This week’s gripping episode of The Resident brings loss, heartbreak–and puppies

This week’s episode of The Resident is an emotional rollercoaster and brings out conflicted feelings of joy and loss. Thanks to puppies that Nic (Emily VanCamp) has Mina (Shaunette Renee Wilson) bring in from the shelter, the episode gets some light-hearted, much-needed happiness. The puppies spend most of the episode spreading joy to all the patients and bringing comfort during some dark times. Even Devon (Manish Dayal) is able to take one to give to his fiance as a birthday present! A bit more about Conrad’s (Matt Czuchry) past is revealed when his ex-fiance shows up as a patient. While there is initial discomfort for Nic, his ex’s presence allows Conrad to open up to Nic about how he feels and opens up communication that was not there before. Not to mention, Nic learns that the ring he had given her is his mother’s and something he promised his mother he would give to the love of his life.

Claire (Merrin Dungey) informs Dr. Bell (Bruce Greenwood) that in order to prevent mistakes from going unnoticed she has had cameras installed in every O.R. He manages to get out of doing a surgery when Conrad prevents him from operating on his ex-fiance–a moment Dr. Bell was more than happy to walk away from, even if he pretended to care.

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And then there is the Dr. Hunter (Melina Kanakaredes) storyline. Nic has been looking into Dr. Hunter’s shady treatment protocol for quite some time, and this week everything comes crashing down when Conrad and Nic have Lily ask for a second opinion. When Dr. Hunter hears about this, she tries to befriend Nic and get on her good side only to turn around and give us the most heartbreaking moment of the series so far–Lily’s death. Dr. Hunter asks Nic to give Lily a large amount of potassium and when Nic leaves for the night, Dr. Hunter sneaks back into her room to do something. When Lily’s body goes into distress, we all knew exactly what had just happened. To make sure she had an alibi, Dr. Hunter convinces Dr. Bell to go to dinner with her–further confirming she intended to frame Nic from the get-go.

That episode was too much to handle, right? Here to talk about Lily’s death, Dr. Hunter’s betrayal, and more is our roundtable, so let’s get to discussing this week’s episode of The Resident!

Carlynn (@UpsteadRheese25)– I watch too much TV, and sometimes I live-tweet

Jess (@mattczuchryff)– TV Nerd, Matt Czuchry FanForum Moderator since 2005

Amanda (@dudeamanda)– Writer, reader, and full-time TV watcher

Ariba (@WatchWithReebs)– Optometrist, Writer, and Senior Editor for TVAD

Stephanie (@StephyPooh82)– Optician, couch potato and dill pickle enthusiast

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1. This week’s episode was intense and gut-wrenching. What are your thoughts on everything that went down and how did you feel?

Carlynn (@UpsteadRheese25): I thought it was horrible the way Dr. Lane treats her patients and I felt sad and angry.

Jess (@mattczuchryff): Oh god, what an episode. It definitely felt like I was holding my breath through half of the episode. I figured it was only a matter of time till Lily would die, but knowing it and it actually happening are two separate things. The whole last scene with Conrad not ready to give up was heartbreaking. I am definitely emotionally spent.

Amanda (@dudeamanda): This episode was one of the most intense episodes of a TV show I’ve ever watched. I cried for a good hour after it ended. I thought it was beautifully written and it hit all of my emotions.

Ariba (@WatchWithReebs): Ugh, this episode was such a whirlwind of emotions. I anticipated we’d lose Lily eventually but seeing it happen the way it did was so devastating. I feel so much anger towards Dr. Hunter and just don’t understand where she is operating from. Why is money more valuable than a patient’s life and how does killing someone benefit anybody? This episode was definitely all the feels and really broke my heart.

Stephanie (@StephyPooh82): After seeing the puppies, I thought the episode would be a fun one. Boy was I wrong! Seeing Conrad deal with his ex-fiance and then Lily had my blood pressure up!! It was very intense with so many different emotions.

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2. Conrad’s ex-fiance was a patient in this week’s episode and as a result, pushed Conrad to be more open with Nic about his feelings. Do you think this is the push they needed to start finding their way back together? Why or why not?

Carlynn: I’m not sure because Conrad basically told Jude he could date Nic so I don’t know.

Jess: It is definitely a push, but there need to be a few more before I can see them getting back together. It was also really nice that Conrad told Nic that it was okay to ask him anything or that his ex-fiance noticed a change in him. That’s definitely because of Nic, even if she can’t see it right now. At one point she definitely will.

Amanda: I do think this was the push they needed. You could tell Conrad really wanted to explain everything, and I’m glad Nic let him. I think Conrad admitting to Jude that Nic deserved better than him, and then him telling Nic that she earned his mother’s ring were two big moments for Conrad, and I have a good feeling about CoNic moving forward.

Ariba: I’d like to think this episode was a step in the right direction for them. Being vulnerable and open is important for a relationship and if they ever want to be together then this is exactly where they need to start from. I appreciated that Conrad opened up to her about his mother’s ring and expressed how much Nic means to him. It was such a cute moment and I’m really crossing my fingers for them to work out!

Stephanie: I think (and hope) so. Nic didn’t know the backstory behind the ring Conrad gave her until his ex-fiance told her. I think she was jealous at first but then realized there was more to him that she hasn’t seen. I really think they will end up together.

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3. While talking to Dr. Hunter, Conrad talked about the effect on doctors when patients suffer. Do you think there is truth to this statement based on Dr. Hunter and Dr. Bell’s behavior?

Carlynn: No, I don’t think there is any truth to this statement based on Dr. Bell and Dr. Lane’s behavior.

Jess: I think we never look at it in that way but it makes sense. Mostly of course for the doctors like Conrad who deeply care for their patients or who they built a connection with. I mean just look at Lily, Conrad wasn’t ready for it at all, her death really broke him because he was so convinced that they could still save her. I think Dr. Hunter and Dr. Bell are not interested in developing connections with their patients. They don’t treat them like real people, just as statistics. Because figures and numbers don’t end up hurting you.

Amanda: I think there is truth to Conrad’s statement. I do think that Hunter and Bell have been affected by patients in their past, and yes, it could change how they treat patients today. I really would like to dig a little deeper into their pasts, to see how they’ve changed because of cases they’ve handled.

Ariba: There is certainly truth to this statement when it comes to Conrad. When his patients are in pain, he is in pain and goes above and beyond to make sure they get the treatment they need–regardless of costs, finances, and hospital red tape. On the other hand, Dr. Hunter and Dr. Bell’s behavior is the complete opposite and it doesn’t seem to affect them when their patients are suffering. As long as the dolla dolla bills are coming in, that is all they see and care about.

Stephanie: I think there is a truth to it, but not based on Dr. Hunter or Dr. Bell’s behavior. They only care about the money. I thought Dr. Bell was bad but, after that last episode, I see that Dr. Hunter is even worse. She not only gives unneeded treatment to patients, but she tortures them in the process. But watching Conrad with the patients, you see there is truth to his statement. He was speaking from the heart.

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4. In an emotionally packed episode, there were some light-hearted moments with the puppies that were brought in from the shelter. Did you enjoy this aspect of the episode and what do you think it brought to the overall plot?

Carlynn: I liked the puppies and I think it brought happiness to all the patients.

Jess: I liked the puppies. The episode was so intense and emotionally charged that Cookie running around made me smile. Hey, and he did wonders for Lily too! She was so happy all cuddled up to him. That’s how we should remember her.

Amanda: The puppies made everything better! It was so nice to have the puppies! I loved how Cookie was there for Lily at the end, and then was there for Conrad after her death. I think they were perfect for the overall plot because it showed that there is always a bright side. Like when Chad got Doughnut, to help him get healthy when he believed he couldn’t. So I am 100% Team Puppies!

Ariba: Oh my, yes! It was such a cute element to this episode and really helped bring some balance to all the gloom and doom that came with this week’s plot. It was nice to see how the puppies made everyone so happy and allowed the patients to forget about their physical pain and just absorb all the love and happiness the puppies had to give. It brought a lot of joy to the plot and I think it was absolutely necessary, especially with an episode like this one.

Stephanie: I loved the puppies! I want a puppy!! I liked the joy they brought to everyone they came in contact with, even though the joy was short-lived in Lily’s case. The last scene with Cookie and Conrad was so sad.

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5. Claire informed Dr. Bell that cameras have been installed in every O.R. to closely monitor for any mistakes that take place during surgeries. Do you agree with this decision or do you feel it is an invasion of privacy for the patient?

Carlynn: I agree with this decision if it will help Dr. Bell get caught/decide to quit on his own and will help doctors learn from their mistakes.

Jess: I think it is a good idea, especially because I think she is onto him. And as long as the patients are made aware of the cameras I wouldn’t have a problem with it either.

Amanda: I think it’s a great idea. As a patient, I would love to know for sure what happened during my surgery. I don’t think it is an invasion of privacy, I think it’s a great way to make sure doctors are doing their job correctly.

Ariba: I think that as long as the patients are aware that they are being recorded and sign a waiver approving it, then it is okay. Being recorded without notice would be an invasion of privacy and it is something that needs to be addressed and discussed with the patient. As far as Dr. Bell goes, someone needs to catch him screwing up so it’s about time some action is being taken to monitor for mistakes.

Stephanie: I think it’s a good idea for the most part, but I think the patients should be aware of it. They should have to sign a consent form or something. The hospital could have more lawsuits coming if they don’t.

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6. Lily’s death was a devastating loss in this episode, right? It is safe to assume it is Dr. Hunter’s fault, and she has set up Nic to take the fall. What thoughts were running through your head as you realized what was happening?

Carlynn: Yes, she is definitely settling up Nic and I was angry and upset.

Jess: I had a bad feeling from the moment Lane knew that Nic was behind Lily going to another doctor. I just knew that she would come up with something to get rid of the problem. And that she would use Lily pretty much as collateral damage might just be the most shocking thing I have seen in the last couple of months. She definitely did something to her dosage after Nic left and then got herself a nice alibi by going to dinner with Dr. Bell. I still haven’t recovered fully from the last 10 minutes and I actually think I need to watch it again later.

Amanda: I got so angry when I realized Lane was setting Nic up! I cannot believe it! However, I think Nic and Conrad are going to take her down, and I am so excited to watch it happen!

Ariba: Oh man. My heart sank because Dr. Hunter started acting too nice and it didn’t sit well with me. As soon as I saw her lurking outside of Lily’s room, I knew something bad was going to happen. I can’t believe she would go to such lengths and then proceed to frame Nic, it’s pretty ridiculous. I really hope she gets punished for what she did!

Stephanie: I was furious with Dr. Hunter, I still am! She is evil. There is no other justification for her actions. Why give such high dosages of medications? Why set Nic up to take the fall? She’s evil!!

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7. We must wait three weeks to see the repercussions of Lily’s death but the promo mentions a lawsuit against the hospital and shows Nic in an orange jumpsuit. What are your predictions on what will happen?

Carlynn: My predictions based on the promo is that Nic will get fired and arrested and Conrad, Devon and Devon’s girlfriend will find a way to help get Nic free and take down Dr. Lane.

Jess: I expected a break because of Easter. But 3 weeks after this episode? Are they having fun torturing us? And don’t even get me started on that promo. There is so much that is going to happen. Nic is so screwed and I really hope Conrad, Devon, and Mina will team up to save her. Honestly, Dr. Hunter should be scared. Conrad will do everything in his power to uncover the truth and help Nic out. And who knows maybe it is the final push for Conrad and Nic to finally get back together.

Amanda: I think Lane is going to make it look like Nic was the one who gave Lily that IV that killed her. She’ll cover her tracks, and no one but Conrad & Devon will believe Nic’s side. I think Conrad is going to work his butt off to make sure Nic gets back, and make sure the truth about Lily’s death is exposed.

Ariba: Based on the promo, Nic most definitely takes the fall for Dr. Hunter’s actions but I do foresee that the gang will come together to bail her out and find proof that catches Dr. Hunter messing with Lily’s IV. I think while installing the cameras was so focused on catching mistakes, it will somehow play a role in catching Dr. Hunter redhanded. I think that there will be a lot of resistance from the hospital because of her status but despite that Nic will be released and taking down Lane will be priority number one.

Stephanie: I think Dr. Hunter will play nice and innocent as always, and Nic will be the one to take the fall. Unless by some divine intervention there are cameras that show Dr. Hunter going into Lily’s room. Nic was the last known person to administer medicine. Conrad will fight for Nic and for Lily. He will try to get to the bottom of it, but I think that will probably be an ongoing thing into the next season.

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Final Verdict: The aftermath of Lily’s death leaves Nic’s future in the balance

This week’s episode of The Resident sets the stage for how the rest of season one will play out. Lily’s death leaves those who cared for her in distress and anger but also sheds light on how devious Dr. Hunter truly is. She set up the plan flawlessly so Nic would take the fall for Lily’s sudden death. The repercussions of it will be seen in the episodes to come, but we can only assume it is not good news for Nic. This week also took some time to work on character development and give us more insight into the backstories of the main characters–namely Conrad. His character is always elusive and as the audience, we aren’t always sure what he’s thinking or what his true feelings are. With his ex-fiance being around, it gave him the push he needed to start opening up to Nic and also let her in a way he hasn’t before.

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We applaud the writing of the show for not only keeping each episode interesting and intriguing but bringing a unique twist every week. This week spent a lot of time on emotions, love, and heartbreak. The puppies being brought in reflects on how much love and joy one feels for a pet and how easy it is to forget our problems in that moment. This theme resonates with the audience who were smitten over this aspect of the episode. Whenever there is darkness in this week’s episode, the puppies brought light–especially in that gut-wrenching moment Conrad is crying over Lily’s death.

The promo for The Resident (when it returns in three weeks) shows Nic in an orange jumpsuit and Conrad taking action against Dr. Hunter. Can the good people of Chastain Park Memorial band together to save Nic? We sure hope so!

The Resident will return Monday, April 16th at 10/9c on Fox!