WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED
^^^That was the first thing I tweeted upon seeing that post-"Parenting” promo Monday night-- a promo that had remained a mystery until that moment, as TGD had not yet even supplied a title for the next episode yet, never mind a synopsis (As I write this, they still haven’t-- perhaps taking full advantage of the fact that said episode won’t air until mid-February.)
You may have tweeted things too. Lots, and lots, and LOTS of things. Or ranted in a TGD group on Facebook. Or just stared at your TV, long after the late news started on your local ABC affiliate, the words just forming over your head in a silent cartoon bubble: What was… who was that… I’m sorry, Shaun’s crushing on…? WHY IS HE ALMOST KISSING ANOTHER…?!?!?!
I’ll put it another way: During the course of Monday’s “Parenting” episode, I received 17 notifications on Twitter that were related to the episode (not including multiple RTs and Likes).
Since 10:59 E.S.T. on Monday-- when that promo made its debut-- Those notifications for me on Twitter shot up to well over 100. JUST about the promo. And also not including multiple RTs and Likes.
Plus, several eager-to-vent readers made use of the comments section of my previous post. (You don’t have to be as succinct there as you do on Twitter.)
Which is why… much as you and I want to talk about the NEARLY 12 MINUTES of #Shea content in “Parenting” (including Shaun’s hotel lobby scene and the Lea/Glassman exchange)... I’m posting about that damn promo that many #Shea fans are taking very, very personally.
(But I’m not SHOWING said promo here because I’m not into torture. You’re welcome!)
In order to actually get something out to you a little sooner than usual, I’ve decided to bring y’all in and employ a sampling of those comments/notifications I’ve read thus far. There were too many to seek permission to use this time, so I’m posting them without attribution. Maybe you’ll see your words here; maybe you’ll see words that match your thoughts completely…
That was uncalled for. I’m just hoping that looks worse than it is…
It is totally disastrous that after this episode they give us one like that, it would be better if nothing happens because it is very unfair. Also, Shaun is not that kind of guy.
What was that shit?
Lea could’ve used this humble pie in season 2 but not now. Too bad they just didn’t let us enjoy this episode.
I honestly didn't like the promo at all, it gave me a heart attack. But I trust Shaun and Lea's relationship.
Here I was thinking the next phase for Shea was going to be marriage and starting a family… now I’ve got to deal with him breaking Lea’s heart. I can’t wait 3 weeks.
I will be disappointed if they break them up.
I’m sorry but wtf are they planning to do???? Make Shaun a cheater suddenly in 1 episode???? After a beautiful episode like tonight where Shaun fought to hard to gain Lea’s parents because of her... it’s just not who Shaun is...
Breaking her heart just seems too much for me. We don’t need this after the bummer coronavirus year we went through.
Shore punched me in the face at 10:59 pm.
Remember when Shaun started dating Carly, and without any care towards Lea’s feelings he told her she had to move out. I don’t think Shaun thinks of Lea’s feelings... he doesn’t have empathy.
(I vocalized my objection to that last part of the statement right away, FWIW.)
So he might not realize his actions (i.e., he tells Lea he is attracted to someone else because he is honest) could be breaking her heart..
What if this new woman doctor is kind of like a sleaze and wants Shaun just for sex. Or wants to take advantage of him somehow?
I’m willing to be positive but then I can’t help to wonder why they ( producers/writers) would use that storyline and promo... it only make fans anxious.
That last one tagged me a few days later, which is also when ABC put the promo onTwitter (and, in turn, numerous #Shea fans expressed outrage all over again). I’ll show you my response to that Tweet later, but first, here are some of the longer-form reactions that turned up in my “Comments” section…
From Faghost: CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE PROMO FOR 4x09, PLEASE????! I mean, Andreas and I, and I hope other bunch of us Shea fans, kinda agree that a little bit of jealousy will do Lea and her relationship with Shaun good. Also, especially Shaun will get the chance to learn more about life, specifically lust and love.. but boy the cowbell really has me nervous. That and we're approaching 10... still so many episodes remain and lots of possibilities will happen down the line.
From Andreas, who compares the theme of the promo to the Greek mythological tale of Calypso and Odysseus: The latest episodes appear to lean heavily on revisiting themes already played in the previous season and jealousy was a big one in season 3 as all on team Shea probably remember vividly. Now, recall what Morgan had to say about it: “It's flattering, stimulating, it means you're committed, and you care. […] like all things, a little is good, and a lot will kill you. My advice: Admit you're jealous, give in to it, and then get over it.”
What Morgan was trying to say to Carly was that working through the jealousy would provide a new perspective to the relationship, enforcing the pros and cons and - if overcome – might strengthen the relationship because the couple knows better why it matters.
Lea has issues with commitment and self-esteem, we all hope and long for the show to address that specifically.
From Tony Payne: The "next episode" promo was just that - an ABC promo designed to get a rise out of people and spark discussion. I've seen some people get VERY worried (almost irrationally so), and I truly feel that ABC got its intended effect and then some! I don't believe for a second that the show's going to have its main protagonist give into temptation, lest he lose the sympathy and support from such a huge portion of the audience. This is not DEFCON-1; this is not a Doomsday siren. Even so, it'll be interesting to see just how it DOES play out on February 15.
From Mary: I agree with Tony. The promo for the next episode aims to spark discussion and create a strong suspense in these two weeks off. I don't think Shaun will kiss the new radiologist, it's just his imagination, because he says "I am having thoughts I don't want to have". He has always been honest, so he will tell Lea how he feels and that will surely hurt her. This makes me think of Glassman's words "It's rarely intentional" that he addresses to Lea, but, out of all expectations, Shaun will hurt Lea. In my opinion, moreover, this dynamic will serve to counter Lea's haters who say that sooner or later she will hurt Shaun, without thinking that it could be the opposite, as it seems to be in fact. Anyway, I'm sure Shaun and Lea will overcome this challenge too.
And from Vale (co-creator of the “Shea: Endgame” IG account: My question is, yeah Shaun will be honest but how do you think that Lea will handle this situation, how are they going to overcome this? Because to know that your partner is having thoughts with another woman, even if he doesn't act upon them, hurts and it will hurt Lea's self-esteem even more. You don't feel good enough, you feel like he has to be looking out for something you can't give him bla-bla-bla. So, how? How you move on after such a painful declaration?
I'm leaning to the whole almost kiss as a daydreaming or thought from Shaun, the whole situation is so unlike him, he is sitting so close to a person he barely knows and he is allowing her to touch him. Seems like a product of someone's else imagination to be honest.
The lack of physical content between Shaun and Lea is killing me, sincerely I miss their interactions to be sweeter and loving beyond words.
We all blame pandemic protocol, heightened perhaps by the fact that Richard Schiff (Glassman) had just been hospitalized for COVID in real life around the time these episodes were shot… but maybe that made the promo all the more upsetting for us. Why do we have to see him having and/or acting on feelings of attraction for another woman when we can’t even see him lay a finger on the woman he loves?
WHY GO DOWN THIS ROAD AT ALL? Some may still be wondering.
I say “still” because I know, for some, the visceral reaction they had at first sight of the promo on Monday night has subsided somewhat. But if you still need to be talked down from the proverbial ledge, take heart. You’re not alone. And you’re among like-minded friends here. Take a breath, and then read on.
THEORIES… WE’VE GOT THEORIES
As with the previous time TGD jerked our chain with the revelation that Lea has an ex-husband, there are several theories out there as to Shaun’s POTENTIAL (trying to emphasize that word as much as possible) betrayal of his relationship with Lea. A few of them:
He was dreaming it (evidenced by his line “I’m having thoughts I don’t want to have…”)
He was daydreaming/fantasizing (same evidence as above)
She (the mystery radiologist for whom we now call “SHE” with narrowed, accusing eyes) was putting moves on Shaun that he will ultimately reject in that same scene
He was conducting an experiment, much as he did when he was trying to gauge his feelings for Lea a year ago by way of taking his pulse (as Andreas reminded). Except the stakes this time are a LOT higher.
Lea got her brave on after Shaun confessed his feelings (because he’s Shaun; you know it’s inevitable he’ll do that) and encouraged him to conduct an experiment
One of the other St. B-Vites (Jordan? Park?) encouraged him to conduct an experiment
SHE herself suggested “an experiment”
I’m borrowing from reader Erin on that last one, who still had the promo on her mind 4 days later (don’t we all?):
I’m wondering if anyone else has come to this conclusion about the kiss in the promo. Maybe they are both ‘testing’ to see if the attraction is actually valid? Although I still don’t like the idea of what’s her name touching Shaun....
One thing that’s NOT in that list of theories is the possibility that Shaun is giving in to temptation outright-- we just don’t see it, much as we object strongly to seeing Shaun even entertaining the idea of kissing another woman when his love for Lea is so steadfast.
But maybe that’s the point. Shaun is still getting up to speed with all things love, lust, and relationship-related. He’s clearly confused and upset (“Shouldn’t loving Lea make (the thoughts) go away?”), but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s capable of feeling attraction to someone else-- something WE were expecting about as much as he was.
Another reader mentioned on Twitter that Shaun’s held “the moral high ground” in the relationship up to now, and I get that. He’s the ultimate late bloomer after all-- he’s had a lot less time to make mistakes. And the presumption, stated as recently as this past week with Glassman’s convo with Lea, is that Shaun’s the one most capable of getting hurt in this love relationship. Maybe it’s time to challenge that mindset? (Trying to step into the shoes of a TGD writer here...)
On top of Shaun’s relative “innocence” is the fact that he has a developmental disability that allows him to bring many unique qualities to a romance, not the least of which is for-better-or-worse transparency. Whatever does or doesn’t happen with SHE, we presume he will tell Lea about it. And let’s face it-- Lea likely has him on that moral pedestal herself. He’s not like other guys she’s dated, and to her, that surely means he won’t cheat on her either. She may be right about that, but what about that grey zone where attraction-without-action lies? And (yep, we’re asking it over and over again) how will this impact her self-esteem… the fragile, barely-there kind that might immediately leave her wondering if she’s “enough” for Shaun after all?
In short, if that’s possible at this point in a lengthy post… I think a lot of #Shea shippers are hurting because they feel this deeply from both edges of the sword. We are Shaun, bewildered by this sudden invasion of unwanted thoughts, not realizing such was possible. And we are Lea, unprepared and unsure what this might mean for “us” at this point and time.
Wait- can there be a third edge to this particular “sword”? If so, it’s this: Shaun and Lea already know (wink) what really goes down in TGD 4.9, while WE still have about two weeks of waiting and wondering ahead of us. Poor us!
So in that interim, might I suggest the following:
Skip watching the promo again, no matter how many times it shows up in your social media feeds. Keep it muted and scroll on by. It’ll pass. Literally.
If you insist on watching it, and/or can’t get it out of your mind anyway, remember that U.S. promos for TGD love taking things out of context and out of sequence in order to build a more compelling 30 seconds.
Shaun and Lea’s journey-- all of Season 4, in fact-- is only now getting into the second of three arcs of storytelling (assuming 18-20 episodes in the season with 6-7 episodes per “arc”). In other words, still a long way to go… especially with the COVID episodes pushing plans back a bit.
Whatever happens with all this, I’d bet you a bag of Hershey Kisses (the cherry cordial kind, even!) that #Shea will emerge stronger. As they do with every test thus far.
Get yourself some ice cream or a bucket of wings (or whatever works for you) and meditate, or watch all the #Shea videos on YouTube that you can reasonably make time for, or go for a daily walk with “Send the Rain (to Everyone)” on repeat. Whatever self-care you need to employ during the first two weeks of February, DO IT.
Because... #Shea are going to keep getting tested in one way or another, which means we are too. February, March, April (and maybe beyond?) still await! We’ve got to at least try to toughen up our tender #Shea hearts a bit, don’t you think?
Here’s what I told the viewer who Tweeted I’m willing to be positive but then I can’t help to wonder why they ( producers/writers) would use that storyline and promo... it only make fans anxious…
--
Reasons for the storyline are not as simple as reason for the promo: to give #TheGoodDoctor viewers an extremely memorable reason to stay tuned for new episodes. Suspense (ALL kinds) is a time-honored tradition... wagering our need to know what happens will override any anxiety.
Did the show place its bets correctly? Let me know where you're at with processing THAT DAMN PROMO in the comments.
(We'll talk about "Parenting" in a few days, so come back soon.)
84 comments:
Don’t panic – dissect!
The facts communicated by the promo
- Shaun can be seen talking with the new radiologist resident quite animated, at least for Shaun
- Shaun finds her very talented
- others observe Shaun taking an interest in the new one
- Shaun admits thoughts that make him uneasy
- the new one is making moves on Shaun while Shaun remains passive
- Lea is not happy with Shaun
We all knew from the very beginning that #Shea would be put on test in season 4, so what’s the fuss about another woman making passes on Shaun? Considering Shaun’s inexperience with adult relationships and Lea’s low self-esteem, having Shaun being tempted by another woman is a sound progression for the drama, especially now that their long-term commitment has been established and parents’ concerns (from both sides!) have been diffused.
The latest episodes’ outcome was way too perfect for #Shea, there had to be some major rebound coming for them, especially since Shaun’s initial problems with the newbies seem to be settled, too.
Taking into account how tensions between Lim, Claire and Glassman are on the raise, the show is working towards its mid-season climax, and this temptation of Shaun is either the A-plot (meaning it will be concluded in episode 410 “Decrypt” – or – this is a decoy in a bait.
Because… what is bugging me is something completely different than if Shaun does or does not give into being kissed.
a) We don’t know the title of episode 409 yet, but the title of 410 “Decrypt” was released well ahead.
b) While TGD’s episode titles are always closely connected to all stories told in that episode, “Decrypt” does not seem to fit into any of the scenarios currently on the table, be it Shaun or Lim and Claire.
Thus, might the promo, designed to build and uphold anticipation during a two-week break, be a diversion with a done in one episode-challenge, while the real game-changer leading into the second half of season 4, is something completely different?
Just an afterthought: Shaun has described Lea as having a perfect body and having and intelligent head on her shoulders - what could that radiologist bring to the table that Lea does not?
Right, she is a doctor, Shaun can have talks with her, he can't with Lea. That might sting Lea just as much as Shaun having a chrush in general...
Hello, Kelly and everyone!
It’s my first time commenting here, but I’m a faithful reader of this blog, pretty much from the very beginning. And in general, I’m not as active on Twitter as I am on Facebook. But this subject definitely warranted some comments.
So, like every other Shea fan around the world, I suppose, I was utterly terrified as soon as I watched the promo for 4x09. But then, I started to think and the more I thought, the more I calmed down (as much as possible).
I would like to share a few considerations here:
- promos are always deceiving, and this particular one certainly aimed to assure a lot of free publicity. Everyone is talking about this everywhere! So, obviously ABC wishes to keep us on the edge for as long as possible (also considering the 3-week hiatus);
- a breakup between Shaun and Lea would be highly unlikely at this point, considering the events of Parenting. The writers did a great job to strengthen, not only the relationship itself but also all the related family ties (Lea’s parents and Glassy), and it would be totally illogical to waste all their hard work in the very next episode!
- Shaun and Lea need to keep constantly being tested, in order to do exactly what Shaun said in the last episode: to overcome challenges together.
So, with all this information in mind, I think that in 4x09, the new radiology resident (either the almost kiss is real or a fantasy/daydream) will provide our favorite couple with another test. Lea will learn to be even more patient and supportive with Shaun, and Shaun will learn about the difference between love, attraction and sexual desire. He has grown a lot, but he still has a long way to go in this regard. Also, he probably still needs to learn more about the different kinds of love. He was very sweet in Parenting, when he let Lea know that he loved her more than her own parents, but let’s say it, he didn’t have any idea what he was talking about. As a mother and a wife, I just know that, no matter how much you love your partner, the love for your children is another thing entirely. Our Shaun will learn this when he becomes a parent, someday, and not before.
But, as far as sex and attraction are concerned, he is probably at a teenager stage, at the moment. And this explains why he looks so upset about the “thoughts” he was having, during the promo.
I also think (but I’m usually wrong in my predictions), that this story arc will not end in 4x09, but will stretch out to 4x10 Decrypt. This way, other characters could be more easily involved in the drama. Possible candidates; Glassman, Morgan, and/or Debbie. My best shot is that while Glassy works through everything with Shan, the ladies try to support and cheer Lea up, as much as possible. Something outside the hospital would be great.
My favorite would be Debbie, because I’d love a friendship between her and Lea. As I have already said in a recent post on Reddit, I think it would be only natural, considering the relationship between Glassman and Shaun. Even more so now, after in Parenting their father-son bond has been so openly acknowledged (if there still was the need) more than once, from Lea in particular. But I’d love to see Debbie in a positive supportive role, for a change. I didn’t particularly appreciate her input about Shaun last season. So, if she’s there as some sort of antagonist, then better not to have her at all. Morgan can be hilarious, so she would be a good choice too.
Anyway, I’m sure that things will work out well in the end.
That said, let’s cross our fingers and stay strong. We have a long wait ahead of us!
Thank you for the time and effort you put in this blog, Kelly.
Well observed Daniela, I concur with most what you wrote and might add that either this matter is resolved in one or two episodes, the ramifications (good or bad) should be felt for a while.
Oh, and as Andreas has already said, Lea will probably also learn about self esteem.
Sorry for misspelling your name in my post, Kelli (not Kelly)!
Hi, I love every new update of Kelli’s posts and comments from everyone.
About episode nine, entitled 'Irresponsible Salad Bar Practices' with a publicized title, I have possible theories. First of all, there’s going to be a surgical fundraiser, an event that Dr. Lim’s organizing, and she’s actually gone to see the hotel space where the party’s gonna be.
My guess is that at the dance the radiologist flirts with Shaun and Lea sees. And especially if the dance is after Shaun’s confession to Lea, it will be very uncomfortable for her to see Shaun’s testimony with her own eyes.
All right,
The 'almost kiss' scene I agree with most, I think it will be a figment of Shaun’s imagination and nothing will happen.
However,
Lea must be sad and depressed about Shaun’s revelation and in episode 10, she may ask for a break.
As I mentioned as a comment in the last post, it's quite unfortunate - and frankly, a bit frustrating - that this promo is taking attention away from a monumental high of a Shea episode.
And just to be clear, I'm not directing this at fellow fans who are discussing; but rather at the "geniuses" at ABC who gave us this promo.
I like the idea of seeing Shaun in new territory. For the first time, we're seeing him as the recipient of someone else's (deliberate) attraction while in a steady, committed relationship. There's the idea of temptation - and the opportunity to overcome it!
And better yet, even if/when he does overcome the temptation, he has a couple of potential landmines to navigate:
- Miscommunicating his conquest; which could lead to him looking worse than he really is.
- Rumors circulating, perhaps by the radiologist herself. This could lead to an even greater conquest of securing and/or repairing Lea's trust.
- Lea seeing something that ends up not being there; resulting in her conquest of overcoming "optics" and relying on her greater sense of trust in the man she loves.
We might see one of those; maybe more; maybe none at all. But the storyline potential is there for sure!
And consider this: assuming all does go well - even if it takes a few episodes to resolve - Shaun and Lea would be in such a tight-knit, secure place in their relationship. And with the better part of a year as a couple by this point, they could very well be in a place to where even greater heights are in reach!
So in short, even if the end of this very next episode (or the one after, which could deal with some aftermath) gives us a devastating ending, it's important for us as fans to cling to hope. Because just as past seasons have taught us, sometimes Shaun's darkest moments come shortly before his brightest!
Just thinking: the common theme for the next episode might be dealing with betrayal.
Lea has invested so much faith into Shaun, just to have him crush on some random resident, endangering the basis of their love.
Lim has invested much faith into Clair by revealing her PTSD, just to have the subordinate report the Chief of Surgery to the Hospital President, endangering her career.
Hi Tony
I disagree as hate the Promo which is deeply upsetting. The Good Doctor Promo team have not given one bit of consideration for those suffereing from mental health and the only thing we have to look forward to due to our very strict lockdown are our dramas on TV. Is there not enough doom and gloom in the world especially when you are in another 4 month lockdown not allowed anyone in your home and a half hour walk only. Can they not give us hope instead.???
The promo devasated me the very thought of what hurt Lea will go through has affected me all week. I HATE what you wrote below as I do not want to see temptation and the opportunity to overcome it and neither do the majority of the viewers when you see all the comment going No No don't do it Shaun.
When in a new relationship you do not have temptations as you are so much in love with your partner to even look at another woman/man. If someone tries to come onto you then you and persist even when they know you live with your girlfriend then you tell them where to go in a pleasant manner if they don't listen you and persist to chase you then you tell them louder to F**K OFF
Perhaps use Dr Andrew and his wife and throw temptation his way as that does happen after several years but NOT after a few months. I do NOT want to see Lea's hurt her heart crushed and in floods of tears due to Shaun who has begged her to move in with him telling Lea he has feelings for another woman and I can feel her pain from here. You know this could lead her to have a breakdown is that worth it just to make the storyline interesting and give Shaun the opportunity to overcome it. Is the cost on Lea's self esteem worth this experiment. Sorry that is plain cruel to inflict such upset on the one you love is so wrong ?
"I like the idea of seeing Shaun in new territory. For the first time, we're seeing him as the recipient of someone else's (deliberate) attraction while in a steady, committed relationship. There's the idea of temptation - and the opportunity to overcome it!"
But it's only a TV drama other viewers say, this is not real s stop being so dramatic. Well TV drama's reflect real life and we are fighting a mental health pandemic with even more suicides last week due to the lockdown and that is real. So the Promo team get togethers and say to each other "Lets just give those viewers who are struggling are real kicking they are not being hurt enough yet".
The Promo is showing what happens in real life and leaves us who are really struggling trying to cope with all the scenarios for 3 weeks and it is just to much pain to cope with on top of everything else. So in the end you give up hope and become another casualty of the pandemic. The memories of the pain overwhelm people who have gone through this like a Tsunami has hit them.
The Good Doctor team have put no thought at all into how this may affect mental health all they are worried about are the ratings. I said this once and won't say it again When the man you love tells you he has feeling for another woman that crushes your heart into tiny pieces, when the trust in a relationship is lost it can be lost forever, is this storyline worth that??
I will not post on this matter again.
Mo x
The novel 1774 “The Sorrows of the Young Werther” is a story about unrequited love that ends with the protagonist taking his own life. It was one of the most important novels in the Sturm und Drang period in German literature. Napoleon Bonaparte confessed to have read it seven times and always carry a copy.
In the wake of its success, reports of copycat suicides started to appear in newspapers. While these cases were never proven to be directly caused by the novel, the so-called Werther effect sparked an ongoing debate about media influence on mental health.
Werther’s author, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, had his won take on this:
“Just as I [...] felt relieved and enlightened by having turned reality into poetry, so my friends got confused by believing that one had to turn poetry into reality, reenact such a novel and, if necessary, shoot themselves; and what was going on here in the beginning among a few, later happened in the large audience and this little book, which had been so useful to me, was discredited as extremely harmful.”
For Goethe, his novel was a way of coping with his unrequited love to an already engaged women. Yet, while his story was associated with real life, he was very much aware that it was a work of fiction, meant to engage the audience in a productive manner.
In engaging with a piece of art, the various ways of storytelling included, we discover ourselves. If this introspection is unsettling, be changing the perspective for new insights might be a good coping strategy.
Thus, dear Mo x, I invite you to continue your participation in our discussion here. For storytelling is a piece of art following a set of certain rules in order to inform us about the human condition.
The Good Doctor always has been a show emphasizing on how we can become better versions of ourselves, even when the path may be rocky and distorted. And you might ease your current discomfort by changing your perspective.
Instead of examining the emotional effect on you, you might find it quite useful and even pleasing to discover how the show applies the art of storytelling in some good company.
It's always nice visiting this blog site from time to time and finding new interesting posts to read.
On the matter of the promo being upsetting, we can all agree it was difficult to watch, especially mere after an episode in which Shaun demonstrated once again how much he loves Lea and how well he defended her to her parents, claiming that he and Lea will face challenges together. But I don't want to let this promo dampen the great development of their story, because as it has been mentioned
1) ABC clearly made this promo for shock value, they think they needed to show disturbing images to initiate discussion and keep people on the edge of their seats during the hiatus, and it's clearly working! Also, even when there is no hiatus, their promos are usually misleading, making something bigger than it is (like the ex-husband...),
2) I also believe that everything will in the end be fine for Shaun and Lea, things might be tough for a few episodes, but they won't break up. And some future things could be more difficult to face than what we saw in the first 8 episodes, but Freddie himself said that the season would focus on Shaun and Lea facing things together as a unit, and we've seen that until now, so I try to trust the writers and believe that everything they will have the pairing go through won't be convoluted and will serve the purpose of making them stronger, both them as a couple but also individually. Regarding the Shaun's "temptation", Shaun will fully realize that harboring desires for someone doesn't equal to having feelings and that he can't control them, and it will probably lead Lea to come to terms with her lack of self-esteem and more specifically lack of trust in herself to being worthy and enough for someone to make a relationship last.
Another thing in relation to ABC misleading us, the synopsis for 4.09 which doesn't mention Shaun and Lea at all is making me think that the promo was for the next 2 episodes, so that the story with the temptation would be for "Decrypt"...because although ABC promos are often misleading, it would be odd to not mention it at all in the synopsis since it is about Shaun and it seems a big part of an episode would be devoted to tackling this temptation issue.
And can we talk about "Irresponsible salad bar practices"?! How much have the writers been smoking when they brainstormed the episode title and came up with that? It's funny, but so odd!
On another subject, I'm also fed up with the lack of physical content between Shea. I fully understand the difficulties linked with Covid, that they are very careful because they can't take the risk of Freddie catching it, and Richard Schiff having had it probably put more pressure on them. However one kiss and 3 hugs in 8 episodes makes the couple not seem as in love and passionate as they are supposed to be, and it pales in comparison to the beautiful scene we got at the end of the earthquake episode. But Paige and Freddie's chemistry and both actors' ability to convey emotions and feelings with such intensity through their eyes and delivery of their lines manage to make us believe in their passion and love for each other. But I still hope that we'll see more physical displays of affection soon, especially because I think it's important to show that Shaun is at ease with touch when it concerns Lea. We know he is, but being told becomes not enough after some time to make it reel...
Well, ladies and gents.. the title for 4x09 has been unveiled and let us brilliant mind decrypt ;) this title: "Irresponsible Salad Bar Practices", especially of course regarding our beloved and absolutely strong SHEA! Although, I have absolutely no idea, so please guys, the stage is yours. Thank you, Kelli for providing us this safe haven, btw of course.
Now, onto my thoughts... I think Imma brace myself for real hardships this time. As Andreas stated above, the hurdles for SHEA relationships have been... peaceful and too perfect. In this world, specifically in Shore world, such a thing doesn't last long. However, I do believe the outcome will be happy and fair for everybody involved (Shea, of course) and make the couple even stronger than before. I mean, I'd rather they get over huge/catastrophic turbulence now than they smack into a big dead-end wall later down the line after we've so deeply fallen with them.. After all, like Shaun, I don't like (bad) surprises.
Basically, I'm weirdly calm now after being so nervous since the promo aired, knowing somehow Shaun and Lea have a certain cow-bell lurking inside their apartment. I still hold on the hope that 4x09 is softly connected 4x10 "Decrypt" like the ole fashion two-parter episodes, but there is no confirmation of a two-parter mid-season thing. So, bring on the heavy drama, Shore! Game on!
afterthought: isn't 4x09 supposed to be some kinda Valentine episode??? there's nothing Valentine-y romantic about seduction.. unless it involves chocolate and seduction from YOUR OWN GIRLFRIEND. lol. Okay, turns out, I'm also still nervous.
I agree Syl. There’s a lack of physical contact between Lea and Shaun. I understand that they’re taking proper care, but I still don’t understand. There are recordings of several other series and, as far as I know, kissing scenes are recorded.
I just noticed how I wrote a sentence near the end, it should be "...manage to make us believe in SHAUN and LEA'S passion and love for each other." It's obvious I was talking about the characters, but I prefered to correct it!
Another great blog post Kelli! Always enjoy reading your insights and the theories on Shea : )
The promo kinda threw me for a loop LOL...so I spent the week working on a Shea video.
You know stay in my happy Shea place and create something that doesn't leave me feeling confused and "what is happening?!". I like the theory that the shot of him and SHE on the couch is just a daydream. I just can't see or believe Shaun would betray Lea that way. I'm sure that whatever goes down that this will only bring them closer together.
As for the odd title, just as Kelli over at twitter, my guess is that it will be shortend to "Irresponsible", just as "My Own Damn Fault" turned out to be "Fault" simply.
That would fit the synopsis iwith the said hospital practice turning out just being that while all the major characters seem to behave irresponsible lately, most notably Lim, but also Claire by telling Glassman, and Shaun... well you get the picture. ;)
"Dr. Morgan Reznik discovers her patient’s wealth and obsession with extending his life is a dangerous mix that could end up costing more than he can afford."
This was the synopsis for the episode called "The uncertainty principle" as you can see no mention at all about the ex husband thing or about what the whole story is about which is change over time. Although, the matter of the ex husband was highly advertised on social media and ended up being well, you know how that went on finally.
My take is that in this case the matter will be similar, even tho I don't expect Lea to have the same reaction Shaun had, this is different too; Shaun is feeling attraction to a woman out of nowhere now, and he could be (thinking that the whole almost kiss scenario is not a daydream which to me is equally bad tbh) jeopardizing their relationship.
I prefer to remain calm and see what happens, about the title it should be confirmed on a couple of days so let's check on that later.
The subject is sensitive but hey! We love this series because it portrays reality and Shaun after all is a human with flaws just like anybody else, I would never justify a cheating and I don't believe he would do so so, so that's out of the table, but I'm eager to see how Shea will resolve this, how Lea will handle this piece of information, maybe she would probably feel unworthy and perhaps we would have that so expected talk about what happened in season 3 where all her insecurities can come afloat. I like to think of this as a growing experience to both of them as couple and individuals.
drama
a) literature : a composition intended to portray life or character or to tell a story usually involving *conflicts* and *emotions* through action and dialogue and typically designed for theatrical performance
b) a movie or television production with characteristics (such as conflict) of a serious play
Now all together, repeat:
“Drama characters are supposed to struggle.”
“Drama characters are supposed to struggle.”
“Drama characters are supposed to struggle.”
“Drama characters are supposed to struggle.”
“Drama characters are supposed to struggle.”
“Drama characters are supposed to ...”
While She is totally unexpected to not only Shaun and Lea but also the audience, being happy in a committed relationship with someone doesn't mean that you stop noticing other members of the opposite sex. It's what you do with that attraction that matters.
I agree with Tony that Shaun won't actively pursue Her (English language nerd, I have to use the proper pronoun).
Every relationship goes through this kind of temptation. I know some of us thought that Lea's ex-husband would be the one to bring this story about, but it turns out that's not the case.
I have faith in Shaun, and in Shaun and Lea. And even if something bad does happen in 4x09, there's plenty of time before the end of the season for them to fix it. Obviously, I'm hoping that what happens in 4x09 is resolved by the end of it, but if it's not, then it's on to 4x10. I believe everything will be fine with Shea.
--- Jumping in again for a sec, love the comments, keep ‘em coming… --
Welcome Daniela, and thanks for joining in (and also from being a faithful reader!)… BTW fun fact, my name was originally spelled “Kelly” but I changed it at age 6 when I saw my name listed with the BOYS (!!!) on a sheet of paper outside the classroom of my first day of school. Apparently I concluded that people wouldn’t confuse me for a boy if I spelled it with an “I”, and, truth be told, that has held true :D
Anyway, you made an excellent point about Shaun still understanding different kinds of love and I admit that I fell for “they don’t… not now… not anymore” too. I’ll need to talk about that in the next post.
Mo (Hippy Dippy Scot), I know you’re continuing to have a very rough go of things and I’m sorry about that. Sorry you're TGD "happy place" isn't helping things at all right now for you. I hope the coming week is better for you than the previous one.
Faghost: I also thought about a possible Valentine’s Day angle with the next episode airing 2/15, but with the show only acknowledging a holiday once in four years (Christmas via the “Quarantine” 2 parter), I doubt we’ll get any sort of tie-in. (Though if the “Lim” episode was airing 2/15 instead of when it did, they could’ve used the VDay backdrop for Shaun’s gift search rather than the “Lea’s B-day” backdrop they ultimately went with…)
OK, as you were dear readers… 😉
Thanks for your welcome, Kelli!
I'm glad to participate in this very stimulating discussion.
I have a lot to share about the (great) Parenting episode too, so I'm really looking forward to your next week's post as well.
If they are going to give Valentine's day or any other important date the same treatment they gave to Lea's birthday, I prefer they avoid everything. Sorry not sorry...
Since the pandemic meddled with the season schedule a lot, I don’t expect any episode to match any real-world dates, such as episode 108 “Apple” taking place on November 20th, the original airdate. And having the Quarantine-episodes being set on Christmas was a convenient reason for Kellan visiting his father.
Undoubtedly, the temptation-plot is designed to deliver a major blow against Lea, but if somebody’s mental health is at risk right now, it is Lim’s…
Okay.... ABC now has put "Irresponsible Sald Bar Practices" officially on their schedule
https://www.dgepress.com/abc/shows/thegooddoctor/episodes/irresponsible-salad-bar-practices/
In line with the other episodes, the title looks even weirder - they are srewing with us big time! ;)
The episode was written by Sam Chanse, a new name in TGD's writing room, and Liz Friedman, who (co-) wrote 205 Carrots, 210 Quarantine, 303 Claire, 312 Mutations, 319 Hurt, and the Frontline-two parter.
So, this writer tends to the more serious stuff.
The promotional pics are coming... Stay tuned ��
Promotional pics are out, no #Shea photos whatsoever... Only a few with Shaun and the girl whose name is Cintia D'Souza...
At least we know now that Shaun gets to know the new resident in episode 409. And Park, Jordan Allen and Morgan are the ones who notice Shaun having a crush on her - of all characters possible, these are the ones that will give the most harsh and cynical opinions on such a matter...
Park was cheated on by his wife. Jordan Allen almost got married to soldier but choose medicine instead. And remember the story of Morgan having the perfect guy but loosing him by cheating on him?
Morgan’s expressions, Jordan and Park in the promotional photos of episode 9, already say that they will not advise Shaun on what he can do wrong.
Hello! My name is Daphne and I always read the blog tho I have never commented before. I have always been more the reader type of girl but I love Lea and Shea of course. I'm only active on Facebook and a little in IG, there is where I read about this blog on a Shea dedicated account which I love. And ended up loving this blog too because I can relate with all your opinions so much. So, first of all, thank you for the space to talk. Now, I dare to write because since Last week I have felt like a void inside me. I always try to keep things positive and always look for answers, I'm confident Shea is endgame so for me everything is part of a long road with some difficulties in the way. So, yes, the previous episodes felt like the situations were kinda easy to overcome.
But now, after a week and after seeing Shaun looking infatuated with that woman, I really feel that this could be The biggest situation between Shaun and Lea. In my personal life, I can tell you that I had a boyfriend for a couple of years and he told me that there was a CO worker that had become a friend, he thought she was pretty and smart. We didn't have any problems but he eventually decided to choose this other woman. You can't imagine the pain this brought to my life and how much I regret not to break up with him the moment he started talking about this new girl. So, sorry if to me this whole plot or what we are seeing feels personal. I can only think of Lea, how she has fought to be with him, being patient, loving and caring as a girlfriend. I don't know how the writers will approach this, but when I picture in my head the conversation with her I can only see how incredibly sad she is going to be. You feel like nothing, unworthy even.
I'm really sorry for bringing a personal experience into this but it feels like reliving what happened. My main issue is that it's so hard to move on if your partner is having thoughts with someone else.
I have even thought about stop watching the show if something really bad happens. Hope not, Shaun and Lea represent a reality that many people need to see. They represent a unique kind of love.
Thank you again for letting write my thoughts.
Daphne doesn’t need to apologize. It was great reading your report. I confess that I don’t know how Lea will ever be able to trust Shaun again.
In the episode 'It’s not the same', Lea made it clear that their relationship was not yet at the time of living together, because she felt she needed more trust.
Even so, she’s accepted and she’s been a great girlfriend a lot more than I expected.
The photos let me down, even more than the promo. It’s hard to see Shaun watching the doctor when she comes out with a look I’ve never seen before for Lea
Oh dear, why are you all so pessimistic about the upcoming plot? Don’t let the pandemic get into your heads. Use some logic instead.
According to Shore, season 4 has two major premises for Shaun:
1) Can he be a teacher?
2) Can he be in a committed relationship?
To be honest (I’m autistic after all, have to live up to the legend…), premise #1 has been somewhat of a letdown, even a misfire if they haven’t planned something for the second half.
While in theory bringing in new characters should have meant a breath of fresh air for the character dynamics, the newbies have had little impact on the main cast after episode 403 other than taking up time that could have been used better to follow up on Morgan’s coping; and the question of how Shaun would handle them seems to have gotten a pretty good answer: reluctantly, but he manages. Though, we got to that point in episode 406 already!
Which makes me think that we were somewhat mislead in the first place. The show clearly focuses on the dynamics between a PTSD-ridden Lim and Claire re-visiting her issues with her mother – and on premise #2, how Shaun and Lea manage to live up to their respective expectations of a relationship.
Thus, the plot is building towards a decisive mid-season hurdle. Ever since season 2 the show has pushed (by Glassman) the narrative that Lea will hurt Shaun again just as by leaving in season 1. Even during their reconciliation, Glassy emphasized that fear that one last time.
Now having Shaun hurt Lea instead right in the next episode is just the right kind of twist to surprise the audience and to keep things moving in an interesting manner. But to do so, the relationship can’t end there. The narrative to mine is how Shaun might repair the damage he causes.
So, relax a little.
Known risk factors for suicide are:
- older age
- male gender
- unmarried or divorced marital status
- low socio-economic status
- unemployment
Additionally, about 90% of those who died by suicide suffered from mental conditions such as:
- affective disorders (43%)
- substance abuse (26%, especially alcohol abuse)
- personality disorders (16%)
- psychotic disorders (9%)
Other variables that may contribute to suicidal ideation are:
Chronic pain, impulsivity, neuroticism, perfectionism, poor problem-solving skills, attentional fixation, social isolation, perceived burdensomeness, reduced fear of death and dying, or childhood abuse.
Lea undoubtedly has been portrayed to be impulsive in previous seasons but has grown more balanced by Shaun’s influence; she likes to have a drink when stressed but does not qualify for the label of substance abuse.
Obviously, she is a female of younger age and in good health. Taking a Big Five Personality Test, she might score a little higher in neuroticism but nothing near Shaun. Her perception of reality is not altered, and her thinking seems not to be abnormal, thus psychotic disorders can be ruled out.
Although feeling somewhat depressed back in season 2’s “Hubert”, Lea currently does not display any symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, so we might rule out affective disorders as well.
Protective factors for Lea are her career with a promotion into a position of authority, her recent conciliation with her parents and Glassman and good problem-solving skills.
Lea has her life on track, even without Shaun. A suicide risk assessment would not raise any warning flag so far.
Within the general population, the prevalence of suicide ideation/attempts is about 9.2%/2%. In contrast, a study in civilian PTSD patients found 38.3% reporting ideation, and 9.6% having made suicide attempts since the trauma. Lim is far more in danger right now and episode 406 alluded to that already by showing her driving recklessly. That was a warning shot - for Lim.
P.S.: And by the way, the likelihood of death by suicide is 9.4 times higher for individuals with high-functioning ASD than for those without.
Thanks for your comments! Yeah, what happened was incredible sad; but it gave me a new perspective in life and I decided to keep going and even tho, there was a time where I felt that I didn't love myself then I realize that there was something bigger to me so now I can see what happened and take it as what it is: a learning experience. Regarding the series, I agree with Andreas and yes, I think that the pessimistic approach comes from, for example, what happened to me, we see this story reflected on personal stories and that's why we think about the worst. But, I believe that no, Lea's character would never consider to hurt herself I don't see it written like that, she has given no signs to do so... As a matter of fact, she could have done something on that campus when Shaun screamed out all of her flaws and pointed her with a bat in "Heartbreak" so no, that's not going to happen.
And it's true, this is an interesting plot twist, because everybody is waiting for Lea to hurt him badly and now he will be seeing the other way around, many Lea haters on Facebook are surprised with this change of events, although some keep wishing for them to break up even if that implies to make Shaun look like a cheater (which I don't think is the show goal)... I'm curious to see how Shaun will be able to win her over. I don't know if they are going to have a break or whatever but maybe there will be distance between them for a while.
About the pictures, yeah... Sucks! But that's what the people behind the promotion of the episode wants to emphasize, the "What if" effect, to make people talk and certainly they need this because last night I saw an encore episode, they need to secure the ratings they could lose bc of this new hiatus.
"I don't know if they are going to have a break or whatever but maybe there will be distance between them for a while."
Well, I wouldn't mind Shaun having to sleep on Glassman's couch for some nights after how mindlessly he kicked Lea out in episode 312. Just for the balance of power... ;)
I agree with you. Many people believed that Lea would hurt Shaun very much, I have wasted so much time responding to haters that it could be the opposite.
I also think Lea will take a break from the relationship. maybe she can break up with Shaun.
I think this is a good time for Shaun and Lea to mature.
Thinking of it, Shaun being tempted but bailing out at the last second might just the proof of love Lea needs to put her fears to a rest.
This season is frequently harking back on previous events, dialogue, and themes. There’s this couple in 208 “Stories”. The wife spent all their savings and was cheating on her husband because a tumor had tempered her inhibitions. The husband was quite furious and about to break up even after learning that a medical condition had caused the behavior.
Yet, he did not after Claire pointed out what mattered most: “Your wife acted on every single temptation she had, every single ugly, stupid temptation... but she never left you. The one thing you know for sure through all of that, she was never even tempted to walk away from you. She never stopped loving you.”
I agree with Andreas about the ultimate purpose of all this drama. Things were going too smoothly so far, it was clear that something big was due to happen. Even more so, considering that we have almost reached the mid-season, and something very emotional usually happens at this point.
But, I’m sure that the final outcome will be great for Shaun and Lea. Their relationship will become even stronger, and they will grow even more as individuals. We just need to be patient and strong!
As for the newbies, and Shaun’s difficulties in teaching them, I don’t think that this story arc is concluded yet. I also think that their personal stories mirror Shaun’s somehow. It’s evident with Olivia being Andrews’s nice and not wanting a preferential treatment, just like Shaun was forcefully hired by Glassman, at the beginning. It’s also evident with Asher, who severed all ties with his family, in order to become a doctor. I’ve still not figured out Jordan and Enrique though.
The psychological community has been concerned about the impact of the pandemic since the very beginning. However, while there is little doubt that mental health will be affected, little is known about the nature and severity of these effects within populations. Naturally, collecting and analyzing this data takes some time.
The data available right now is quite disparate. For example,...
In Norway, preliminary statistics for the first 3‐month period under the COVID‐19 pandemic report a suicide rate lower than for the five previous years in the same month period, but still within what one can expect from random variation (https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13246).
A Canadian study analyzing google search trends found a substantial reduction in searches related to suicide, anxiety, and depression in the initial stages of the pandemic (https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743720933426).
An US online survey indicates that the pandemic is likely to have an impact on mental health and suicidality, but the risk is distributed unevenly. Low social-economic status puts individuals on higher risk just as without a pandemic, while better social and psychological resources are still protective factors (https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12655).
Hence, I believe it's a little far-fetched to hold a short promotional trailer - designed for suspense as any other of its kind - responsible for seriously impacting the audience’s mental health.
I'm back with a few ANNOUNCEMENTS...
1) Congratulations everyone-- this post has now generated the most comments BY FAR of any #Shea post I've written in the past 13 months or so!
2) But, it also seems time to move past all talk inspired by That Damn Promo... at least for now... and move BACK a step. That's why I plan to post about "Parenting" sometime tomorrow.
3) Another HELLO and thanks for joining the comments (and reading in the first place) to Daphne! I truly appreciate you sharing from your own life as a way to relate to the #Shea story... whether the connection is to a positive or negative experience, it's what helps each of us bond closer to this couple. Way back when I wrote (probably the fastest I ever wrote!) about the gut-punch that was Lea's quick dismissal from the apartment in the "Mutations" episode, the thing that hurt the most for me was the feeling that maybe I'd been just plain WRONG about TGD's intentions for Shaun and Lea. It put me right back to all the times I'd been absolutely certain I was reading someone's intentions towards *me* correctly, only to realize, sometimes in a humiliating manner, that I'd been mistaken. You question your very instincts and the ability to trust them-- and even though we're dealing with pure fiction with this show, it was ridiculously upsetting to me.
But look where Shaun and Lea are now--! (Meaning "Parenting" now, not "Irresponsible..." now, whatever that reveals itself to be)
Sorry for the tangent, but I hope it makes sense.
"Well, I wouldn't mind Shaun having to sleep on Glassman's couch for some nights after how mindlessly he kicked Lea out in episode 312. Just for the balance of power... ;)"
I wholeheartedly agree!! I love Shea obviously, and want the best for them, but I'm still a bit pissed at Shaun kicking her out and seemingly not caring at all (although he obviously missed her, even if he didn't realize it himself, as he ate lunch with her then kept going to talk to her once she worked at the hospital).
Regarding Lea, i still hold out hope that she'll get to voice out her feelings and concerns to Shaun or someone else, because we've only heard a few words and sentences here and there (like when she said that she needs more trust to commit more to the relationship and move in or in the last episode when she was upset that her parents didn't trust her to make her relationship with Shaun work). I don't believe that the next episode will have Lea develop a mental trauma, but her issue with lack of self-esteem needs to be fully explored and addressed.
So, onto other things, maybe there'll be a road trip for Lea and Shaun very soon!! Maybe I'm too optimistic and it's not really a road trip or if we're pessimistic Lea needs a break after 4x09, she goes away for a few days and Shaun goes to find her.
I'm saying this because there is this blog from a guy working for TGD, mainly as a driver for the cast and guests: http://morleymoose.blogspot.com/?m=1 . Does anyone know it? Anyway, he doesn't post spoilery stuff, it's mainly tidbits about locations, landscapes, and some personal photos. But in his last post for episodes 4×10 and 4x11 there are a few pictures showing the Striped tomatoe and Paige and Freddie shooting or waiting to shoot an outdoor scene (in one photo it's necessary to zoom in). It's most probably for 4x10, and it seems there will be a bunch of outdoor scenes. Also i saw somewhere that there was filming for TGD occuring outside the Connaught building, which is the building where Shea's apartment is I believe. Also, not relevant for the characters: there is a photo ( also taken a bit from afar) of Paige apparently talking with a guest actress (from what I read she's an athlete with Down syndrome) while she has her dog Sally in her arms! I'm sorry we don't talk about the actors on this blog but I just find it so cute that she seems to bring her dog with her on the set^^
Anyway, I'm not sure if it was important to bring up this up, but I thought that it might cheer some fans up to know that there might be a road trip for Shea in an upcoming episode :) But I hesitated to post, because as I mentioned before it might not really be a road trip, and I don't want to give false hope based on a few pictures.. But it made me more optimistic so I decided to talk about it here.
WHOOA... Great job, Kelli! Great job, everyone! I love yall!
I love Andreas, Daniela, Tony, Sheree-Lyn, Amy D, HippyDippyScot, MelanieMeirr, Syl, SheaEndgame, Daphne, and of course I love Kelli-used-to-be-with-y-but-not-anymore Friggin Awesome Lawrence!
Umm, I've been considering to chime in or not, but here it is... it's just my take that Shaun and Lea were no longer on their honeymoon period when we entered season 4. Although we never know the how much time exactly had passed between the end of season 3 and the premiere opener in the coffee shop (February 26, 2020), we know it was quite a while because it seemed to give enough time for the characters, except for Claire and Lim, to mourn and to process Melendez's death. So, roughly, I gotta assume, their honeymoon phase resided with rough timeline:
1. Season 3 - February 26 (at least a few weeks). Lea herself said that they'd been together a few weeks. it's too soon for her to move back in. Gotta assume a few weeks means more than 2 weeks, right?
2. February 26 to a week later (at least 3 days) when the woman from the opener went to see Morgan... we know COVID metastasizes 3-14 days.
3. Then basically 12 weeks + 3 weeks of State Emergency.
In total they'd been together for at least 6 or 5 months albeit mostly spent long distanced due to Covid, but it's 6 months of a relationship nonetheless. Not to forget they spent at least a few weeks together physically. Moreover, Lea and Shaun kept their intense vidcall sessions, which I'm pretty sure filled with nothing but sweet talks. Then, Covid was over in the show and we met the junior residents, which also took time, presumably at least a week more (gotta assume more than a week tho). So, when Shaun stepped on the landmine about Lea's nasal voice, that flagged their beginning of conflicts, fights, and making-ups--laid as a temporary pattern of "too easy" conflicts for 6 episodes--which effectively ended their honeymoon phase. Their conflicts getting bigger and more serious.
Clearly, 4x09 will be the game-changer, like the most serious yet (still have at least 10 episodes to go tho guys, there will be bigger problems than that XD). However, the big conflicts are not there just for the sake of creating drama.. it's also to respectively develop Shaun and Lea (especially Lea IMO) further. Plus, the big theme of this season is change. like moving on, maintaining & improving, getting better AND getting worse.
Of course, as SHEA fan, I want happy outcomes even though it'll be a different situation than now. Like, Lea's emotional state or Shaun's stance on things. Speaking of Lea's emotional state, I think she has running tendencies but not suicidal. Of course, we don't know for sure, but she has run before... leaving jobs, moving states, changing boyfriends, impromptu road trips, and let's not forget her adventurous trait (skiing, skinny dipping in winter, go-Kart(?). Honestly, I'm more worried of her running from Shaun again to the nearest bar to have tequilas then giving herself space and time to think calmly, taking a leave from the job or worse, resigning, again, then packing her bags to go somewhere worth hours or a day or more of driving.
OR, 4x09 may turn out to be a small misunderstanding. After all, we all had thought the ex thing was a big deal, turned out it's not like we kinda had suspected. We also had thought that the parents angle would've generated more/longer term impact because her “my family is a mess” (but I still don't see the mess she kept saying like what's up with Donny or Grandpa Rod or mother’s sleeping pills?), but turns out the parents ended up being cool with Shaun and Lea's relationship... so, fingers-crossed.
While I do hope whatever SHEA 4x09 conflict will last to 4x10, I know I trust the writers more that SHEA will be alright and be even stronger. Their conflicts will get more interesting and challenging but also satisfying. Intense, dramatic but also for the better outcomes.
I also want Lea to put Shaun in the doghouse, or Glassman's couch (such a good idea!), but I think she'll be the one leaving if Shaun really crosses a line or almost crosses a line or makes Lea snapped... again.
Oh man, finally we get to see Striped Tomato again, huh. Thank you, Syl for the info. I was kinda bothered that for numerous times we saw hospital's parking garage, we never see the red and white beaut. I mean, we saw Andrew's Porsche, Morgan and Park's SUVs, Lim's bike, Claire's Prius(?)... I kinda made an excuse like, maybe Lea went home early and Shea doesn't carpool together often. lol
I'm looking forward for the Parenting episode post, Kelli!
As someone who commented WAY earlier in the thread, I also wanted to put a bow on what we saw.
For those who shared about personal experiences, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me of how much of an impact that anything we produce can have. Including network promos. As "simple" or "over-hyped" as they may seem to some, even these shorter pieces can open deep emotional wounds for others - and as such, should be treated very carefully.
And Mo, I sincerely hope you are able to recover and get back to good soon! I'm pulling for you!!
So now, I echo the sentiments of those looking to move forward...by looking back!
Excellent point, Faghost. Lea’s tendencies to run are well documented and this is a trait she has to work on for a relationship to work long-term. Thus, the writers might fabricate a situation severe enough to make her wanting to run again.
Thanks for the intelligence, Syl ;)
I've checked the photos you mentioned, and wow!
But, let's don't forget that Freddie has been the director of 4x10. So, his presence there with Lea and the Stripped Tomatoe, doesn't necessarily mean that Shaun will be there as well.They could still go separate ways, in order to figure things out (decrypt).
Of course, I keep thinking that the final outcome for Shea will be great!
Good point, Daniela. Checking the photos again, I noticed that while Paige Spara is wearing clothing typical for Lea beneath the winter coat, Freddie Highmoore wears heavy boots very untypical for Shaun, so I infer he's directing the scene, but not appearing in it. Lea clearing her head outsite the hospital?
That's exactly what I noticed too, Andreas.
And my very guess is that Lea is clearing her head somewhere outside the hospital, or maybe even outside the city.
Hahahahahahah we couldn't have a day of happiness and a new theory now about Lea potentially leaving comes up. I can't jahaahahhahahahahaha
If there is one scene characterizing all the realtionships depicted in The Good Doctor, it is the opening of episode 408 "Moonshot": a roller-coaster ride! ;)
Nether a dull moment.
To be honest, if the events of 4x09 are indeed hard to overcome during the same episode. I don't think that the possibility of her leaving to think things out and to give Shaun the space to do so, sounds stretched to me, as a matter of fact Lea has characterized by being patient and by giving him the time to think things over. But, maybe this separation or maybe an unexpected result from this run away ( I don't want to sound dramatic but Lea has never been at the hospital) will cause in Shaun another breakdown following the pattern of season 1, season 2 (quarantine) and season 3 (friends and family)...
Who said mid season?
I hadn’t noticed that Freddie was wearing atypical boots from Shaun’s outfit. It must be episode 10 itself.
I love all the comments and am grateful to have this space with all of you.
Developing the idea further, Lea taking some time for herself might bring just what we thought long overdue: developing the character without being paired with either Shaun or Glassman for every scene.
I agree Andreas. In the Decrypt episode. Lea's journey alone to think, makes a lot of sense.
An important consideration, Shea Endgame! We still have to anticipate Shaun’s annual meltdown. Ouch, this season might have some extra loops in the roller-coaster. ;)
You're right Daniela, I completely forgot that Freddie was directing Decrypt. Oh well, as you said Andreas, if Shaun is not with Lea but there is a focus on Lea and her thoughts it will be great as well.
I was also thinking the same thing not long ago Shea Endgame: the show has been repeating some elements every season, and Shaun facing a professional or personal issue so big that he has a meltdown is one of them. And it would make sense that this season it would be related to Lea, something like an accident or a situation where Lea is in danger. We saw Shaun having a light meltdown when he yelled at Lea after being rejected, but now that they are together it would be more devastating for Shaun if something happened to the love of his life. But if that was the case, everything will be alright in the end, as with Glassy's cancer and Shaun's father.
You guys are right about Shaun's meltdown. To think that especially in season 3 Shaun had like 3 kinds of meltdown. (1) the frustration thanks to his shitty father, (2) he's afraid of being alone that he thought everyone would eventually get tired of him, (3) lashing out at Lea due to rejection and harsh conduct under alcohol influence.
I don't want Lea to get hurt or get into some kind of accident and render Shaun helpless because I think everyone knows he can't work on her as her doctor it that's what happening, I just can't imagine what he would do. So sad. I mean, Shaun already had that state of mind thinking Lea was trapped under rubles from the earthquake.. Although, Lea had the worrying privilege for like twice.. Shaun's got hospitalized and Shaun might not make it thru the earthquake. Gosh, I swear... this couple is so strong. That's also why I think they can get thru anything.
Now, the prospect of scenes with Striped Tomato is getting interesting. Who do you guys think will accompany Lea in this alleged trip? Donny coming to town? Got trapped with Morgan or Glassy? Girls outing (Claire, Lim, Morgan, Liv, Jordan)? Park and Lim love the car so much and want to take it for a ride? lol.. or a trip alone to clear her mind from whatever? or the car just...parked?
Anyhoo, did I get lucky number 70?
Since these are only theories, mine is that if Lea leaves she will be alone and outside the city. My romantic mind and heart wishes Shaun to follow her and so they can arrange whatever happened the two of them far away from the world...
Either way, if the writers were up to send Lea running, she would not be alone for long. In a movie picture the character needs someone to bounce off dialogue. And since I doubt that we will ever see a Ghost-Grandpa Rod, there are few possibilities left. ;)
But at this point, this is all just wild speculations. There are way too many variables for the plot to move on.
Just saw the CTV promo for episode 409 on twitter. Calling the doomsday sirens off for now, because the tone of the scenes is lighthearted, and Lea admits very relaxed that she is still attracted to other guys sometimes – which irritates Shaun even further. Obviously, it is a lesson for Shaun to discern between love and lust.
I've just seen it. It's very irritating to know that Shaun does let the radiologist kiss him...It's even more frustrating when Shaun and Lea have kissed only 1 time so far, and it was ok as we thought it was linked to covid restrictions, but having Shaun and an other woman who will be there just for a few scenes do it means that they are oddly withholding on the kisses between Shaun and Lea. There needs an appropriate time to have them kiss, but it's like TGD is not even trying. Maybe in part because it's their way of showing that Shea is emotionally connected and so really in love with each other, on the contrary to Shaun and Carly with Shaun being obsessed with sex and kissing Carly...But then it's poor writing to have each character say they are attracted to someone else, it seems a bit early in their relationship to have these thoughts, and it's even worse to have Shaun letting himself be kissed.
However, although the CTV promo is comedic and part of the episode will be, it may still get painful at some point for Lea : She's ok with Shaun being attracted to someone else as it's the same for her, but it's very different if she knows later in the episode that Shaun acted on his attraction and let himself be kissed.
I hope that the episode won't be too bad but i'm now more worried than before.
So I listened more carefully and it seems i misunderstood, Shaun is in fact saying that he imagined the kiss, is that right? If so, it's less infuriating but it remains annoying.
Syl, I believe what Shaun says in the promo is "My brain isn't behaving the way I want it to..." which I took to mean it's a fantasy kiss.
I find it curious that you all want to believe that Shaun kissing someone else must be a dream. You might ask yourself if you are idealizing Shaun and his autism, projecting your whish for purity into a character whose perception is very different to yours. He is more likely to act upon his impulses.
Neurotypicals are quick to lie to themselves and others about their feelings and have created a myth about love to partner overriding the desire to have sex with others. Though, this is a social convention only, meant to avoid conflict.
Shaun is idealizing his love to Lea, too because he is surrounded by neurotypical role models that cherish this convention as well. He is about to discover that love and desires are much more complicated and difficult to manage.
What really matters in the end is what Shaun and Lea agree to do about their impulses.
So, here’s a new theory how episode 409 might play out:
Shaun feels attracted to the new resident and is confused because of his conflicting emotions. He asks colleagues for advice – because what else would Shaun ever do?
Shaun admits his attraction for someone else to Lea because he does not want to hide anything from his loved one.
Lea calms his nerves by pointing out that feeling attraction to others while being in a relationship is quite common. In fact, she might be somewhat relieved for both revealing these feelings to each other.
Upon hearing that Lea still feels attracted to other men, Shaun is even more confused and hurt – because this contradicts his very romanticized idea of true love (a concept he did not understand in season 1 and only got the basics so far). Thus, he starts to investigate the matter more in-depth. Polyamorous Boardshorts adds some more confusion and Shaun finds himself willing to kiss the resident just to sort out this mess called emotions.
Dutifully Shaun reports his findings back to Lea – he still prefers her over any other woman. Though, while Lea is all good with having thoughts, taking action crossed a line for her. To be continued in 410.
ANDREAS! Way to stir the pot, as we say in the States!
The "idealizing Shaun and his autism" thought had definitely crossed my mind, as have a couple other thoughts on all this...
(To be continued in a blog post closer to the Feb. 15 airdate) ;)
Looking forward to it! :)
Thank you Kelli! It seems to point to a fantasy kiss indeed.
Andreas, Excellent theory on episode nine. I would say it fit perfectly with the promos of ABC and CTV. I wanted to believe it would be fantasy, but by Lea’s expression on the ABC promo, it’s more than likely not.
Thanks, Melanie.
Since all main plots share a common theme, a look at the developments between Claire and Lim is very informative: with Claire betraying Lim’s trust by revealing Lim’s PTSD to Glassman, the upcoming storyline is most likely about variations of this theme. This is further substantiated by the new synopsis in which Claire misdiagnoses a patient and discovers an unsettling hospital practice. Here, a patient’s trust into a doctor is lost and a doctor loses faith in her workplace/superiors.
Thus, with Shaun and Lea it is most likely that their fidelity will be tested. And it will add some punch when not only one’s faithfulness is questioned.
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