The Resident Review: Doors Opening, Doors Closing (Season 4 Episode 9)
We are meant to have some hope by the end of The Resident Season 4 Episode 9, “Doors Opening, Doors Closing,” — and we do.
But the doors that close are slammed shut and the ones that open are only letting a tiny bit of light in. So, the prevailing emotion by the end of the hour is heartbreak.
Different types of discrimination cause most of the pain for us.
We have to start with Jake and Greg because they are the center of the “A” plot.
As viewers, we should know that Jake and Greg are not going to live happily ever after with their baby girl because Tina and the baby are medically fine by the midpoint of the episode.
But, the fact that a loving couple could so easily lose their rights to a child because of discrimination of queer parenting somewhere around 2021 (The Resident has jumped into an unknown point in the future) hurts so much — especially because Tina is a legal adult.
It’s still hard to blame her. She tried as hard as she could to keep her parents from knowing the details of the adoption. Yet, it’s understandable that as a 19-year-old she does not want to be cut off completely.
We can’t assume she’s completely financially independent just because she doesn’t live in her parents’ house. And, she could love Jake and Greg as much as anyone else in her life, but it must be scary to think about the possibility of giving your baby away and being homeless without a support system.
I wish The Resident would explain if Jake and Greg have any legal options to pursue. It’s maddening to listen to the antiquated ideas of Tina’s parents and realize that discrimination is alive, well and thriving today.
As angry as I am while watching those events unfold, I know stories like this are essential on TV. Many queer parents have had similar experiences while trying to adopt, and their stories and emotions deserve validation.
Hopefully, Jake and Greg’s journey to becoming parents continues to unfold on our screens. The men are about to experience difficult emotions and I hope The Resident does not skip over them.
Moving on to a story with a little bit more hope, Rose has been on my radar as someone’s potential love interest since we first met her on The Resident Season 4 Episode 7, “Hero Moments.” I just never would have thought I shipped her with Dr. Cain.
Whatever his reason for being kinder to her, Rose now serves as a constant reminder to us that Barrett Cain is, in fact, a human being with emotions and a past.
I want to know about the people in his life who have caused him to build walls so high. If Rose is the one to tear them down, she’ll be a miracle worker but it will be amazing to watch.
Let’s never forget that Dr. Cain is why Mina is having her immigration troubles. He is not forgiven for that and his remorse is useless.
But Mina and A.J.’s story is meaningful despite its current conclusion. There is something so intimate about watching two lovers confess how they’ve grown because of each other while performing surgery.
Plus as sad as Mina’s current solution is, it does make sense. Her skills are needed in Nigeria and she will have a much easier time getting back to the U.S. in the future if she is not officially deported.
As fans, we are sad to have to prepare for her departure. But so far, The Resident is making the right choice for the story by not wrapping Mina’s immigration struggle up in a perfect bow. A.J.’s choice to go with her is hopelessly romantic.
We just hope that A.J. is right and their story isn’t over. The truth is, The Resident episodes are better with Minator on our screens.
Doctor’s Notes:
- Using Devon’s possible fatherhood as a plot device is cheap and boring.
- The matchmaking part of the story is fun and I hope Devon finds someone, but he deserves a better story.
- Irving and Nurse Jessica’s wedding scene is gorgeous but it’s like someone closed their eyes and picked a spot on the episode for it.
- Their wedding, like their characters, is disconnected from everyone and it’s sad.
- Why is Billie M.I.A.?
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What did you think of this episode of The Resident? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Resident airs Tuesdays 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.