Dr. AJ Austin: From Raptor to Chastain's Not-So-Secret Weapon (Did He Get Eaten by a Dinosaur?)
Ah, Dr. AJ Austin. The man, the myth, the legend (well, maybe an exaggeration, but work with me here). He waltzed into Chastain Park Memorial in Season 1 with enough swagger to fill an entire OR. Nicknamed "The Raptor" for his surgical skills and, let's be honest, occasional ruthlessness, AJ quickly became a fan favorite. But what's the crack with this charismatic surgeon? Did he soar off to greener pastures, or is he still rocking a scalpel at Chastain?
The AJ Austin Cliff Notes:
- Season 1-ish: Enter the Raptor. AJ struts in, all confidence and questionable bedside manner. Think Dr. McDreamy with a dash of "I'm better than you."
- The Softer Side of the Raptor. Slowly but surely, AJ starts to shed his rough edges. Maybe it's the influence of his colleagues, or maybe it's just Chastain's magical ability to soften even the hardest of hearts (or egos).
- Mina-tor: A Love Story for the Ages (Okay, Maybe a Season). AJ and Mina Okafor develop a sizzling romance, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. But alas, true love can't conquer expired visas, and Mina has to head back to Nigeria. Cue the tears!
- Family Matters. AJ's own family drama takes center stage as his mom battles cancer. It's a reminder that even the most skilled surgeon can't fix everything.
- Saving Chastain, One Risky Deal at a Time. Season 6 throws AJ a curveball. To save the hospital from financial ruin, he makes a questionable deal with the governor. Did it work? Is AJ about to become a political pawn? Only time will tell!
So, is Dr. Austin still around?
Absolutely! As of June 2024, Malcolm-Jamal Warner (the phenomenal actor who brings AJ to life) is still a rocking member of The Resident cast.
We can't wait to see what wild adventures await AJ in the upcoming seasons. Will he finally find a work-life balance? Will he get that long-awaited heart-to-heart with Conrad? Will he use his surgical skills to operate on a real raptor... just kidding (maybe).
Dr. Austin FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
How to keep up with Dr. Austin's escapades? Tune in to The Resident, renewed for Season 7!
How to deal with a know-it-all surgeon like AJ? Patience, grasshopper. Patience.
How to impress Dr. Austin? Surgical skill is a good start. A killer sense of humor wouldn't hurt either.
How to avoid being called "The Raptor?" Maybe avoid the intense raptor impersonations in the breakroom.
How to get Dr. Austin to operate on you? Be very, very nice. And have excellent health insurance.