“Lea was EVERYWHERE and I loved it.
(More than 2 scenes + talked about in multiple scenes = ‘everywhere’”
-- Me, blogging about TGD 3.15 “Unsaid” a little over a year ago
Well well well… what a difference 12 months makes!
It took three and a half years for Lea to take center stage in an episode, and who knows if she’ll ever be featured so prominently on her own again. But we can revel in the fact that “Decrypt” gave Paige Spara no less than a dozen scenes in which to shine. I wonder if she ever imagined she’d really get such an opportunity to carry an episode back in the early days of S3, as she (and we) patiently waited for #Sharly to run its course?
Helping to showcase Spara so nicely was none other than Freddie Highmore, in the director’s chair for the third time with “Decrypt” (his previous efforts were 1.15 “Risk and Reward” and, of course, 3.16 “Autopsy” with Shaun’s first profession of love to Lea). The unique challenge with this week’s episode came with the subject matter; tech issues just don’t play out with the same inherent drama as, say, a patient going into cardiac arrest. The initial discovery of the St.B network collapse allowed for some excitement-- cue Claire taking a hatchet to the cabinets that couldn’t recognize Olivia’s code-- but it got trickier after that.
Human interaction always helps, which made both Glassman (as the intermediary of sorts) and the cybersecurity insurance rep (as the sort-of bad guy) essential for Lea-- especially since the network hackers were unseen. But the rest of her work basically involved Lea-and-a-laptop here and Lea-and-multiple-computer-units there. And much of her time was spent in the hospital's server room, which, I suspect, is typically dimly lit with little room to sit OR stand. No wonder Highmore called it “that wonderful dark server room” (with a fair dose of sarcasm) during his interview earlier in the week with GMA3… I suspect making it look authentic was one of the bigger challenges of the episode.
And with the help of intense music, unique camera angles, good edit pacing, and of course Paige’s stellar non-verbal acting, we got as exciting an hour as we ever get from TGD. Did you notice neither of the actual medical operations during “Decrypt” required heroic efforts? I suspect that’s yet another reason Lea’s turn in the hero’s seat was special.
So, with no further adieu (and with apologies to Paul Simon-- if anyone other than Tony Payne gets that reference, let me know!), allow me to delineate 15 Ways to Love Our Lea during “Decrypt”...
1) She has rough starts just like the rest of us.
2) Nonetheless, her self-sufficiency shines through.
that a millennial such as Lea could change her own tire, but in reality, only 25% can (according to the 3 minutes I spent researching that fact). Guess what, though? As you might infer from Lea's self-admitted struggles for proper recognition, it turns out only 28% of those with careers in STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics) are women. Sounds like Lea’s an against-the-odds person in more ways than one! No wonder she’s so self-reliant. It’s a necessity...
3) Her struggle, as a woman in a male-dominated STEM world, is real.
in the video production industry dating back to the 1980s and often being the only woman on a crew of at least a half-dozen men. Aside from the lopsided pay, crude jokes, and unwanted innuendo you tolerate, there is a deep-seated need to prove you can “hang with the big boys,” especially in a crisis. (OK, "crisis" isn't the right word for a video production problem, but you know what I mean.) It’s exhausting, to be honest. The longer you keep at it, the more exhausting it may become.
And when you’re exhausted, the vulnerabilities are bound to come out when you’re around a loved one-- someone you feel safe with-- during those times. Which leads me to Shaun and Lea’s “sandwich” exchange...
🍏🏎🍏🏎🍏🏎
It starts with Shaun bringing Lea her favorite sandwich (turkey/avocado/swiss on wheat w/mayo, for those adding that nugget to Lea's file alongside "Skittles"). It's a lovely gesture on Shaun's part, but in his effort to connect with his hard-working ladylove he fails to process Lea’s need to focus from both her body language (not looking at him when she answers him) and tone (cuts him off; she’s too busy to talk so she speaks very quickly).
So when he launches into his patient-of-the-day story, his inability to "read the room" rubs Lea the wrong way. So much so, in fact, that Lea tells Shaun something he’s probably never heard from her before: you’re just like all the other men I've ever had to deal with.
But, as mentioned before, she was BUSY… too busy to talk, and also too busy to wait for Shaun to explain why he said “it’s different” in response to her asking if he’d interrupt Glassy with a sandwich and conversation during a brain surgery. He’d continue his thought a little later in the scene (“It’s different because you can’t bring food into the OR”), but by then, she’d already decided in her haste, and in that moment, that Shaun didn’t respect her.
Except he already appreciated it… he just needed more time to express it, as we saw later.
(Worth noting: Remember when, during the painful baseball bat scene in “Heartbreak” last season, Shaun said “You acted like you cared about me… but you don’t even respect me”…? Thomas L. Moran was involved in both that script, and “Decrypt”… so he’s responsible for both sides of the “respect” discussion, I guess you could say.)
*** BACK TO THE LIST***
4) Her impulsive nature extends to the very words that come out of her mouth.
Lea: If I can find a mistake in their encryption software, I might be able to get our data back. Of course I’ll also have to retrace the attack chain to find the exact “door” they came in, otherwise, we might as well toss every computer we have into the recycle… bin…”
Glassman: If you’re trying to convince me to not pay the ransom, you maybe shouldn’t have said that last part.
Lea (nods) I realized that as I was saying it.
5) Her intentions are as honorable as those of her medical-minded co-workers.
From going all out to keep ransom money from the “bastards,” “bad guys,” etc. to bickering with the cybersecurity insurance rep, to calling the corrupted server her “patient” as she diligently salvaged it from the recycle bin…my goodness. Glassman should find her some sort of honorary St. B lapel pin after what she accomplished.
6) She knows her stuff, and it shows.
7) She doesn’t back down from a (huge, can’t-be-done) challenge.
Also, in Lea’s case, there’s that boss/would-be father-in-law with whom she’s just starting to get along in a very real way… not that she consciously had time to think about that during “Decrypt,” but to get an opportunity to impress Glassy the Grouch in a way that has nothing to do with her role as Shaun’s girlfriend? YES. Sign her up.
8) She’s passionate about her work (even if her current work isn’t her absolute PASSION)
When she returned to San Jose in S2, her crushing “what happened in Hershey” disappointment was palpable at times. Still, she regained a job that seemingly combined her love of cars and computers… until she determined it to be part of “a rut” in her life. Which ultimately led her to (finally) be part of the St. B team.
Given all that, it seems unlikely that being the IT director at a hospital satisfies every career aspiration she’s ever had. But that doesn’t mean she phones in her efforts. Ever.
9) She'a a hilarious name-dropper.
For those who were wondering (I certainly was), Sidney Crosby plays in the NHL for Pittsburgh-- home to Spara herself-- and, according to Wiki, is "widely regarded as one of the best hockey players of all time."
What was especially endearing about the structure of the script was that, on the surface, they started and ended the episode in almost the same way: a one-on-one conversation that elevated quickly (no pun intended, regarding that first scene) to where both were talking over each other... then settled down with calmer words from Glassy and a response from Lea that, while equal in intent, was delivered with a fair amount of restraint.
 |
| Here it is, in case you blinked |
What she really sought during their impromptu heart-to-heart was permission to do what she felt was necessary for the hospital, regardless of risk. Shaun, for his part, was fine with “advice” when she made a medical analogy for him. But when that analogy went sideways, with Shaun blurting “I don’t know what you want me to say” in frustration, Lea quickly decided she was asking more of Shaun than he could give… which led to a quick apology, a quick kiss (we’ll take it, thanks!), and a quick exit. Almost.
Because this time, Shaun had the rest of his thought about the “can’t bring food into the OR” thing ready to go. And he made sure she heard it.
Which was vital, because in doing so (and concluding with an assurance of respect that was good as gold), she no longer needed his permission to trust her instincts… because she felt able to give herself that permission.
46 comments:
Thank you, Kelli, for this much needed Lea-the-professional appreciation post!
As it turns out, “Decrypt” was less about a hospital under attack than about healing old wounds and introducing Lea as a character on the same level as every doctor in the cast.
Lea got a symbolic surgery on hard drives, leveling up with her boyfriend, the miracle surgeon. She was allowed to walk out on her boyfriend with something more important in her mind, signaling that Lea no longer only fills the role of being the female(!) love interest to the male(!) lead character—turning “Decrypt” into the story of the emancipation of a woman as well as a character in a drama series.
But at the center of Lea Dilallo’s plot was her complicated relationship with Aaron Glassman.
Their relationship had started the worst way possible: Glassman invaded her apartment and her privacy (“Islands”). He doubted her character and her intentions. She was the one on his side when he thought his cancer had returned (“Quarantine”); and she was the one to spark his will to fight the cancer a second time (“Aftermath”). Glassman owes his life to both Shaun (“More”) and Lea. Yet, he never was particularly grateful towards her.
Although Glassman made a peace offering in “Parenting”, Lea needed more from Glassman. Just as with her own parents, she needed validation from him. A need that was even communicated by Lea’s costume in this episode, imitating Glassman’s outfit: https://youtu.be/unGnDwPRgJo?t=23
Glassman always feared that Lea might hurt his surrogate son. A son he took on and guarded ever since feverishly because of his guilt over his dead daughter. Because as much as Lea ached for being deprived of validation by her family and on her career path, there is still this gashing wound in Glassman’s heart caused by the guilt over the daughter that died the night Glassman closed the door on her. A guilt so deeply engrained that he involuntarily revealed it to Lea even without ever mentioning Maddie to Lea in that motel room in Wyoming (“Friends and Family”).
For the little we know about Maddie, she was a rebel who struggled to find her way and failed. With a rebellious Lea proving that she has the literal balls to play with the big guys, Glassman opens the door to his house for her and has her sitting by his side when doing a guy’s thing, healing both their wounds.
Thank you for your wonderful post, Kelli. I subscribe to every word.
I’m glad that with “Decrypt” we are getting back on track. It was about time!
This episode was the classic example of how it’s possible to mix effectively irony, drama, adventure and feelings to obtain a balanced, heartwarming and enjoyable show, that should meet all kinds of taste. And Freddie’s directing was amazing!
Still, I can’t help but wondering how difficult it can be to maintain an average level of writing quality in a TV show of this kind. How can you propose something as good as “Parenting” and then dropping so down with something as bad as “Irresponsible…”, and then rising up again with “Decrypt”. I don’t know, I’m a bit disconcerted.
I know of the many Covid related production difficulties they’re having and the other misfortunes (Schiff’s hospitalization, Chang’s mom, the brief production shutdown, again due to a Covid case), but this is mainly a writing problem.
However, as I’ve recently read in an Italian review of the episode, “The Lea-Shaun-Glassman trio is confirmed as the only successful formula in a series that is gradually paying the price of a dangerous lack of ideas”. I wanted to share this, because I think it’s something every average fan of the show is firmly believing right now, at least here in Italy.
That said, I loved the episode a lot, and not just because it was about Lea (a good enough reason). The subject of how women are perceived in the working environment (women in STEM, in particular) was well explored though Lea’s interactions with Shaun and with Glassman. The disadvantages of having a disability that impact on your life expectations was also very well developed. In this week’s case it wasn’t just a matter of prejudice per se, but a very factual problem involving the patient’s position in the transplant list. I liked the way every character was involved, each single detail was carefully built, no matter how small a part someone may have had. Morgan’s compassionate side was enjoyable, as was Park’s interaction with her. I liked Olivia, so I’m sorry she left, but it was a completion of a story arc that was obviously over. Lim and Claire resolved their issues. Shaun was himself again (thank God!) and his interactions with Lea were sweet and significant. And then there was Lea and Glassman. What can I say? Wow! I love the way they are slowly building their relationship in a way that is believable. You can’t go from can’t standing someone to suddenly love them deeply, it would be unrealistic. And Lea’s presence at Glassy’s poker game was so significant. She was in Glassman’s house and without Shaun! The message is clear: Shaun is no longer the only reason why they try to get along. That night together was something only between them, and they were clearly enjoying it. And I died seeing Glassy’s face, when Lea left his office right after saving the hospital. It was the softest and most approving expression I had ever seen on his face, as far as Lea is concerned. I also agree with Andreas’ analysis: Shaun was from the very beginning Glassman’s path to redemption as a parent, and this explains his determination to support and protect him at all costs. So, I understand how big a step has been for him to open up to Lea the way he did. And I believe that she will be instrumental in the completion of Glassman’s redemption path. He’ll never recover completely from losing his daughter, but he at least deserves to find peace in the fact that he did succeed as a parent, the second time.
On a side note, I wasn’t so convinced about Andrews whistle blowing. I find it difficult to believe that a professional of his level would ever do something as unethical for a doctor as sharing with a reporter information about his patient’s health.
And how could he really believe that Claire would not be involved in the following problems?
In general I was very perplexed by the fact that they were really entertaining the possibility of denying the cures to the patient only because he lied. He made a mistake of course, but they were in no position to judge him. They were only his doctors.
I was also confused about the Shaun-Claire microwave scene. Wasn’t it Paul the janitor, not Claire, the one who told Shaun that when the truth can’t help someone, then you should lie (season 2 – Middle Ground)?
I know this is a very stupid detail, but I’m obsessed with consistency in TV shows 😉
But let’s not split the hair. This episode was great and I couldn’t be happier. For the show’s sake, let’s hope that this positive trend continues, and for ours that nothing too overly dramatic happens in the following episodes. Again, I can’t avoid noticing how things have been going too smoothly for Shaun. I hope that they don’t decide to suddenly pull the rug from under him, but knowing how things work in this show, that’s definitely a possibility.
I’m actually intrigued by the theory circulating in different social media, about Lea being pregnant. That would surely be something very BIG. Maybe it’s just a crazy idea, but I can’t stop thinking about Grumpy Daddy becoming Grandpa Glassy 😂
Hi Daniela,
You're right as far as the literal citation is concerned, that was Paul the janitor Shaun treated in 2.02 Middle Ground. Yet, Shaun and Claire ha somewhat similar conversation about white lies by omission in that episode:
[Shaun] I can't believe people ever lie. There are so many questions people might ask you, but if you tell the truth, you already know the answers.
[Claire] And, also, it's wrong.
[Shaun] But sometimes, you shouldn't tell the whole truth?
[Claire] No. Of course not.
[Shaun] Because that lets you be honorable and tell the truth and be a good person, but at the same time, you get to completely deceive the person.
[Claire] No, I don't think that...
So, the writers of "Decrypt" condensed the original story for a less complicated dialogue and refocused it on the characters present in the scene.
As for your other questions concerning Andrews and how to proceed from here into the second half of the season – I have some ideas about that, but they don’t necessarily involve a pregnancy yet…
Thanks, Andreas.
I actually didn't remember that exchange between Shaun and Claire.
Daniela, this Italian critique is quite intriguing not only because it highlights the dynamic of the Shaun/Lea/Glassy trio, but also because it acknowledges the flaws of early season 4, which in some respects appears to have been derailed.
While Lim’s PTSD storyline is very powerful, it is somewhat tedious to see that Claire yet again struggles with her dead mother.
Not that there isn’t a stringent logic behind it. Claire felt abandoned early in life and had to grow up too fast and too early. In consequence, Claire seeks figures of authority that can provide her with a parental relationship. Thus, she first crushed on her attending and now is clinging on to her friendship with Lim, hoping to find redemption for failing her late mother.
The parallels to Glassman, Maddie and Shaun are obvious. Though, while Glassman’s arc shows progression since his visions of Maddie in season 2, Claire mostly seems to run into circles.
This would probably not have been so bad if the writers had balanced Claire’s second try with more focus on Morgan and Park’s storylines, which are fresh ideas for the series: both had their plans for a life crushed. Morgan lost her surgical career, Park his family. How these two adapt and connect with each other in the process would have been worthwhile to explore more in depth.
Instead, the screen time was filled with the newbies. And #Shea got the comic reliefs. It is to be seen if these creative decisions were made for a pay-off in the second half of the season – or if it was a miscalculation by David Shore, who tried to stick to a formula for the 4th season he had some experience with since House MD.
Thank you Kelli for another brilliant post about a brilliant Lea-centric episode of TGD. It truly was delightful to watch Lea get the spotlight and highlight everything we know and love about her. Her humor, tenacity, impulsiveness, sassiness, intelligence and yes even her insecurities and defensiveness. Paige did an outstanding job of conveying all that with the help of the terrific script and Freddie's beautiful direction but mostly with her performance and nonverbal acting. Her face can convey a million emotions, sometimes in the same scene. Just look at that hallway scene where Shaun tells Lea he doesn't know what to say, and her expression and reaction change in so many brilliant ways. I've overused the word brilliant but there really is no better word to capture the performance. Freddie agrees, so there.
Speaking of Freddie, his work on this episode was just gorgeous. Visually stunning shots and the two music montages were fantastic. The organ transplant scene gave me chills and had me in tears. Then finally the uplifting ending which highlighted Olivia's release from familial career pressures, the mending of Claire and Lim's friendship and Glassman and Lea's poker time bonding. The song choices and editing of those two montages were terrific. Wonderful wonderful work from Freddie.
Lastly, as a hockey fan-- I'm a true Canadian--I really appreciated the shout out to Sidney Crosby. I bet Thomas Moran is a hockey guy himself. He also wrote Islands Part 1 in which a Pittsburgh Penguins (team Crosby plays for) hockey jersey is seen hanging from Lea's closet in the scene in which Lea and Shaun are talking about going on a road trip. So, if anything, TGD (Moran really) has kept it consistent that Lea is a Pittsburgh Penguins fan. Love the throwbacks that the show constantly alludes to.
As for what's next and speculations based on the 4.11 promo. I agree with a lot of folks saying that Lea is pregnant. This storyline would offer a lot of drama for Shea. The unexpectedness of a pregnancy, considering they have never discussed marriage let alone children as a couple. The effect on their successful careers. The implications of Shaun's ASD on parenting. I hate to say this but this is Shore's world, so I can even see them going with a pregnancy loss story to see how they cope with grief.
I agree with you, Andreas. This season's writing absolutely lacks balance, as far as quality is concerned. I sincerely hope that the second half of the season will be better in this respect.
The newbies addition might have been a good decision on paper. And I initially liked it very much. But for now, the screen time taken away from the core cast isn't worth it, in my opinion. I hope to be proven wrong.
They need to focus more and with more care on the characters' development, however. It's what fans like the most about this show. It's a winning formula. Changing is not always necessary or good.
I’m all in for a storyline about parenthood with ASD – there are tons of material about parents having children with ASD, but very little about autistic parents. Just as season 3 was bold to depict the problems with early romance, The Good Doctor could boldly go where no man has gone before…
Though, there are some drawbacks:
1. The timeline: the show more or less moves in real time, so a pregnancy would have to be roughly synchronized with the airing schedule. This also means that within the run of the whole series, we would only be able to see the earliest stages of parenthood. No kindergarten, no school storylines.
2. Babies are terrible characters: they cry, they sleep, they get sick. They have barely any agency of their own but bind the parents. And the storylines are very foreseeable.
3: The hospital is the place to be: the show worked hard to integrate Lea into the hospital structures; having a baby would undo that to a great deal.
So, as gruesome as it might seem, the best of all worlds for the story to continue would be a lost pregnancy. They get to talk all about parenthood with ASD, have the anticipation building, shock value when it goes wrong, good drama while the characters work through their sorrow and they are not as much removed from the hospital as with having the baby.
Just as this episode was one of the season's best, so was this blog post. Thank you very much, Kelli. As always! And just as your shout-out is in reference to something Casey Kasem counted down all the way to #1, your own list of great Lea moments throughout "Decrypt" is tops in my book!
This episode gave us everything we could reasonably want. An added emphasis on Lea as an all-around character; a chance to see her shine and save the day; and some AWESOME relational development with Glassman.
Call me a sap, but I really loved that brief poker scene at the end. We've seen Lea struggle for respect - and in some cases, even a greater sense of acceptance. This episode highlighted that, more so on a professional level than a personal level. But seeing Lea all smiles in the Glassman house, along with the Poker Buddies smiling and laughing right back, gave off the great joy that comes with acceptance.
And while that acceptance may not be absolute - which I described as the FINAL step back in the comments for "Parenting" - it's well on its way! And done in such a beautiful way at the tail end of this episode, to a song that has quickly become one of my new favorites: "Falls" by Odesza.
This is a very significant step! No longer are they just "tolerating" each other, or even mutually understanding each other mainly for Shaun's benefit. We've reached the point where they actually appreciate each other, for what each other has to offer!
And better yet, they managed to do all this WITHOUT sacrificing other core tenets of the show. Which, in my mind, makes "Decrypt" the ultimate win-win of an episode! I know WE were looking for something good for Lea, but perhaps wondered if doing so would take away from other aspects of what makes this show so great.
Medical Cases
While they didn't need to do any miracles, as you put it, to pull off any surgeries, we were still treated to a couple of intriguing medical cases. In one corner, we had not just a donation, but a CHAIN of organ donations. And in the other, we had the very debate-worthy issue of a patient who had done a lot of good, but did something HIGHLY wrong in order to be in such a position.
So in other words, we got to see Lea's own specialty shine, without throwing away the "medical" aspect of the show.
Other Characters
We also got some "good cop, bad cop" dynamics between Shaun and Claire, a sweet friendly (for now?) hug between Morgan and Park, a good follow-up on the Dr. Lim plot, and some moments of Dr. Glassman acting Presidential. And perhaps most touching of all, the emotional send-off for Olivia, which could have an impact on Dr. Andrews's character moving forward.
In short, we got to see Lea shine, without forsaking anyone else!
And on a personal level, I suspect that Freddie got a great joy directing this episode that allowed his great personal friend Paige to shine!
As far as the next episode goes, I'm strangely calm. I'm sure there will be a significant development, as the promo suggests. I like what others are suggesting about a possible pregnancy. If that happens, great! If not, no bummer, as there's always the future. But however it plays out, I'm not sensing an impending catastrophe. As such, no matter what it is, I have a feeling it'll be something for us to look forward to!
Excellent blog Kelli! Love that Lea finally got to be in an episode that revolved around her character. I was hoping for one more Shea scene to top off the episode at the end. But it ending it with her and Glassy made more sense in the overall story. I do wonder how Shaun would do at a poker game LOL. I don't have any issues with the Newbies but I agree that the writers should keep focus still on the main characters. I really wish to see the Park/Morgan dynamic more. They are now roomies but we have yet to really see that side to their new living arrangement. I do enjoy the chemistry between them. I mentioned on Twitter my initial reaction to the promo photos of Shaun and Lea in their apartment is of her revealing she is pregnant. Of course, pictures can be deceiving, and my shipper heart could be clouding my judgment ; ) But I am just going to hold on to it until the episode airs
Excellent post Kelli.
I loved the Decrypt episode. This and the Parenting episode are my favorites.
Paige Spara was fantastic as ever and in this episode we saw the professional side of Lea that we wanted so much.
I agree with Andreas, I believe that a missed pregnancy would be better in this second half of the season.
Lea already said she likes to build things. So this could be used metaphorically, as a construction of a pregnancy that in the end wouldn’t work.
It would be interesting to follow Shaun’s frustration of not being able to do anything to 'save' Lea’s pregnancy.
However, I would like to see Shaun as a father the following season (I hope the series will be renewed in a fifth season). Anyway, this episode was perfect.
Hi I can only do short replies my words get mixed up until I recover from stroke.
Kelli I just loved your blog and feel it is your best one yet so huge Congratulations I also got the song clues.
Tony my dear friend you stole my words and said everything I would have said if able to, so loads of hugs coming your way from Scotland to the US xxx
Sheree-Lynn I just love Lea as Lea was me when I was young it is like watching a mirror image and a reflection of my life. I loved how Glassy kept his word about inviting Lea to his next poker game. Watching Glassy's friends laughing with Lea during the poker game at the end was magic and I wonder if Lea beat them. When you wondered how Shaun would do at poker I had said exactly the same to Tony. Shaun would likely be telling them what cards he is holding so the thought of Shaun playing poker did make me laugh. Your song edits are 'Simply The Best' and cannot wait for a new one to appear. Like you I would love Lea to reveal she is pregnant to Shaun as feel they would make amazing parents. Shaun said in a previous episode he would love to have children and Glassy spoke to Lea when Shaun's dad died about having children one day. Kelli or Tony can clarify which episodes my memory is impaired until I heal.
David Shore enjoys leaving breadcrumbs for fans who take notice and returns to them in future episodes The "More" Roadtrip is a prime example jumping from season 1 to the finale of season 3 where every single "more" Shaun said to Vera came from the now famous Roadtrip and I do hope they have a 2nd Roadtrip very soon.
Andreas you ALMOST rendered me speechless with your children posting which was so insulting towards women and actresses. I was far to upset to reply when I read it so waited until calm.
Did you spare one thought to those who gave lost their babies before writing No 2 ???
Many Hospital Dramas have babies in them and are nothing like what you wrote.
"2. Babies are terrible characters: they cry, they sleep, they get sick. They have barely any agency of their own but bind the parents. And the storylines are very foreseeable.
3: The hospital is the place to be: the show worked hard to integrate Lea into the hospital structures; having a baby would undo that to a great deal.
As for No 3 - Women have juggled having children and work since the beginning of time but I shall keep to a hospital TV drama and jump to The ABC Flagship Show Grey's Anatomy which once more came top of the ratings 2020 an amazing achievement after 16 years on air, winning awards and one which other Hospital Dramas can only dream of.
The star of the show Ellen Pompeo has managed to have 3 REAL children while working, they did not use a stunt double and the show is still at the top of the ratings after 16 years as started in 2005 and I have not missed one episode. Gosh I wonder how Ellen who plays Meredith Grey managed to do that. Perhaps Ellen has a magic wand
"It’s pretty impressive how Ellen Pompeo has effortlessly raised her three children while juggling her iconic role on Grey’s Anatomy. Throughout the last few decades, the actress has managed to balance her hectic schedule and time with husband Chris Ivery and their kids Stella, Sienna and Eli.
In fact, Ellen started her family just years after landing the starring role of Meredith Grey on the hit drama series in 2005. Following her nuptials with the record producer in 2007, Ellen and Chris welcomed eldest daughter Stella in 2009. The Hollywood couple expanded their family when daughter Sienna arrived in 2014, followed by son Eli in 2016.
Large Hospitals have creches for staff to leave children while they work we are living in 2021 not 1821.
I have also enjoyed reading the comments from the regulars and feel this is the best blog ever, so another thanks to Kelli for all the hard work which is put into disecting every episode.
Luv Mo xxx
Hey everyone!! First of all thank you Kelli for such an amazing post, perfect as always! I enjoyed Decrypt so much that I have not enough words to express it. To me Decrypt and Parenting are on the top list of my favorite TGD episodes of all time... Maybe Decrypt is a little bit higher tho. It's just that to actually see Lea shine was something that I had expected for so long and to see it so beautifully performed by Paige was a delight to watch. Freddie proving once more the skilled and talented director he is, delivered the story in a very smooth and fluid way... The camera movement and the way he placed scene by scene made the episode looked like an action movie at times. The operation scene along with the songs elections, incredible and emotional, reminders of the best episodes of previous seasons. I felt like the show returned to its essence in this episode and that's more that I ever wished for. Certainly Freddie and Paige make a great team, and I'm so happy he decided to direct her and her moment to shine. We are extremely lucky to have Shea being played by such good partners and friends. The only thing that I would have wished for is to see at least one more Shea moment in the episode, but the scene with Glassy in the end was perfect anyway.
Regarding the promo, imo Lea will give Shaun very surprising news. I would say that a pregnancy scare is more factible between them. A miscarriage is something too painful, yes it involves drama but in many occasions ends relationships so if they follow that path I would fear for Shea's future. Even tho, if they are building something so strong between them maybe there is a reason and to have this kind of challenge could be approachable and hard to overcome but interesting to see them actually overcoming it.
Love, Vale
Just a technicality, but since TGD usually does no time jumps – the pandemic an understandable exception – it would mean that if Lea gave Shaun the news about being pregnant at the turn of February to March, she would be due around October, which means early season 5. That would be a multi-season arc.
And another note: there wasn’t only a spike in pregnancies this season, but also the first elective abortion and with Jordan we also have the first character who had an abortion themselves. Abortion became an important issue in US domestic politics; thus, it is not surprising that this found its way into the scripts, just as racism and LGBTQ.
However, since the writers were passionate enough to serve us with “Irresponsible…”, I would not rule out that abortion rights might become an issue as well.
When Glassman asked her about becoming a parent one day in that motel room in Wyoming (“Friends and Family”), Lea was at a loss of words, so there is the possibility of her not being ready for a baby right now. Although that variant is quite low on my list of possibilities because for a certain portion of the audience that would mean nothing less than a character assassination on Lea.
Me on the other hand still see them as artificial characters that are meant to explore meaningful themes and topics. And that would certainly qualify.
(I apologize in advance for the length of my posts, again...)
Thank you Kelli for this great post. I laughed when i read your comment about the episode "Unsaid"; it's weird to imagine that we had to content ourselves with rarely more than a few scenes for Lea back then. Now we've been accustomed to seeing her so much more, and it would be weird if she were in less than 3 scenes in an episode! By the way, although quantity doesn't mean quality, i'd be curious to know Lea's screentime in each of the first 3 seasons vs season 4 so far.
I loved reading your description of Lea's strengths and character's traits by using all her scenes in this episode. The points you listed - her self-sufficiency, her struggles as a woman in STEM (btw thank you for explaining that, i didn't know this acronym), how she doesn't back down from challenges, etc. - showed how nicely and carefully the writers finally developed this character in depth, and it also shows that she's a muti-dimensional character, many interesting stories can be told with her. Regarding the "not backing down", i was not also not surprised that Lea can dive into her work to achieve something with success. Lea has indeed been depicted as lacking self-esteem and saying about herself that she was messy, but it was clear that it was much more on a personal level. Work-wise, she was shown to be considered efficient and talented (the promotion in s1, quickly becoming head of IT at the hospital), organized (for example, her post-its on the board in her office), hard-working (not taking a day off in 4 years),....
So, regarding my own thoughts on this episode: so much to love! Of course it was fantastic that Lea had the spotlight, but almost all other characters got their moment(s) without the episode ending up being messy or disjointed. It's clear that the writing was better for this episode than for "Irresponsible". And of course the directing by Freddie Highmore was amazing, it gave more substance and intensity to scenes that could otherwise have felt flat. We're lucky that he directed the episode that focused on Lea; choosing to direct this particular episode shows how much he likes Lea and likes working with Paige and appreciates her work. Paige's acting was brilliant in this episode, as Freddie said: "She's fun to watch as she mines so many different nuances and levels take after take". Of course, we saw one take for each scene, but throughout all her scenes we were able to see Paige depict a whole array of emotions: frustration, anger, sadness, joy, doubt, love...and with or without words being spoken. There are moments that i particularly loved because of her acting:
- when Lea said "you don't trust me?" to Glassman: the way she said it and the way she was looking at him were powerful, she seemed so sad and hurt, and to me the way she uttered those words made it seem like she was asking the question to a parent or closed one but not a chief or colleague. It also showed how much she needed Glassman to believe in her, to be acknowledged and accepted. (Tbd)
- the scene when she barged into Glassman's office, said that if she had a mic she would drop it, then the "they're beer league at best; i loved Paige's delivery, facial expressions and body movements, she made the comment even funnier than it was. And i loved how Glassman barely reacted and moved, remaining grumpy and unexcited. They were total opposites in that scene.
- Shaun and Lea' scene "i respect you": because Paige brilliantly displayed Lea's emotions. She's overall always able to convey a lot of emotions through her facial expressions and her eyes, but i thought that it was especially obvious in this scene.
- the elevator scene with Glassman: once again, i loved her delivery of the lines, the changes in tone, the facial expressions...The back and forth in the exchanges between Glassman and Lea was great.
I was particularly very happy with this episode because it focused on Glassy and Lea. I was very pleasantly surprised because i didn't think their relationship would be developed more so soon after "Parenting" and even less the primary focus of an episode, and also because i didn't think that Richard Schiff would have so much to do in the episodes after he had covid19.
I love that Glassman was impressed by her, finally complimented her, and went so far as to invite her, without Shaun, at HIS house to play HIS favourite game with HIS friends to what was a male-only poker party. It's huge, by doing this and by letting her enter into a private part of his life, he's not only accepting her, he's showing that he likes her. The last scene of them playing poker and with Lea laughing was a great scene because it said a lot while being short and without any dialogue.
Special mention to Shaun's speech about respecting Lea! Shaun has given great speeches to Lea (and her parents!) this season, and it's amazing how wiser and calmer he has become ever since he's with Lea. He could be wise and calm before, but now it just seems that he can easily find thoughtful ways to help Lea, to explain himself, to give a personal example, to give advice, etc. Overall, he seems very confident when he's with Lea, and i'd even say at peace, like nothing can unfaze him because she's here.
On a totally other note: it was a great catch Andreas about Lea mimicking Glassman's clothes, in search of validation from him and to blend into the old boys club. It was so obvious when they were side by side, like in the elevator! But many of us missed it nonetheless...
Thanks for the shout-out, Syl. Let me just add that Glassman and Lea weren’t the only ones who dressed alike in “Decrypt”. The very same goes for Lim and Claire, especially in their final scene at Claire’s doorstep. They had their own validation/surrogate family thing going on this episode.
As for the next episode and the ending that will supposedly leave us "stunned", i have no real expectation because i don't trust ABC promos anymore. However i firmly believe it will be something positive, because neither Shaun nor Lea appear sad in the promo photos and because they are supposed to a "unit" for the whole season. I've started browsing TGD's subreddit several weeks ago, and I like your suggestion Andreas about the topic of the episode - a husband having to decide whether to take his comatose wife off life support - making Shaun think of asking Lea to be his health proxy, which could bring up the topic of marriage.
A pregnancy would be possible, but rather at the end of a season, to have something like a 4-month jump to not have to cover the whole pregnancy and to avoid a time jump in the middle of a season. And it would be possible to have a baby in the show, after all Cuddy's daughter was featured several times in House. But in TGD Shaun's baby would have to be shown much more simply because it would be the baby of the core character, and also because it would be very important to show an autistic person learning to be a parent. Although Lea would probably struggle as much if not more than Shaun given her lack of self-esteem and probable fear to not be good enough as a mother...
Pregnancy could also be dealt with quickly, in an episode as part of a pregnancy scare, just as a way to have both of them discuss the topic of having children.
Regarding what you mentioned Andreas about the topic of abortion, i agree with you. If she's pregnant this season, she might not be ready and could think of an abortion. Yet i doubt the writers would go there because it would indeed be akin to a character assassination as many fans would hate her for "killing Shaun's baby", and the writers have gone to great lengths so far this season to turn the tables after Lea's "you're autistic" to show how great she is. What could happen however, is Lea having no choice but to abort because there is an issue with the pregnancy that puts her life at stake.
I've read people say that a wedding and a pregnancy would be too soon this season, and i fully agree for the pregnancy, but the writers may feel the need to tell the most important topics related to Shaun soon enough not only in case the show doesn't get renewed for a 5th and then 6th season but also in case Freddie Highmore doesn't want to continue once his contract ends. I indeed don't see him staying in a tv show for many seasons, even if it's a good role.
In a way it's not that bad that there is a 2-week hiatus, it allows us to take time to talk about the great episode that was "Decrypt" and enjoy rewatching some scenes, and to discuss theories about "Crazy", this time without the anxiety many of us had following the "Irresponsible" promo!
Thank you, Mo, for your great compliments. I hope things continue to improve as you heal. We've got such a great Shea-loving family here, certainly wishing for each other's best!
To answer your episode-related questions (one was already answered, but I'll echo it just to keep both parts of your question answered in a single place):
Trampoline (2.18) was what gave us the Shaun-Claire conversation about Shaun wanting to be a father, while Friends and Family (3.10) gave us the Lea-Glassman conversation about the idea of Lea being a parent one day (thanks, Andreas, for also answering this one).
I've suggested before that there is greater narrative potential in Shaun moving FORWARD in his relationship with Lea than BACKWARD. Or put more simply, there are greater stories to tell!
We've seen Shaun start a relationship, end a relationship, and deal with the highs and lows. Does it really benefit the overall story to see Shaun go through all this AGAIN?!? The ideas of engagement, marriage, and parenthood give us MORE to work with, and allow for us all to see the potential for someone on the Spectrum to inspire us in these ways.
Does it have to happen next episode-or-bust? Of course not. But the clock's ticking, as we're already 4 seasons in. And as Syl above said, this just doesn't seem like an ER or a Gray's Anatomy that lasts a generation. I have my doubts that it will even match the 8 seasons David Shore had with House. So if we ARE to see some of those next steps, we're probably not far off.
After the howls and the groans the show received from people saying "too painful" with the pandemic episodes, I personally doubt the show will go with the lost child storyline. That would just hit TOO close to home for people who have endured that pain. And after the calls of "too woke" from the "Irresponsible" episode, I also doubt that an abortion (elective or medically necessary) will be the result.
I don't foresee a pregnancy without a baby. And if that happens, I have no doubt that Shaun and Lea will BOTH make excellent parents. As Mo suggested, the hospital could easily have a nursery for the little ones. And as I highlighted with my earlier "Decrypt" comment, the show has proven that it's capable of giving us something great without sacrificing the essence of the show.
If we go through the whole "pregnancy" "miscarriage" or "pregnancy scare" theories. There is also the possibility that one of the two has more time trying to adjust to the idea of being a parent, that could Bring extra drama. Because, even tho, Shaun has state that he would be a good father, we don't know if when the time comes he is going to face fears and doubts just like any other human, and maybe for not understanding these feelings he acts in a very distant way with Lea. I say this because we all think of Lea having issues right away. But the series has already showed us that Shaun could be the one having thoughts (remembering that episode I just want to forget hahaha) But, it could be and that could give us one or two episodes with drama. Now, let's remember that Lea changes her hair in episode 12, does a personal situation such as a loss could be the reason for a change of look? I would say that's a possibility too.
Things are moving fast right now. Somebody at Reddit looked a little closer at some behind-the-scenes photos (please do NOT re-post the photo anywhere, that might mean trouble) and found scene descriptions on paper that are supposedly for episode 4.12:
Glassman’s office: Glassman is on the phone when Shaun walks in
Shaun & Lea’s apartment: Shaun wakes up, the other side of the bed is empty
Shaun & Lea’s apartment: Shaun finds Lea sitting on the couch, a blanket wrapped around her
Shaun & Lea’s apartment: Tired Shaun arrives home to find Lea cooking dinner
Shaun & Lea’s apartment: Shaun and Lea lie in bed; she’s asleep; he’s not, he gets up and goes to the living room.
So, there’s something so unsettling for both that Lea gets to mimicking Shaun in the opening scene of 3.18, Shaun has news for Glassman and gets nervous, too.
In line with the “unit-theme”, both are scared of something in an episode with the working title “Teeny Blue Eyes”. There might be some hard decision to make. Thank God, the time of comedy plots might come to an end soon!
Hello everyone!
Thanks Kelli for this great post and thanks to all of you for sharing your point of view. 😊
“Decrypt” is literally the episode I've been waiting for a long time, I love Paige/Lea and seeing her in so many scenes was beautiful. Therefore, I agree with all the compliments you have expressed for her. Lea's character needed an episode like this that was able to bring out other essential nuances of Lea.
As for Shea's future, I guess that the news of a pregnancy could come in the season finale, but I don't rule out that somehow the topic of marriage and children can be covered in the course of the remaining episodes.
Regarding the topic of abortion, I agree with Syl and I doubt that the writers will move towards a elective abortion because it could be perceived as a akin to a character assassination and give Lea more hatred, nullifying the work done so far. I agree with Tony too when he says that the lost child storyline could be avoided by the writers because the show has already received comments like “too painful”.
As for the future of the show, I really hope there will be a fifth season and I really wish there was a sixth season as well. But, as Syl said, Freddie might not want to be on a TV show for many seasons.
It's okay for something to end when the time is right for it to end, but just the thought of the non-renewed show breaks my heart, I am deeply fond of this show.
Lastly, I want to say that I'm glad I discovered this blog and in general being part of the Shea fandom, I feel like I belong to a community even if I'm on the other side of the ocean. This community means a lot to me.
To put some water in the wine… a full pregnancy and a newborn would have serious consequences within the structure of the series.
If Lea gave Shaun the news to be pregnant now, with roughly 6 weeks to notice it after conception, she would be due sometime in late October – early season 5 – with 12 weeks of maternity leave afterwards.
Since the show usually does no big time jumps within a season, this would mean that Lea as a character would be off the hospital for 6+ episodes (minus some weeks off for Christmas hiatus). Since Shaun probably can’t simply reduce his workload as a mere resident, most of the childcare would be on Lea and perhaps Debbie in that time.
We all rooted for Lea to be more integrated into the hospital, to have storylines and character interactions without Shaun, but other members of the cast. A baby would diminish the chances to get that and again reduce Lea’s character to a satellite of Shaun’s. In fact, it would even play into the stereotype of conservative motherhood.
Becoming a mother would mean a step back again for Lea as an independent and self-sufficient character in the cast right now because the show can’t simply leap forward in time as it would be possible in other formats. Because of Shaun’s five-year residency, there is a set time frame for the show to move within.
Thank you Andreas for the additional information of Lim and Claire also wearing similar clothes, I should really pay more attention to these details!
So after reading several posts about a possible pregnancy, the multiple pregnancies featured in the first half of this season, the little tidbits for 2.12 (i saw that a photo of a call sheet published by the Morleymoose guy on his blog was reposted on Instagram, i hope he won't get in trouble because of that...), and of course the title of the episode, made me change my mind that the end scene in 4.11 could be Lea announcing that she's pregnant. It could be a "catapult" moment. In fact, ever since Shaun helped to deliver and save a baby in 2.11 and then said that he would be a good father in 2.18, I believed they were anvils of some sort and that the writers would try to show Shaun as a father at some point, provided of course that the show would last long enough. But it would indeed be "stunning" if it happened this season already. In a way, if she's indeed pregnant and they decide to have the baby, as younsaid Tony it would give more to work with, it would certainly bring a lot of drama but also cute and emotional moments. And it would be very interesting to see how each of them handle the news. I agree with Unknown that Shaun could have fears and doubts and could have trouble understanding these feelings. When he said that he would be a good father, it was quite a naive statement, not because he was wrong but because he didn't fully realize what it would mean to care for a baby then a child, especially -as you said Andreas on reddit- on an emotional level. And as you said also, with a baby comes a lot of noise, which might be a sensory overload and it thus could be very difficult for Shaun to deal with on a daily basis.
All in all, i'd be happy to see Shaun and Lea through this journey of becoming parents and adapting to a new life, but i also hope that it would mean only seeing Lea as a mother. Maybe the show wouldn't have her take the 3 months of maternity leave, but there is still the risk that overall her role is reduced to taking care of the baby and being Shaun's girlfriend. I was wondering if they quickly advanced Lea and Glassman's relationship so that he can be there not only for Shaun but also for her, as a father figure, to help her and support her during the pregnancy and so that she welcomes his help to take care of the baby.
And as for the rest of this season, even if there is more drama, i still hope there will be lighthearted moments and some fun times, but not with Shaun providing comedic relief, i mean fun as in Shaun and Lea - and possibly others - having fun together, like the go karts scenes in season 2 or the famous karaoke scenes.
Regarding "Decrypt", just a detail i noticed: i believe that the music we hear at 29' is the same one as for the scene of Lea holding Shaun in "Friends and family"...I love that music, it really fit the Shea scene.
*i also hope that it wouldN'T mean only seeing Lea as a mother
You’re right Syl, that music piece at min 29 is a variation of the piano piece of the end of 3.10 – although “Friends and Family” wasn’t the first time the motif was used in the series. Unfortunately, I don’t recall when it was used before. Yet, it is not exclusive to #Shea moments.
Its use indicates a highly significant moment in the relationship of Lim and Claire. There is something about to change – and the key phrase here is probably Lim’s line “I'm capable of separating my personal feelings from my professional decisions.”
Which we can assume she won’t be down the road. Just as Shaun could not let go of his feelings for Lea the season before. Lim is probably going to run into a favoritism case with Claire.
I knew that lyrics of songs chosen for a scene or moment convey a message, but I don't pay much attention to a music, so it's very interesting to know that a music can mean much more than just giving a tone or accompany the emotion of a moment, and that here specifically it's related to change.
I've been watching tv shows for a long time and have been invested in the fandom of 2 other tv shows, but i think it's the first time i get to read such in-depth and enlightening analyses like yours here and on reddit, Kelli's ones, and also very interesting comments of other posters on this blog.
So I wanted to use this opportunity to thank Kelli for this great blog, and to thank her, you Andreas and other posters for the analyses and comments that help get a better understanding of characters, storylines, and that help notice so many things through songs, clothes, words, etc. used in a scene. And i specifically understand Shaun better thanks to your analyses Andreas, since the show doesn't/can't properly explain some of Shaun's behaviours. I would have missed so much by just being a casual viewer! Like in "Decrypt" i'm still surprised that i missed Lea wearing similar clothes to Glassman's ones (and i should have learned to notice this kind of things after starting reading this blog a year ago) which says so much about Lea...
I also share Mary's sentiment, that being in this fandom and be able to share on this blog gives the feeling of belonging to a community. It took some time for me to dare participate and share my thoughts, but it has helped me to alleviate my anxiety at times during the first lockdown only by reading this blog. And it also helped a lot during the very long break before season 4 started!
Thank you Syl, but don‘t nail me down to “change” alone, the music just marks something very important happening within the characters that -probably- will change their direction or bring a new development. In 3.10, Claire decided to see her therapist when the piece started, ending her phase of self-destructive behavior. It’s all very much a vague interpretation.
Though, speaking of the relevance of music – there was another key moment in “Decrypt” that uses a known motif: at minute 33+, when Lea hesitates to restore the system. The music is hard and dissonant. It effectively communicates what’s going on inside Lea at the moment: tension, insecurity, torn but finally being brave. Though, there’s a second layer to it. Because this musical piece it is a highly modified version – extra arranged for that scene – of a way older piece: the very first minutes of the pilot 1.01, when we are introduced to Shaun Murphy. Conventional wisdom would suggest that it is the characters personal motif. It is a composition that is rarely heard throughout the series. The use of the same rare motif for both characters communicates that they are two of the same kind - soulmates - and equally brilliant in their fields of work.
That was a great episode. I would even recommend it to anyone who has an IMDB account to vote for it, since the rating deserved to be better: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13998324/?ref_=ttep_ep10
I started to suspect of a possible pregnancy after episode 4.09. Three plots of pregnancies in the first half of the season? Either the writers are out of ideas or this is a clue to something ... Add to that the whole issue of Shaun taking responsibility for the residents, going back to live with Lea (with her initially asking if it’s not too soon), meeting the parents of Lea, the fact that everything is fine in their professional life, that scene of the female patient who swallowed the engagement ring... And then there are the photos with the couple apparently having an important conversation in their apartment and the promo promising that the end will leave the viewer stunned?
Either she is VERY pregnant or ABC is trolling us again with these promos.
If she is pregnant, I wonder if this plot of the car and they stealing it back ends with her getting scared or getting hurt, thus discovering her pregnancy, forcing the couple to realize something like "we have to be more serious and responsible from now on. Enough of this fun".
On another subject, for those interested, the Spoiler TV website is once again making its monthly voting on the best performances of the month. Freddie Highmore has been nominated in the past for episodes 1.10, 2.01, 2.17, 3.16, 3.18, 4.05 and 4.08. Paige Spara was also nominated for episodes 3.16 and 3.20. If someone wants to vote for them and the rest of the cast, you can find information on how to vote in the form available at this link, until March 4th (you can only vote for up to five different candidates). You can vote for the episode 4.09 or 4.10. : https://www.spoilertv.com/2021/03/performers-of-month-nominations-for.html
I’m 100% onboard with the Baby Theory at this point. And I agree that either we are right, or ABC is badly trolling us!
The hints are all there, adding now the few scene descriptions from the call sheet (I hope that poor guy won’t be in any trouble), that’s the only viable explanation.
Now, embracing this theory, we have to also embrace all the doubts that each of you has shared so far. I agree that The Good Doctor won’t last as Grey’s Anatomy. I personally would love to keep watching it forever, but realistically speaking, I think that we will be lucky to have the 5 complete years of residency covered. Anything more would be a miracle.
That said, obviously, we could enjoy only the very first steps of Shaun and Lea becoming parents. I’m not as concerned about the matter of the maternal/paternal leave, because they could simply make it fit between seasons 4 and 5, and start season 5 with both Shaun and Lea back at work and the child in the hospital daycare. Still, it would be just a little bit bite of it. We won’t be able to see anything about this child’s growing up. But even a small bit is better than nothing and it would offer some important elements of reflection about parenting with ASD (there would also be a high probability of a SHEA baby having ASD).
This direction would also offer another opportunity for a change within the hospital. As Andreas has already written on Reddit, some change might involve both Glassman and Andrews. I’ll try do develop something based on his hypothesis.
Glassman is already 65, with a younger demanding wife, a career at its peak, his “son” is a step away from becoming a real surgeon, and maybe a “grandchild” on the way and a lot of help to be offered. Lea’s parents live at the other side of the country, so the grandparents’ role will be played mainly by Glassy and Debbie.
He may decide to retire from the presidency and work only at the clinic. This way he would still be a doctor and he would still be around the hospital, but with a lot of more free time.
Andrews, on the other hand, is obviously still interested in a more powerful role. This time he would be a wiser man, having learnt a lot from his previous experiences. And I think that he will learn yet another lesson from Glassman in the upcoming episode. He didn’t agree with Glassman in bringing in next week’s surgery case, at the beginning, but I think that he will change his mind by the end of the episode. Among the promo photos of him and Glassman, there are two of the two of them in Glassy’s office (Glassman wears the same lilac cardigan from 3x11 and is kind of smiling). At first, I thought it could be about Shaun telling him that Lea was pregnant, but then a saw the arm of a person in front of him and it wears a golden watch, that looks a lot like Andrews’ (you need to zoom the picture to see it). So this could be the beginning of a lot of changing.
I agree with your assessment, Daniela.
The first half of season 4 was a slow drag but with theses theories in mind it looks like the writer took their time to put all chess pieces into the right place.
It’s been almost a year now since Shaun and Lea became a couple in the earthquake. Their relationship needed time to grow roots before anything big could happen. Thus, Lim and the newbies took the forefront, although I would have preferred it if Morgan would have been featured more. Yet perhaps her transition from surgeon to patient advocate/manager was planned to take a similar slow burn for her just to resurface now. Glassman and Lea find trust and validation while the president is feeling his inadequacy in handling the cyber-attack, owed to his age. Andrews tried to live a career vicariously through his niece and now may feel the need to advance his own career again, exerting his influence on a weakened Lim that might sit in the president’s chair soon.
That still does not excuse the writers for silly comedy and bad plot execution, but it would be an explanation at least.
>>If she is pregnant, I wonder if this plot of the car and they stealing it back ends with her getting scared or getting hurt, thus discovering her pregnancy, forcing the couple to realize something like "we have to be more serious and responsible from now on. Enough of this fun".
Given that the “Save the Striped Tomato” plot and the hypothesized pregnancy unfold as we deduced so far, I might add a meta level to the car plot.
The Good Doctor applies a rich amount of symbolism throughout its run. Claire only played the guitar and sang at home (2.12 “Aftermath”, or quite reluctantly in 3.04 “Take My Hand”) because of her mother before she’s seen on a stage in 4.11 (as depicted in a promo photo). Shaun held dearly to a plastic scalpel his dead brother Steve gave him. Hubert the Fish and its successors were a promise for Shaun and Lea as a family of sorts. The baseball Lea “borrowed” to Shaun, which sat beside his brother’s photo and watched over Shaun having sex for the first time.
Second to the scalpel, Lea’s car, the Striped Tomato, is probably one of the most important and long-lasting icons of the drama series. Beloved Grandpa Rod’s car represents Lea’s fond childhood memories since 1.11 “Island Part One”. It is her connection to a carefree past before her struggles a woman in STEM began. The car also is a reminder of how the bond between Shaun and Lea was forged on that decisive road trip. The time when Lea showed trust in Shaun by having him drive her priced memorabilia, empowering him. The moment Shaun took his life into his own hands and experienced his first kiss.
If the Striped Tomato get towed away, Lea probably already has learned about her pregnancy but not told Shaun yet. As the car is taken away from her, she feels her childhood as well as the carefree days of romance slipping away. The event marks her final transition into adulthood.
In consequence, the following quest for retrieval isn’t just a fierce try to hold onto these carefree times, the combined effort of Shaun and Lea again would enforce the idea that the couple faces challenges best as a unit. Just as they will have to work together as expectant parents.
Parental Team Building, TGD Style.
Just a thought this morning...I was scooting through my on-screen television guide yesterday, searching for something totally unrelated to The Good Doctor. Imagine my consternation when I noticed that our show is not going to be airing Monday, March 15th. Possibly most of you already knew this, but I am not a denizen of social media, so I am usually the last to know of these things. It is an additional hour of The Bachelor. I am on the East Coast of the USA, so possibly it is different elsewhere? Is this coming Monday's episode slated to be a cliff-hanger while TGD is off for a few weeks?
Also just a tiny observation about the Decrypt episode that brought a smile to my face. Freddie Highmore in interviews always notes how David Shore loves those small moments that capture the heart of it. I loved the moment when Lea was asking Shaun for advice in the hallway, and he slowly walked to the bench to sit down. For me, it hearkened back to the episode in which Dr. Glassman was talking to Shaun about his impending marriage, and Shaun delightedly asked if he was being asked for his advice. In his words..."This is huge!" Additionally, the older episode in which Dr. Kalu was fretting over asking his burn patient for a date. Shaun pointed out "I'm a person," when Jared was bemoaning the lack of "people" to ask for advice. These two moments highlighted for me how seriously a maturing Shaun wants to be viewed as someone worthy of dispensing personal advice, not solely the one asking for and receiving such advice. By just the small act of sitting, Freddie imbues the moment with a sense of import on Shaun's part -- acknowledging that someone is about to take his thoughts seriously and giving that request his full attention.
I do remember with a chuckle, though, the episode in which a newly-returned Lea was explaining to Shaun why they should not live together. Freddie again sat as Lea was getting revved up, but that one, in my opinion, was played for laughs. Lea can ramble...a lot. Figured he'd get comfortable until she finished! Love those small gems that take so much thought on the part of the actor.
As always, thank you, Kelli, for your analyses and for providing this forum, at the cost of much time and effort. And cheers to all the writers and thinkers here on this site who explore every nook and cranny of this program we love. I so enjoy you all!
Barbara
Hi Barbara, “The Bachelor” will have its finale on March 15, thus the prolonged air time; making Dr. Andrews in 3.02 into a prophet: “We've officially turned into an episode of ‘The Bachelor’.”
The yet to be confirmed air date for 4.12 is March 22.
We can confirm that the air date for episode 4.12 will be on March 22nd and the 4.13 will be on March 29. This was what Sarah Wayne Callies (director of episode 13) posted on IG after wrapping filming. They are behind schedule. Episode 14 started yesterday right after the other finished, we need to be so thankful for their hard work, unfortunately we predict that there will more hiatus in the future. So let's be patient.
Syl, i watched Decrypt 6 times and you have missed nothing about the clothes worn. Glassy and Lea are not dressed alike, Glassy is dressed in dull grey which makes him look ill and is wearing a shirt. Lea has a loose polo neck on a caramel shade and a lovely stylish cardigan. I have watched it frame by frame and see no similarity they do not reflect each others clothes. If they do I need to get my eyes tested in spec savers. I can assure you i remember every song played in each episode, My favourite jacket worn by Lea is when Lea took Glassy and Shaun Go Kart racing it is fitted red and black and has appeared is several important episodes
Luv Mo x
Andreas
I am puzzled at your attitude of women in top jobs while having babies do you really believe they cannot do both? Your paragraph below bemused me and confused me as you do not give women credit for what they are able to achieve. You do not need to take maternity leave it is not mandatory or your partner can take paternity leave instead
Think of the extra dimensions a baby would bring into both Shaun and Lea's lives. The new friends Lea would make amongst others doctors and nurses when dropping off baby #babyshea at the hospital creche. Why do you only want to see Lea as a mother as Lea is more than capable of showing mothers can have babies and work in top jobs.
I have friends in top jobs who took no maternity leave and worked up until their children were born and returned to work one week later.
Andreas: This is what you said:-
"All in all, i'd be happy to see Shaun and Lea through this journey of becoming parents and adapting to a new life, but i also hope that it would mean only seeing Lea as a mother. Maybe the show wouldn't have her take the 3 months of maternity leave, but there is still the risk that overall her role is reduced to taking care of the baby and being Shaun's girlfriend. I was wondering if they quickly advanced Lea and Glassman's relationship so that he can be there not only for Shaun but also for her, as a father figure, to help her and support her during the pregnancy and so that she welcomes his help to take care of the baby".
1 - The hospital with a nursery addresses the day-to-day question of “where is the baby”
2 - Parental leave allows them both to take time off, not just the mother.
3 - They can do some sort of time skip, even if it’s not a big one.
4 - Showing a working-class mother is a statement in and of itself. It shows that it doesn’t have to be “either-or”
Several of your concerns can be handled with just a few lines of dialogue.
Did you watch the opening Season 3 x 1 "The New Normal" of New Amsterdam aired last night? The episode was amazing getting one of the highest ratings ever, there were moments I could not breathe as the storyline was so dramatic.
New Amsterdam had to get rid of all they had filmed previously as both Daniel dae Kim and Ryan Eggold the star of the show both caught covid in real life. What they produced instead was sheer brilliance and the best montage opening to any hospital drama I have seen. A slowed-down version of "It's a Wonderful World" was played with close-ups of the crucial moments during the pandemic then at the end of the episode, the same music was played. The first episode of the season "The New Normal" started by jumping to post covid.
The Director of the hospital Dr. Max has his toddler Luna in the hospital's childcare unit as his wife died so Luna goes to work with her dad. Time jumps are used in every popular TV drama.
This is the 5-minute tribute made to all front-line workers by Ryan Eggold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyRiC3cdoHE
Lea was AMAZING in "Decrypt." It was a well-balanced tribute to her as an individual and as the hospital's head of IT, and not just as Shaun's girlfriend. It's one of my all-time favorite episodes now. And yes, "fierce brilliance" is a BEAUTIFUL description of Lea! I'm going to remember that phrase.
Hi Mo, i wanted to clarify a few things:
- first, the paragraph you quoted "All in all,..." was written by me and not Andreas. I prefer to say it since it seems there is a bit of a misunderstanding based on what i wrote and so i'm the one who should explain what i meant
- second, about maternity leave and working mothers: seeing Lea as a working mother is actually what i want to see. As i wrote "I hope that it wouldn't mean only seeing Lea as a mother" (I corrected the "wouldN'T" in a reply to my post), because to me it's indeed important that we continue to see Lea working at the hospital. I was just stating in my post that we don't know what the show would do about her regarding the maternity leave. Also, yes of course both parents can take a parental leave, and I'm one to wish that more fathers took a paternity leave - and that it was more accepted in companies - like in northern countries, but we have to think of the context of the show: the fact is that Shaun being in his 4th year of residency he wouldn't be able to leave even for a short time, so it would fall upon Lea to take care of the baby most of the time the first few weeks. But Lea having just begun to greatly advance her career, it would probably be difficult for her to handle, even for a few weeks. And that could also be a part of the difficulties that Shaun and Lea would face, after all TGD is a drama so it's normal to see the characters struggle sometimes. Of course, after a few weeks the baby can be put into the nursery of the hospital, which would help both parents and would allow them to go see their baby regularly. And I'm all for it, just because it would always be cute to see Lea and Shaun with their baby ^^
Maybe Paige herself is pregnant? Just a thought.
Also, Decrypt is one of my favorite episodes!
Just something I wanted to add about Lea and Glassy: it's interesting that Lea can verbally fight with Glassy and even yell at him without him getting angry. In the elevator, he even seemed a bit shy and intimidated near the end, when she raised her voice and continuously snapped back at him. She was totally right to be fed up and Glassman knew that he said ill-chosen remarks, but still, he's the head of the hospital so he could easily just have replied to change her tone. But it's like at this point of the episode and of their relationship, he has started to like her, he wants to try to become a bit closer to her by having a casual conversation, but he doesn't know how to deal with her. It's even more striking with Lea welcoming him in his office with a very sharp "What the hell?!!": not only he doesn't say anything about her tone and outburst, but he seems even embarassed while he explains himself...Of course there is the scene near the end of the episode when Glassman raises his voice while he warns her that he could fire her if she did what she did without consulting him first, but it seems more that he did that just to show her that he still had some authority...Then Lea gets angry at him again, but this time Glassman calms Lea by complimenting her and inviting her to a poker game, showing that he listened to what she said to him about not giving compliments in "Parenting" and that they finally managed to build common ground to share good moments between them without any awkwardness. Now the next step is them having a deep conversation, with Lea confiding in him and sharing her fears, for example about...a tiny someone! It would be a nice follow-up to the (one-sided) conversation they had in "Friends and family" about having a child someday and the main task being to keep them alive.
Hi Syl
I apologize for getting the wrong name about the sentence "All in All" which I thought was written by Andreas the reason for my thinking this was after these statements made by Andreas earlier which really upset me and many other women who watch the show....
Andreas
I’m all in for a storyline about parenthood with ASD – there are tons of material about parents having children with ASD, but very little about autistic parents. Just as season 3 was bold to depict the problems with early romance, The Good Doctor could boldly go where no man has gone before…
Though, there are some drawbacks:
1. The timeline: the show more or less moves in real time, so a pregnancy would have to be roughly synchronized with the airing schedule. This also means that within the run of the whole series, we would only be able to see the earliest stages of parenthood. No kindergarten, no school storylines.
2. Babies are terrible characters: they cry, they sleep, they get sick. They have barely any agency of their own but bind the parents. And the storylines are very foreseeable.
3: The hospital is the place to be: the show worked hard to integrate Lea into the hospital structures; having a baby would undo that to a great deal.
So, as gruesome as it might seem, the best of all worlds for the story to continue would be a lost pregnancy. They get to talk all about parenthood with ASD, have the anticipation building, shock value when it goes wrong, good drama while the characters work through their sorrow and they are not as much removed from the hospital as with having the baby.
February 27, 2021 at 12:03 PM
I also stand by the mirroring clothes comment as feel what was said was totally wrong,
I wore trouser suits to meetings which at times would be identical to my boss but in no way was I mirroring my boss as the following meeting I may be wearing a bright red suit with a mini skirt and knee-length boots, it depended on how I felt when I woke up.
I am one of the very few on this page who has loved every episode of season 4 apart from one which I won't even mention the name as the Promo team put so many fans through stress and anxiety for three weeks just for the sheer fun of it without even considering that we are in another 4-month lockdown and fighting two pandemics covid and mental health they didn't care one bit of what damage they caused.
Hope you are looking forward to Monday night's episode.
Take Care and Stay Safe
Luv Mo zzz
Luv Mo xxx
Interesting ideas, Syl!
Given the trend of the show to mirror previous events, I too think that Glassman and Lea will have follow-up to their motel room scene of 3.10. The show did build their relationship in episodes 4.08 and 4.10 in a way that it would be natural end point for Lea to confide in Glassman about her insecurities and fears about having a child.
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