In-Depth Review of The Resident: Season 4

The Resident returned for its fourth season in January 2021, picking up in a world forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The season navigates the impact of the virus while staying true to its signature mix of medical drama, hospital politics, and character-driven storytelling. Season 4 brought significant developments for beloved characters, including emotional departures and powerful story arcs. Below is an in-depth look at the season, complete with episode breakdowns.

Season Overview

Season 4 of The Resident starts with the repercussions of the pandemic, showcasing how Chastain Memorial’s doctors and nurses navigate both professional and personal challenges. The season is marked by Conrad and Nic’s wedding, Mina’s heartbreaking departure, and the hospital’s transition from private to public ownership. Thematically, it explores resilience, ethics in healthcare, and the evolving medical landscape.

Unlike previous seasons, which leaned heavily into the corrupt influence of big healthcare corporations, Season 4 focuses more on the human element—the doctors’ relationships, struggles, and moral dilemmas in a world recovering from COVID-19.

Episode Breakdown

Episode 1: “A Wedding, A Funeral”

  • The season opens with an emotional tribute to healthcare workers, depicting the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Conrad and Nic’s Wedding – A beautiful ceremony for the fan-favorite couple, offering a much-needed moment of joy.
  • Devon loses his father to COVID-19, setting up a powerful emotional arc for him.
  • Cain faces a life-altering injury after a near-fatal accident, threatening his surgical career.

Episode 2: “Mina’s Kangaroo Court”

  • Mina faces a medical board hearing due to her bold, unconventional methods.
  • The hospital begins transitioning to public ownership, causing tension among the staff.
  • Cain struggles with his rehabilitation, revealing his vulnerability for the first time.

Episode 3: “The Accidental Patient”

  • Barrett Cain’s fate takes center stage as his career is on the line due to post-accident complications.
  • Devon’s grief over his father’s death leads him to reevaluate his approach to medicine.
  • Nic begins to experience pregnancy-related health concerns.

Episode 4: “Moving On and Mother Hens”

  • Mina and The Raptor (AJ) take their relationship to the next level.
  • Bell confronts his past mistakes when a former patient resurfaces.
  • Devon considers mentorship as a way to cope with his grief.

Episode 5: “Home Before Dark”

  • Chastain officially transitions into a public hospital, leading to budget constraints and new policies.
  • Cain makes a bold move to retain his surgical privileges, causing friction with Kit Voss.
  • Nic and Conrad prepare for parenthood, dealing with complications in Nic’s pregnancy.

Episode 6: “Requiems & Revivals”

  • Mina faces deportation after legal complications arise.
  • Bell and Kit fight to secure funding for the now-public hospital.
  • Cain betrays Kit to reclaim power, making him the season’s major antagonist.

Episode 7: “Hero Moments”

  • Conrad and Devon work on a high-risk surgery, emphasizing their growing mentor-student relationship.
  • Nic suffers a health scare, raising the stakes for her pregnancy.
  • AJ and Mina plan for the future, but obstacles loom.

Episode 8: “First Days, Last Days”

  • A new wave of interns arrives, bringing fresh perspectives (and potential conflicts).
  • Mina receives devastating news about her immigration status.
  • Cain seeks redemption, but his arrogance still causes problems.

Episode 9: “Doors Opening, Doors Closing”

  • The heartbreaking decision: Mina must leave the U.S. to avoid deportation.
  • AJ is devastated, leading to a shift in his character arc.
  • Devon mentors the new interns, embracing his leadership role.

Episode 10: “Into the Unknown”

  • Mina’s departure is an emotional gut punch, leaving AJ broken.
  • Cain’s reputation crumbles, forcing him to consider his next move.
  • Conrad and Nic prepare for their baby’s arrival, balancing work and personal life.

Episode 11: “After the Storm”

  • A massive storm causes chaos at Chastain, putting lives at risk.
  • Conrad and Nic struggle to balance parenthood and their demanding careers.
  • Kit proves she’s the perfect CEO, handling a crisis with poise.

Episode 12: “Hope in the Unseen”

  • Nic gives birth in an emotional episode, bringing joy to the season.
  • Devon finally finds peace after grieving his father.
  • AJ begins to move forward after Mina’s departure.

Episode 13: “A Children’s Story”

  • A pediatric case brings Conrad and Nic together for a heartwarming story.
  • Bell starts exploring new medical innovations.
  • Cain’s redemption arc comes full circle, though he still remains an anti-hero.

Major Themes in Season 4

1. Love and Loss

  • Conrad and Nic’s relationship reaches new milestones (marriage, parenthood).
  • Devon’s grief over his father’s death profoundly affects him.
  • Mina and AJ’s love story ends tragically due to real-world immigration policies.

2. Redemption and Consequences

  • Barrett Cain’s journey from cocky neurosurgeon to a man struggling to hold onto his career is one of the most compelling arcs.
  • Bell continues his quest for redemption, evolving into one of Chastain’s most reliable figures.

3. The Challenges of Public Healthcare

  • The hospital’s transition from private to public brings funding issues, ethical dilemmas, and a test of leadership for Kit Voss.

4. Mentorship and Growth

  • Conrad takes Devon under his wing, strengthening their bond.
  • Devon steps into a mentor role for the new interns, completing his transformation into a seasoned doctor.

Final Thoughts on Season 4

Season 4 of The Resident delivered emotional depth, impactful storytelling, and strong character development. While some fans missed the corporate corruption themes of past seasons, this installment focused more on personal stakes and relationships.

Strengths:

✅ Emotional storytelling (Devon’s grief, Mina’s departure, Nic’s pregnancy).
✅ Strong character arcs (Cain’s struggle, AJ’s heartbreak, Bell’s redemption).
✅ Grounded medical cases mixed with personal drama.
✅ Kit Voss shines as CEO, proving her strength as a leader.

Weaknesses:

❌ Cain’s storyline felt rushed, making his redemption arc inconsistent.
❌ Mina’s departure was heartbreaking, but losing such a strong character weakened the show.
❌ Less medical corruption focus, making it feel different from previous seasons.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Season 4 of The Resident may not have had the high-stakes medical corruption plots of earlier seasons, but it excelled in emotional storytelling and character growth. With powerful performances, heartfelt moments, and a realistic take on post-pandemic healthcare, it remains a standout season in the series.