Definition of welp
--used informally like well (as to introduce a
remark expressing resignation or disappointment)
I will, because we need to talk about it, but I don’t want to. At least not at the moment.
I wanted to jot down some things before bed, but the comments are still flying on Twitter, and I had at least 3 DMs in progress a minute ago… ugh. I’ll try again in the morning.
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It's Wednesday night now, and I’m trying hard to sort out this big jumble of disorganized thought. I have Beth Orton’s “Ooh Child” cover on repeat… mood music. Inspiration.
I went ahead and listed some possible outcomes for this pregnancy in my “No Party, No Disco, A Little Fooling Around” post, figuring the last thing it was likely to be was a full-term, sitcom-optional delivery (meaning one that might have elicited some chuckles along with happy tears; Shaun’s ability to juggle doctor and dad tested to its highest potential while also trying to let the doula do her thing)...
But along the way, they’d convinced me they were going all the way with this. In five episodes (not counting “We’re All Crazy Sometimes,” where we learned of the pregnancy in the final moments), we were fully immersed in this possibility of #Shea parenthood. The decision to have the child in the first place… the disconnection/reconnection… the doula decision… the revelation that it was a girl… the ties to parenthood that solidified a little more with the “Waiting” episode. It all served to endear this budding family all the more to not just Shaun and Lea, but US. We mused about foreshadowing, and how/when Lea would deliver. We eagerly anticipated scenes of them converting the spare bedroom into a nursery. We voted on baby names on Twitter.
When Lea went down in front of the hospital, I thought that would be the worst of it. I really did.
And then those promos… those damn promos… my goodness. They’ve now gone from Much Ado About Nothing to Not Enough Ado About Something. Then late last week they crafted a “new” promo, mostly of old clips, hyping the final stretch of new episodes while sneaking in a shot of Lea needing that oxygen mask. Then we got more signs via those quasi-promos they do for social media: Lea in that scan room. Lines about Shaun not being able to protect Lea. Rumors. Big spoilers. Mentions of heartbreak. Emojis of broken hearts. But no! “Heartbreak” was last year, around this point in the season… the episode was literally named “Heartbreak,” remember?
But ‘tis the season for heartbreak where TGD is concerned, for fear of great loss= heartbreak.
Season 1: Dr. Glassman has what is initially believed to be an inoperable brain tumor, leaving Shaun devastated at the possibility of losing him. (In retrospect it’s still amazing how much story they packed into the S1 finale-- if they were doing 20 eps a season back then, surely this brain tumor would have been drawn out over 2 or 3 episodes.)
Season 2: Shaun gets fired courtesy of (the evil) Dr. Han in episode 17 (their third episode of interaction), leaving Shaun in emotional (and soon physical) tatters at the loss of his job.
Season 3: Shaun’s initial confession of love to Lea results in what I saw written in many places as “Lea’s double-rejection,” a term I take issue with considering how complex the matter was. Nonetheless, Shaun is heartbroken by the apparent loss of both his best friend and the love that shoulda coulda been.
And now, in Season 4, the heartbreak and loss comes to both Shaun and Lea by way of the miscarriage. Of course Baby Girl Shea was taken from them, from us. Of course.
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The lines of dialogue flew by quickly, but they DID state that Lea was 22 weeks into the pregnancy in “Dr. Ted.” At that stage the baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash, and hair is starting to grow on its head. It’s also two weeks shy of being considered even remotely viable outside the womb, so a premature delivery wasn’t an option.
Two little weeks. Two huge weeks.
The way Lea was flanked by the women midway through the episode, sharing their stories, while Shaun heard those of the men in the OR… it was sweet, but more than that, it brought most everyone on the show (with Morgan a notable exception; Glassman less so) closer together in a way they haven’t really been able to do before. Between this, and the “Ooh Child” montage at the end as Shaun and Lea made their way out of the hospital… this loss was profound in the way it touched them ALL. More than ever, it feels like every one of them (yes, Morgan too) wants Shaun to triumph… and with Lea as much a part of him as she is now, to want it for Shaun is to want it for both of them.
But all my fears about the rumors being true were aligning when Lea’s initial surgery was completed so early in the show (and she hadn’t had that oxygen mask scene yet). And when the story about Jordan’s “runaway tortoise” was the closing note of Act 3(?)... when they went to commercial with the women laughing, rather than a moment of dramatic tension… that’s when all my mental alarms were going off, noting the fixture of gut-wrenching drama. We just witnessed a rare moment of shared levity; the calm before the storm. This is the pace for tragedy.
I was scrambling to think of options other than them losing the baby: Lea makes it through surgery/surgeries fine, but is deemed “high risk” for the remainder of the pregnancy. Lea has a close call during surgery, but Shaun scrubs in and saves the day. The baby has a close call during surgery but Shaun scrubs in and saves the day. Something. Anything.
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Before more talk about the WHY, a few other noteworthy things within the episode:
- Shaun grew quieter and quieter as “Dr. Ted” progressed. At the start he’s pacing, he’s talking relatively fast, he’s compiled lists, for heaven’s sake. Same for when he’s arguing for a spot on Lea’s surgical team; same for when he takes his argument to Glassy. Midway through, he’s more hesitant-- still delivering info (his specialty) to Lea, but listening more as his worries intensify. By the last two acts he’s all but overtaken by a methodical silence… and sorrow.
Several took note of the fact that Glassy could have delivered Dr. Ted to Lea directly, but chose to bring him to Shaun at the apartment instead. And while he was there for Shaun as the D & C began (D & C, by the way, is short for “dilation and curettage” or the process of clearing a uterus after a miscarriage), we still didn’t see him anywhere near Lea in this episode. Could he have been actively avoiding her, some wonder? I’m not certain; could have been a simple time shortage on the scriptwriters’ part (or a need to prioritize Glassman’s angry scene with Wolke)... we’ll have to see what they give us in 17 and 18. I’m trying hard not to expect more than we’ll likely get.
“What kind of mother loses her baby’s first teddy bear?” Lea wailed when she misplaced Dr. Ted in the company of Lim/Claire/Jordan, and in the wake of the rest of the episode, I couldn’t help but hear the parallel to “Hubert” that you might have noted too... “How am I supposed to (get my life back on track) when I can’t keep a damn fish alive?” It does indeed make me wonder how much she’ll blame herself for this miscarriage. And whether she tries to single out certain activities she did while pregnant, or the fact that she initially didn’t want to stay pregnant at all-- or even worse, sees herself as defective (to borrow Shaun’s description of the late great Hubert)-- the challenge Shaun faces in helping lift her up from that way of thinking is substantial.
The way the show orchestrated the news of the baby’s final fate was so impressive, I give them a pass for it initially feeling a little contrived…
Shaun was essentially “hiding out” in the diagnostic lab area when Wolke happened upon him; we’d seen him do this before, but this time it was because he already knew Baby Girl Shea couldn’t survive… and he couldn’t bring himself to tell Lea.
Shaun engaged in a brief conversation with Wolke about his concerns for patient Maxine, and this is where it felt contrived to me-- I think Shaun could’ve cared less about Wolke’s concerns, especially in that moment, and he’s not much for small talk, as we know. But the conversation is where Shaun plucked out Wolke’s words Time is hope and crafted a reason for avoiding Lea. It was a reason quickly debunked by Claire, but by then the scene had what it needed-- a means by which Claire could explain what had happened without having to be the one to tell Lea.
The one to “tell” Lea, of course, didn’t have to say anything at all. And watching Lea’s face dim with despair, her whole body sinking almost imperceptibly as Shaun came to sit alongside her… it was almost as agonizing as her sobs became a few moments later.
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So why do this? Many a viewer has asked…
Some Tweets I caught over the past few days included the following words of angst towards TGD writers and/or showrunners:
“How could you?”
“I don’t forgive the writers for this one.”
“So heartbreaking, upsetting and disappointing.”
“Why would ‘TGD’ do this to me?”
Some viewers who happen to also be readers of this blog came and vented via the comments section of my last post: Tony, for instance, was livid over the crass comments being made by other parts of TGD “fandom” actually expressing joy for the miscarriage. Mo (aka Hippy Dippy Scot), on the other hand… well, let’s just say she says she’s not going to watch TGD anymore. (If you’re still reading, Mo, we wish you the best!)
Reader Melanie Meirr shared the sentiments of many viewers with these words:
“I have a friend who was pregnant and was so excited about the pregnancy, like Lea… she lost her baby. I was so sad for her. What happened to Lea hurt me.”
There are so many stories out there of premature loss; miscarriages and stillbirths and late-term abortions and even worse, it was practically taboo to speak of them not that long ago. My mother-in-law gave birth to four children in the 1970s, my husband being the eldest of them… but even before he was born, his mom had suffered a loss through stillbirth. Then, somewhere between the third and fourth child-- a miscarriage. In the case of the stillborn child, half of a burial plot was purchased so they could give the child a proper burial. Half a plot. Can you imagine dealing with pain like this, sometimes several times over… or even worse, having to push that pain deep down and NOT deal with it because so many need you for so much, day in and day out? For years?
If you’ve lived it yourself, or been close to someone who has, I hope “Dr. Ted” and whatever follows on TGD is able to bring some degree of solace and comfort, as shared experiences (even fictional ones) often do.
Andreas, a frequent commenter here who writes much, much faster than I do (dammit), noted on his latest Reddit post “The Day After” that one in six pregnancies end in miscarriage. That’s a lot of sadness, and grief, and (eventual) recovery. Maybe one of the reasons to put Shaun and Lea through this is as time-honored as any-- to mirror real life, and in doing so create a path to healing that perhaps wasn’t there before.
Something else that Andreas covers in great detail in “The Day After” is the matter of autistic parenthood-- which, as you might guess, is portrayed in the arts even less frequently than autism in general. Andreas points out that if TGD had gone the distance with this pregnancy, it would have saddled Shaun and Lea with infant-to-toddler issues for the duration of the show’s run while never really getting to deal with the “meatier” (my word, not Andreas’) challenges that might crop up later with an ASD diagnosis.
I’ll add in here that there was also the lingering question How would Shaun handle being a 5th-year surgical resident while also navigating newfound parenthood?... maybe a decision was made that Shaun wouldn’t realistically handle it well enough, which could lead to darker developments than the show wants to explore…? I’m spitballing here of course, but if that happened to be a reason, kudos to the show for acknowledging its limits.
As for how dark TGD does want to go with the miscarriage-- obviously that remains to be seen. But a huge part of why the show is “doing this to us” is the straight-up drama of it all…
Did we want to see a shattered-looking Shaun break his toy scalpel in the aftermath of his dismissal by Dr. Han? No.
Did we appreciate hearing Lea blurt out to Shaun last year that he couldn’t “fix” his autism? Hell no!
Is the memory of Shaun standing alongside the Striped Tomato-- angry, alcohol-fueled, and despondent-- something we cherish? OH HELL TO THE NO.
But in each and every season thus far, we’ve wondered How will he ever… and then, one way or another, he does.
In short, I believe we’ve gotta keep trusting the writers. I said it last year too, and I didn't regret it (obviously). We viewers tend to be pretty weak on predicting the details of any given journey, but at least where #Shea is concerned, I believe we all see the same destination. I really do.
Which leads me to a relatively brief take on Where does #Shea Go From Here?
The most important thing the miscarriage does, in my mind, is add significant layers to the Shaun and Lea chronicles we’re already familiar with. We know Shaun struggles with communication and emotions, and we know Lea struggles with his struggles. With these things they’re getting better all the time… but the miscarriage will require SERIOUS “leveling up.”
One form the additional layers take is the likely situation of Lea shoving her darkest thoughts aside in an effort to protect Shaun from her pain. Lord knows that won’t work for long.
Shaun, meanwhile, will surely struggle to both “access his feelings” (as Glassman so aptly put it last week) and be what Lea needs at any given moment.
The pace at which all this happens-- hopefully with a clear path to recovery in sight by the end of the season finale-- will require a LOT of development and progression over the span of four episodes. So, as always, I’ll be on the lookout for key lines that can make or break a conversation… and of course, storyline “catapults” I’ve brought up from time to time are as likely to crop up as ever. (The upcoming mission trip of the 2-part season finale sounds like a huge catapult candidate all by itself!)
I think both Shaun and Lea will need some significant moments of real catharsis in order to move forward-- both together, and as individuals. Whether it happens separately, or as a unit (I love the idea of Shaun and Lea throwing rocks together into some Guatemalan waterway, yelling It’s not fair! At the top of their lungs until they collapse in each other’s arms), I have hope that the mission trip can somehow bring them home to each other in a beautiful way.
One last thing…
I play this little game that I call The Gospel According to iPod. Simply stated, I hit “shuffle” on a given iTunes playlist (yes, I still use iTunes and even have an iPod that kind of works) when I’m having a particularly challenging day or week, and the first three songs that crop up I then try to weave into a meaningful context.
Here are the three songs that cropped up when I played The Gospel According to iPod Tuesday morning, as I kept #Shea and their forever #Sheababy in mind…
“What is This Thing Called Love” (Lena Horne)
“Run to Me” (Bee Gees)
“Angels” (Robbie Williams)
These three songs really clicked for me. Do they click for you?
Till next week--
(Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about “Dr. Ted” in the comments if you’re so inclined!)
56 comments:
Thank you for the effort, Kelli.
I can easily imagine it’s been hard to write about this sad chapter of Shea’s life.
I was totally shocked by the events, but I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t expecting this. The clues were all there, starting from the photos of our beloved characters far away from home, and in a dangerous situation, Lea included.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t imagine Shaun being ok with that, if she were still pregnant. There was simply no way he would agree with having her there. In that moment, my faith began to waver.
And now I also understand why we weren’t offered any positive experiences related to this pregnancy, such as preparing the nursery, or choosing the name. Because nothing of this was actually supposed to happen. The writers knew that. We didn’t.
I went through denial, disappointing, and pain. And the worst part of it is that I can’t even say anything remotely negative about the episode. I watched it twice, and I confess (maybe feeling a little guilty) that I wish to see it again.
It was such a beautiful, touching, heartbreaking and heartwarming storyline. And everyone’s performance was outstanding, no one excluded, no matter how small the part was.
Every character was in the right spot and said the right thing. Probably the only missing scene was the one between Lea and Glassman. But I realized that’s another thing that wasn’t supposed to happen. At least, not yet.
I suspect there’s something big on its way, revolving around Glassy’s feelings. And I hope to not be wrong in this prediction, because it would be another major disappointment.
What I can say is that the poor man was completely thrown at the end of the episode, when he called Debbie just to hear her voice. Another indication that his pain needs to find a resolution sooner than later.
I liked everything of this story.
The way all the women surrounded Lea to support and encourage her, while the men did exactly the same with Shaun, in the O.R. Morgan’s advice to Shaun in the operating theater. Shaun giving Lea his toy scalpel and supporting her so completely. Claire, with eyes full of tears, having doubts about missing something, while giving Shaun the bad news in the lab. The silent, but meaningful-beyond-words hug between Shaun and Glassman. Everyone’s looking at Shaun and Lea, while they were leaving the hospital. The Teddy bear left on Lea’s night stand. Lea and Shaun sitting on the couch at home, with Shaun turning the TV on to watch the weather forecasting channel.
And then the music, and the song “Ooh, Child”.
Everything was tragically perfect.
As for the reasons the writers chose this direction, I agree with Andreas. It’s not just that covering the drama of miscarriage was important (especially when done in such a masterfully way). Probably, the other significant explanation is that an infant wouldn’t have been suitable enough for them to address the topic of autism parenthood properly.
But maybe they still want to address it.
So, what happens now? Now that all of our hopes have been crashed, what will we be offered next?
I have some ideas, I don’t know how much reliable they can be, but I definitely have them.
Shaun and Lea are both devastated by this experience and are trying to recover. So, the first thing to be addressed will be the different ways they process their pain, of course.
Lea will suffer depression, and Shaun will struggle both to recognize his own pain, and to support her effectively.
But, no matter how hard it will be for the both of them, with the pregnancy storyline the writers have surely accomplished one goal: making Shaun and Lea wish to have a child. Something that otherwise wouldn’t have happened so soon in their relationship.
What if during the relief mission in Nicaragua they were to meet some children in need of their help? What if they develop an attachment for one in particular, to the point of maybe wanting to take care of them? Wouldn’t this be a way to accomplish the same goal of telling about ASD parenting, but with an older child already available?
I know, many of you will counter that it would be too soon after their personal tragedy. And I agree with you to some extent. But life isn’t something you can control, it’s something to share (to use Claire’s words).
And if you really think about it, doesn’t this kind of pattern sound familiar to you within the context of the show?
Glassman’s life was over, after losing Maddie. He said that himself, talking to the hallucination of his daughter, during the post op of his brain surgery, back in season 2.
Meeting Shaun was something totally unexpected and Glassy was probably very afraid in the beginning, not trusting himself with trying to be a parent a second time.
But Shaun ended up being his salvation, not only a path to redemption from his previous mistakes as a parent, but a new purpose, a reason for living (twice, if you consider his brain cancer). Sometimes life simply happens.
What do you think? Could something similar happen to Lea and Shaun as well?
I’d like that very much. I still want to hold some hope for the future.
There is so much to say now about so many issues. Though, for starters just 3 quick notes.
1. In a very basic way, this was a sequel to “Waiting”: Lea, and Shaun, were forced into a passive role by the events. All that hey could do was wait, hope and trust into their doctors – and friends. Lea and Shaun were mere bystanders, helpless.
2. When Shaun finally delivered the news to Lea in this episode 4.16, scene was reminiscent of their two scenes together in 3.16. Shaun approaches Lea as she is working on her computer, just as in the first scene of 3.16. Then the music stops and the scene plays in silence, with only Lea’s sobs audible – as in the ending of 3.16.
3. Melissa Reiner, the autism consultant of the show, notes in her 4.16 Insights that she had two miscarriages (https://youtu.be/8cR3OJ9ZLc8). With the statistics in mind Kelli mentioned, is it quite likely that even more of the many women involved in the production season 4 (more than ever before I believe)(or relatives), have had similar experiences and this might offer an additional explanation why the storyline ended this way. And why they felt compelled to even have contact information for help inserted at the end, which is rare on the show although they tackle a lot of serious issues.
Don't worry Daniela, I've already watched the episode 3 times (once back to back with Waiting), and I'm looking forward to do it again. It is a masterly done piece and a highlight of season 4.
Being a #Shea fan means loinging for quality content, not mere fluff.
I was stunned by the miscarriage. I really didn't think they'd go that route. And then they did, and it took me a few days to think it through. Every season, in the lead up to the season finale, they present Shaun with some major challenge that could potentially derail his life--you mentioned them all here, and I mentioned them all on Twitter--and by the end of the season finale, that challenge has been met and somehow resolved in a way filled with hope for Shaun's future. I can't believe they would break that pattern now, so while I have no idea how Shaun and Lea will resolve this in a way filled with hope, I believe that they will by the time we get to the final scene of the June 7 episode.
The best thing about The Good Doctor, to me, is that is a show whose overarching theme is hope, especially pertaining to Shaun. So I'm keeping the faith that we will see Shaun and Lea deal with the loss of their daughter and ultimately grow closer as a result.
Here we go. ABC has released promotional pictures for 4.17 and 4.18 together and the synopsis for 4.19 tells us that the team travels to a rural hospital in Guatemala while Lea is still struggling with the loss of *her* baby.
So, initially Lea wants to move on as quickly as possible (4.17 trailer) but returning to the hospital triggers the memories of her loss (the “I don’t think grief has an actual solution” gif depicts her in a hospital lift), which finally leads to Shea bringing some distance between them and St. Bonaventure in 4.18. No wonder Lea tags along when the team is sent abroad.
The pictures for 4.18 show Lea smiling a lot but also arguing with Shaun. We may assume that Lea finds comfort with Shaun but experiences rapid mood swings (which could be a symptom of either a major depressive disorder or PTSD – both are in the books with a miscarriage).
Also, we can assume that Shaun and Lea will stumble on a medical emergency in the form of a female hiker played by Myrasol Martinez, which facilitates Lea’s resolve to be part of the Guatemala mission. Helping Shaun doing his job means that she feels useful, can enjoy her boyfriend’s company (instead of brooding over her loss alone in her office) and with Shaun’s mind fixated on his job, Lea also does not need to put so much effort into managing Shaun’s alexithymia on top of her own emotions. As a bonus, she also gets the company of the whole team, which she usually wouldn’t meet that much working on another floor in IT.
Looking at it from this perspective, the pregnancy loss also served as a means to create ties between Lea and the other characters.
But what will happen in Guatemala? Well, the mission abroad is somewhat stock material for medical dramas. Leaving the day-to-day business opens up new perspectives. It is an opportunity for introspection and re-definition. All characters involved have had a hard year full of losses and defeats.
The mission abroad is also an opportunity for action-oriented plots that would not be possible in the hospital setting. In the 1987’ season of the German medical drama “Schwarzwaldklinik”, one doctor - a playboy by all means - goes on a relief mission in Africa after his girlfriend has died from cancer. Working at a rural Red Cross field hospital, the doctor is taken hostage first by rebels, then by government forces. After his return home, the doctor has matured considerably and aspires to be a better doctor.
According to the UK's travel advice, Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America.
Common crimes are carjacking, hold-ups and express kidnappings. Attacks usually involve firearms and motorcycle riders. The German Foreign Office advises against any resistance since the threshold for lethal force is low. Travelers are also warned against wandering off alone, day or night, especially in remote areas.
In the last finale, the team faced the forces of nature; it might very well be that they have to face man-made dangers this time. Medical supplies and personnel are valuable targets.
MO LAID BARE
I did not make my posting clear and used an analogy when saying my fate hung on whether Shaun and Lea's baby lived or died in the worst ever episode of The Good Doctor has aired since the show started. Kelli, you are so good at picking up on clues, this had nothing to do with never watching TGD again but about death.
The clue was one of despair due to recent events. I should have been brutally honest and said if Shaun and Lea's baby dies I am going to commit suicide.
I took a massive overdose of pills as I drank a bottle of 13% proof wine immediately after the baby died. I have been upbeat with friends and told them I loved them thinking all would be asleep at 3am. in Scotland.
One dear friend was awake and immediately contacted an ambulance where I was rushed into hospital on Monday night and put into intensive care where they had to get all the pills out of my body fast. I remember nothing. I am a nondrinker so drinking a bottle of 13% wine with the pills had a much stronger effect on my body than on others who do drink. The Doctors said I am very lucky to be alive which was due to the fast action of my friend.
The episode triggered a tragic event in my life that happened at this time of year losing my baby daughter at 22 weeks old the pain of the memory hit me like a tsunami.
I got out of intensive care on Thursday and put into a single ward was sedated to keep me calm and checked continually with no internet access as had to be monitored all the time. Today is the first day I have had the energy to explain.
I have to stay in the hospital for a while until all blood tests and scans have been done to see if any organ damage has been done and am getting professional Trauma, Abuse, and PTSD therapy as the box which was tightly sealed inside my brain sprang open.
Monday was the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week. I cannot believe The Good Doctor aired this devastating episode on the first day of this very important week. Showing lack of care over how this episode may trigger events in viewers' lives that are too painful to remember and the sudden shock of killing Shaun and Lea's baby daughter with Lea inconsolable with grief can release huge levels of stress and anxiety. This results in strokes, heart attacks, and suicides even more so during a pandemic. Recent research has shown the cases I mentioned have risen to such levels the therapists are overwhelmed with new cases
What is worse the writers had led us to believe over the previous episodes Shaun and Lea's baby would survive. The writers stabbed viewers in the back and killed Shaun and Lea's baby daughter ending the episode with no hope as Lea was wheeled out of the hospital with the whole team watching at different areas deep in thought, leaving viewers stunned, in shock, asking WHY. WHY did they do this .....
The answer to that question was to increase ratings which is sick and beyond cruel, we are now having a mental health pandemic causing more deaths than covid has done. The Good Doctor is an entertainment drama, since when did killing a baby become entertainment???
Being kept prisoner at home due to shielding having nobody allowed to visit for a chat or a coffee for 12 months out of 16 is too much for anyone to cope with. People need to see and chat face to face with other people, we are social beings especially when living alone as families live abroad. Loneliness is a real killer. The only way out of this never-ending pain is death.
I am heartbroken as am still alive feeling a complete failure that I could not even kill myself successfully, our never-ending lockdown has affected me deeply. My very high Emotional Intelligence of over 90% is a double-edged sword as I feel everyone's happiness and pain. Having the ability to walk in their shoes can be very draining but also very rewarding when you help others. At this moment in time, my EI is working against me. I wear my heart on my sleeve and my invisible cloak is torn into shreds.
Take Care All and Stay Safe
Luv Mo xxx
Mo--
For fear of saying the wrong thing, I'm simply going to reiterate what I said in the post...
We wish you the VERY BEST.
Hugs and prayers for your recovery.
Thank you, Kelli.
I always look forward to each new post of yours. Coming here is part of my routine. It's always a pleasure.
Thank you for the mention.
I've begun to understand why, perhaps, writers have taken this direction. And thank you, Andreas. Your Reddit post helped me a lot with that.
It's hard to accept, but unfortunately that's life. We have bad times and good times and the show tries to be as faithful as possible in this regard.
MelanieMeirr
I could not disagree more, if the writers had shown that episode before the last few hopeful episodes the show would not have been given a 5th season. TGD waited till the 5th season got announced then aired the worst episode in the history of the show on the first day of the mental health awareness week
What the show did was disgusting and beyond cruel. Have the writers never researched triggers where an event even on the TV that is so dramatic that it opens a box inside your head which has been tightly closed for many years the brain's way of protecting you from pain which is unbearable
I am not what Americans call a Snowflake I am a trained therapist who worked with ASD, Autistic Savants, and Asperger children for many years who have been damaged by their parent's cruelty
Have those parasites forgotten how much Lea has supported Shaun? Now it is time for Shaun to step up and support Lea during her grief and not sit watching the weather channel but hold Lea close and shower Lea with love while they both grieve
Some of my cases were much worse than what Shaun went through and rebuilding self-esteem is very difficult and can take years but sadly some could not be saved, the trauma too difficult to live with. Dying by suicide most cases drug overdoses just like Maddie. Each death takes away a part of you. as I can remember every child's name who was sent to us by social services where I worked for over 30 years
I also remember each success and having a child now grown up stopping you in the street saying "Do you remember me" I would smile and reply to them by name. My reward was a warm hug as they said "Thank you for saving me" This made everything worthwhile
This episode was all about increasing rating and killing Shaun and Lea's' unborn baby daughter which is despicable. I hope next week viewers do not watch the show and hit TGD where it hurts most as rating crash
You should see the outpouring of grief on the Instagram pages and fan pages with those saying we cannot watch the show again it is too painful
Yes, there are good times and bad times but come on every single week during season 4 Shaun and Lea faced a challenge and that is not the reality I have good friends exactly like Shaun and Lea and I have never seen her so angry about how couples like them are being portrayed
They met aged 20 and fell head over heels in love were married within 6 months 7 years later have a daughter aged 4 going on 14 who does not have ASD and they will not know about their new baby son until he is older
The Good Doctor decided "Let's cause as much pain as possible to all the viewer's" because ratings and money are more important to them than having a social conscience.
Lea has been pivotal in every highest-rated episode. The viewing figures increased as soon as Lea became pregnant. The Good Doctor gave us hope then stabbed their fans in the back as soon as season 5 got announced their baby got killed off with no warning.
This has nothing to do with good and bad times but all to do with ratings. As for those who are gloating well I cannot call them fans they are parasites - many celebrating the death of Shaun and Lea's baby by taking great glee in saying we told you so, we knew this would happen, Lea will leave Shaun and get back with her ex-husband, They are too young to have children, I hated them together and hope Lea leaves the show before season 5, One even said why didn't they throw out all the garbage while they had the chance, in other words, kill Lea at the same time and that is the tip of the iceberg What kind of people even think those thoughts?
This is not the kind of world I want to live in as these are real people saying those cruel words not characters in a TV show
I am very sorry to disagree with you but what they did on day 1 of mental health awareness week was unforgivable and I hope the writers are hanging their heads in shame
Luv Mo x
This season brought a lot of loss and defeats, it pushed the characters to their limits right from the beginning during the Covid-themed season opener. The doctors were helpless mostly against the new virus; it brought death, despair, and social distancing to them just as to us.
While the pandemic itself was overcome quickly in the TGD-verse for the audience’s benefit, I wonder if the series ever really left the theme of loss and separation this season.
There’s Morgan, desperately trying to stay connected to her former colleagues and struggling to define her relationship with Park, a man who lost wife, home and after 18 year still seeks for ways to connect better with his son.
Then there’s Lim who tries to remain cool, calm and collected (a song in “Lim”) although her mind is falling into pieces. She doesn’t want to appear weak and therefore closes herself off from everyone, including Claire – the woman that has suffered severe personal losses recently.
There’s the great newbies knockout contest with contesters that either fail to connect to the team from the beginning or drop out quickly again. Which eventually delivers another blow to Andrews who never saw who his niece really was for 25 years!
Presiding all over this is Glassman, who mostly buried himself in his office this year when not thrill-chasing by high-risk procedures.
Lastly, Shaun and Lea existed in their own little bubble since social distancing ended but were quickly rendered powerless again by the complications the pregnancy presented.
Up until now, the characters’ story arcs felt more fragmented than ever before. Though, “Dr. Ted” made a clear effort to bring the characters together again, opening up to each other in the OR and around Lea’s bed. As the closing montage suggests, in tragedy the “family” of St. Bonaventure convenes and finds strength in their community.
An idea that obviously will culminate in a season finale that sends all the characters (except Glassman and the newbies) on a relief mission to a rural hospital in Guatemala. Presenting them with challenges that supposedly only can be overcome in a strong team.
I may submit that this season has been a sophisticated allegory on the times we have to live through, accompanied by the promise that the deep wounds can be healed when standing together again. A promise even presented in the majority of songs featured up to know: “things'll get brighter”.
Thank you Kelli for analyzing this episode, which was without a doubt very difficult to do.
My thoughts are quite all over the place and I have a hard time organizing them, so this post will probably reflect that...
Like many Shea fans, I was devastated. I had learnt the news on Twitter before the episode aired and the following morning I watched a few videos and went on Twitter briefly to check what happened. Then I decided to try to put all thoughts of The Good Doctor aside and avoid social media until the end of the day, and focus on work. It usually takes me more time to "recover" after something very bad happens to characters I love, but this time I felt already much less distraught at the end of the day, which is very odd because I have been particularly sensitive and anxious for a few weeks due to a family member and myself having medical issues. I was still very sad of course, but still good enough to feel prepared to watch the episode.
And it turns out I loved it. Although it was so hard watching Lea and Shaun be in pain, the performances of all the actors were incredible, especially Paige's. The scene of Shaun going to tell her the terrible news is very emotional....How her face quickly changed from a smile to utter shock and sadness when she saw Shaun enter the room slowly and with a sad look, and then how she crumbled and sobbed into his arms...I had tears rolling down my cheeks.
The montage in the last scene was also well done, with a beautiful song whose lyrics set a hopeful tone. Of course, it was quite impossible to feel hopeful just after the episode ended and the promo for "Letting go"...
I loved the scene with all the women together supporting Lea, sharing stories and a good laugh (although, Lim's "as your friend" felt a bit weird and even hollow to me given that we have never seen Lea share moments or even some casual words with them, only twice with Claire...).
Shaun and Glassman's hug was moving. Glassman continues to prove what a great surrogate father he is for Shaun.
I loved the Shaun-Claire scene as well, once again the actors did a fantastic job. Claire's little twitch of her face when Shaun said "you aren't wrong" is a great example of the small things that actors do which give more power to a performance. As with Glassman, this scene cements how much Claire cares for Shaun. I really love this friendship.
Overall, I loved how they all supported Lea and Shaun.
As for the storyline and topic in themselves, I can't say I like it. I'm still disappointed and a bit hurt. I still resent the fact that the baby was used as a tool to have Shaun and Lea grow more quickly individually and together, both during the pregnancy and obviously after the loss of the baby.
BUT I came to accept what we got and won't get, and understand why it was done. Tweeting about the episode, then reading other fans' posts and notably Andreas' one on Reddit, helped a lot.
I also thought that the pregnancy was rushed and felt that it was odd that they showed few moments of happiness during it, and with no discussion of the baby's name, how they were gonna set up the nursery, etc.
And even though the pregnancy was a tool, I now love how Lea and Shaun grew as individuals and as a couple since finding out about the pregnancy. They are more in tune emotionally and physically. In dr Ted it was particularly beautiful how often and easily Shaun reached out to Lea to comfort her.
I also love that it brought all characters together, and notably as you said Andreas "creating ties between Lea and other characters".
Of course now they will struggle for some time, each trying to grieve, and pulling apart a bit in the process. The photos for "Forgive and forget" give some hope that they start to heal together, but the synopsis for "Venga" mentions that Lea is still struggling, which is not surprising and depicts reality as grieving the loss of a baby isn't resolved in a few weeks. I'm confident that whatever happens, Lea and Shaun will find their way back together, and be stronger in the process. After all, they make each other more and they now need each other, so how could they stay apart?
I'm still looking forward to the remaining episodes, even though it will be hard to see Shaun struggle with his emotions and Lea being depressed. I thought too that she might feel responsible, "defective", as with the story about "Hubert". I also wondered if the fact that Lea and Shaun lost Hubert and then got another fish could be a early foreshadowing of Lea and Shaun as parents, losing their first baby but having another baby... But it's very likely that we wouldn't see Lea pregnant again anytime soon, because they first need to take the time to grieve and also for'the reasons Andreas mentioned in his Reddit post.
My main hopes for the finale is that they show Lea and Shaun's strong bond, and that they don't do something stupid by having Lea decide to stay away from Shaun for some time. I'm very protective of Lea as she gets so many hateful comments while she's such a good person, and the writers doing that would make it painful to deal with more hate.
And a wish: a Lea-Glassman scene before next season? Maybe that's too much to ask for........Glassman not giving Lea the teddy bear directly was likely related to him not being able to comfort Lea due to his past, but I hope there will be a talk between them soon.
I agree Syl.
I also hope that in the last episode, the writers don't decide to leave Lea in Guatemala in order to seek comfort in feeling the pain or loss of others.
That would certainly be a nice attitude. But that would not help Lea and would feed her haters even more.
All the best Mo.
Thanks Andreas for inviting me over here, hope that’s fine Kelly.
Great insights and analyses!
Coincidences. Deciding that I needed an evening with something completely different, I put on a DVD that was sitting on my shelf for some time now, not really paying attention to the synopsis: the 2009 film “The Other Woman” with Natalie Portman.
As it turned out, it wasn’t just a movie about a woman struggling with consequences of falling in love with married man and being despised as a homewrecker by the ex-wife and son.
The new couple had a daughter that only lived three days before dying from sudden infant death syndrome. To make things worse, the baby died in her mother’s arms while they were asleep, and Portman’s character now blames herself secretly for suffocating her daughter. Eaten away by guilt, she is easily irritable and slowly pushes away everyone who loves her; until ironically the hateful ex-wife – an OB/GYN – assures her that the autopsy did not find any evidence of suffocation as cause of death.
What I did take away from the movie:
1. If the TGD writers had wanted pure drama, they could have gone way darker. Instead, they chose a route that was straightforward and – statistically speaking – quite common. What made it so shocking was that it came swift and unexpected, and there was nothing that could have prevented it.
2. Since self-blame is a known pattern with Lea, prepare for some painful pushing and shoving on her behalf after her resolve to keep the grief inside wanes.
3. Paige’s deliverance on grief is much rawer and direct as she has considerably less scenes to convey it; and it is mercilessly effective.
Hi Friends
For everyone who has wished me well an update on my progress
Thank you for the soundtracks, Andreas, I have seen that film which is heartbreaking but it never affected me back in 1983 to the degree of TGD killing Shaun, and Lea's baby acted as a trigger. Edge of the world is perfect helping me understand the nuclear option.
I am still in hospital and since Thursday have been getting intensive abuse, trauma, and PTSD therapy 4 hrs daily with 2hrs in the morning and 2hrs in the afternoon.
Before my session this morning I got told to watch this video and listen to the lyrics and hear what they say, as listening and hearing are different. Some words are written on the video itself. With a key on the floor and a door at the end.
Once a locked door inside your brain has been sealed since childhood has sprung open so suddenly it cannot be closed. You have to face each trauma with no time jumps from your first memories up to what triggered such a reaction, the doctors told me I am very lucky to be alive.
You are not allowed time jumps or selective amnesia they kindly said STOP, we will get there but you have to do this first, now what happened next in childhood, only when each event is dealt with in the order it happened will you recover. I hope to get out next week under supervision with daily sessions at home.
Thank you to everyone for their kind words. Kelli for just saying get well with no judgment and Tony who understands why the episode shocked me and why this episode had such a traumatic trigger effect.
The song and the video are a reflection of me, I had to make notes and discuss my thoughts before the real session started. Finally, there is a glimmer of light.
Luv Mo x
The link for the song and video Lovely Fool by Jack Savoretti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34IrCJWIHeQ
Hi all, and welcome (and thanks for the kind words too) Nadine!
I wanted to go back to Daniela's idea of Shaun and Lea possibly bringing a Guatemalan child home with them, presumably to adopt, in the season finale...
It's an intriguing idea for sure, for all the reasons you suggest-- and though I, too, think it would be "too soon" in a real-life scenario, I could definitely see the show bending for this exception, for the very reasons you stated.
The one catch that I see is the fact that they aren't married. I'm not any kind of expert, but in the U.S. I'm pretty sure any road to adoption (especially international adoptions?) is made much rockier if the couple in question is not married. (Even rockier if the couple isn't heterosexual, but that's a different story.)
SO... the question of if/when for Shaun and Lea getting married rears its head again in this scenario. I'm still intrigued!... but I admit I'm not sure where it goes from there in terms of timing. Maybe part of their personal drama next year would involve them and the child as well as the drama of the adoption process?
But would they really want to bring an older child into their lives when there was a significant possibility it wouldn't be allowed to stay in the long run?
If *I* were Lea, I'd say no. But *the writers* are Lea, aren't they...
If this idea even comes up briefly during the Guatemala episodes, I'm giving you a shoutout Daniela!
Whoops! "Unknown" is ME, KELLI :) The one who writes the blog... I'm on a different computer than usual and didn't realize what google account I was using!
Ah well… adoption seems like a fantastic shortcut, but it does not take into consideration a very important factor: Shaun does not exactly bond quickly. He had to put in great effort to connect to his own child, so I can’t really imagine him falling heels over head for a strange child – at least as long as it doesn’t look like his late brother *again*.
This feels more like a contrived attempt to recuperate a beloved but dead idea than a natural plot development.
I think two things about the season finale. Lea and Shaun will come across a child who needs surgery in the US and decide to foster the child until the child gets better or their parents can come to the US to be with the child. My second though is Lea and Shaun see so much pain and lack of resources in the town at Venezuela that they decide to stay and help until next season. Both scenarios, give them a chance to be together, do something meaningful, and work through their loss and pain.
Hmm, the first idea is interesting, especially because it places Shaun and Lea in the role of Glassy, but without the long-term obligations of an adoption.
Yet, staying abroad for an extended time period as with the 2nd variant surely would collide with Shaun’s residency program at St. Bonaventure.
Actually that's more or less like I figured the adoption idea. Not as something that's supposed to happen right away.
The child might need medical care, difficult to provide in Guatemala. So they could take them back to the US with them and simply foster him or her for a period.
Over time they would get attached (Shaun too would). it's basic human nature.
Glassy didn't adopt Shaun, after all, but would any of you doubt that he loves him exactly as if he were his own son?
SO many good comments; such a great community right here on this blog.
Mo, first and foremost, I wish for a continued and effective recovery. I'm truly happy to read that things are coming along.
I know we all have our own ideas of what the "best" story is. We can praise the acting; we can praise the awareness that this episode brought; and we can wonder about what's to come.
I'm still a bit disappointed that the writers/producers felt they needed to go in THIS direction. My reasons are threefold:
- With all of the "I told you so" and "I knew this would happen, since it's common to medical drama" responses, I question how much awareness to this tragic issue was really raised if it was already so expected?
- Freddie and Paige are two of the best actors around. But they're both two of the best WITHOUT this particular storyline.
- With 4 episodes left to go, no doubt the struggle will continue. But unlike each of the three previous seasons, this particular pain/struggle doesn't seem like something that be shaken off by one "big" moment (Glassman's tumor being operable; Dr. Andrews firing Dr. Han; Lea's "love you with all my heart kiss").
Again, I don't mean to sound contrarian. Everyone else makes some excellent points, and the beauty of the art and raw emotion is certainly to be applauded. But for myself, I still give this an "incomplete", because I really need to see the development/payoff before I can really appreciate this episode for what it is.
I, too, question whether (a) the same number of people leaving San Jose for Guatemala will be returning (i.e. any potential Andrews or Murphy/Dilallo foster kids); and (b) the PEOPLE leaving/coming back being the same (i.e. no one staying behind). After this past episode, I've learned not to predict or expect anything at this point.
As usual great blog Kelli! Obviously for me a most crushing episode. I’ve gotten over my anger part of the five phases of grief and am now a bit on bargaining but always in my head was acceptance even though I was so disappointed at the direction the writers and producers took.
I brought up and had to defend from merciless Twitter assault my theory on Thursday when they released the Guatemala trip as the plot line for the final two episodes the adoption idea as I opined that Lea would encounter an orphaned baby and would take this as a sign that she was destined to raise this child. It’s completely whimsical at this point and just me hoping for some redemption from a very unredeemable episode. No I won’t watch it again especially if it leads to more tragedy but it’ll take my orphan scenario or a marriage proposal to make me watch that again.
I felt completely cheated and played with and feel all those wonderful scenes were a complete waste of my emotions. The talk on the paley center interview of a “baby” not merely a pregnancy was just a subterfuge and they took the easy way out going for the low hanging fruit of the tragedy of the miscarriage.
Well I was at least prepared for it when abc released on Monday morning the ominous statement from Shaun about giving Lea hope. I agree with Kelli that for the two weeks leading up to this I thought this would be a scare but somehow Shaun will jump in and save the day for Lea and his daughter. But Monday morning and then seeing some not so cryptic comments online brought me into depression as I knew that the episode would confirm the bad news. You can add the ominous titles of episodes 16 and 17 “Letting Go” and “Forgive or Forget”.
So Shaun who saved two babies/pregnancies in season two couldn’t save his own daughter. Another example of the producers turning Shaun into the “Ordinary” Doctor this season. Before you say I’m overreacting look to the previous episode where Shaun just stood there and let the mom call him “ incompetent” in front of Lea.
In the end of course it’s shore’s show and he gets to make the calls and we can only hope for the best. But we see from the previews tomorrow’s episode won’t be pretty as Shaun will make a bad decision coming back to work. I’m already cringing with hysterical Shaun flailing away with misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis. Then Lea looks like she’s in deep depression and I’m concerned that Shaun won’t be capable emotionally to give her the support she needs. I’ve said that Shaun needs to show Lea the emotion that the loss of his daughter is deep felt not merely he’s there to support Lea for her loss. He has to show it was their loss.
My hopes are that episode 18 the hiking episode brings about positive developments for Shaun and Lea. My ultimate dream is the final episodes bring a Shea baby in the form of adopting an orphan that Lea finds.
I hope that last episode marks the worst we’ll experience this season and not that shore has more bad news for us.
Just to put things a little into perspective: with a score of 8.7, “Dr. Ted” is currently the best ranked episode of season 4 at IMDB, followed by “Teeny Blue Eyes” with 8.5.
Instead of chasing a fantasy, I would suggest doing what obviously a lot of viewers do: appreciating the art.
It wasn’t art to me it was building the audience up and pulling the rug out from under us because they could. Best ranked episode because the Lea haters got what they wanted.
I mentioned this on Twitter that I almost would’ve preferred if they were going the cliche route ( and yes I consider the miscarriage a cliche episode) that they kill off Lea in childbirth leaving Shaun to raise his daughter alone. Then next season would be a custody battle between Shaun and Lea’s parents with them claiming Shaun due to his autism is unable to care for a child. Then they’d mention the child is a genius and really Lea’s parents want custody so she can solve a math equation (oops that’s the plot of “ Gifted”). Okay I’m digressing but in my scenario Morgan steps in agrees to marry Shaun so she can help raise the baby and she’d do it too.
Anyway I’ll be quiet and what happens happens.
Okay final point usually the writers stay on Twitter to get feedback on the episode but this time they made a quick exit. Like Max Bialystok in the bar, “ Quick hide they’ll tear us to pieces”. Yup best to flee the scene of he crime. But seriously it’s not personal we can appreciate the writing but tell them like i did, “ Oy you killed me” with that episode. I accept it but still hurts.
As my fellow odd couple fans with credit to Shakespeare will remember “of all the words of tongue and pen the saddest are these, it might have been”.
So. it’s okay to kill Lea in childbirth and everything’s wrong with miscarriage?
Both options are disastrous and I’m sure the first option is much worse for Shaun.
I don’t see any other character in the series today who could be Shaun’s romantic couple. Besides that. Lea is the love of Shaun’s life. It’s irreplaceable.
Hey!! I would like to comment but first of all I would like to state the following because I saw a comment about Guatemala being a place with terrorism and hijacking
If something like this happens it would be a shame. We have followers from Guatemala that are scared by the way the country might be presented because typically first world countries and people from there tend to believe that here in Latin America we live in a jungle and they always show people like in war or with civil wars, and yes, we won't deny that it is a situation that occurs but there are other situations like poverty that could also require humanitary aids and that is not necessarily linked to terrorism. It's the typical stigma many nations from here have to live with and it would be unfortunate if the show keeps showing that.
I would like them to show a different reality but not to preserve stigmas such as what happens with drugs and Colombia for example.
I wish you to get better soon Mo.
And welcome on this blog Nadine. I suppose you're the same Nadine as on Twitter and Reddit? I don't have an account on the latter, but I like reading posts from some fans there too, like yours, Andreas', Tony's... I haven't done it on Twitter, so in case you read this post I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the little tidbits of information you gave about TGD on Reddit, and also on Twitter. And regarding "Dr Ted", having the confirmation about the fate of the baby early enough in fact helped me have more time to deal with it.
About the finale:
I'm not sure if I would like an adoption storyline. It could make sense given how this season has unfolded for Shaun and Lea, with them having been through many small and bigger challenges this season, and their relationship going through various stages quickly. Lea's pregnancy sped things up dramatically for their relationship and forced them to face their willingness and ability to be parents so soon, and after losing the baby it, this awakened longing of having a child together won't go away. But would adopting a child be a right thing to do now? They would still be grieving, and as Andreas said it might be difficult for Shaun to connect to a child that isn't his own. And I know that it's common for couples who have one or several biological kids to adopt, but in reality (apart from rich celebrities...) wouldn't couples who can't have a child on their own be prioritized to adopt? And as Kelli said, it would probably be more difficult for non-married people. And the process would normally take months or years...Of course there is sometimes suspension of disbelief to be had for such things in tv shows and movies!
But I would love the idea of Lea and Shaun fostering a kid from Guatemala who would need an important surgery, for a few months.
I also would like if they decided to stay together in Guatemala longer than the others, but then it would only be for something like 1 month, indeed because Shaun should be at the hospital for most of his last year of the residency program.
Regarding how Lea will be dealing with the loss, I thought that she and Shaun would start to get better because of some photos of "Forgive or forget", but as Andreas pointed out, Lea also seems to be arguing with Shaun in a few of them. We already know that Lea will still feel somewhat depressed in the finale, which is realistic. So maybe by the end of 4.18 Lea and Shaun do start to reconnect and really start grieving together, but Lea will need much more time to feel happiness again. As she will say in "Letting go", "I don't think grief has an actual solution." Shaun will indeed probably try to find solutions to help her, such as the camping trip. I wonder if Shaun could even already tell her that they could have another baby soon?
Has anyone managed to enlarge the photo and decipher what Shaun has in his hands in one of 'forgive or forget' photos?
Both were wrong I was only choosing between two terrible outcomes. With the miscarriage they placed the shaun Lea relationship in extreme jeopardy as Shaun will once again have to be nearly flawless to save the relationship. Lea is going to go from depression to blaming someone for the miscarriage or maybe she’ll see Shaun as a reminder of the miscarriage, who knows? But we know they’re spending at least two episodes trying to revive or rescue the relationship. Before the Dr. Ted I thought finally Shaun and Lea have hit the unconditional love level and now everything is in question. So I proposed a hypothetical. I didn’t want the miscarriage I wanted them to be parents and was looking forward to the stories and the challenges to anchor season five. Now at best they start all over again and at worst they go separate ways.
I like the adoption idea personally. It wouldn’t preclude them from having other children later but it would provide some redemption for Lea. Yes it will provide a challenge to Shaun but he could handle it especially if he sees how much it would mean to Lea. But it’s just me taking a wild guess at a possible plot angle.
I mean at this point how does the Shea relationship grow? They’ve gone as far as you can go as a boyfriend and girlfriend. It’s time to get married or start the family. The adoption checks the key boxes.
Sly, yep that's me and don't worry I'll be on my best behaviour here.
Thanks Kelli, I had actually been following your blog from even before Shaun and Lea days (skating fan), but never had the guts to comment until now.
Mo, just wanted to also add, love that song that you linked to.
In terms of the show, this past episode like many others, hit home on a personal level. I've had family members who have experienced what Lea had and Maxine's storyline was too close to home with my uncle's passing (around a similar age, but in his case he didn't have a terminal illness) last month.
The grief part, in particular will be interesting to see, because it reminded me of Glassy's line in F&F about Lea not being a parent yet. And that is one, that was kind of like was a throwback in Dr. Ted, and also obviously the grief and healing process both Lea and Shaun will have to go through in the future.
Guatemala should be an experience to see all the doctors grow in some way on the mission. Will anyone come or go? Absolutely no idea. I hope they don't go the original Japril (from GA) route though and have Lea stay there longer.
If there was an adoption (like what people have mentioned here above), I think it would be more for Dr. Andrews, because I think they wanted us to know that he and his wife are still actively trying for a child, even with all the failed attempts of IVF. But like anything adoption causes a lot of legal barriers that have to be overcome. And also due to COVID-19 filming processes, the idea of bringing a baby or a child actor, I would have to be a consideration when thinking of a storyline (and also was one of the potential factors for the Dr. Ted storyline). But that is purely a thought on my behalf, you would have to ask TPTB themselves.
If there's anything I'm wondering is what role with Glassy play in the final episodes?
Obviously someone of his age, his cancer history and his role at the hospital, were always going to be reasons why he didn't go on the mission. But I am curious to see if he will totally be MIA (most likely not) or if they'll link in his character for potential ways to treat patients.
Regardless, I am expecting that however the finale ends, that next season will pick up a couple or a few months later (though because of the time jump in the two-part premiere, that would be like 2022 oops), so the Residents will be in their next year, etc.
Anyway just wanted to say again, keep up the great work everyone.
Just to keep expectations and emotions at bay: while there will be obviously plenty #Shea content, don’t wait for anything big. For the storytelling, “Letting Go” and “Forgive or Forget” will be retarding momentum in the #Shea story. “Letting Go” will be dedicated to set up Claire for the finale, while “Forgive or Forget” will do the same for Morgan and Park.
Hopefully, there will also be some surprising development with Glassman explaining why he won’t be part of the Guatemala mission and possibly setting up a new scenario for the next season.
P.S.: I did zoom into the picture but failed to identify the object Shaun’s holding. It’s small, white and with some black printing on it. It doesn’t resemble any camping equipment I’m familiar with.
Get better soon, Mo. I wish you a speedy recovery.
Welcome, Nadine. We've already crossed paths on Reddit and Twitter. I'm glad you joined us.
About what's coming next, apart from the different possible outcomes for Shea, I'm very curious too about what they're planning to do with Glassman.
I would like very much if his feelings about his daughter and the low opinion he has of himself as a parent were openly addressed. And I'd love an emotional scene between him and Lea. It's been too long since their last one.
But I'm afraid to be disappointed again. I'm sure you agree, Syl ;)
ABC has the put the synopsis for “Venga” on their official website and updated it with a small but significant detail: “And while Shaun seems to be thriving in Guatemala, Lea is still struggling with the loss of her baby.”
So, there’s the setup for a conflict emerging between the two. Shaun obviously is able to move on faster than Lea.
While some might fear that this is the road plan for a break-up, I would submit it is in fact the way to catharsis and renewed commitment once the conflict is resolved.
Hi All
Your kindness has humbled me and made me cry so a HUGE thanks to All especially my friend Tony who checks on me a few times daily.
I am not allowed to watch tonight's show Doctors and Psychiatrists said it is far too dangerous for me to do so while having intense abuse, trauma, and PTSD therapy. My huge overdose caused me to have a heart attack followed by a mini-stroke affecting the left side of the brain when rushed into intensive care after last week's episode. My BP is spiking despite being out of intensive care since Thursday so have monitors on my heart am on a drip and get checked hourly day and night.
Our NHS is amazing the hospital build this new block with a conservatory to sit in the sun sadly not allowed during covid where. The laws in Scotland are far too harsh and we are now trading lives as people are dying due to illnesses caused by covid ~ anxiety, stress, drug, and alcohol abuse during the never-ending lockdown as all our government focus are on covid despite over half the public have had their first vaccine.
Andreas, I said previously this episode was to increase training and it worked. Viewers are in shock, stunned, and devastated on fan pages and Instagram groups are devastated and so angry. The Good Doctor killed Shaun and Lea's baby to cause maximum shock. I lived in Germany for 6 years from the age of 17 where I toured Europe fruit picking and ended up in Goch on the Dutch border.
For me, this is the worst episode TGD has aired as caused the nuclear effect due to opening a box inside my brain of suppressed memories which hit me like a Tsunami. So for personal reasons I can never watch that episode ever again. So my opinion is biased due to events in my past and I am unable to think rationally while my brain is under repair.
I have huge gaps in my memory which disappeared along with my eidetic memory which saddens me as cannot remember an age when this was not part of me. Nobody can say if this will return.
The psychiatrists watched the episode from the moment Dr. Lim gave options to Lea a D&C or a normal delivery to hold their baby saying the exact words Andreas spoke earlier. "The nuclear effect" triggering my massive overdose. The Surgeons said it is a miracle I am alive.
I will enjoy reading all your comments as find the different views interesting. Kelli your blog is excellent and I expect nothing less than amazing. I got told not to reactive my Facebook during intense therapy so my page is black, nobody has been blocked.
I found comfort in the photos of Shaun and Lea camping sharing the sleeping bag and cuddling Lea and of all the other photos where Shaun has made such emotional progress as is cuddling Lea in so many of the scenes. That gave me hope without hope you have nothing
Special thanks to Sheree ~ Lynn our edit Queen for the gift of a new video of Shaun and Lea yesterday keeping the scenes happy and did not go down the route of including the death of Shaun and Lea's baby daughter. Showing compassion for #shea fans who have been through enough. The video shows such love between Shaun and Lea matching the lyrics of the beautiful song Breathe by Faith Hill with so many happy scenes from when Shaun and Lea met.
I am thankful for this page giving me the chance, to be honest about my mental illness as there is still a huge stigma attached where people are scared to speak out. If I had Cancer, MND, Cerebral Palsy, or any other illness which can be seen there is sympathy, mental illness is invisible you get well-worn phrases 'stop feeling sorry for yourself 'get a grip' 'stop being so lazy staying in bed all day so I recognized Lea's depression immediately on returning from Hershey sleeping on a mattress on Shaun's floor staying in her PJs all day for weeks.
Enjoy tonight's episode of The Good Doctor, take care and stay safe
Love Mo xxx
BREATHE ~ Shaun and Lea by Sheree ~ Lynn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg4eDywHPuw
You're right Daniela, I wholeheartedly agree ^^ As a fan of the Lea-Glassy relationship, I always hope to see them in a scene together, and of course especially an emotional scene that would tighten their relationship!
But I like Glassman a lot on his own and would like to see him finally deal with his feelings about Maddie too.
Andreas, I thought the same thing when reading the synopsis with the added detail about Shaun. It would be understandable that they are at a different stage of grief, but the words chosen here mean a lot. Shaun "thriving" while Lea is still "struggling" means that there is an emotional gap between them, that will likely lead as you said to a conflict.
I wrote on Twitter that, because of his alexithymia (since I don't much about it correct me if I misinterpreted it), Shaun might still be struggling to understand the depth of Lea's depressive state and why she's pulling away from him, but also to understand his own feelings, as he may think he's ok but in fact he's only feeling good when doing his job.
Given that he loves Lea and wants her to be happy, and feels sad when she's sad, I don't see Shaun being really happy in Guatemala while he will see Lea being distraught. He will like doing his job, and so will "thrive" doing it, but on a personal level he'll struggle, as he may get tired emotionally for not managing to make Lea feel better, for not knowing how to make her happy again.
But it's indeed likely that we might see a resolution, or at least the start of a resolution, in 4.20.
Oops the above meant to say Syl it autocorrected to Sly.
I thought he might be holding breath mints? But after seeing the promo it could be the packet for the ear plugs.
Whatever it is has a barcode on the back of it.
Quite possible that it is the packet for the ear plugs Lea is using in the kissing scene. Though, I wonder if this has some deeper meaning than the cmaping site being occupied by others as well...
Hi Friends
I have not seen the episode but read the Twitter feed and have seen the photos of Shaun and Lea camping in next week's episode. Shaun and Lea are kissing passionately and making love while sharing a sleeping bag looking so happy and at peace with each other. There is no lack of emotional attachment, the very opposite Shaun and Lea are loving the intimacy which is helping to heal their pain.
If Lea pulls off the operation on Shaun's ankle this will really give Lea's confidence a boost and Lea will once more be a hero like in the episode Decrypt.
Lea is a very smart cookie and everyone has watched survival programs and knows how to sterilize instruments by using alcohol or boiling water, knives can be sharpened on a stone, or if the wound is bleeding badly heat the knife in a fire and seal the wound. Even I know that and have never camped in my life.
Both Shaun and Lea have a mobile phone which gives the emergency signal for events such as this even when there is no service. Lea may be talked through what to do stage by stage by Lim, Andrews, Claire, Park.
Everyone works through grief in their own ways but the most beautiful thing is how Shaun and Lea support each other. The photos showing Shaun and Lea so happy, hugging and kissing each other confirming their emotional connection is stronger than ever
I don't think Lea will sink into depression while in Guatemala, instead, Shaun and Lea will work through her grief in their own ways. Lea may do this by crying with the pain and helping victims while there. Shaun by focusing on surgeries as this is how Shaun copes as knows he can save lives
Shaun and Lea know facing challenges together has made them stronger and will hold each other close for comfort just like Shaun held Lea in the photo at the end of last night's episode as Lea sobbed in Shaun's arms Shaun held Lea closer no words needed
Loving photos were released showing Shaun and Lea cuddling on the sofa looking relaxed supporting each other using touch so they are grieving together Shaun is making Lea feel better when Lea is happy Shaun is happy.
This gives me hope as the love Shaun and Lea have for each other shines through and I would love season 4 to end with Shaun and Lea getting engaged or even married showing their love has grown stronger while they worked through their grief. The finale of season 3 ended with a feeling of hope, not despair so my dream is season 4 will end in the same way.
Regarding your question to me, Syl, as always with phenomena that we can’t examined and measure directly, psychological theories rather deal with educated guesses than factual knowledge.
It is widely accepted within the field that impaired emotion processing is a feature of the autistic phenotype. Common theories such as for example the Theory of Mind (ToM) try to explain this by a lacking ability of perspective taking. Some individuals with ASD have significant deficits in recognizing and interpreting facial expressions. A considerable percentage of autistic adults (40-65%) meet the criteria for alexithymia, which is characterized by difficulties in identifying and describing one’s own emotional state.
However, not every individual does experience difficulties in every of the noted areas with the same intensity or at all. Thus, some have suggested that problems with emotions processing might not be part of the autistic phenotype at all, but a common comorbidity better attributed to alexithymia, which itself a rather “new” concept in psychology. Though, as often in research, this all is open to debate and unresolved.
As far as #Shea is concerned, we don’t need to dwell on these details for long since after 4 seasons worth of material, we know for sure that Shaun has difficulties with both, his own emotions as well as understanding those around him. But the problems don’t end there. Another common problem in ASD/NT relationships is that even when the ASD partner has figured out the emotional state of his NT partner, he might not act accordingly - or at all - either out of fear of doing something wrong or because the autistic coping strategies don’t work for the NT partner. That is why it took Andrews’ advice in the end of “Letting Go” for Shaun taking Lea into his arms. Shaun knew that Lea felt terrible all along, but he did not know what to do against it. And he wasn’t aware how deeply he was affected himself, which caused the problems with Dr. Nakano.
In short, even as Shaun and Lea know and love each other, and are slowly figuring out that they must work through their grief together, there are still many pitfalls left the writers can use to cause conflict until episode 4.20. Looking at how Claire is plagued by her mother’s specter, I won’t be surprised when the repercussions will be felt throughout season 5.
This pregnancy arc is a defining moment for Shaun and Lea’s relationship. In tragedy even more so than in joy.
Andreas
I am directing the first part of this question to you please.
Why is everyone looking for pitfalls by reading the synopsis of the storyline as the writers have thrown viewers off course every opportunity they can, saying how Shaun is struggling with Lea's depression, the writers have led viewers astray ever since Shaun and Lea got together in a real relationship so why would this be any different.
Next week's episode is being ignored with nobody discussing the photos of Shaun and Lea's camping trip away from the hospital. Shaun and Lea are so happy, having fun, sharing their sleeping bag laughing with each other totally relaxed while kissing passionately, After making love there are looks of pure contentment.
There is a lovely photo of Shaun and Lea sitting on a sofa cuddling again happy so full of love for each other. The look of love as Shaun has his arm around Lea is beautiful and so caring.
Shaun does have the capacity to grow and show feelings. There is no comparison between the Shaun we now know and love now to Shaun in previous seasons. This is due to Lea who has the patience of a saint and showered Shaun with unconditional love ever since they became a couple in a loving relationship.
I wish that the word Savant was mentioned on TGD more as Shaun's colleagues say Shaun has Autism instead of Shaun is an Autistic Savant. There is a huge difference between the spectrums.
The promos blow things up out of proportion especially towards the end of a season and give hints of doom and gloom showing things to deliberately evoke emotions and upset the viewers. I am a prime example of what can happen when the writers do that.
Meanwhile, the photos are much better at giving clues as at least they are a mix with some full of sadness and others full of love and hope and I focus on the love and hope
The soothsayers are celebrating Shaun and Lea's grief with "I told you this would happen" pointing out the pitfalls and ignoring Shaun and Lea's body language which shows the very opposite an image of a young couple in love working their ways through the grief at times alone and other times snuggled up together keeping their deep emotional connection alive.
Tony this is where I loved your posting about viewers taking glee about being right when saying Lea's baby would be killed by the writers. #Shea fans took no glee when Melendez died and sympathized with all the fans who love and miss Melendez so much.
When deeply depressed the depression is like a black fog wrapping itself around you so tightly nothing penetrates this fog not even love. Often pushing your partner away as have no emotional energy left and as for sex that is the last thing on your mind.
Remembering this line from Season 4x7 The Uncertainty Principle
Shaun "We want to keep our coordinates close to each other for the rest of our lives."
Lea ~ "We certainly do.
Shaun and Lea have their own coping strategies, dealing with their grief separately in different ways while alone, especially when emotions run high while they are healing.
When Shaun and Lea are together they comfort each other that is when the viewers see the true strength of love Shaun and Lea have for each other as their love shines through like a beacon of light where no words are needed.
I have not been allowed to watch this week's episode but read about it and watched the promo for next week. What I treasure most are the photos showing Shaun and Lea looking at each other so happy and carefree once more with their eyes full of love with Shaun making eye contact with Lea while they cuddle inside the sleeping bag laughing as they reconnect by kissing each other.
These photos are of hope and love. My hope is that a hurricane will blow all the soothsayers away onto a desert island where they can enjoy exchanging stories of doom and gloom with each other and celebrate misery while we celebrate Shaun and Lea's love
Luv Mo x
Mo, the answer to your initial question is simple: we are dealing with drama, and drama as a genre in storytelling follows rules and patterns. There are different patterns and structures a writer can apply, but the most classic drama structure is:
exposition – rising action – climax – falling action (retarding moment) – catastrophe (or rather resolution with this series)
The Good Doctor has roughly followed this structure in every season starting with the mid-season episode. For example, season 3:
Exposition in 3.10: Shaun chooses Lea instead of his girlfriend Carly to help him face his dying father.
Rising action in 3.11-15: Shaun’s attachment to Lea causes his romantic relationship with Carly to deteriorate and break eventually.
Climax in 3.16: Shaun and Lea declare their love for each other but Lea is to frightened to enter a relationship
Falling action in 3.17/18: Shaun frantically tries to win Lea over but drives her further away in the process.
Catastrophe and Resolution in 3.19/20: Shaun and Lea face death in the earthquake and overcome their fears. This finally allows them to commit to each other.
Season 4 obviously follows a very similar pattern, although the episode numbers don’t match exactly.
Exposition in 4.11: Lea is pregnant.
Rising action in eps 4.12-15: the couple comes to terms with the life-changing news and settles into their future roles as parents.
Climax in 4.16: The baby dies.
Falling action in eps 4.17/18: Shaun and Lea work through their grief.
Catastrophe and Resolution in eps 4.19/20: details to be seen, but most likely a final flare-up of emotions that should lead to catharsis/acceptance of what happened.
This is how storytelling works.
Hi Andreas
My question was a very simple one yet not answered properly it got one line:-
"Falling action in eps 4.17/18: Shaun and Lea work through their grief".
The question was about the super photographs released for the episode Forgive and Forget showing no tension between Shaun and Lea but are full of laughter and love:-
Why has nobody mentioned the super photo's showing Shaun and Lea having fun camping and enjoying a change of scenery looking relaxed and happy together, cuddling and kissing while laughing, sharing a joint sleeping bag taking time to show their love during their grief and healing together?
Lea taking Shaun's photo capturing a moment in time like you do when on an adventure. No surprises to see Shaun falling off the log breaking his ankle which goes cold so Lea has to operate on Shaun during the up-and-coming episode FORGIVE AND FORGET which will be aired on 24th May.
It is as if the episode Forgive and Forget does not exist as the discussion has all but ignored this episode and jumped to the synopsis of the final episode VENGA not aired until 31st May.
My question had nothing to do about structure etc and all the episodes you listed in order as examples during seasons 3 and 4 have nothing to do with the photographs released for Forgive and Forget. But it may be of interest to others.
I get called flakey as I am unconventional and whacky. Flakey is not viewed as a compliment when you look the word up in a dictionary but I take it as being a compliment as have always viewed things differently and was born with an eidetic memory.
An analogy I enjoy is when the very famous award-winning writer/storyteller Margaret Atwood aged 81 who wrote The Handmaid's Tale the only TV Drama to knock Game of Thrones off its pedestal. "The Handmaid's Tale all but swept the 69th Emmy Awards, winning eight awards in the eleven categories in which it was nominated. It also won two top-tier awards: Outstanding Drama and Outstanding Lead Actress". Now that is storytelling at its very best by a highly esteemed writer who has won every award going.
Margaret Attwood is very articulate and an expert during interviews. When the interviewer asks a question with has nothing to do with the topic in hand Margaret Atwood uses humor by mentioning Roger Federer and the interview goes back on track.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of how storytelling works but I never asked that question. I already know how storytelling works having a degree in media and creative writing.
Enjoy your day
Mo x
There isn’t much to talk about 4.18 at this point. The purpose of this episode seems quite clear:
+ giving the couple a bit of a breather before the final conflict of the season begins
+ starting to rebuild the bond between Shaun and Lea and lifting it to the next level by her operating on him
+ putting Lea in Shaun’s shoes, so that she can experience first-hand the gratification Shaun feels when saving patients (since Shaun just bolted from their first honest conversation about their loss last episode because he had one of his medical epiphanies, this seems more than appropriate)
+ leveling the field and building up the power couple: Lea might not be a surgeon, but she is just as strong and resourceful as Shaun
+ hopefully: lifting up Lea’s low self-esteem
+ speculative: instilling fear in Lea of losing Shaun, which might attribute to a crisis in 4.19 – of which we already know, by the synopsis and the promotional pictures, that Lea is still struggling
Whatever good happens in 4.18 won't make the pain go away for Lea.
Hi Andreas
This is a case of women are from Venus and men are from Mars.
The photos look normal for this stage of grief. Lea has been crying and Shaun has been listening intently and looks as if he is processing how Lea is feeling. Lea is also getting support from Claire who has been excellent with great empathy for both Shaun and Lea. I would be more worried about Lea if there were no tears.
Shaun is not reveling in his work, watching Shaun's body language when walking with Claire his hands are clasped in front of him this is a sign of protecting his own emotions and his body language is closed. Shaun's eyes are sad he is grieving in his own way by keeping busy saving lives this does not make Shaun's grief any less than Lea's just different.
Lea is there with Shaun during their grieving process Lea is also showing great support for Shaun who Lea loves deeply. If that love was not there Lea would have returned home to her mum or to the flat but Lea chose to go with Shaun to Guatemala so they could be together and support each other when needed.
I truly feel Shaun and Lea make each other 'more' especially during the grieving process Shaun also needs support from the person he knows loves him with all of her heart. Think back to episode 4x5 Fault when Shaun's patient died and Shaun spoke to Glassie asking how you cope and Glassie replied "You go home, be with the people you love. You Take comfort in that, and then you wake up tomorrow and start all over again"
Shaun went home where Lea was waiting for Shaun and patted the bed. Shaun lay next to Lea on the top of their bed and they held hands, their fingers intertwined while Lea gently stroked Shaun's arm.
Shaun said "I’m glad you’re here with me.
Lea replied, "So am I".
No more words were spoken as Shaun pulled Lea towards him and Lea lay on her side and put her head on Shaun's chest next to Shaun's heart while Shaun gently caressed Lea's bare flesh on Lea's arm which gave Shaun the comfort he needed. One of the most beautiful scenes in season 4.
This is the comfort they will give each other during traumatic moments in Guatemala and what will help them both grieve during different stages. This can only happen by staying together and why I believe Shaun and Lea will emerge stronger and end season four with hope and not despair. Perhaps getting engaged giving the viewers a marriage to look forward to during season five.
I can see no sign of depression in Lea only deep grief which is understandable as Lea's grief is still so raw. I do recognize the difference between grief and depression they are very different. There are no signs of self-harm, Lea is not shutting herself off from others and is speaking to Shaun and Claire about her feelings. Lea is allowing herself to grieve as her tears continue to flow.
When I lost my baby girl at 22 weeks I would be laughing with friends one minute and the next when a friend gave me a hug or if there were baby clothes in a shop window I would be in floods of tears as was grieving. There is no time scale to grief and you never forget that moment of indescribable pain that hits you when you lose the baby who becomes part of you and is now gone.
I never once thought of taking an overdose or self-harming which are huge signs of depression. Writers take great delight in catastrophizing events when releasing promos and synopsis of episodes not even giving a thought to the damage they are doing which affects people in the real world especially during a mental health pandemic caused by the covid lockdowns.
One of my favorite quotes by Rose Kennedy:-
"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds. ... The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens, but it is never gone."
Hello, everyone.
I'm taking a quick trip out of town this weekend, so I thought I would pop this into the blog before I left.
I know it's probably way out in left field, but does anyone think that the Dr. Lea "surgery" might be a dream sequence? The promo (with Lea absolutely refusing to do surgery and Shaun fainting) seemed as if it could be played for laughs...or not. To me, it could be read either way.
As always, thank you, Kelli, for all of your time and effort with the blog.
Be well,
Barbara
I don’t think it will be a dream sequence. For what purpose? The camping trip is basically a team building setup. Getting hurt in the wilderness with the companion being the only help is a well established and used trope in fiction.
Shaun getting hurt in the wilderness with Lea being the one to operate on Shaun sounds quite a bit cheesy and contrived. When I saw the promo the first image that entered my head was John Rambo stitching himself up in the forests in “First Blood” (1982). It is totally over the top. But then, the show likes to subvert or deconstruct tropes.
Claire and Jared started in the pilot with a cliché hospital sex scene just to quickly have their relationship fall apart.
Lim and Melendez becoming a couple? Doctors-date-Doctors standard trope, make-out session in the ER included. Yet, the reality of power imbalance struck swiftly afterwards.
“It’s just a bruise” alpha-male Melendez being heroic in the earthquake? Killed by arrogance.
Goody two shoes Claire? Being close to her comes with either death or destruction.
So… this whole field surgery thing might come with twist. But I don’t see how a dream sequence might prompt the characters into any action that fits into the current narrative.
Thank you for this thorough and clear explanation Andreas. In fact I also didn't know if Shaun's struggle to understand others' as well as his own feelings was something that could change a bit over time because, although he clearly still struggles with that, he seems to be now more receptive of others' feelings and particularly more in tune with Lea's feelings. It seems he has become better at expressing his own feelings as well. However before expressing them and to understand Lea's feelings specifically, he often needs to hear someone's opinion but he often manages to adapt what he heard to his own situation, like what you said about how he acted with Lea after having heard Andrews' comment about knowing the other's feeling of loss.
Hi All
If the writers are going to be showing dirty cups and an unmade bed as depression they have not done their research properly. Depression is suicide attempts, severe self-harm, fighting these thoughts every hour of every day, not wanting to live as it's too painful.
Nadine your right black is a traditional color to wear when grieving so people automatically link this color with depression when the real cause is grief
Nobody has mentioned Lea saying to Shaun "Dr. Glassman is not a counselor" This is a very important scene as shows how pissed off and hurt Lea is at the lack of empathy shown by Glassie who has shown no concern towards Lea. Lea always calls Dr. Glassman ~ Glassie
Remember Lea sitting alone at the canteen Glassie joined her saying
Glassie, "I like you Ok"
Lea "stop, you're going to make me cry"
Glassie" You're a very cynical person you know that"
Lea "actually I'm not, but you're a very grouchy person who cannot give a compliment"
Glassie, "You're funny, you're smart and you make Shaun happy which I guess is a good thing but it also means you can make him very very sad and that worries me frankly"
Lea "My parents have an issue with Shaun, and I just don't want Shaun's parent to have a problem with us to" Lea gave Glassie a huge compliment by calling Glassie Shaun's parent and got the reply;-
Glassie "Too Bad"
Lea "Well if Shaun saw that stain on your tie it would drive him crazy" Lea took hold of Glassies tie and Glassie pulled away then stopped while Lea removed the stain from the tie in silence, Glassie rolled his eyes as knew Lea was right
Lea did a small smile, having shown Glassie she knew Shaun as much as he does
Lea has nobody in her corner, apart from Shaun himself. Lea's love for Shaun could not have been made clearer as Lea chose Shaun over her parents there and then telling Shaun to cancel the meal they did not need to see her parents ever again and showed Shaun the text her parents had sent Lea about Shaun asking Shaun do you not realize how insulting this is towards us both
There has not been a scene between Lea and Glassie since that scene which I find very sad as Lea did not just lose her baby daughter but also lost Glassie and Debbie's first Grandchild and Lea deserves better from Glassie. I have no idea why the writers did not put in a scene after Lea got the news from Dr. Lim their baby daughter would die
Why was Glassie sitting laughing with a lady who was a complete stranger Wolke had bonded with as reminding him of his Grandmother. Wolke broke the law as the lady and had a DNR yet Glassie could not spare a minute to go and sit with Lea, no words would even need to have been said just by having Glassie sit by Lea's bed and holding Lea's hand would have been enough ~ but to do nothing was so much worse
Syl, I also mentioned the writers giving Glassie and Asher too much airtime together The most important storyline of Glassie and Lea has been left hanging in the air which is so frustrating I want to shake Glassie and tell him Lea needs your support, not Asher
Shaun and Lea's flat is not in disarray, a few dirty coffee cups, and an unmade bed is nothing. Having a therapist visit clearing a space to walk due to so many clothes thrown on the floor, you can't see the point of getting out of bed so curl up in a ball and can't speak for crying. That's Depression
I can't wait for tonight's episode seeing Shaun and Lea laughing together and hug each other while kissing in their sleeping bag; A very healthy way to help each other during grief
Luv Mo x
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