning his motives, especially with Kitt Voss as his co-conspirator (in a good way).
But making us believe that Darren is a villain even for a second is rude. Plus, there must be a more unique reason to put a guest character in witness protection than whistleblowing at a law firm.
Still, Eva and Darren are the heart of the episode. How tragic to lose touch with the love of your life because you don’t want to drag him into witness protection. And the fact that Darren saves Eva’s life because he remembers her quirky habits? A cherry on top.
Their romance definitely captures my attention more than Conrad and Nic confirming Nic’s pregnancy with a blood test. It’s necessary, but do we really need to watch them wait for it the whole episode?
Even if it’s just a few minutes of screentime, those minutes could’ve been spent with Devon, who is struggling and really needs us right now. Nic told us she was pregnant on The Resident Season 4 Episode 2, “Mina’s Kangaroo Court.”
Seeing a patient die so soon after coming back to work takes a toll on Devon. We see it in his short bursts of anger, yet we don’t spend much time with him at all.
At least we know for sure that his hallucinations were a psychological symptom leading up to his outburst with Conrad.
Overall, this episode is meant to lay the foundation for future episodes rather than pull at our heartstrings too much, even if Cain is still asleep.
The job gets done, but the last scene is puzzling. What is shocking about the fact that Mina is on the verge of telling A.J. that the hospital is in trouble?
Doctor’s Notes:
- The residents cutting Cain open gives me flashbacks to the pilot.
- “You wear too much makeup” is a classic Mina line.
—
What did you think of this episode of The Resident? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
The Resident airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on FOX.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.