The Resident

Medical procedurals are typically too color-by-numbers for my taste, but that's not the case here. With well-placed touches of humor, interesting storylines and a special cast, "The Resident" is a prescription you should have filled.

The Resident already seems to be straining credulity with the demonic Dr. Bell. How long can he rule with an iron fist as the hospital’s most-requested celebrity surgeon? That hand isn’t getting any steadier while his ego shows no sign of downsizing. This isn’t supposed to be a soap opera in the mode of Dallas, so Bell seemingly can’t get away with being a broadly drawn J.R. Ewing. Something’s got to give. And I’m interested just enough in The Resident to see if something soon does.

Although the series milks melodrama at every opportunity, it explores interesting ethical issues arising from its fundamental premise that a medical institution’s concern for the bottom line sometimes takes priority over saving lives.

It's a drama. ... The Resident turns out to be hilarious in so many ways, but first you must get through the horror.

Ridiculous and filled with hospital show cliches.