The Resident is a medical drama that has consistently delivered intense storylines, powerful character arcs, and emotional moments. Season 5, which premiered on September 21, 2021, continued this trend while bringing significant changes, including the departure of a major character and fresh challenges at Chastain Memorial Hospital. This season took a deep dive into the personal and professional struggles of the doctors, highlighting both triumphs and tragedies in the ever-demanding world of healthcare.
Overall Themes and Impact of Season 5
Season 5 continued to blend medical cases with the personal lives of the staff at Chastain. However, this season stood out due to:
- The departure of Emily VanCamp (Nic Nevin), which drastically altered the course of the show.
- Dr. Conrad Hawkins’ (Matt Czuchry) emotional journey as a widower and single father.
- Ongoing hospital financial struggles, impacting how doctors treat patients.
- The return of Dr. Ian Sullivan (Andrew McCarthy), Cade Sullivan’s father, adding more depth to her storyline.
- A renewed focus on corruption in healthcare, particularly with Dr. Kincaid “Cade” Sullivan (Kaley Ronayne) being entangled in a dangerous criminal investigation.
With these elements, Season 5 of The Resident was arguably one of the most emotionally charged seasons to date.
Episode Breakdown and Review
Episode 1: “Da Da”
The season opens on a deceptively light note, with Conrad enjoying his time as a doting father to Gigi. However, things quickly spiral as Chastain faces a cyberattack, throwing the hospital into chaos. Nurses and doctors are forced to rely on old-school techniques as hackers demand ransom. Meanwhile, Bell and Kit’s relationship deepens.
⭐ Standout Moment: The hospital’s resilience amid the cyberattack showcases the ingenuity of the doctors.
Episode 2: “No Good Deed”
Conrad and Nic’s happiness is shattered when Nic gets into a tragic car accident. The hospital staff does everything they can to save her, but her injuries are too severe. The heartbreaking decision to take her off life support devastates everyone.
⭐ Standout Moment: Conrad’s final moments with Nic, especially when he lays with her one last time before she passes.
Episode 3: “The Long and Winding Road”
The aftermath of Nic’s death is heart-wrenching. Conrad struggles with his grief, while Chastain’s staff mourns the loss of their beloved colleague. The episode also highlights the beauty of organ donation, as Nic’s passing saves multiple lives.
⭐ Standout Moment: The emotional montage of Nic’s organs being donated while her colleagues say goodbye.
Episode 4: “Now What?”
Conrad throws himself into work while struggling to adjust to single fatherhood. Meanwhile, the hospital navigates bureaucratic issues, and Dr. Bell takes on a mentorship role for the younger doctors.
⭐ Standout Moment: Conrad’s first attempt at balancing his work as a doctor and his new role as a single parent.
Episode 5: “The Thinnest Veil”
A Halloween-themed episode that mixes eerie and heartwarming moments. While treating a mystery patient who claims to be cursed, Conrad begins to see glimpses of Nic in his memories.
⭐ Standout Moment: Conrad realizing he must let go of Nic while continuing to be a great father to Gigi.
Episode 6: “Ask Your Doctor”
Dr. Bell begins to struggle with tremors, hinting at future health problems. Meanwhile, Dr. Austin faces an ethical dilemma with a patient’s risky surgery.
⭐ Standout Moment: Dr. Bell’s growing fears about his worsening condition.
Episode 7: “Who Will You Be?”
Conrad begins considering moving on from Nic, but struggles with guilt. Meanwhile, Leela and Devon’s relationship deepens as they discuss their future together.
⭐ Standout Moment: Conrad sharing a touching moment with Gigi about her mother.
Episode 8: “Old Dogs, New Tricks”
A new wave of COVID-19 cases threatens Chastain. Kit and Bell fight hospital bureaucracy, while Conrad questions if he’s ready to date again.
⭐ Standout Moment: Dr. Kit Voss standing her ground against hospital executives prioritizing profits over patient care.
Episode 9: “He’d Really Like to Put in a Central Line”
Dr. Cade Sullivan, a new doctor with a mysterious past, arrives at Chastain. Meanwhile, AJ and Leela work on a groundbreaking medical procedure.
⭐ Standout Moment: The introduction of Cade, who will play a key role later in the season.
Episode 10: “Unknown Origin”
Cade’s secrets start to unravel, and Conrad becomes suspicious of her past. Meanwhile, Devon struggles with a difficult diagnosis.
⭐ Standout Moment: The tension building around Cade’s secretive background.
Episode 11-14: The Cade Sullivan Arc
These episodes focus on Dr. Cade being revealed as an undercover FBI informant, exposing fraud in the healthcare system. Meanwhile, Dr. Bell’s health deteriorates, leading him to confront his multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
⭐ Standout Moment: Cade confessing her fears to Conrad about the dangerous people she’s investigating.
Episode 15-18: New Beginnings
- Conrad finally starts dating again but struggles with guilt.
- Kit and Bell’s romance becomes more serious, leading to a major engagement moment.
- Devon gets a once-in-a-lifetime research opportunity that could take him away from Chastain.
⭐ Standout Moment: Kit’s romantic proposal to Bell, marking a major turning point in their relationship.
Episode 19-23: The Finale Arc
- Dr. Bell officially retires due to his health, leaving a lasting impact on the hospital.
- Conrad chooses to pursue a new romance, signaling his growth.
- A tense final medical crisis puts everyone to the test.
⭐ Standout Moment: The emotional goodbye to Dr. Bell, one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Final Thoughts on Season 5
🔥 Pros:
✔️ Emotional depth, especially with Nic’s passing.
✔️ Engaging new characters like Dr. Cade Sullivan.
✔️ Realistic portrayal of healthcare corruption.
✔️ Strong character development, particularly for Conrad and Bell.
❌ Cons:
- Some secondary characters didn’t get enough screen time.
- The mid-season Cade storyline dragged slightly.
⭐ Rating: 8.5/10 – One of the most emotional and compelling seasons yet, balancing personal loss, new beginnings, and medical drama perfectly.
Would you like a preview of Season 6 or a character analysis for Season 5?
