The Resident Review: Past, Present, Future (Season 4 Episode 14)
Georganna Grace Hawkins’ birth is almost a non-issue plotwise on The Resident Season 4 Episode 14, “Past, Present, Future.” It’s the flashbacks that hold it all together.
It’s an inspired choice on a medical drama that we do not have to worry about the mom or the baby dying during or after birth. At the same time, the episode drags a little bit because Conrad and Nic are on the outskirts of the action.
The flashbacks elevate it to finale status and we finally get to see some of the character backstories we’ve been told about — in some cases for many years.
The technique works best with A.J. and Carol’s story. Carol is already the character we are emotionally invested in the most, so seeing her promise a young Raptor that he will never get hurt again under her roof adds to the stakes of her surgery.
It also adds context for why A.J. cannot go to Nigeria to be with Mina. His heart is and always will be with his mom. She is not forcing him to stay, he is doing what he needs to do.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner is easily the best performer on “Past, Present, Future,” too.
His anger and heartbreak are particularly palpable in the gallery of the O.R. when Dr. Cain is not answering his phone. Does anyone blame him for throwing that chair?
Cain and The Raptor’s conflict ends well enough. But The Resident has not explored the complexity of their issues in enough depth to make it truly impactful. In fact, most of the plotlines on this episode have a similar problem.
The flashback to Billie’s fatal mistake is also executed well. Yet, the storyline involving her son is so new, it’s difficult to care that he’s in her house. At least the choice not to show his face adds a little bit of mystery to it all.
Devon’s vision of his father is the strangest by far. Early on Season 4 of The Resident, Devon’s grief story after losing his father is well done. But it has been a long time since we have had a reminder of his renewed purpose since his father’s death.
So, it’s very random that we see Devon tell his dad that he hopes he made him proud.
I understand that Devon isn’t a surgeon, but the fact that he is only watching the domino surgery from the gallery when this happens also lessens its impact.
His character’s full circle is the weakest by far. It’s sad to see him being paired with a random female character again with no thought to chemistry — he deserves better. However, Devon and Leela’s story is not the only one that is hasty.
Greg, Jake, and Sammi earn their status as a real family and it’s delightful to watch. That said, it does happen very fast. As sweet as the scenes are, their purpose is to fill time more than anything else.
In fact, the entire back-half of The Resident Season 4 is rushed, especially where the hospital’s financial status is concerned.
It’s not surprising that the man who Kit goes into business with for the sickle cell trial sells his company to big, bad, pharma. It is yawn-inducing though.
There is a difference between honoring the theme of a series and going back to the same storylines over and over again. Sadly, for that reason, The Resident has become lazy.
Conrad’s flashbacks of Nic at the end of the episode are at least romantic.
The Resident has been renewed for Season 5 and just in case this was the end for the series, the Season 4 finale adds a sloppy bow on top.
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The Resident will return for the Fall 2021 season, airing 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.