The Resident returned for its third season in 2019, continuing its gripping medical drama with a blend of intense hospital politics, ethical dilemmas, and deeply personal character arcs. Season 3 took fans on a rollercoaster ride, tackling themes of corporate corruption in healthcare, personal loss, and resilience while maintaining its signature high-stakes medical cases.

This season introduced new characters, further developed existing relationships, and saw some heartbreaking departures, all while keeping its pulse on real-world medical issues. Let’s break down the key moments of Season 3 and analyze each episode’s contribution to the overall narrative.

Season Overview

  • Episodes: 20
  • Original Air Dates: September 24, 2019 – April 7, 2020
  • Main Cast:
  • Matt Czuchry as Dr. Conrad Hawkins
  • Emily VanCamp as Nicolette ‘Nic’ Nevin
  • Manish Dayal as Dr. Devon Pravesh
  • Bruce Greenwood as Dr. Randolph Bell
  • Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Dr. AJ ‘The Raptor’ Austin
  • Jane Leeves as Dr. Kit Voss
  • Morris Chestnut as Dr. Barrett Cain (New Character)

Season 3 saw Chastain Park Memorial Hospital facing major challenges as Red Rock Mountain Medical took over, bringing in Dr. Barrett Cain, a neurosurgeon with a ruthless approach to patient care. Meanwhile, the emotional depth of the season was heightened with Nic’s family struggles, Mina and AJ’s evolving partnership, and a shocking loss that rocked the core cast.

Episode Breakdown

Episode 1 – “From the Ashes”

The season opens with Nic and Conrad stronger than ever, but Chastain is now under the control of Red Rock Mountain Medical, creating a corporate vs. medical care conflict. Meanwhile, Devon treats a patient exposed to fire-related trauma, paralleling the “ashes” of Chastain’s former independence. This episode sets the stage for the power struggles ahead.

Episode 2 – “Flesh of My Flesh”

A genetically modified pig kidney transplant is at the center of this episode, showcasing the series’ knack for innovative medical dilemmas. Meanwhile, Cain’s arrogance is on full display as he overrides medical decisions, highlighting his friction with Conrad and Bell.

Episode 3 – “Saints & Sinners”

A medical miracle clashes with moral dilemmas as an HIV-positive patient requires a transplant. Nic and Conrad continue to challenge Red Rock’s policies, while Kit Voss battles Cain’s authority, marking the start of their rivalry.

Episode 4 – “Belief System”

This episode dives into placebo effects and mind-over-matter beliefs when a patient recovers unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Mina and AJ mentor a new surgeon, Dr. Adaku, and Nic receives devastating news about her father’s declining health.

Episode 5 – “Choice Words”

One of the season’s most emotionally gripping episodes. Nic’s father undergoes surgery, and the outcome is not as expected. Meanwhile, Conrad and Cain clash over a risky deep-brain stimulation surgery, further fueling their professional animosity.

Episode 6 – “Nurses’ Day”

A well-crafted episode that highlights the unsung heroes of the hospital—nurses. Nic takes center stage in advocating for better conditions for her fellow nurses, facing backlash from Red Rock in the process.

Episode 7 – “Woman Down”

Tragedy strikes when a beloved Chastain doctor suddenly collapses. The tension between Cain and the rest of the staff reaches a boiling point, and Mina must make a heart-wrenching decision regarding her friend Adaku’s pregnancy.

Episode 8 – “Peking Duck Day”

A Thanksgiving episode filled with both family drama and medical intrigue. Conrad deals with a mysterious illness linked to food poisoning, while Devon finds himself questioning his career choices after an ethical dilemma.

Episode 9 – “Out for Blood”

Nic’s investigation into Red Rock’s corruption intensifies, putting her job in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Cain performs a risky surgery for his own ego, leading to dire consequences for the patient.

Episode 10 – “Whistleblower”

The midseason finale is explosive—Conrad is fired for exposing Red Rock’s malpractice. This is a major turning point as it leaves Nic and Bell fighting to bring him back while Devon grows closer to his new love interest, Leela.

Episode 11 – “Free Fall”

A plane crash floods Chastain with trauma cases, mirroring Conrad’s personal downfall. This episode also brings back Marshall Winthrop (Conrad’s father) to help his son fight back against Red Rock.

Episode 12 – “Best Laid Plans”

Conrad and Nic’s relationship is tested further as Nic deals with her sister Jessie’s relapse issues, an emotional subplot that ties back to past seasons. Meanwhile, Kit and Bell team up to bring down Cain.

Episode 13 – “How Conrad Gets His Groove Back”

Conrad returns to Chastain—but not without conditions. Devon deals with a patient with a mysterious case of blindness, which leads to a shocking diagnosis.

Episode 14 – “The Flea”

Red Rock’s influence continues to poison the hospital, but Bell starts to take active steps toward fighting back. Cain’s recklessness puts a young girl’s life at risk.

Episode 15 – “Last Shot”

A basketball player’s career is on the line due to a misdiagnosed injury. This episode highlights Chastain’s struggle to balance profit vs. patient care.

Episode 16 – “Reverse Cinderella”

A mysterious illness at a gala event leads to mass hospitalizations. Conrad and Nic take an emotional step in their relationship, while Devon makes a critical medical mistake.

Episode 17 – “Doll E. Wood”

Cain’s misdeeds catch up with him, and Bell finds a loophole to finally take him down. Meanwhile, Mina makes a life-changing decision about her future in medicine.

Episode 18 – “So Long, Dawn Long”

A comatose patient becomes the center of a legal and ethical storm, forcing the hospital to make a near-impossible decision.

Episode 19 – “Support System”

Tensions at Chastain hit an all-time high, leading to a confrontation between Bell and Red Rock’s leadership. Meanwhile, Cain is confronted by his past mistakes, leaving his future uncertain.

Episode 20 – “Burn It All Down” (Finale)

The season ends in chaos—Cain suffers a near-fatal accident, Red Rock’s hold on Chastain weakens, and Conrad, Bell, and Kit finally win back some control over the hospital. Nic and Conrad share a romantic milestone, setting up new possibilities for Season 4.

Final Thoughts on Season 3

  • Strengths:
    • Compelling new villain (Cain)
    • High-stakes ethical dilemmas
    • Emotional depth (Nic’s family struggles, Mina’s decisions, Bell’s redemption arc)
  • Weaknesses:
    • Some underdeveloped side plots (Devon’s romance felt rushed)
    • Red Rock storyline at times overshadowed medical cases

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Season 3 of The Resident was one of the most intense yet, balancing hospital drama with strong character arcs. With the fall of Red Rock and Cain’s downfall, the next season set the stage for a new era at Chastain.