Saturday, March 6, 2021

Oh Baby?! The Makings of a "Crazy" #Shea Meatloaf


 

There they are, standing in their living room with hands clasped and a serious look on their faces, just as they’ve been standing for the past few weeks.


During that time, well, we’ve kept ourselves busy. As has been necessary, as has become the usual this year, when COVID-related production delays result in a trickle of new episodes instead of a steady stream. We’ve studied the ABC-released photos, examined the promo (sometimes frame by frame), run Twitter polls, waited for confirmation on new episode titles, waited for new synopses, waited for anything more than the little we sofar have to work with this month.


Crumbs. We’re working with breadcrumbs, folks. Nothing really new about that, except that the last two times it was what we thought we knew about upcoming certain episodes that drove us bonkers. This time, for many, it’s what we don’t know about Monday’s episode that’s doing the trick.


We think we know. A lot of us are looking at factors outside the “ending that will leave… you… STUNNED” and are saying screw ABC’s manipulation; this time when Shaun and Lea stand there like they’re posed at the altar it’s the start of major dramatic development in this relationship.


Consequently, it’s once again the talk of this blog’s never-dull comment gallery. Theories fly, references criss-cross, and sometimes the glances into TGD’s crystal ball grow so complex the #Shea shipper ends up writing a guest post (Thanks again, Andreas!)


But hey, there’s a production lull. What else is there to do?


Me, I’ve decided to head to the kitchen and get to cooking…because if Lea can use bad medical analogies to explain things to Shaun, I can use mediocre food analogies to carry us to the next TGD episode. Grab a seat while I get to work on…


A RECIPE FOR A  #SHEA MEATLOAF


🍏🏎🍏🏎🍏🏎🍏🏎

Whether you hear “meatloaf” and think fond thoughts (comfort food, and/or memories of home) or not-so-fond ones (tasteless slabs of questionable edibility, and/or memories of home), or even if you know it by a different name (shout-out to my international readers), it’s got the same basic elements as far as ingredients go:

  • Meat-- either all one kind of ground meat or a combination (I presume there are plant-based proteins that fit the bill here too)

  • Breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs, often soaked in milk first, which serve to both “bind” the meat together into loaf form and ‘extend” the meat you have into something more (which is why meatloaf is especially popular in the U.S. during depressions/recessions when $$ is even tighter). An egg facilitates things too. But don’t read too much into that, #Shea theorists… πŸ˜‰

  • Vegetables, chopped fine, to help give the “loaf” more texture, flavor, and substance

  • Seasonings-- salt, pepper, etc.

  • A “topping” for more flavor/eye appeal, such as a ketchup glaze and/or strips of bacon (I personally can’t stand ketchup, so I prefer the latter)


For anyone who wants to share their own meatloaf experiences and/or recipes, head to the comments and go for it :) But right now I’ve gotta continue with the analogy…


THE MEAT of the Meatloaf


I’ll cut to the question that seems to be on everyone’s mind: Is Lea pregnant? 


Is that the “stunning” revelation at the end of the “Crazy” episode?


It’s a theory that has grown legs and run amok these past few weeks, fueled especially by THESE BREADCRUMBS…



            πŸ₯–#Shea fans racking their brains as to what could be more “stunning” than a totally unplanned pregnancy… assuming that the “stunned” part involves #Shea at all, that is


            πŸ₯–Revelations, via Paige Spara’s IG, that she’s altered her hairdo a little and now has a little fringe of bangs… which has led some to suspect a time-hop is on the way (which would allow the show to pick up the story a few months into the pregnancy)


            πŸ₯–Forthcoming episode 4.12 now confirmed to have the title “Teeny Blue Eyes”


             πŸ₯–A synopsis for forthcoming episode 4.12 “Teeny Blue Eyes”... which I think many of us only discovered THIS MORNING (Saturday)... contains the following: 


Shaun and Lea are forced to make a life-changing decision that will alter the course of their relationship.





Well, now, hmmmm… what could all this possibly be about??? (she types sarcastically… if that’s a thing. Pretend it’s a thing, won't you? Thanks.)


When viewers started tweeting at me in the week following the “Decrypt” episode, asking if I thought a #Shea baby was on the way, I quickly tweeted back some variation of No! Not yet! I hope not… without realizing that yes, of course… that’s why it could be happening now.


I initially didn’t want to see a pregnancy (or even a pregnancy scare) this early for reasons similar to why I didn’t want Lea to move back in right away…there was a part of me that yearned for this non-traditional union to have some “tradition” to it (for lack of a better word). Marriage, then live together again, then babies a short while into marriage (realizing a baby would have to follow sooner than I’d prefer). As for the necessary dramatics, I expected something to go wrong with Lea’s first pregnancy-- a miscarriage, or an excruciating decision leading to an abortion, or even a stillbirth. But the recovery from all that-- coupled with a second, successful pregnancy-- was (in my mind) how Shaun and Lea could experience the highs and lows without a more obvious contrived breakup/makeup experience (e.g. Lea’s ex re-enters the picture). 


In other words, I figured there’d be enough baby drama down the road for them IF they stayed together… IF TGD continues beyond season 4. (And for the record, while season 5 seems very likely at this point, there’s plenty of speculation as to whether the show would continue beyond that. Not so much because of ratings as the fact that Freddie Highmore may not want to continue-- and when he’s done, the show is done.)


But my “figuring,” like your “figuring,” only goes so far when we’re not David Shore & Company.


And a baby-- or at least, a pregnancy-- would complicate the back half of the season in a consistent way… no more wondering what potential complicator was coming in the next episode/series of episodes (COVID keeps them separated?! Lea was married??? Shaun’s attracted to another woman???)...


Or how we’ll get to know Lea better (What will her parents be like??? How will she handle a tremendous IT crisis??? Will she and Glassman EVER get along???)


So here’s the thing: regardless of whether TGD Season 4 runs 20 episodes (like S3 did), or reverts back to 18 (Seasons 1 and 2), S4 is currently at the same point as S3 was when the “Fractured” episode was about to air after TGD’s 6-week winter hiatus. Weird, considering they were on the “Heartbreak” episode at this time last year. But true.


I think it’s safe to say that we’d ALL like to see more bits and pieces of Shaun and Lea’s Beautiful Love Adventure, so long as the potential outcomes didn’t worry us into oblivion. We hoped to see more “adjustments” as they settled into the loft apartment on new terms; as it happens, we didn’t even get to witness Shaun adjusting to sharing a legit mattress-off-the-floor bed with Lea. (Perhaps in the crush of ideas, it was decided that their dilemmas in the “Two-Ply or not Two-Ply” episode from S2 covered enough of that. I disagree, but again, I’m not the showrunner.)


I think it’s also safe to say that they haven’t come close to mining all the possibilities for basic relationship conflict, especially in an ASD/NT (Neurotypical) situation. I know Andreas, in particular, has voiced a lot of concern about Shaun’s ASD even being played primarily for laughs in this first half of S4; knowing Andreas himself is autistic, it troubles me that he (and, I presume, others on the spectrum) are left feeling this way about a show they are so invested in for obvious reasons.


So let’s assume Shore & Co. are headed in a better direction, and look at #Shea 2.0 this way…


  • Keep them together; in the first half of the season, show them in a variety of situations that they resolve together and grow closer as a result. (with varying levels of success as far as viewer reception goes; with any luck, we’ll win over a few Lea-haters along the way)

  • By the second half of the season, we’ll need to raise the stakes if we’re to get them to a place where marriage feels like an organic progression of the relationship. 

  • How about a serious illness? Shaun’s handled that (with Glassman’s cancer)... Work interference? At this point, it appears that Lea is perfectly tolerant of Shaun’s long hours (and vice versa? On a smaller scale?)... Questions of love/trust/commitment? Arguably much of this was resolved the moment Lea ran to Shaun and planted that kiss at the end of S3… but in more practical terms, each #Shea scenario since then has been crafted to fortify what they have. 


And just as I make the 😬 face a little more and say But if Lea is pregnant, will TGD be accused of becoming even “soapier” than it already is in terms of non-medical subplots? I find myself reminded of this one critical thing:


EVERYTHING lands differently with an ASD/NT relationship.





Offhand remarks (“Newbies”), an invitation to move in with a lover (“Not the Same”), meeting the parents (“Parenting”)... the lens is different with Shaun’s involvement, and always will be. 


Does that go for a #Shea wedding too? Most definitely. But they’re not to that point yet.


Does that go for a potential #Shea baby? Absolutely-- and, in theory, Shaun and Lea don’t have to be “to that point” yet because (ahem) accidents happen. That’s one thing about #Shea that puts them in the same boat as any other sexually active couple.


So for those who’d take all these things into account and STILL regard a #Shea pregnancy at this time as a dearth of ideas on the part of the writers? I guess I’d tell them to… I don’t know… go watch the show from the beginning???


(I might also tell them to go f--- themselves, at least in my head. But sometimes I frustrate easily.)



THE CRUMBS of the meatloaf


I’ve already alluded to as many of the said “crumbs” as have been made available to date, so I’m just going to add a couple of things…


    1. This trail of S4 pregnancy foreshadowing, as brought to us by Andreas via the comments:


Frontline Part 1: expectant single mother without support system.


Frontline Part 2: single mother gives birth; Park delivers and nurses the baby.


Not the same: expectant single mother, pregnant with twins while her own body tries to kill one fetus, her boyfriend left her after suggesting an abortion; woman had already an abortion with 15; the doctors discuss to abort one fetus to save the other; Shaun finally delivers one baby early. Jordan reveals that she chose career over marriage.


Lim: woman surprised by unplanned pregnancy, chooses elective abortion; Jordan reveals that she had an abortion herself.


Parenting: a father has stepped down from parenthood and plays “coach” instead; Glassman claims that Shaun and Lea’s relationship is moving too fast.


Irresponsible…: a couple is surprised by an unplanned pregnancy.


That almost reads like a blueprint for a plot...


    2. This little prediction from ME about the 4.12 title: 


Keeping in mind that episode titles have been pulled from #Shea conversations a number of times-- most recently with “Irresponsible Salad Bar Practices”-- “Teeny Blue Eyes” sounds like something Lea would say while discussing a possible baby with Shaun--  which I think would prompt Shaun to point out immediately that a child of theirs would actually only have a 50-50 chance of blue eyes vs. brown eyes because of the way dominant and recessive genes work.


(Although I think Paige Spara’s eyes look more hazel than brown, which complicates the whole eye color thing considerably… but IF the writers go the genetics route, I doubt they’ll go all the way to this!)



THE VEGETABLES of the meatloaf

("adding texture, flavor, and substance")



Practically lost amongst all this “stunning” pregnancy talk is that there appears to be one more chapter in the Love Adventure before seriousness settles in: Operation Save Striped Tomato. 


Andreas referenced it in his guest post, also noting that Lea’s parking ticket at the top of the “Decrypt” episode was another touch of foreshadowing, Grand Torino style. … and countless other readers have taken stabs at what’s to happen based on what we’ve seen so far. It goes something like this:


  • Shaun and Lea witness Lea’s beloved car being towed away (maybe she hasn’t paid the parking ticket(s), or was forced to park in a tow-away zone longer than planned)

  • Shaun and Lea ultimately attempt to recover said beloved car, in a way that does not appear to go through all the proper legal channels, shall we say. Ex-cop Park may or not be involved in this part of the adventure. 

  • What are the repercussions of such actions? TBD, of course…


However the elements of “We’re All Crazy Sometimes” unfold-- both the Striped Tomato subplot-- and the Shaun-Morgan case of the week, apparently dealing with a man whose wife is on life support-- we’d be well-advised to look and listen for clues to #Shea’s future. Are there any allusions to Lea forgetting to take her daily (contraceptive) pill? Some have suggested that could have happened while pulling her all-nighter in the “Decrypt” episode... Does she ever refer to the Striped Tomato as “her baby”? ...Will there be a more traditional hint, such as Lea being unable to hold down food, or fainting unexpectedly-- maybe in the heat of excitement as they get her car back?


Over at St. B., meanwhile, I can easily see Morgan and Shaun debating the life-support issue,  with Morgan asking “What would you do if that was Lea?” and Shaun responding in some way to infer it’s different because she’s not his wife… which would be Morgan’s cue to say something flippant like “Yeah, not now, but give it another year”... 


(Perhaps wishful thinking where the lines about marriage are concerned… I still want them to get married, after all… but the long-termness of the relationship is bound to be mentioned in such a debate nonetheless.)


THE SEASONINGS of the meatloaf


In seeing these five promotional photos over and over again, I’m reminded of a certain set of promo pics we got as we headed into “Autopsy”, and the epic conversation that finally got all this started (and nearly ended it right then and there, too)...


What they showed us in advance...

...and what actually went down

when the cameras rolled



While I’m with the rest of you on thinking there won’t be a lot of post-revelation conversation in the “Crazy” episode-- certainly nothing as long, or deep, as the three minutes Shaun and Lea had at the end of “Autopsy”--  I’m posting these shots as a friendly reminder that what we see in the promotional materials isn’t always what we get. Even when it comes to a simple, two-person dialogue exchange. So get ready.... We don’t know what we don’t know!



OTHER THINGS WE NEED TO KEEP REMINDING OURSELVES…  for this episode and beyond… 


  • Shaun and Lea are never going to get the amount of airtime we want them to have. (Or the time the ones who develop their stories wish them to have, for that matter.) TGD simply isn’t structured that way. 

  • When their relationship was largely undefined beyond roommates/best friends-- and especially when the lion’s share of Shaun’s personal time went to scenes with Carly-- it was tough for a casual viewer to see signs of Lea’s love for Shaun, and vice versa. That’s when the catapult moments (as I’ve been known to describe them) became so crucial in S3-- the epic embrace at the end of “Friends and Family,” the karaoke night in “Unsaid” that led to Carly breaking things off, the earthquake putting Lea’s life in danger, then Shaun’s… 

  • Now that they’re finally together… well, historically speaking, this is where it gets rough for storytellers. How do they keep weaving the tale in an interesting way? And more to the point with TGD, how do they keep it interesting with only 3 to 5 minutes of airtime an episode? (Catapults can still work, but sparingly, as their main purpose is to quickly get characters to a new point in a story arc… not just fling the characters back and forth for the sake of entertainment)




THINGS WE HAVE TO KEEP REMINDING OURSELVES…


  • Shaun and Lea are never going to get the amount of airtime we want them to have. (Or the time the ones who develop their stories wish them to have, for that matter.) TGD simply isn’t structured that way. 

  • When their relationship was largely undefined beyond roommates/best friends-- and especially when the lion’s share of Shaun’s personal time went to scenes with Carly-- it was tough for a casual viewer to see signs of Lea’s love for Shaun, and vice versa. That’s when the catapult moments (as I’ve been known to describe them) became so crucial in S3-- the epic embrace at the end of “Friends and Family,” the karaoke night in “Unsaid” that led to Carly breaking things off, the earthquake putting Lea’s life in danger, then Shaun’s… 

  • Now that they’re finally together… well, historically speaking, this is where it gets rough for storytellers. How do they keep weaving the tale in an interesting way? And more to the point with TGD, how do they keep it interesting with only 3 to 5 minutes of airtime an episode? (Catapults can still work, but sparingly, as their main purpose is to quickly get characters to a new point in a story arc… not just fling the characters back and forth for the sake of entertainment)



Finally, THE TOPPING of the meatloaf!


David Hoselton and David Renaud are the writers of “Crazy”, which might lead you to wonder what parts of the #Shea journey have they been involved in previously? Here, I'll help:


Hoselton: wrote "Not the Same" in S4, "I Love You" in S3, "Faces" in S2 (mentioned because of the literal journey Shaun & Glassman took, as I wonder what awaits for the Striped Tomato), and "Tough Titmouse" in S2 (written solo).


Renaud: wrote "Newbies" (S4), "Heartbreak" and "Autopsy" (the latter written solo) in S3, "Hubert" (written solo) in S2, and "Apple" (written solo) in S1... the episode ending in Shaun's first semi-hug with Lea.


Also, director Mike Listo was responsible for both parts of the “Frontline” season premiere as well as the “Lim” episode this season. Last season he directed “Hurt”, “Unsaid”, and “Friends and Family." He's also behind “Breakdown” (dealing w/Shaun and Han’s final exchanges in S2) and both “Quarantine” episodes from S2...


So I think it's safe to say high drama and/or high action is among his specialties!


🍏🏎🍏🏎🍏🏎🍏🏎


Wow, this is a mighty big dish I've assembled. I'd say it's time to get it in the oven, but considering I'm about to "put a fork in it"... maybe it's already time to eat? πŸ˜ƒ


OK, one more thing...


Try to remember, as we make our way through the back half of S4, how Shaun’s journey hit rocky territory both in the back half of S2 and S3, to the point where we were left to wonder How will he find his way back to being a surgeon? (S2) / and How will he and Lea possibly be able to make this work NOW? (S3) 


Remember that HE did, and THEY did.


🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴




41 comments:

Amy D said...

It really looks like Lea is pregnant. But we could be way off base. We won't know until we actually see the episodes.

I'm keeping the faith, though. Whatever comes--and there's actually a lot they could do with a pregnancy, and not because they can't think of anything else. From a storytelling standpoint, from a dramatic standpoint, there are several beats they can play. Shaun and Lea's individual insecurities about being a good parent because of their fractious relationships with their own parents; will the baby be NT or ND; the effect on both of their careers, with Lea the head of IT for the whole hospital who just scored a major professional triumph, and Shaun heading into his final year of residency (I think year 5 is the final year of residency); will there possibly be something wrong with the fetus, some other kind of birth defect that might require in utero surgery, or the child could be born with a condition like Down's syndrome or spina bifida, and how would Shaun and Lea handle that?

It says this "life-changing decision" will "alter the course of their relationship." That says to me that whatever they're going to face, they'll be facing it together. And that's all I need to know right now.

Julianna said...

Nice meatloaf, Kelli!

I’m going to be a bit contrarian here. I don’t think Lea is pregnant. I may be wrong of course, but I’ve thought ever since the revelation of Lea’s ex-husband that that wasn’t the last we’ve heard of him.

What that may look like? Possibly he’s a patient in the hospital…result of an accident? What would Shaun’s reaction be? Lea’s? A lot of possibilities to explore, whether or not he dies.

I don’t think Shaun feels 100% confident of Lea's love just yet, although he’s much more confident of her than he was with Carly, who he was always trying to impress. But the entrance of Lea’s ex could shake him.

Good times!

Andreas said...

Thank you, Kelli, for kind of bringing the discussion back to the basics.

First let my add to the timing of a possible pregnancy now. I’ve been told that the standard contract for a TV series covers 7 seasons with annual renewal. The first episode of The Good Doctor started with a young man with autism wanting to become a surgeon. When he ends his residency successfully after 5 years, the hero’s journey as stated in episode 1 would be accomplished and the narration would meet its natural end with the 5th season completed. Everything beyond that would be a new cycle (e.g., fellowship) from a narrative perspective.

So, even if ABC were willing to keep going, the creative powers might feel that 5 seasons is simply the organic limit of the narrative. Thus, if the show wants to cover a pregnancy and (early) parenthood, it is now the time to start with the storyline. Plus, as Angelica pointed out earlier, it adds a non-mischievous antagonist to the story. Something Shaun’s storyline is in dire need of right now.

And since you spoke of the possible foreshadowing, in this respect I find Park’s nursing scene in 4.02 “Frontline Part 2” especially intriguing.

After Parks great moment in the season 3 finale and his resolve to move back to his family in Phoenix, I sure wasn’t the only one that wondered why the show held onto the character even as he notoriously gets the least screen time of all residents. I was even more puzzled by the – for TGD – unusual long scene with Park talking about becoming a father, expressing his fears and his sudden joy. Sure, it gave the character some closure with his son after the events in late season 3, but it felt off, nonetheless. Yet, with the prospect of Shaun and Lea dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, this makes a lot of sense again. With Glassman, he's the only character on the show with actual experience in being a parent.

(End part 1 of 2)

Andreas said...

(Part 2 of 2)

For the reader’s convenience, here’s the transcript of the two key scenes Park video-chats with Kellan:

Scene 1 (min 12, Park is talking to the unconscious mother)

[Park] Hey, buddy. I'm sorry I keep missing your calls. I've got this patient. You know the mom of the baby I told you about? I basically put her into suspended animation, but it doesn't seem to be helping.
[Kellan] When are you coming to Phoenix?
[Park] I still don't know.
[Kellan] You're going to make my graduation party, though, right?
[Park] I don't think so.
[Kellan] This patient needs... you? No one else can take care of her?
[Park] I kind of went out on a limb on this one.
[Kellan] (Scoffs) Oh, well, if you made a commitment, then... (ends the call)

This scene is about work-life balance. Keep also in mind that Lea ended their date night in 4.05 “Fault” and sent Shaun back to the hospital to care for patient. Having a family of their own, Lea might no longer be willing to make such concessions and Shaun will find himself in the same position as Park – turning in the heel as soon as a treatment idea strikes him? Not anymore, pal.

Scene 2 (min 27, Park nurses the newborn in a rocking chair)

[Park] Hi, buddy.
[Kellan] Hey, Dad. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten angry about you not coming to Phoenix. It wasn't fair.
[Park] Thank you. Did your mother put you up to this?
[Kellan] She was right. I don't even really care about the party that much.
[Park] Then what was the issue?
[Kellan] We don't have to talk about that. (Chuckles)
[Park] I wanna know what's bothering you.
[Kellan] I... I know your job is important, but sometimes I just wanna know you care about me more than you care about the job.
[Park] When your mom got pregnant, I was so nervous. Suddenly, everything was real. Suddenly, I had a commitment. And I wasn't sure I was ready. And then you were born. And in that moment, I mean, that moment, everything changed. I was instantly head-over-heels in love with you. You were my best friend. And, uh, I held you, and the words just came out. I said, "Hi, buddy." (Chuckles) I'd never called anyone "buddy" before in my life. But you were my buddy. I may make mistakes over and over again, but don't ever think you're not the most important thing in my life.
[Kellan] So, basically, you're saying your love for me is like chemical, right?
[Park] (Laughs) (Sighs) Yeah.

This scene is again a little about achieving work-life balance, but mostly it is about fearing the responsibility of becoming a parent and the joy when it finally happens. With the mistakes mentioned, the scene also calls back to Glassman and Lea’s motel dialogue of 3.10 “Friends and Family” (“your first job, …, is to keep them alive”).

As convoluted the early season 4 appeared, from a certain viewpoint much of it makes a lot more sense now.

Andreas said...

How would you construct a plotline about the ex-husband interfering with Shaun and Lea’s relationship, NastyRiffraff? Obviously, this still unnamed ex is no longer of concern for Lea. On the opposite, she is very committed to her new relationship with Shaun, as seen with her reaction to the cowbell:

[Shaun] We want to keep our coordinates close to each other for the rest of our lives.
[Lea] We certainly do.

Andreas said...

Musing a little on Lea’s ex-husband, the only thing that comes to my mind is her owing him still some money and thus the ex has the Striped Tomato confiscated and towed away. Yet why should the ex-husband decide to collect the debts now, after he send her the skiing machine instead selling it himself?

Syl said...

That was so interesting to read Kelli! It's like a chapter of a fanfiction, I can't stop reading until the end!
Thank you for explaining what a meatloaf is, I had read or heard about it but never looked up what it was exactly. It seems to be quite good, and it made me want to taste one but I doubt I can find that in France...

And thank you for the comparison of the promo photos for Autopsy vs what actually happened, to remind us to be careful with any promo material released. We've indeed learned to be more wary of promo trailers, but some of us (like me...) can't help ourselves from analysing the characters' expressions on promo photos, but also analysing episodes descriptions and titles. But, it's also because of the hiatus + the breadcrumbs we got that we focus too much on what we have, and as much as it's interesting to spend time analysing everything, it can also become a bit nerve-wracking, like for "Irresponsible" and now "Crazy" and "Teeny"!
Especially for Lea's alleged pregnancy, we've spent so much time analysing every tidbit, most of us - shea fans- being convinced that Lea is pregnant and being prepared to hear her announcement to Shaun in the end of "Crazy" that if it ends up being something else, it will be so disappointing, and no matter what the scene is in fact about, I'd be left stunned not by the content of the scene but by feeling like I fooled myself!!

Finally, you're right to say that Shaun and Lea are never going to have the airtime we want them to have. I know I've been complaining about it,because I want to see more of their daily life and romantic moments as well (although for the latter the writers really could have made an effort to include a few romantic scenes...) even if I know that there is not much to expect from a 41-minute tv show with a dozen of characters. I just need to remind myself that we've gotten so much of Shaun and Lea and Lea alone compared to last year and especially compared to the drought that was the first half of season 3.

Syl said...

So ABC released a promo clip for "Crazy" featuring our great couple! I love that Lea is not backing down and is using her computer skills to find dirt on the tow truck driver. It's also great that she explained to Shaun that she needed her boyfriend to have her back, because they are "a team working together for a common goal". It's cute that she used the word "team". I wonder why she paused when she said "and right now our goal......is to get my car back"...but I'm probably overanalysing again!
In any case, if she's indeed pregnant, she doesn't seem particularly anxious during her talk with Shaun, but she may just be good at hiding some of her emotions.

Daniela said...

Thanks, Kelli.
You should definitely try the Italian Polpettone. Ham, cheese, and sometimes boiled eggs inside. And I usually use Sesame seeds for the outside ;)

Syl, I don't think Lea was still aware of being pregnant at the time of the promo scene. She wouldn't be so cool headed about something like that.

Andreas, I agree with you about the importance of having kept Park. His presence can be invaluable at this time. It's true that only him and Glassy have parenting experience.
However, I'm most definitely curious about Glassman's reaction at this point. His support will be essential, both for practical reasons and for addressing the obvious subsequent career concerns.
The writers have gone to great lengths to strengthen the bond between Lea and Glassy. And I doubt that happened just to please the fans.
Also, there have been many different references about Glassman's role in Shaun's life throughout season 4, so far:
- S. Bonaventure's residency program being Shaun's only choice (Newbies)
- Glassman having forcefully hired him, giving him a preferential treatment (Not the Same)
- Shaun and Glassy knowing each other for a very long time and having a very strong bond (Not the Same; Parenting).
Curiously, I'm also noting a great number of articles that are appearing lately on different social media, that remind us when and how Shaun and Glassy met.

So, I'm sure that, if our hypothesis is correct, Glassy will be heavily involved.

Andreas said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andreas said...

Thanks for pointing out the references to Glassman in the episodes, Daniela.

I also noticed the articles about Shaun and Glassman’s backstory popping up – there sure is something coming for Glassman in the episodes ahead. It was quite remarkable how much screen time the Frontline episodes reserved for his struggles with Debbie.

We probably would know a little more about that if they hadn’t contracted Covid earlier, since Sheila Kelley confirmed that scene(s) with her had to be removed from the script because of that.

Concerning our main theory, I would be really surprised if tonight’s story twist would something different. Even with the newest sneak peak of Shaun and Lea, the show seems to add to the trail of breadcrumbs.

“We stan a woman who will stand up for herself” it reads there and the choice of words is interesting.

The Urban Dictonary explanins “to stan” as a…
“reference to the Eminem song Stan. The song is about an overly obsessed fan (named Stan) who writes letters to eminem and ends up driving off a bridge with his pregnant wife, because Eminem didn't write him back.

The terms means a very very overzealous and obsessed fan of a celebrity/band/cast of a tvshow or movie.”

That is quite a heavy meta message for a single word. For one, it appears to be a reference to the Striped Tomato plot as well as the supposed revelation, while it also could be rad as a warning to #Shea fans not to go down the road of MelendezMania.

Whatever tonight’s episodes will deliver, #Shea will always travel on a rocky road, no doubt.

Daniela said...

Ironically, I don't think that Glassman was originally supposed to have all this screen time together with the other characters, due to Covid precautions. They wanted to protect the actor as much as possible, from what I read at the time.
Maybe his (not used) story line with Debbie was devised for that reason.
Richard Schiff getting Covid (with a speedy recovery, thankfully) probably changed everything. The production definitely put his antibodies to good use!

Andreas said...

If ever, we’ll only learn about how the covid cases influence the original plot after the season has ended.

Anyway, the writers proved their flexibility already in season 1 when, with Jared and Jessica, they had to write out two characters on the performers request – although I always missed an in-universe explanation for Jessica no longer doing her job at the hospital.

That gave more space to Claire’s story about her mother, and it made it possible for Lim to play the plot about women in male-dominated workspaces against a low-key macho main character. Nice save.

Daniela said...

Mark Rozeman co-wrote Teeny Blue Eyes!
I'm not sure why, but I had a sixth sense and I saw this coming.
I love his writing, and I couldn't be happier.

Andreas said...

Mark Rozeman has ASD himself according to this article:

https://variety.com/2018/tv/features/david-renaud-good-doctor-disability-1202910405/

So, he should know what he has Shaun doing... 😁

Kelli Lawrence said...

About 15 minutes from the "Crazy" episode as I type this...

1) Syl, thanks so much for this...
"That was so interesting to read Kelli! It's like a chapter of fanfiction, I can't stop reading until the end!"-- because I try really hard to make these posts as cohesive and start-to-finish readable :)

2) Welcome "Nasty Rifraff", I know you posted in the comments previously but this is the first time I'm jumping in to wave hello... thanks for reading!

3) Daniela, I think I want an Italian Polpettone ASAP :)

Kelli Lawrence said...

OH SYL, I think you called this one...

"It's also great that she explained to Shaun that she needed her boyfriend to have her back, because they are "a team working together for a common goal". It's cute that she used the word "team". I wonder why she paused when she said "and right now our goal......is to get my car back"...but I'm probably overanalysing again!"

YOU WERE NOT OVER-ANALYSING... you nailed it!

Andreas said...

I’m glad the writers did not make fools of us… πŸ˜†

Daniela said...

Well, let's just say: "Congrats to everyone!"
All of us together are way better than Sherlock Holmes.

Andreas said...

Well, that was the easy part of it. πŸ™„

The question now is how the story will develop past the scares and the possibility of termination in “Teeny Blue Eyes”. There are a lot of factors to consider: Glassman’s level of support, Lea’s skeptical parents. Even Shaun’s mother might re-enter the picture as some fellow shipper reminded me on Reddit.

Daniela said...

I agree with you, Andreas.
I'm really looking forward to "Teeny Blue Eyes", because many questions will be answered there. For now I saw the promo pictures, and they seem very intriguing.
Also, about Glassman's support, something Andrews said to Glassy during this episode caught my attention: "You still feel empty. Something is still missing in your life, so you keep reaching".
I think that what's missing in Glassman's life is validation as a parent. He needs to know that he succeeded the second time. And the only one who can validate him in that respect is Shaun.
Maybe this baby will not only serve to strengthen Shaun and Lea's relationship, but also to provide Glassy with a new purpose in life.
What I've learnt so far watching this show is that every line is there for a reason, even if we find out years later what the real meaning was.
I'm having positive vibes so far. The only negative thing is that we have a long wait ahead of us...

Andreas said...

Intriguing Idea about Glassy the surrogate grandpa. Especially since it would mirror Lea’s need for validation by Glassman. Though, I guess he will make some doubts known before giving in to the idea.

Shea Endgame said...

Well, I wanted to leave my comment after what we have seen to say kudos to all my fellow Shea shippers! Yes, finally we managed to decipher something serious! It was about time tbh. And now, as Andreas says, that was the easy part...

They will receive a wave of criticism because of their neglective behavior for sure, and I assume that many of that will come from Glassy. But, see how they have developed the bond between Glassy and Lea. It won't be in the same tone but more in a protective, worried way. To have a child is an adventure and a challenge (more over if it is unexpected) for a neurological couple so I can't begin to understand what would be in this case.
The fears and doubts are a constant when you are going to be a parent. Your life stops and everything you thought it would be, it isn't anymore. If you had plans, you have to change them, if you have goals they would need to be postponed. It affects the main core of your individuality and the selfishness you might have with your own independence. You might see the baby as an enemy coming to debunk your life and at the same time you feel like you can't do it. Because you barely can co exist with yourself sometimes. Yes, I know exactly how all of these feels and I'm waiting for the show to express it honestly. I doubt that they will choose not to have the baby, 1) Because the show primary flag is optimism, specially with its main character. Yes, he will face many obstacles but he will conquer in the end.
2)Because the conservative audience won't forgive the main couple aborting their own child without a strong reason behind it. (which still leads me to think that the pregnancy will come with difficulties)
3)It will kill the show. Plain and simple.

But, that doesn't mean that the discussion won't be presented during the episode. And as long as it comes with a good writing am OK with it.

So, let's see what the baby is bringing Shea shippers... We have two weeks to keep cracking our heads with theories.

Love, Vale!

MelanieMeirr said...

I am very happy for all the collaboration and performance of everyone here.
I literally love this space.

I couldn’t be more pleased with everything we talked about and what happened yesterday.
Thank you to Kelli and everyone!

Andreas said...

For all the reasons Shea Endgame gave us, I also believe that at the end of “Teeny Blue Eyes” they will decide to keep the baby.

Though, we’ll have to pay close attention to the conversations because they could have an impact on how the couple perceives each other.

And we also should keep an eye on Claire and Park. While Claire sure will be in best counsel mode next episode, both residents should sooner than later also notice that with Shaun being preoccupied with becoming a father, they are the main contenders for a permanent position. “Crazy…” appears to have been a wake-up call for Park to become more competitive, at least.

Andreas said...

Ok, here’s some basic information to work with about the upcoming episode 4.12 “Teeny Blue Eyes”.

Director was Rebecca Moline. She has directed 3.05 First Case, Second Base before. I take it as a conscious decision that a woman directs an episode dealing with the supposed issues.

The episode was written by Mark Rozeman and Peter Blake. They have written 4.05 Fault before, quite an angsty and complex episode. Mark Rozeman has also been co-writer to 2.11 Quarantine Part Two and 3.18 Trampoline. Rozeman alone wrote 3.11 Fractured.

Sound like we can await an intense hour. πŸ˜‰

And for all wondering what the song in the promo is: https://youtu.be/eHLNKUytF_8

Tony said...

I've stayed away from pure speculation. But now that it's not speculation anymore, I am ALL IN!

I think Shaun and Lea have it in them to make excellent parents! And that the show has it within itself to continue to keep true to its essence, while also giving us these SWEET character developments!

There will be challenges; these challenges will lead to conquests. I agree with the people predicting some medical hardship along the way. And as long as its written well, it'll leave the audience cheering for all three of them!

I'm sure the discussion throughout the next episode in 2 weeks will center on whether or not to keep the baby - based on their own mix of anticipation, fears, and self-doubts. And I'll echo the previous sentiments that for a variety of reasons, the ultimate end-of-episode decision will be to proceed. I think we'll also get to see some classic Shea excitement!

One thing I do NOT expect the show to ask is if the baby is Shaun's. It's clear that Shaun and Lea are firmly committed, and have been for months.

I mentioned before that the other characters could make an argument for having contributed to Shaun and Lea's relationship in the first place. As a quick recap to those who have hopped on board since last March:
- Claire was a big help, especially early on, in giving Shaun tips and urging him to put in an honest effort after Lea returned from Hershey
- Andrews showing that someone can have a great career and an everlasting love
- Park's "go big" advice, which led Shaun to going "bigger" and renting the 2-bedroom apartment
- Morgan's "negative vibes" allowing Shaun to think more clearly for himself, and prove her wrong (or in the case of the french fries, perhaps inadvertently right)
- Lim, for telling Shaun to keep his walkie-talkie open during the earthquake (allowing Lea to hear Shaun's "Lea makes me more" speech)
- Glassman for a variety of reasons that drove Shaun toward Lea during times of distress or comfort; and also for becoming a de facto father-in-law figure with Lea in his own right

In the same vein, I think Shaun and Lea will have a world of support in the other characters on this show. And based on the promos, it looks like "Auntie Claire" and "Grampa Glassy" will be first up!

Andreas said...

Believe it or not, I just found yet another pregnancy in 4.06 Lim: the empath Rose, an old lady, gets morning sickness because her nurse is pregnant… πŸ˜‹

Syl said...

Kelli, you're welcome! It must take you a lot of time to manage this blog, write your posts and to do so in a creative way, and also go through all posters' comments (since there has been quite a surge in the number of posters since the beginning of season 4...), so it's important that you know that we all appreciate reading your posts.

And thank you for your other message below regarding my comment of Lea pausing in the middle of the sentence indicating something, and so yes she was indeed thinking of her pregnancy while saying "working for a common goal"! It's good to know that the smallest things in TGD can be very meaningful.

Syl said...

I agree with the reasons you mentioned Vale about why the show would have Shea keep the baby.

Some things that could support that as well:

- Claire's song's words accompanying Lea's announcement :
"With a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone
Let us take on the world
Like you're young and able"
=> "crowded" as in a new addition to their unit, and it could also mean for Glassman and co. with which they would form a family. And "take on the world..." they will take on the challenge to have the baby.
I'm not very good at interpreting songs though, so maybe someone can find another meaning?

- The interview with Shore saying about the pregnancy "This is huge" and that it will set the stage for season 4's remaining episodes. An abortion in "Teeny blue eyes" would not really support those comments, even though this would impact their relationship after that episode. As we've said in various past posts, the writers have been visibly building up this pregnancy for some time, notably with all the pregnant patients they have had in 10 episodes, and with all the scenes/moments/talks dedicated to parenthood and family, it would be surprising that there is not a baby in the end. But we never know with Shore, I doubt he would pull the miscarriage card, but he could have the baby have a medical issue; I would be ok with that only if it doesn't force Lea to terminate the pregnancy. It would be especially awful to imagine that Lea and Shaun would lose the baby after having embraced the idea of having a baby and started to love it.

- Andrews' words to Glassman:
"If you can talk this kid into risking his life, then I'm thinking you can talk anyone out of any fear"
When I heard this, I automatically thought of Glassy reassuring Shaun and especially Lea about having a baby. He would probably say first that it's too soon, that Shaun hasn't finished his residency, etc. but he could end up somehow encouraging them. But it may be wishful thinking, I just really would like a talk about being a parent between Lea and Glassman!
And being a grandpa could help him to stop feeling empty....

Syl said...

As for the promo photos for "Teeny", it's clear that Shaun and Lea have decided to make a list of pros and cons, with Shaun taking notes from what dr Glassman is saying to hom. Has anyone tried to decipher what is written on Lea's paper? I only could read "Having children is a good way to n.... people", and "passing ASD".
Andreas, as you've been so good at reading the notes for the dinner with Lea's parents, maybe you managed to make out other words?
And by the way, I wanted to ask you about what you mean by "...[the conversations] could have an impact on how they perceive each other."

The promo trailer was quite moving, it got to me when Lea said "I have so many doubts, I'm just so scared" and to Claire "I just want to be sure that I'm making the right decision". Then the shot of Lea and Shaun in a waiting room, holding each other's hand tightly....
However, my first reaction when I watched the promo was "OMG Lea will talk - like really talk - to someone other than Shaun and Glassy?! Yeaaah"
It seems like Claire will be the confident for both Lea and Shaun, it's nice.
But the best part of the promo was Glassy's shocked face to Shaun's "Lea is pregnant". Priceless!

On a (very) random note, I get the notion of changing a haircut often being related to a big change in someone's life, but Shore said that the episode would basically take place just after "Crazy", so are we supposed to believe Lea did a haircut during the night, so cut her hair herself?!

Kelli Lawrence said...

Here's what I (think I) picked up from studying Lea's list in the still shots for "Teeny":

(at the top) ... have a baby?

The world... people

Having children is good way for...

... of passing ASD, am I ok with that?

... natural with more established people

_____________

I'll be talking about Claire's/Antonia's lovely cover of The Highwomen song "Crowded Table" in the next post, but among other interesting lyrics (given what we were learning about as we heard it) came this from verse 2:

"If we want a garden
We're gonna have to sow the seed
Plant a little happiness
Let the roots run deep"

And BTW I'm trying to figure out Lea's new bangs too.

Andreas said...

Unfortunately, I’m really bad with handwriting, but from what Kelli could decipher we can infer, that she is trying to decide for or against having the baby. Lea is obviously compiling a pro and con list (with passing on ASD to the child as one item), just as Shaun did in Fractured. Nice mirroring and again, Lea is becoming a little more like Shaun… πŸ˜†

How the conversations could change their perception of each other, Syl? Well, while deciding about keeping or terminating the pregnancy, both characters’ core values are bound to be discussed.

We can already infer from 4.06 “Lim” that Shaun has no ethical problem with an elective abortion in general – he did not complain about supervising the procedure but rather would have done it himself – though this is now his own child and he believes that he could be a good father (2.18 Trampoline).

Also, if passing the ASD to the child is on Lea’s list, it is likely that the possibility will be discussed, which might mean that the episode could re-visit Lea’s initial hesitation in 3.16/3.17. Is she willing the risk that the child might more heavily affected by ASD than Shaun? Of all children diagnosed with ASD, 10-15% remain nonverbal for their whole life, ca. 40% have an intellectual disability (ID).

Individuals with ASD and ID may never be able to live independently from their parents or will have to be referred to group home.

These are real concerns and while I don’t expect the show to discuss it in depth, some of it should be mentioned. A difference of opinions on these issues might alter the perception of their partner, especially with Shaun who is probably quite naΓ―ve about having a child in the first place.

Daniela said...

Syl, you were right from the beginning in your interpretation of Lea's brief hesitation in the promo. And I agree with you about the meaning the words in Claire's song could have.
Obviously, Shaun and Lea are both compiling lists of pros and cons. Shaun is taking notes while talking to Glassman.
I'm pretty sure that Glassy won't miss to mention all the difficulties of having a child so soon and so suddenly. It's undeniable that it would cause complications in their lives and careers. Shaun has not ended is residency yet and being a surgeon is a very demanding job. A child should come before every other concern. And who better that Glassy can be aware of that, considering his past mistakes as a parent?
But I'm also sure that he will be totally supportive in the end. Andrews' words to Glassman resonated with me too. And not just the part you highlighted, Syl, but also the part I mentioned in my previous comment. There's still something missing in Glassman's life and a "grandchild" could give him the meaning he's looking for.
Anyway, looking at the promo pictures, one in particular, Glassy's face doesn't seem disappointed at all. On the contrary, there's a very soft expression on it. knowing exactly what he and Shaun are saying could be definitely useful...

I'm also glad that Lea decides to confide in Claire, after she witnessed her running to the toilet to throw up. Maybe her new haircut is easier to manage in that regard.
Kelly, great catch in deciphering what's written in that piece of paper! I could figure out no more than a couple of words.

Andreas, I'm absolutely sure that the risk of having a child with ASD will be openly addressed. There's a brief mention of it even in the exchange between Shaun and Glassman in the promo, but it's more about Shaun's ASD in relation to becoming a parent, I think.
As usual, we were offered only bits of different sentences in the promo. So there's no way to be sure where they were really going with their discussion.

For all these reasons, it's obvious that their final decision will be to keep the baby. It wouldn't be impossible to address those topics otherwise.
However, as I've already said, I'm very hopeful that Teeny Blue Eyes will be a great episode. I adore Mark Rozeman's writing, he can be really poetic and, having ASD himself, he surely knows what he's talking about.

Andreas said...

I hate to mention it but – while I welcome Lea interacting with other cast members in general – what it could mean that she confides in Claire about her worries if she is making the right decision with her pregnancy?

While Claire has done some healing concerning her mother, I would be surprised if the characters general stance on mothers has changed since 1.11 Islands Part One:

MELENDEZ: Do you want kids? Sorry. That's none of my business.
CLAIRE: No, it's... [CHUCKLES] it's just not a question I was expecting.
MELENDEZ: Jessica just told me she doesn't. Ever.
CLAIRE: Wow.
MELENDEZ: It doesn't make any sense. She would be such an amazing mother.
CLAIRE: I guess she's lucky she realized before it's too late. Some women don't. My mom was definitely one of those.
MELENDEZ: Sorry. I didn't mean to...
CLAIRE: No, it's okay. Water under the bridge... that nearly drowned me. It was a long time ago.

Counsel!Claire might end up giving advice that is against Shaun’s interest… She has dished some tough advice recently, such as to that venture capitalist, to whom Claire said the should arange for a divorce.

Angelica said...

In addition to what everyone has said about the song lyrics from the "crowded table," I just wanted to say that it also seems like a very appropriate song for a show about diversity and inclusion.

Syl said...

Thank you all for your answers.

Kelli:
The "natural with more established people" is probably in the sense that it's easier to think of having a baby when the couple's situation is stable professionally, financially, romantically...
The lyrics you posted are beautiful, they certainly paint an imagery for the making of a family.
And re: Lea's bangs, all I can think of is that Lea was so troubled, upset, and tired that she felt the need to take her frustration out on something, and cutting her hair was her best solution!

Andreas:
I now understand perfectly what you mean, Shaun's and Lea's opinions on sensitive matters can indeed impact the way they perceive each other.
Regarding the passing of ASD, it's important that it's mentioned on the show and really talked about, and that it makes the audience aware that it's totally normal for a couple among which the man or woman has ASD to take that into consideration before having a baby. Because as you pointed out it's not only that the baby might have ASD, but it's that the baby might be heavily affected, so the couple must be ready to invest a lot of their time to care for them appropriately, and to be psychologically and emotionally ready. It's clear that Lea and Shaun will consider abortion for several reasons, but one of them possibly having a baby with ASD should be viewed as acceptable because someone thinking about their capabilities as a parent and their capacity to answer to a child's need is being responsible. I've read posts of people already blaming Lea, such as she wouldn't consider an abortion if Shaun hadn't ASD, or they vilify her for not wanting the baby because of the potential passing of ASD...It's so hypocritical. Some people don't realize how nerve-wracking it can be for some people to just imagine being responsible of a baby, even if they are in a good situation in their life.

Regarding Claire, given Shore's words in the latest interview, it seems she won't be too judgemental about what to do. But even before the article, I was thinking that she might be less harsh in her comments because after last episode she seems to have started to reconcile and be more at peace with her past.

Daniela:
Indeed, a surrogate grandchild could help fill that emptiness that Andrews mentioned about Glassman. And you're also right that Glassman certainly could give advice about what NOT to do as a parent given his past. The topic of focusing too much on work to the point of treating your child (and spouse) as secondary will probably be addressed.

About Shore's interview, I found his words summing up the questions explored in the episode "are they ready for this? Is this the right time?" a bit simplistic because the answer is obviously no to both of them, especially the second question. Shaun and Lea have to decide if they think they will be more ready by the time the baby arrives and if they can face various challenges despite the untimeliness of its arrival...

Andreas said...

Let me express – even on the expense of certain other ships – how honored I feel to discuss with you on this level of reflection and yes… maturity.

There’s no doubt that we care deeply about these fictional characters almost as if they were real, and yet we’re still able to discuss them as the tools of storytelling they are with all the consequences that follow by it – such as putting Shaun and Lea through misery and having them make painful choices and decisions.

Not only do we seem to accept in this little circle that it is inevitable, but we also even expect and call for the writers to do it.

I’m deeply touched by this, because it reflects the understanding that we’re not dealing with ordinary soap characters that only exist for amusement.

Despite some claims of some activists – having autism sucks quite often. Even high-functioning individuals on the spectrum are more likely to be under- or unemployed than not. Individuals with ASD suffer more often from conditions such as depression or anxiety, social alienation and they even have 2.6-fold increased odds of mortality compared with the general population.

Given my own experiences being on the spectrum, I was always in doubt if I would want to put children of my own through the same – or even worse, may have the offspring ASD or not. I know a mother with ASD whose 12-year old son was diagnosed with a personality disorder. The mother blames it on her condition for not being able to provide the emotional support her son needed. I know other examples of ASD causing problems in parenting from biographies.

These concerns are very real and I’m glad we’re able to discuss them here without being judgmental, since there’s obviously not only the one right answer to it, but an individual appreciation of values.

Barbara said...

Although I read a few social media posts on topics that interest me, I am not an active participant, and do not possess accounts of any kind. Your blog, Kelli, allows me to post a few thoughts occasionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
From what I can see, the description of a future episode of The Good Doctor entitled "Spilled Milk" has created quite a buzz amongst lovers of the show. I, for one, would be surprised if Shaun did not feel disconnected from Lea at this point, though I do not automatically assume that it is because of a traumatic event surrounding Lea's pregnancy. David Shore promises us an honest exploration of all aspects of Shaun's story, and at least as far as I am concerned, he has not disappointed yet. As a young, newly-pregnant wife, did I feel a certain disconnect from my husband as I was frequenting the rest room in much the same way we will see Lea do? You betcha. Do new mothers often bond with their babies, both prior to and after birth, in a uniquely private way, sometimes causing new fathers to feel a bit left out of the equation? In my experience, yes. We have seen in past episodes Shaun's despondent reactions to feelings of disconnection. A good example would be Shaun's visit to Dr. Glassman's office in the "Fractured" episode, after he told Carly of his interaction with Lea in Wyoming. Carly's request for some time alone to process what he had told her sent Shaun into a tailspin, and his fears came tumbling out. His father did not want him; his mother chose his father over him; Carly now hated him; Lea would grow tired of him; and finally Dr. Glassman also would get sick of him. All from Carly asking for a bit of time alone. Shaun viewed her request as a complete rejection of him...surely he would view Lea's need to process her feelings, probably in some time alone, as much more threatening, considering his deeply felt love for her.
Although creating a medical show set in the present, with all that modern society encompasses, I believe David Shore always has infused his stories with a deep respect and appreciation for life, and also for death, as a most integral part of life. He enters these stories with his eyes wide open, but with a beautifully nuanced view of reality. He is not afraid to place his characters in situations that they find deeply uncomfortable so that we can see how they will react. As I always seem to mention, I was a huge fan of his series "House." I see the Shore touch throughout The Good Doctor...although his two main characters might seem worlds apart. Both men, however, are seekers of truth. David Shore may not always give us the feel-good fairy tale we want, but what he gives us is an honest look into the complex, often contradictory, lives of his characters. When "House" ended, the series finale created quite a stir. Some loved it...others despised it. While it may not have been everyone's cup of tea, at least for me, it was deeply satisfying. As was one of the episodes in Season 3 entitled "Fetal Position." I recommend it for your viewing pleasure.
Stay well, everyone. Barbara

Daniela said...

I agree with you completely, Barbara.
I'm sure that the disconnection between Shaun and Lea is a result of the pregancy.
I have a daughter and a son, and I remember both pregnancies affecting me deeply and in two completely different ways.
Furthermore in Shaun and Lea's case they're living an unexpected situation and obviously need more time to process things.
Having a child is a very big step even when it's wanted and planned. I can only immagine how scary it can be when you are forced to make such an important decision in a setting that's far from ideal.
As I said, there are the professional concerns (Shaun has not finished his residency yet), and the ASD concerns, explained so honestly by Andreas).

Andreas, I appreciated your last comment very much!

Kelli, I'm really looking forward for your new post.

Andreas said...

Thank you, Barbara, and Daniela, for your mother’s perspective on that matter, which is invaluable here.

I guess it underscores why “Teeny Blue Eyes” and “Spilled Milk” are both directed by women, Rebecca Moline (4.12), and Sarah Wayne Callies (4.13). While I have not information on Ms. Moline, Mrs. Wayne Callies has one biological and one adopted child.

“Teeny Blue Eyes” was written by a male duo though, we still must wait for the writers’ names on “Spilled Milk”.

Add Claire’s father popping up from nowhere, adding to the theme of parental responsibility that undoubtedly will dominate this second half, and it is safe to say things seem to get serious at last in the relationship area, very much to the annoyance of the “more medicine” faction.