User Reviews

This is truly one of the better episodes that I've seen so far. Amazing character development with the new doctor/intern Trevor. There was such a deep message with the patient that was refusing to be treated and then ended up dying towards the end. No matter how much we may want to help someone, no matter if they can be helped and no matter how much you can help. Sometimes you just have to accept the persons decision. Even if it means a terrible outcome for them.

A patient that made us care and wonder what would happen next. That's all a medical drama needs to do yet so many struggle with it. Good episode here.

I really like this show. There have been scenes in earlier episodes that made me shake my head, but overall it is well written, well directed, and well acted. Several of my favorite actors from previous series are either primary, regulars, or have made guest appearances.

However, the storyline with Conrad, Trevor, and the patient who chose to not have a pacemaker implanted and did not want to be resuscitated was incredibly frustrating. He clearly articulated a belief system. Who were they to try to force him and/or coerce him into accepting a procedure he didn't want?! And to bring in a psychiatrist to make sure he had full mental capacities just because he expressed a belief in "other worldly powers"!? What?! Good for the writers to have her say that even if a medical expert disagrees, a patient can indeed exercise his/her faith when it comes to end-of-life decisions - having faith does not make someone insane!

But what almost pushed me over the edge was the scene with Conrad at his bedside acting like his own lack of belief in a Higher Power and the possibility of Life after Death was more "right" than the patient's belief in that very possibility. That section of dialog was insulting to all of us watching who do, in fact, believe in Eternal Life and in God's perfect plan especially when from an earthly/human perspective it makes zero logical sense - that is the very essence of Faith! Many of the world's major religions have a doctrine of some type of eternal life.

(Point of fact, just a few episodes earlier, Conrad led their friend group in a Pagan dinner ritual - so, was he acting in a diminished capacity that Halloween night? Should someone have intervened and told him he was irrational for bieving Nic could hear their thoughts?!)

I can partly excuse the writers for Trevor's part of this storyline because his character is brash and arrogant. He is still learning. Not sure I like him ... but I'm giving this new character time and space to grow up.

In fact, the saving grace (pardon the play on words) was AJ's conversation with Trevor instructing him to turn around and listen to his patient and to Conrad (although at that moment he was also trying to manipulate the patient as I said above). As a, in his words in a previous episode, lapsed Buddhist AJ understands faith and a patient's rights to refuse treatment.

This show is set in the American South and too often the writers seem to forget that part of the story. Our faith, however we choose the express it, is woven into the fabric of our lives. There are churches, synagogues, and/or mosques on every corner. We pray before meals and school sports games. We say things like "can I get an 'Amen'"? And "we need a 'Come to Jesus' conversation" - even if we are Jewish or Muslim or nothing.

Do better, writers! Do better.