Emily VanCamp will be making an unexpected return to the role of Nicolette 'Nic' Nevin in the Season 5 finale of The Resident. Fans were shocked when Nic, a beloved nurse practitioner at Chastain Park Memorial Hospital, met her demise in Season 5 due to a traumatic brain injury from a car crash. The character's death left a significant void in the series, making her upcoming return highly anticipated.
Despite her character's tragic fate, VanCamp's return is set for the show's finale on Tuesday, May 17, with co-showrunner Peter Elkoff providing insights into how this will unfold. This unexpected twist has fans buzzing with excitement, eager to see how Nic's presence will be woven back into the narrative of The Resident.
Here is everything you need to know about VanCamp's return to The Resident. The show has captivated audiences with its engaging storylines and complex characters, and Nic's return is sure to add depth and emotion to the finale.
How Emily VanCamp Is Returning to The Resident Season 5 Finale
VanCamp will be returning to The Resident in the form of flashbacks, Elkoff confirmed to TVLine on Tuesday, April 19. These scenes will serve as a narrative device for Dr. Conrad Hawkins (Matt Czuchry), who is still grappling with the emotional aftermath of Nic's passing and contemplating how he might move forward in his life.
Elkoff elaborated on this development, stating, "He hasn't been able to make a move and find that next love. He knows that he's still stuck in the past, in a way, with Nic." At the beginning of Episode 23, Conrad realizes he must find a way to release himself from the memories that bind him. He seeks advice and finds himself reflecting on a significant night when Gigi was born, which holds the key to his healing.
"He keeps going back to pieces of that night, because he thinks the answer of how he moves on is in that night... and he gets an answer, a realization that frees him in a certain way," Elkoff explained, hinting at the emotional depth that viewers can expect from this episode.
Ekoff noted that he and the writers carefully considered how to bring Nic back, and VanCamp was enthusiastic about participating in the flashback scenes to assist Conrad in processing his grief, ultimately allowing him to "both free him and end that chapter."
VanCamp's departure from the series was first announced in August 2021, with her character's death occurring in the third episode of Season 5. Following her exit, the Falcon and Winter Soldier star expressed her gratitude to the cast, producers, and writers on Instagram, sharing a touching tribute video showcasing Nic's last moments on the show.
In her heartfelt message, VanCamp stated, "Thank you so much for four beautiful years! Feeling so much gratitude for the relationships I’ve gained, the stories I’ve had the opportunity to tell, and the many lessons I’ve learned from playing Nic Nevin on The Resident.
"Thank you to everyone who came on this journey with me and this wonderful character. Thank you to the most incredible cast and crew in television—I already miss you so much." She also took the opportunity to commend nurses for their relentless dedication, patience, and hard work, which inspired her portrayal of Nic.
The Resident airs Tuesdays on Fox at 8 p.m. ET, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how Nic's return impacts the finale.