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Hey #Shea fans… fellow reader (and frequent commenter/contributor) Andreas has so much to say, suggest, and predict about upcoming episodes of TGD that he did a lengthy write-up worthy of its own blog post. If you’re on Reddit, you may have already seen this; if not, please take a look at Andreas’ not so “Crazy” take on the back half of S4!
A few more words from me before I give him the floor…
n -- Thanks,
again, to all readers and especially everyone that takes the
time to comment. I read every single word added to these posts, and it’s extremely
gratifying to know how appreciated this “safe space” for all things #Shea has
become over the past year.
n -- In
fact, readership has grown so much in just the past three months alone that I’ve
finally (for the first time in the 13 years since I started blogging about
figure skating!) got some real improvements in mind, both for State of the
Skate/State of the #Shea and for my online presence overall. More on that
to come…
n -- I
DO plan to write a little something ahead of next Monday’s “Crazy” episode;
look for it in a couple of days.
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Theories On “We’re All Crazy Sometimes” And Beyond
(By Andreas)
With 4.10 “Decrypt”, mid-season has arrived and it's time to ask what developments lie ahead starting with episode 4.11 “We’re All Crazy Sometimes”. Though, before I speculate about the subsequent episode, let’s take a step back. What did we get so far?
Rise and Decline
“Decrypt” tied a nice ribbon around most of the plots that ran through the first half-season. Lim’s PTSD is in remission, and a peace treaty with Claire is underway. Morgan has found fulfillment and purpose beyond surgery. Park enjoys Morgan’s presence and touch (and vice-versa). Lea found the validation she missed in her private (4.08 “Parenting”) and professional life. And Shaun? Well, he stays remarkably calm within all the turmoil, though one might object that his medical career seems on stand-by since his teaching break-through in episode 4.06 “Lim”.
Season 3 closed with a song that juxtaposed the concepts of Death and Love—the circle of life. It set the mood for season 4, which frequently referenced episodes of previous seasons, suggesting that life within the show’s universe moves in patterns and cycles that do not necessarily mean repetition but renewal. Shaun and Lea’s love is blossoming, a new bunch of first-year residents came on board, veteran residents turned teachers… and there is a significant spike of pregnancies with the patient’s cases.
The episode’s title of 4.11 implies that most characters will act in a way that could be seen as out of line or venturous. The synopsis tells us that challenge and rivalry will the running theme of the stories told.
Accomplices in Life
Most apparent, there will be another #Shea C-plot involving the Striped Tomato. Lea got a parking ticket in 4.10 right in front of their apartment building; obviously, the parking situation is bad. And thanks to some behind-the-scenes pictures we know that a tow-truck driver and a fictional towing service are getting involved. In conjunction with the promo and the parking ticket, we may infer that Lea’s car gets towed for a parking violation. Due to yet to be seen complications, she is unable to retrieve her car and thus acts crazy by stealing back her beloved Grandpa’s car, with Shaun in tow.
It is another silly comedy plot, but becoming accomplices in a petty crime would sure be a rivet in the strong bond binding their hearts together. And don’t forget that Park, Morgan, Asher, and Jordan went through the same routine by lying to a patient just in episode 4.10. Such an enterprise is ultimately a question of mutual trust.
Let That Be Your Battlefield
Which brings us to the case Shaun will be working on with Morgan—and only Morgan—because the script makes sure to separate Shaun from all the other surgical residents, probably to allow for some focus on what makes this pairing special.
As mentioned before, Dr. Shaun Murphy is somewhat in a rut. He knows the procedures, is an extraordinary diagnostician, and he has come to terms with being required to teach. Yet, as Andrews suggested to Olivia not so long ago, surgeons must shine to advance their careers and Shaun’s bedside manner and poor communication skills remain his Achilles’ heel. Adding Shaun’s nearly non-existent ambitions beyond healing the sick and loving Lea, one can do the math: Shaun is only second or third on chief Lim’s hire list when their residency ends.
Although this might be just a long-term projection, the synopsis on the case makes it clear that Morgan and Shaun disagree with each other. This might make Shaun uncomfortable for the moment, but could be a winner’s ticket in the long run. Because when you want to be on Seal Team Six but lack the killer instinct, there’s no better drill instructor than Morgan Reznick.
‘Til Death Do Us Part
But there is another aspect in the case of a husband who must decide if his comatose wife should be taken off life support. The disagreement on how to treat an unconscious patient calls back to the case Shaun worked on in 1.06 “Not Fake”. Back then, the parents and a bride argued about amputating the unconscious groom’s leg—to the point that a judge had to be involved.
Shaun already referenced this case in “Parenting”, when he recited the judge’s reasoning to Lea’s parents: you know the child while I know the adult.
A consequence of this case was that Jessica Preston made her fiancé Melendez a health proxy. And I should mention that at the end of this episode, Shaun told Glassman that he rather would avoid love because everyone and everything he loved died. How times have changed…
Anyway, either by observing the husband’s agony about holding his wife’s life in his hands, or assisted by Morgan’s cutting remarks… Shaun could get into thinking about him and Lea. For while it is all peaches now, the future is an undiscovered country.
Legally, Shaun’s next of kin is his distant mother in Casper, Wyoming, which is probably not the most thrilling prospect for him. He might conclude that if Lea is someone to steal horsepower with, he might as well trust her with his life by making her his health proxy. And on the heels of that comes the question of marriage.
It's an idea that probably would not have entered his head otherwise since he has always been skeptical about marriage and brought a certain cowbell instead to ensure their future together. And it's an idea that Lea might not entertain readily because her first attempt at marriage utterly failed. Thus, the relationship might come to an impasse.
Or in yet another variant, Lea counters Shaun’s health proxy proposal by bringing up the possibility of marriage. Both options may provide enough drama until season’s end.
Twilight of The Demigods in White
While we can’t be sure about marriage plans, we know for certain that Shaun and Lea’s lives are closely entangled with Dr. Glassman. Which is why it should give Spock’s brow a rise that, after “Decrypt” focused on Lea and Glassman, the next case of the week revolves around Glassman, challenging the other residents and (obviously) being challenged by Dr. Andrews in return.
The Dr. Andrews of “Decrypt” and “Irresponsible…” made sure to remind us of his past as a schemer and backstabber. Now I might be reaching here, but in episode 4.02 “Frontline Part 2”, Glassman, at age 65, expressed his fears of becoming less useful and expendable to Debbie (a reminisce to the fear voiced to Shaun during his cancer arc in season 2).
Being the hospital president for more than 10 years, working a second job at the free clinic, and having a quite demanding wife, Glassman might feel his energy, if not his time, running short.
Like any aging gunslinger, he might want to prove, more to himself than to others, that he is still at the top of his game... or at least exit in a blaze of glory. Thus, he presents a case no other doctor would touch—as Andrews stresses—to residents eager to brush up their resumes. Ultimately, Claire and Asher make the cut and celebrate their victory at an open mic night; with Claire finally accepting that not everything she inherited from her late mother is a bad thing.
Of course, when decline is in the air, hungry predators catch the scent. It's a sure bet that Andrews has his tailored suits stored in some closet, living a career vicariously through his niece (which has now been cut short). Chief Lim is still reeling from her PTSD, and the hospital president’s retirement is only a question of time now. It's a mix that could give any ambitious man ideas... as in becoming chief of surgery instead of the chief of surgery when the career carousel starts spinning.
Glassman had never planned to return as president in the first place. All he wanted in 3.01 “Disaster” was working for charity and enjoying life with Debbie. Aoki had to bribe him by re-opening the free clinic at St. Bonaventure. Andrews might suggest for Glassman to prepare a transition of power to Lim, allowing him to concentrate on running the free clinic. By this, Andrews would serve everyone’s interest without applying his destructive methods of season 1 but still build up his power by mentoring Lim.
With the beginning of the second half of the season, a new mini-cycle of rise and fall is on the verge and the powers within St. Bonaventure might shift ever so slightly. And while Shaun is busy consolidating his private life, others might position themselves for the things to come.
37 comments:
Thanks again for providing us with this space Kelli! It’s a real joy to have the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with other fans from all over the world! And everyone is so competent and well informed here. The commentary quality is very high and there’s always something new to learn.
And thanks, Andreas, for sharing your ideas. I’ve already had the opportunity to read you and comment you on Reddit, but I’ll gladly do that again here. Ideas are fluid and constantly changing.
I share your general opinion that we’re going to witness many changes in the near future, as far as the main characters are concerned, in particular in regard to Glassman (who’s being featured a lot lately, and who’s going to have a lead role next episode). I’m usually very scared when a character becomes so upfront in a show, so let’s at least hope for some good change, if change has to be.
As I’ve already said in Kelli’s post previous, I can definitely see Glassy retiring and Andrews getting his ambitions back, but in a positive fashion this time. The only reservation I have involving a similar plot is the following. Shaun’s residency is almost over and the fight to get a stable position at the hospital is about to start. As you’ve already underlined, Andreas, Shaun is not in pole position in this regard. He’s definitely reached his highest development level, as far as his professional performances are concerned. And he still has his limits, regarding patient and colleague interaction and communication in general. Lim definitely likes him, but there’s Claire. They’re friends and she respects her a lot as a doctor. So, Lim would probably vote for Clair. Andrews, on the other hand, recognized Shaun’s brilliance in different occasions, and even lost his job for him. So, he might vote for Shaun.
And then there’s Shaun total lack of ambition. He obviously wants to keep working at the hospital, but is he ready to fight teeth and claws for that? I doubt it.
So my question is, would Glassy step back from presidency in a situation such as this? Wouldn’t he want to be able to push some buttons to assure Shaun a stable position within the hospital, should the need arise?
Knowing him, I think he would. So, I can foresee a scenario such as this to really come to life, only IF Shaun and Lea were actually to have a baby. Because, in that case, he may think that his help would be more needed in the private setting, to support the new work-family-life dynamic Shaun and Lea might find themselves suddenly trapped in. In this case, Glassman may retire from presidency and stay working only at the clinic. He may confide in Andrews to help Shaun if needed. And I think that the interactions between these two will be very interesting in the upcoming episode.
This leads me back to the main issue: the stunning ending we’ve been promised in the promo.
Will it have anything to do with the final scene between Shaun and Lea, with her taking his hands and telling him something? If so, the only reasonable explanation would be that Lea is pregnant. That would set all the rest into motion, and that would also explain the small (but significant) bit of intelligence we have on episodes 12 e 13 (completely classified by ABC).
But it might be a completely different thing, involving a completely different character (such as Glassman, for example). In this case (I’m at a loss to what it can be about), the discussion between Shaun and Lea may involve the health proxy issue, Andreas talked about. A significant step ahead for the couple, but absolutely not the end that will leave us stunned. On this idea, I only disagree with Andreas, about Shaun’s mother being his next of kin. Considering the way he severed all ties with his parents, I completely rule out this possibility. As I’ve already commented on Reddit, I’ve always been sure that Glassy and Shaun were each other’s proxy. There are plenty of examples throughout Glassman’s cancer treatment: Shaun was heavily involved by nurses and doctors on different issues, decisions to be made, support to be provided. Shaun was also the first one to read the lab results right after Glasssman’s surgery. Health information is a very serious legal matter, that goes way farthest the mere opportunity. I mean, the explanation for said occurrences can’t just be the fact that Shaun was a doctor at the hospital and knew Glassman well. The same goes about Shaun’s hospitalization in 2x18, where Glassy was immediately alerted, and sat with the unconscious and intubated Shaun in the ICU. Glassman was also the one who managed Shaun’s money and budget (Shaun had to ask Glassy to get his TV, back in season 1), before he finally came to his senses and granted him his own bank account (Copernicus 1543 is the password, just in case). And again, Glassman was the one who didn’t let Shaun get the driver’s license as a boy (I gather that usually happens at 16 in USA), as Shaun himself explained to Lea.
So I’m pretty sure that Shaun’s mother (and his father when he was alive) couldn’t make any decisions or do any kind of damage, as far as matters governed by law are concerned.
Sorry for having gone a bit off topic here. I have a master’s degree in Law, so my professional mind setting probably took the best of me...
Anyway, obviously things change in life. It’s already happened to Glassman, the moment he married Debbie, and I think it would be only natural for Shaun and Lea to take this direction of becoming each other’s health proxy. But nothing stunning or overly dramatic there.
I also feel to exclude marriage as a possible discussion topic between Shaun and Lea. Neither of them is still ready for a step such as this, given their previous past experiences.
What is it going to happen? A lot of changing? Is the comedy over and the real stuff coming?
Indeed Daniela, becoming each other’s health proxy can hardly be the “stunning end” promised in the promo (regardless of the question who’s Shaun’s current proxy). Yet this text is based on my last week’s knowledge. Thus, my best guess was that Glassman considers retirement from presidency while Shaun and Lea are forced to get more concrete about their future together.
With what has surfaced since then another scenario has become more likely I originally excluded because it would mean drama for major characters beyond what has ever been seen before on the show: Lea being pregnant but unsure about keeping the baby. The ethical dimension surpasses every decision those two were ever faced with before.
Yet, the scenario is on the canvas with all that has been presented in season 4 so far.
This scenario seamlessly ties in with Shaun’s case: deciding about someone else’s life or death. It also makes sense in conjunction with the idea of the car being towed: Lea’s childhood and youth, for which the car stands, are forcefully ripped away.
And considering what I and you, Daniela, have said about Shaun’s current career status – the timing for a baby could not be worse: he needs to focus on earning a post-residency position at St. Bonaventure or face the possibility of moving to another city or even state, which in turn would mean that Lea would have to give up her position as well, while she is more successful in her job as ever before.
It does not stop there: Shaun works long shifts (36 hours!) and odd hours as a resident, while Lea has a 9-5 office job. It is foreseeable that, even if the hospital had a daycare, a lot of the caretaking would be on Lea’s shoulders after regular office hours.
There are also all characters there to explore different angles of the issue: When is the right time to have a child? Jordan chose career other family and motherhood for now. Andrews and his wife missed the opportunity completely because they pursued their careers, as well as Lim. Park’s family was torn apart partly because he moved away for his career and his son is suffering from it. And Glassman lost a daughter and a wife because he worked too much.
Shaun has a complaint in his file because of his autistic behavior to a nurse, his condition would be considered a malus in other hospitals just as it was when he started at St. Bonaventure. Shaun only gets along so well at St. Bonaventure because everyone around him gives him a certain grace with all his idiosyncrasies.
Lim might have a soft spot for Shaun, but she just made clear that she even would fire Claire if her job as chief would require it: “Professional responsibilities come before friendships.”
Glassman always had to walk a fine line in supporting Shaun to avoid any allegations of favoritism or nepotism. His options to help Shaun with the Chief of Surgery are limited.
All in all, an unplanned pregnancy at this moment would turn the world upside down for Shaun and Lea. The idea might bring butterflies to some shippers’ hearts, but it comes with some … minor problems to consider.
Though, after all the comedy, some serious stuff sure would be welcome.
Spinning Daniela’s ideas about the upcoming competition for a permanent position within the surgical department…
1) Who are the competitors?
a) Claire – frontrunner since she got the first lead surgery back in 3.03 “Claire”. Known to go over her superiors’ heads, but competent, compassionate, does well as supervisor and with a fairly good success rate in surgery (as in low body count).
b) Alex – competent, plays by the book mostly, well-liked by everyone, good success rate in surgery. He has been an unobtrusive employee until Morgan’s madness began to rub off on him.
c) Shaun – high success rate in the OR but worst bedside manner of all residents, and reluctant supervisor; generally likeable and never malicious but nevertheless hard to work with even when he doesn’t mess up with Lea. Can be obsessive and neglect his duties when his condition gets the worst of him.
2) Possible allies for Shaun
a) Glassman – powerful but must be careful not to overstep.
b) Andrews – has the heart in the right place but is also prone to office politics.
c) Lea – will provide morale boost but has no influence on the decisions in the surgical department.
d) Morgan – is no longer a competitor in the surgical department but knows all the tricks and weaknesses of the others.
With all the allies he might have – in the end it is on Shaun to prove himself worthy of a permanent position. That won’t be easy with neurotypical Claire as contender. Just as in real life. It’s a neurotypical world, after all.
Here's my personal ranking:
1) Claire
2) Shaun
3) Park
I agree with your assessment about Glassman's position, Andreas. He will be all in for Shaun, but he must be very careful. This may be one of the reasons (if not the main) why Shaun will not be involved in his case, next week. A nepotism accusation could be just around the corner with those two.
But Andrews can be a valuable ally. Apart from his passionate defense of Shaun back in season 2, the man always speaks highly of Shaun. He did that even recently with Lim, in Newbies, commenting about the residents' hypothetical abilities as supervisors. He surely wasn't as confident in Claire as she was.
Obviously, Shaun's situation might change for the worse with a baby on the way and more need to focus on his personal life.
Let's just say that Lea couldn't choose a worst moment to forget a pill 😂
Daniela you just hit a nerve there for me. Because, even tho I'm almost confident that the unplanned pregnancy will be the stunned finale, we haven't had many proof of that coming concerning them. I mean, yes it would be too obvious if we actually see Lea forgetting the pill or whatever contraceptive method they were using (Shaun stated that Lea is very careful regarding this back on "Unsaid" in season 3) and then having a passionate encounter. This could be served as a surprise then not only for the couple but to the audience too. Or, are we going to see something clearer during the spare of the next episode?. Perhaps a flashback or a memory of missing to take the due precautions. Anyhow, I'm curious to see how it will unfolds, will Lea be having doubts since the beginning of the episode? Or that will be a consequence of the events happening during the episode. I just hope it makes sense, you know? Something well written.
Regarding what else is being discussed, I can say that an unplanned pregnancy is something that causes anxiety, fear and if you are pursuing something on a professional level it almost feels like a stone on the road. It's not something you should be called out for, is natural and it comes because it is unplanned and because your own independence is put at risk. To care for another human must be among the biggest commitment you have to endure in life. So, if Lea or Shaun are scare to death with the possibility, I won't blame them. I think that maybe to not have the baby won't be on the table tho, because primarily they love each other but if it is, we shouldn't blame either. It's scary, it's difficult and it presents a whole different reality that the one they are facing now. Your life changes. However, I'm confident they will embrace the challenge. They are both committed. But it won't be easy, and certainly it won't be hearts and flowers all the time. It has very beautiful and very joyful aspects of it but they will have to get used to the idea first.
About Shaun, he will have to give his best if he wants to remain at the hospital as regular surgeon. I'm disappointed, may I say, in the lack of focus that the whole writing has giving to Shaun being a supervisor. I remember Freddie Highmore emphasizing on this during the round of press junket and I was excited, but to actually seeing it, feels like many things were left on paper and weren't on the final cut. Besides, as personal opinion, I believe the whole newbies plot didn't succeed we already had Olivia leaving and I won't be surprised if someone else leaves after that too. So, to actually focus on the race to win the final position at the hospital and Shaun's journey becoming an end choosing his specialty are my biggest hopes for future plots. Talking about specialty, did you know that the original (Korean Shaun) character developed on pedriatic surgery, so taking this into consideration could it be the birth of Shaun's baby (and maybe something that might come with it medically speaking) a hint of Shaun leaning onto the same specialty? I would love him to go in that direction, he relates with kids better since the beginning (the girl in episode 1.02, Steve look alike, the deaf boy in episode 3.15 etc.)
That would be so interesting to see, imo.
I agree with everything. Becoming a parent is such a giant step in life, even when it's planned. I can't imagine how it would be having to cope with something like that so unexpectedly, and also having a demanding job.
Dramatically speaking, it will be interesting for sure. Let's hope everything works out for the best and that the writers will do a great job!
As for Shaun's specialty, I think he would be a great trauma surgeon.
But, sentimentally speaking, neurosurgery could also cross his mind.
Obviously, Shea Endgame, Glassy agrees with you:
[Glassman] You're gonna become a-a parent someday. Maybe. Right?
[Lea] I…
[Glassman] Well, if you do, you're gonna be responsible for another human being. And your first job, number one, is to keep them alive. You're gonna make mistakes, but you hope that one mistake doesn't scar you for life.
[Lea] Uh, I'm… I'm sorry.
When I saw that scene in 3.10 “Friends And Family”, it became clear to me that the writers were seeding a future plot here. Nothing to use in the near future, but something that they could build on later. And they reenforced the idea later in 3.15 “Unsaid” by Shaun mentioning Lea’s precautions in that matter.
Perhaps, the writers felt that a baby is just the right motivation Shaun needs to become more assertive in his job? A cause to fight for. Now he must realize that war is looming… [enter Morgan?]
To be fair with the writers, they did not advertise for season 3 that his father’s death would send Shaun’s life in a tailspin by creating a love triangle, crushing his heart twice. Instead, they advertised his first steps in romance.
So, the fuss with the newbies was a diversionary maneuver partly. They had some use – demonstrating how bad Shaun as supervisor while Claire naturally excelled in it. Oliva brought Andrews back on the canvas. We’ll have to see which roles they will play in second half and if they thin the herd any further.
If Glassman were to retire and Lim and Andrews would climb the career ladder up, they would need a new attending in the surgical department. A fresh face that would disturb the routines even further. But the cast is bloated already, and the newbies don’t live up to their potential.
Still, this first half-season would have been better off with more focus, less meanderings and less comedy at the expense of autism.
It seems that the title "Teeny Blue Eyes" has been just confirmed. So...
Uh-oh… The heat is on, isn’t it? 🤨
Or has anybody alternative ideas for a “stunning end”, sans killing yet another parent or major character? Ok, there seems to be some substance abuse history with Lea’s mother, but I doubt that they will mirror last season. Especially since the audience is not really invested in Lea’s freshly introduced family background.
Somebody speculated at Reddit that dear Dr. Browne might unwillingly re-enact her mother’s demise and find herself in a hospital bed, because her name was written on the name tag for the room Morgan’s patient was occupying in 410 (last scene of Morgan and Jamie min 36, camera zooming out, to the left). That made no sense because usually it’s the patient’s name written there and Claire wasn’t treating Morgan’s patient.
Yet, I can’t see much gain in torturing Claire even more at the moment, perhaps except kicking Lim into full mother mode – and… Shaun’s story would remain in a rut even further.
The show must proceed the lead’s story now. It is about time, Shaun was on the backseat long enough.
There might be a sub-plot involving Claire. Even if, frankly, I think that most people are tired of watching her suffering over and over again. A story arc must come to an end, at some point, otherwise it risks to become senseless, useless, and boring.
For the very same reason, I'd exclude the death of any other parents or significant characters (I hope to be right, at least in this).
Anyway, I have very little doubts that, at this point, the main story will be about any other than Shaun (finally). And what are we supposed to think?
The main character has striking blue eyes. 'Teeny' means very little (if I'm not mistaken).
Too obvious? Maybe, but it's also true that they've been very careful until now not to give out any kind of information about 2x12. So, obviously, 4x11 and 4x12 will be strictly connected. And then the screen descriptions from the call sheet. Everything seems to point in the baby direction.
Anything different would mean that they are seriously making fun of us!
Do you notice also the promotion they are doing of episode 4x11? It has been extremely shy, I mean they were all in promoting Shaun's cheating for episode 4x09, they even posted BTS pics with both women! And now, nothing... Everything smooth, the CTV promo is all bout Glassy and nothing on Shaun. The time has come. I know that the title is out but we will post it later when our source confirms it, but I think that's the one... I doubt they will post anything on 4x12 before 4x11 simply because even a synopsis could give up more than what they want to, but anything can happen if it does it should be during the weekend, promo pics on monday. On another note, on Monday they were filming the Paley panel, that means, right after episode 13 was done filming and the Paley will air after episode 13 airs so don't expect much of spoilers during that conversation of course, but I think it will be their time to address to the major changes the main characters will be facing (Morgan and Park apparently will start something too) and maybe renew the show for a 5th season. Fingers crossed.
Thank you very much for the information and theories you make available here about #Shea. I love it.
Please continue,help me to have another vision of the couple that I love so much.
You know, Daniela, the 7-seasons run of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had some traditional, annual topical episodes, such as the Ferengi episodes, the Mirror Universe episodes, and… the “O’Brien Must Suffer!” episodes.
Sometimes I get the feeling that the writers’ room of TGD secretly admires the sorrows of Chief Miles Edward O’Brien and made Claire Browne the designated sufferer in the cast – which is a quite remarkable feature in a hospital that often resembles a mental ward.
Anyway, I can’t see the season proceed without a pivotal revelation concerning Shaun. Anything else would mean that the main premise of the show – a person with autism building am independent life – has been abandoned.
At this specific point in the 5-year story that is Shaun’s surgical residency, there aren’t that many directions the writers could explore:
- disciplinary transfer: done
- getting fired: threatened several times, done once
- two-weeks’ notice: done and revoked
- the lead getting hurt: done
- forming friendships: done
- repairing friendships: done
- falling in love: done
- forming a romantic relationship: done
- withstanding temptation: done
- loved one leaving: Hershey...
- forced separation from a loved one: done
- insulting the loved one: done several times
- death of a close person: threatened with Glassy’s cancer arc; done with Ethan
- break-up: done with Carly, and don’t start with 3.16-18…
What’ left now? They hardly would waste all what was gained until now so late into the game. Next steps in the narration should be winning a permanent position at the hospital and having a family.
Just a little background information for the upcoming episode 4.11.
Reportedly, the episode was directed by Mike Listo, a TGD veteran. He is responsible for 16 episodes in total. The most notables are: More; Quarantine 1 & 2; Breakdown; Friends and Family; Unsaid; Hurt; Frontline 1 & 2; and Lim.
The script was written by David Hoselton and David Renaud. They worked on e.g.: Apple; Hubert; Faces; Risk and Reward; Trampoline; Autopsy; Heartbreak; and I Love You.
Seems like they did not plan on fooling around with that episode. 😎
Possible foreshadowing in season 4
Frontline Part 1: expectant single mother without support system.
Frontline Part 2: single mother gives birth; Park delivers and nurses the baby.
Not the same: expectant single mother, pregnant with twins while her own body tries to kill one fetus, her boyfriend left her after suggesting an abortion; woman had already an abortion with 15; the doctors discuss to abort one fetus to save the other; Shaun finally delivers one baby early. Jordan reveals that she chose career over marriage.
Lim: woman surprised by unplanned pregnancy, chooses elective abortion; Jordan reveals that she had an abortion herself.
Parenting: a father has stepped down from parenthood and plays “coach” instead; Glassman claims that Shaun and Lea’s relationship is moving too fast.
Irresponsible…: a couple is surprised by an unplanned pregnancy.
That almost reads like a blueprint for a plot...
Reading all the things you listed Andreas certainly points to a foreshadowing for Lea and Shaun. I knew that there had been several stories related to a pregnancy in 10 episodes, but I hadn't fully realized that there were 4 pregnancies among which 3 were unplanned, and that it happened in half of the first 10 episodes. And then the talks about abortion, parenting, and career vs personal life...It's so obvious that it now seems impossible that it won't be about Lea being pregnant in 4x11 and overall in the second half of the season.
Like you Shea Endgame, I hope that the episode will be well written. Given the writers' past episodes, I'm rather optimistic, but I wouldn't be very happy with a scene at the end of the episode in which Lea announces to Shaun that she's pregnant, then we see Shaun's surprised face, then a few words are exchanged or even none at all....and fade to black. I want to see their first discussion about it, so to not have it happen offscreen and then we would see Lea and Shaun in 4.12 having already exchanged their views about it. I mean, of course it's very complicated to choose what to show onscreen in 41 minutes and to have long scenes, but the topic is so important for Shaun and Lea that I hope the scenes dealing with it and notably the one in 4.11 will be given the care they deserve in writing and directing. As a sidenote regarding the directing for the "stunning" Shea scene in 4x11, I hope that this time we'll see them holding hands! It's just that it seems to be their "thing" and I find this gesture so cute and soft, it's especially moving given that in season 3 Shaun felt uncomfortable doing so and he even didn't understand the point of this gesture. Yet this display of affection has often been unseen because: the Shea scene was cut short like in Fault, or the way the scene was filmed didn't allow to see their hands like in The uncertainty Principle or only very partially like in Decrypt.
Regarding what happened to the Korean version of Shaun professionally, I would love it if Shaun became a pediatric surgeon too. He seems more at ease with kids, and something relating to his own baby could propel him to choose this specialty. We haven't seen him with kids that much, but I remember his pride while he held the baby in 2x11 and how Lea looked at him with the baby in his arms, it was a look of admiration, pride, and i'd even say, with tenderness.
Also, professionally it has indeed been too smooth as well for Shaun. We'll probably start to see him struggle as he'll have to force himself to fight and compete to have a real chance to stay at st Bonaventure after his residency. It's gonna be so difficult for him to go against Park and most notably Claire...But it would also make for good drama.
Overall, it wouldn't be surprising that Shaun faces much bigger challenges in the second half of the season. TGD seems indeed to have a pattern, in which the first half sets things up, then big events/ crises happen in the second half, most often propelled by a mid-season episode or double episode.
I fear that we'll be shown only the announcement at the end of 4x11. All the discussion will take place in 4x12. Remember the scene descriptions from the call sheet.
Indeed Daniela, the scene descriptions on the call sheet seem to allude to the talks happening in 4x12, and that's actually why I've started to fear that we won't see Shea discuss the matter right away. So, if 4x12 is a direct follow-up of 4x11 like 3x10 and 3x11, then as per the call sheet it could start the following day or night with Lea not being able to sleep.
We'll know more when the synopsis for "Teeny" is published, but even if the episode was postponed to air 22 March, i expected it sooner. And it's true that the promotion for "Crazy" has been scarce compared to episodes like "Irresponsible" or "Decrypt". It's so odd, it's like word was given to channels, tv shows news outlets, actors, etc. to not publish anything.
My prediction is that the news will break at the end of the episode after several hints given during the same episode that she could be pregnant. And after that one of them will not react in the best way to the news. I think that the scene of Shaun waking up alone should be the first of episode 12 as a consequence of what happened the night before. And is funny but if this is the case, it would be a parallel to episode 3x11 when he was awake, sitting in the bed and Lea still sleeping after spending the night together and she woke up to find him next to her. This time he will be on his own.
Vale.
Meanwhile the synopsis for episode 4.12 “Teeny Blue Eyes” is out, and it appears that the plot is moving into the directions discussed here, including the mirroring of 3.11 as Shea Endgame noted:
“When a renowned surgeon comes to St. Bonaventure for treatment, the team's enthusiasm is quickly overshadowed by the doctor's behavior; Shaun and Lea are forced to make a life-changing decision that will alter the course of their relationship.”
TGD do indeed love parallels!
Lea being pregnant is most definitely it. I was thinking that it could come at a logical time after "Decrypt": we know that Lea seems to be very careful, but in "Decrypt" she spent 24h at the hospital with her focus being on a huge task, so she could easily have forgotten her pill or taken it too late. But then it would mean that she and Lea probably don't use condoms anymore...And about that, I watched the karaoke scene in 3.15 again, and I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I wonder how Shaun knew that Lea "DEFINITELY uses protection every time one of her boyfriends comes over." Like, why does he know this and why use the word "definitely"?! I'm sorry to bring this detail up, but it's just so odd...
Getting back on the topic, the words chosen for the synopsis seem at first quite ominous : "forced", "life-changing", "alter". But any decision would involve struggles as an abortion would also impact their relationship for a while, even though they both agreed on it.
However, although I would totally understand Shea's decision if Lea got an abortion, because of all the reasons we talked about in other posts, I don't see them not having the baby. The show has focused lot on family, being a parent and parenting issues, they have been foreshadowing Shea as a family unit ever since "Hubert", and many little tidbits like about changes...So much hinted at this development that it would fall flat if the pregnancy didn't unfold and Shea didn't become parents.
And as Andreas mentioned, there is not that much more to explore for Shaun on a personal level, the next step that would allow to develop Shaun's character further is for him to be a father.
I also don't see the show passing out on the opportunity to explore parenthood for an autistic person.
Lastly, Lea will probably be very anxious and scared, but ever since she has met Shaun she has gradually learnt to face her fears, which she seemed in fact to have more than Shaun despite her advice to him on the subject in "Islands" in season 1 ("You're never gonna be happy if you constantly live in fear"). Especially since she made the step of entering a relationship with Shaun, she has been adapting very well to her life with him and has overcome all issues thus far, although they were not huge issues. She has been shown to be able to face challenges, both personally and professionally, so I could see her to be willing to face the biggest challenge of her life by having the baby despite her great fear and the fact that's too early in their relationship. I wonder if in the end we won't see Shaun getting even more anxious than her when faced with the reality of what it would mean to have a baby now, the responsibilities involved, especially emotional ones, and how it would disrupt his relatively smooth life with Lea as well as his daily routines.
However my only regret is that it's very early in their relationship, and I wish we would have seen more of them doing things as a couple. And it's great if there is good drama deriving from this pregnancy story, but I hope we'll still see happy moments betweem Shaun and Lea.
Syl! I thought the exact same thing about "Decrypt" she must have been so into her job that she forgot to take the pill, this means that either she took two the day after and thought no big deal (actually it isn't but contraception fails) or maybe she plain forgot during two days which makes the contraception method fail completely. It is odd to me because both of them are grown up, so it had to be a situation out of the blue that caused this "neglect". As for Shaun in Unsaid, maybe he saw in the trash bin her pills at some time, remember Lea uses to be very messy with her stuff, leaving them all over the place so it's a possibility he actually saw her contraception methods.
We have a new theory concerning episode 4x11 and 4x12. How about episode 11 ends with a bliss? Both of them happy about the news of the new baby, I mean in the end is the result of their love right? And in the promo pics there is one where both are looking at each other with little smiles. OK, they accept it. But, there is a time jump, Lea is idk 2 months pregnant (hence her hair changing which could indicate a change of time spare) and there are complications due to the pregnancy, maybe it will be difficult, she will have to be at home, risking her health maybe. And that's why they are Forced to make the decision, one wants to keep the baby and the other doesn't ( I can almost imagine which one is which) and that's why the scenes of them thinking, concern.
Idk but the synopsis brought me into this thought. And if they keep the pregnancy going, that will put Lea's life at risk at some point. Too much drama huh?
>>Idk but the synopsis brought me into this thought. And if they keep the pregnancy going, that will put Lea's life at risk at some point. Too much drama huh?
No, not too much drama, but a well know trope with this show. We had a lot of high-risk pregnancies with mothers choosing the live of the baby over their own since season 1. That is well known territory.
On the other hand, the show always integrated current domestic issues such as #MeToo, sexism, woman in STEM, and Black Lives Matter into their storylines. Therefore, it is noteworthy that abortion rights became an issue in the US in 2020. What I got from abroad, various state legislations have cropped women’s rights in this matter as well as the Trump administration, e.g. appointing Christian-conservative judges to the Supreme Court.
That’s why I very well could see a storyline exploring the women’s perspective on career, working mothers and women’s right about your own body. That is a relevant issue, and it is something with a lot of potential for shockwaves that resonate until season’s end, even if they were to keep a baby.
Especially in conjunction with ASD, because a father with ASD increases the likelihood of offspring with ASD 12.0-fold; and 2.7-fold for ASD in combination with intellectual disability (https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2417). That is another dimension to take note of.
I believe that episode 4.11 will end with Lea announcing her pregnancy. But also warning her that she wants an abortion. So, the subject will be debated in episode 4.12.
It makes so much sense. I love this space and the theories written here.
The word FORCED is the key here... Shaun would prefer Lea's life and Lea would prefer the baby's. That's my prediction.
Thank you Vale for offering an explanation to my question about 3.15, what you say could make sense when we take into account Lea's messiness with her stuff. I should have remembered that! After all in Frontline she had misplaced her hospital ID card and had trouble finding it in the apartment...
I like your theory about 4x11 and 4x12 and the pregnancy being a high-risk one. I thought too that the word "forced" was chosen on purpose and that it could mean that the decision goes beyond abortion vs keeping it. And as Andreas said, there has been a lot of high-risk pregnancies featured in the show so it could definitely happen to Lea. It would certainly create a lot of tension between Shaun and Lea if Lea wanted to take the risk as Shaun would have a very hard time dealing with the idea that Lea could die. Something like this would probably impact his work, as he would constantly fear that something goes wrong with the pregnancy and by extension to Lea.
At least the one good thing that would alleviate their fear slightly is that since Lea works at the hospital, she would be treated right away! And even if she's stuck at home, she could call Shaun, Glassy or any of Shaun's colleagues anytime...And Debbie could also come to the apartment to watch over her, since it doesn't seem that Debbie is busy with a job (or is she? Maybe I missed something about her working somewhere...).
However, like you Andreas I think that the matter of abortion and more widely women's rights and career will be broached given that the show deals with current social matters and has purposely brought up the topic several times this season already.
You mentioned that there is an increased likelihood that a child has ASD if a father has ASD too; it would be interesting that one character, like Glassy or Shaun himself, mentions this. It's important in relation to the pregnancy storyline, but it's also a way to provide some information about autism. I liked that the exchange about autism not being caused by vaccines in "Parenting", it was very brief, but it was nicely integrated into the conversation.
It may be significant to note that Shaun had an obvious antagonists in Dr. Andrews and Dr. Han in seasons one and two, respectively. However, while it was obvious that both Andrews and Han were interfering authority figures who threatened to put an end to Shaun's dream, it wasn't that obvious as to who the antagonist was from that point on. Although, we may infer from last season that it was the character's various insecurities that tripped them up the most.
At any rate, season 3 did present its fair share of drama for our protagonist. But, for the most part, it was dedicated to Shaun finding a partner in life who would sustain him throughout the rest of his journey. Luckily for him, he seems to have found that partner in Lea. So, when considering the prospect of these two struggling with an unplanned pregnancy this season, and following that up with having them struggle with the actual demands of parenthoodhood in the next, then it really would seem that TPTB are just introducing yet another antagonistic force to the narrative. Only this time, it's a blue eyed - non malevolent - one.
After all, as hippiedippiescot and others have pointed out, a pregnancy would provide long term conflict for the main characters because it is an obstacle that would threaten to derail Shaun's dream, once again. And since Shaun and Lea are a unit now, Lea's desires must be taken into consideration, too. But, as evident by all of his research into "parades" and shower sex, at least we know that Shaun is very interested in making sure his partner's intimate needs are met. So, hopefully that will translate into ensuring that her professional needs are met as well.
Not to mention that a baby would be -as Andrea's put it- a "fresh new face," that I'm sure would have a knack for disturbing their routines. And, perhaps most important of all, I imagine that the love that a parent has for a child might be the only force of nature strong enough to come between two soul mates and self proclaimed "islands in the stream." (...But you wouldn't know that if you were to judge by Shaun's parents.)
So, long story even longer, I think that it's possible that an unplanned pregnancy this season, and parenthood the next could be just what Shaun needs to face and hopefully embrace. And, with the bloated cast that Andreas mentioned, they wouldn't have to devote that much time to a baby's character development. Technically speaking, it wouldn't really be about the baby at that point, anyway. The story would ultimately be about Shaun and Lea and how they come together and learn to juggle it all...or how they fail miserably. But, in my humble opinion, that wouldn't make very much thematic sense. Especially when these characters are coming of age and attempting to break free from their parent's shadows by not repeating their mistakes.
Wise words, Angelica, what we need now are wise writers…😋
Shea Endgame
Your posting reminds me of the excellent edit which our friend Tony Payne put together showing the beginning of Shaun and Lea's journey from the moment they met each other in season 1 to the finale in season 3.
Shaun & Lea - It Was Always You ~ Artist Maroon Five. The lyrics fit perfectly with the edit.
The first lyrics used twice was the beginning of edit 2.12 “Aftermath” where there had been a virus outbreak at the hospital and Shaun was in the isolation bubble and delivered his first baby and the following episode Shaun woke up staring at the ceiling...
"Woke up sweating from a dream
With a different kind of feeling
All day long my heart was beating
Searching for the meaning".
The second one was from 3.11 “Fractured” When Shaun woke up after his dad died having spend then night with Lea comforting him and confused as to why Lea hugging him felt different he always felt relaxed from the first time Lea had touched him and had not worked out why. Repeating the same lyrics when he woke up
"Woke up sweating from a dream
With a different kind of feeling
All day long my heart was beating
Searching for the meaning".
Both lyrics used for these two scenes were the same ~ parallels:-
Season 1.4 "Pipes" Shaun hears someone knocking on his door this was the first time Shaun met Lea asking to borrow batteries for her gaming controller which Lea and Shaun makes instant eye contact appearing mesmorised by Lea's hazel eyes while the lyrics sung were:-
"Hazel eyes, I was so colour blind
We were just wasting time,
For my whole life, we never crossed the line
Only friends in my mind but now I realise".
Season 2.6 "Two Ply" show Lea having moved in with Shaun and Lea told Shaun about feeling unhappy. Shaun went white showing fear saying to Lea "you're moving out" Lea immediately replies 'No`" Shaun breathed a huge sigh of relief when Lea replied "No but said they had to talk and reach a compromise on rules as roommates". Shaun's fear disappeared immediately as he sat next to Lea at their breakfast table and once more Shaun gazed into Lea's Hazel eyes while the same lyrics played
"Hazel eyes, I was so colour blind
We were just wasting time,
For my whole life, we never crossed the line
Only friends in my mind but now I realise".
Once again the lyrics used for these two scenes were the same as Lea has the most beautiful Hazel eyes ~ another parallel:-
Season 3 finale Lea ran into Shaun's arms with both finally admitted they were in love and made each other more they kissed passionately where the chorus repeating "It was always you" was played:-
"It was always you
I could not see it all this time, all this time
It was always you
Now I know why my heart wasn't satisfied, satisfied
It was always you,
I know it was always you, always you
It was always you"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEtMVgSUCIg&t=39s
Wow blown away! Such great comments to a great blog! All I can say is fasten your seatbelts everyone!
And thank YOU, Mo, for such a wonderful breakdown. I really enjoyed making that video, and I don't know if I could have done a breakdown that well myself!
The addition of a baby poses great narrative challenges, as well as in-show character challenges. But I believe the joy - and the opportunity - far outweigh the challenges enough to make it well worth it!
Looking forward to the journey ahead!!
Hi Tony
You're more than welcome,
I am also looking forward to the challenges ahead especially if the photos on Paige Spara from her Instagram page celebrating with her real boyfriend may be a celebration of Paige falling pregnant in the real world and the writers adapting their storyline to reflect this. Both Paige and her boyfriend plus Sal of course look so happy laughing - so we know it is good news. With some fun from Will Yun Lee
paigespara
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