They’re onto us, #Shea fans.
There we were, taking in that final minute of 4.15 “Waiting” and enjoying a little walk-and-talk between Shaun and Lea-- the only real time they got to spend together in the episode, though both had their hands full in very different ways. And as we watched for the part where they would stand facing each other, holding hands as they were in the promo pics, some fans likely had their thumb on the “mute” button (or even the OFF switch) because they were determined to beat the ABC promo system and not be freaked out by the promo to immediately follow.
And what happened? We were freaked out in the final 15 seconds of the episode instead! (The promo, for a change, merely underscored what we already knew of the next episode via press releases.)
So… our quest to be as strong and smart as the characters we adore continues to be a work in progress. Eat your Wheaties and keep building up that stamina, gang-- five more sure-to-be-challenging, hopefully-in-the-best-way episodes remain this season!
As for “Waiting,” what I’ve done is highlight what’s new and what’s familiar (sometimes, a little of both) as the episode progresses. For the most part this is going to be about Shaun and Lea’s roles in the story, but if you want to talk about anything else-- from the way the politics were handled in the waiting room, to the way they were handled in the OR, to the status of Park and Morgan’s relationship-- please feel free to hit up the comments. Even if they have nothing to do with #Shea. Even if you’ve never commented before! It seems to be a good, “safe” place to readers to express opinions. (And trade theories. And speculate freely. And a few other things.)
ACT 1:
Taryn/Ethan and Carina/Mason drive to rally
What’s new (sort of): An open with NO series regulars until scene 3. TGD has done this before, as recently as the S4 premiere, in fact. (“Frontline part 1” showed a woman ordering from a coffee shop-- and spreading what we later learned was COVID-- through a very commonplace exchange of cash, goods, etc. before we ever got to see Shaun and Lea.) But I think of this as more old-school; how crime and medical dramas of the 70s and 80s set up an episode… back when said dramas were more case/action-focused than character-driven.
Shaun checks in with Lea, who is awaiting the results of her gestational diabetes test; they see breaking news of the rally gone wrong; Shaun gets paged to the ER
What’s new: a gestational diabetes test happening so early in the pregnancy!
Let’s just say TGD took some creative liberties here. They needed a reason for Lea to be hanging around the waiting room, and they needed that reason to be on a level completely incompatible with the intensity of the moms (Taryn and Carina). Gestational diabetes fits the bill nicely-- for those who don’t know, the expectant mom drinks a bottle of sickly-sweet liquid that was orange-flavored (in my case), then waits around for an hour or so, then gets a blood draw, then waits for the results. I don’t know that you HAVE to sit around waiting on the results as Lea did, but given she was already at work, I guess it made sense. Lea was right to call the liquid “gloop”, by the way… it’s unpleasant. To say the least.
Anyway, here’s the catch: it typically happens between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy unless the patient is pre-diabetic (not Lea), or there is a family history of diabetes. While the latter could be true, it wasn’t mentioned as a reason she was doing it early. It’s unclear how far along Lea is in “Waiting” but since I was guessing 11 weeks for “Gender Reveal,” we seem to be imaging anything from 12 to 20 weeks. In any case, we’ll have to suspend reality a little for this.
Both boys are wheeled in, evaluated, and carted off as the moms are left behind, shell-shocked...
OPENING CREDITS
ACT 1A (post-opening credits)
Taryn and Carina both go to the same waiting room where Lea is; she turns off the TV once she realizes these are THE moms whose kids’ stories are being told. She helps both moms with the paperwork that is presented to them.
What’s new: The pacing of the episode. While I didn’t count an overwhelmingly high number of scenes compared to other recent TGD outings, it was in the high 30s rather than the mid or low 30s-- and making room for even three or four additional scenes surely requires all-around tighter writing/directing. Where the pace quickened the most, for me, was the back-and-forth between the respective ORs and that waiting room. Even in the relatively short space between opening credits and the first commercial break, they jammed in SIX scenes alternating from the waiting room to one OR, then back to waiting, then the other OR… increased pace surely equaled increased tension in this case.
Carina introduces herself to Taryn, they start to bond until Taryn recognizes Carina’s wristband as making her “one of THEM” and immediately withdraws.
What’s familiar: A struggle to “do politics” without turning off viewers. Some of the pieces written about this episode claimed TGD was going off-brand by discussing politics in the OR, making it a centerpiece of the storytelling throughout, etc. I’d argue that David Shore and company tackle thornier subjects all the time on TGD but do it in a less confrontational manner, with one very notable exception being the recent “Irresponsible Salad Bar Practices.”
What was interesting (and commendable) in my eyes, though apparently just confusing to other viewers: the proposition that spurned the rally in this episode was a fictitious one that may or may not have had anything to do with gun control. Likewise, we were never told which “side” Taryn/Ethan and Carina/Mason were on, respectively. We just know they were on opposite sides, and that it was Taryn and Mason that were most interested in the topic at hand (whatever it was). Doing it this way allowed the focus to come off a potential hot-button topic and focus instead on how those matters can impact the way we interact with others.
Wolke/Claire update Carina with decisions that need to be made; Lea pats Carina’s back sympathetically and attempts to advocate on her behalf (“Why put (those decisions) on her?” she asked the doctors) before Carina makes a decision that gets her in to see Mason ASAP.
What’s familiar: For anyone saying “wow, this episode showed a whole new side of Lea”... especially if they did so to imply that Lea’s never been so compassionate and caring before… I suspect a lot of you were thinking of the same episode from season 2 that I was…
...for it was in “Quarantine part 2” that Lea was not only sticking by Glassman’s side when she didn’t really want to-- he spent half the episode thinking his cancer had returned, after all, and was sniping more than usual about Lea treating Shaun like a “pet hamster”-- but we also got this.
She found herself offering support to a man wondering about the delivery of his first child; a delivery he couldn’t attend in person due to the quarantine situation. But when Glassman shushes the entire waiting room because he can hear the familiar cry of a newborn down the hall, she leaps up to celebrate with him.
And meanwhile, Lea’s future BabyDaddy was holding said newborn-- his first-ever delivery.
So, compassionate? Caring? Yeah, Lea already had that in spades. But with the episode designed to underscore both Shaun and Lea’s deeper awareness of “the price of parenthood”... in theory, this aspect could be filed under what’s new. To do that, though, seems like it would be saying that both Shaun and Lea opened up in unprecedented ways, a la Morgan and Nurse Petringa in the Frontline episodes, or Morgan and the EMT guy/potential love interest who died in the aforementioned Quarantine episodes.
We know better. It stays in my familiar column. 😉
When Taryn wonders why she hasn’t heard anything yet, Lea seeks out Shaun’s OR and asks them (from the gallery) to update Taryn.
Shaun and Park update Taryn shortly thereafter.
What’s new: Someone on Twitter mentioned that it was new for Shaun to take the lead on this conversation, given his difficulties with communication. I’d have to go back and watch similar scenarios from other episodes to be sure, though. What do you think?
Lea small-talks w/Taryn; when the latter laments constantly being at odds with her young son, Lea tries to be supportive by encouraging the need for limits and “structure” in kids’ lives (which can lead to being at odds). “You don’t have kids, do you?” Taryn replies warily. Lea falls quiet, opting not to reveal her mom-to-be status.
What’s new: A peek into Lea’s parenting style-- which (whew) is likely a close match to Shaun’s. Anyone thinking she’s a “free spirit” who will play video games while allowing #Babyshea to toddle amok might have another thing coming. Gotta wonder, too-- does her “kids need structure” line allude to something she thinks her own parents didn’t do well? (Yes, I’m already eagerly awaiting future installments of Mike and Pam Dilallo visits)
On the next update for young Ethan (which continued the harrowing news about bullet fragments lodged deep in his brain), Lea assures Taryn that Shaun/Park are “the best doctors I’ve ever known.” Taryn trusts them to continue their course of monitoring/treatment.
- Lea small-talks Carina upon her return; when it’s revealed that both are single moms, Lea squirms in silence under the divorced mom vs. widow vs. “knowing my pain” matter.
ACT 4:
Ethan has a seizure while Taryn visits, which prompts her to return to the waiting room saying (paraphrased) “Exactly what they said wouldn’t happen is happening” in frustration.
Lea gets her test results (and Dilallo gets said out loud for the SECOND time this season!). When they show all is well with #BabyShea, she reveals her pregnancy to both moms… who promptly (and kindly) share their individual childbirth stories. Carina had Mason on Christmas Eve which she described as “magical;” Taryn, on the other hand, was 300 miles from her OB when a premature Ethan decided it was time to be born. “We left a really good tip for Housekeeping,” she quipped…
What’s familiar: As much of the #Shea following noted on Twitter Monday night (!!)-- a possible foreshadowing alert with regards to a possible preemie arrival for Shaun and Lea.
As they find out things are getting worse with Ethan, Shaun goes to Glassman. And hears what he doesn’t want to hear.
What’s familiar: Shaun going to Glassy is absolutely nothing new-- in fact, several of us on Twitter this week were lamenting the lack of Glassy/Lea scenes since the pregnancy was revealed and when we’d see something besides Shaun seeking counsel from him again. As an aside, though, I’d like to mention that we’ve seen a lot more of Shaun in boyfriend/colleague mode than in straight-up Good Doctor mode lately… until this episode. His ASD shows itself differently when he’s fully-focused on medicine, and while there were the usual notables to our eyes (telling Taryn “Of course you can’t see (Ethan), he’s still in surgery”... verbalizing too many of his concerns in front of her while she was seeing Ethan post-surgery...thinking Park was literally reading Hansel and Gretel when he mentioned the book symbolically), it was arguably most visible in Glassman’s office. The mile-a-minute dump of patient information as soon as he walked in, the clear agitation with being “irrational,” the tears in his eyes… for moderating extreme emotions, especially when a patient is involved, is unfamiliar territory to him.
“The price of parenthood,” Glassman might say (and did say). Speaking of Glassy… (hold on, they gave us a commercial break mid-scene)
ACT 5:
After Shaun’s dump of patient info, the conversation went like this:
SHAUN: You are a neurosurgeon, okay? You will know what I have missed. (Hands GLASSMAN the images of Ethan)
GLASSMAN: (looking passively at images) You don’t think you missed anything?
SHAUN: No.
GLASSMAN: Then you didn’t. (Hands images back)
SHAUN: (long pause) Okay, then… Ethan is probably going to die. (sits, breathing shakily)
GLASSMAN: This one’s different, huh?
SHAUN: Because he’s a child?
GLASSMAN: Yeah, yeah… because he’s a child.
SHAUN: (Putting his hand up in denial) No...I’ve lost children before. (Nods as if to convince himself of what he’s saying)
And that’s when Glassy went into the longer version of “We have one job as parents” speech that he originally gave to Lea back in 3.10 “Friends and Family,” tying Shaun’s overt emotions to his new status as parent-to-be. Then came the price of parenthood thing-- Glassman said it’s worth it, Shaun said it didn’t seem that way, Glassman doubted he meant it…
So here’s what’s new about all that in my opinion: Did Glassman basically tell Shaun to give up (on trying to save Ethan)? Not in so many words, of course, but in an utter absence of medical advice? Would he have barely looked at the brain images if Shaun’s patient was an adult? Is it part of an inability on Glassman’s part to think clearly when kids are involved (because of Maddie)?
On the other hand, here’s what was familiar about Glassman’s counsel: The shrug. The wistful smile here and there. The weariness in his voice, even when speaking positively about parenthood. Maybe Shaun isn’t able to pick up all those cues, but we can-- and frankly, I’m hoping Shaun widens his pool of advisers unless and until Glassy gets his personal baggage sorted out. He’s trying, but I just don’t see Glassman in the best headspace for this right now.
But I digress… back to ACT 5:
Shaun delivers the even worse news about the fragments in Ethan’s brain; causing Taryn to lash out in anger (literally), pushing Lea backward in the process. Shaun rushes to Lea’s side as she briefly loses her balance, and Taryn is further outraged to realize Lea advised her to trust “her boyfriend.”
What’s new: Shaun accepting being called “incompetent” (by Taryn), though it goes hand-in-hand with his “brutally honest” nature (because he felt incompetent at that point).
Lea stays in the waiting room overnight with the moms, while Shaun continues his shift… with Claire and Wolke, the need for blood for Mason arises when all the local supplies are depleted. Taryn shocks everyone by stepping up.
ACT 6:
Park comes up with something that could work for Ethan; he gets Shaun on board and they get Lim’s approval.
What’s new: Park, not Shaun, with the breakthrough. Did Glassman’s lack of guidance prompt Shaun to give up? Is he now seeing parenthood looming as something that will require him to relinquish some of his “superpower”? In any case, Park was due for some redemption-- both from Glassman rejecting his efforts (in “We’re All Crazy Sometimes”) and the limitations he was putting on himself until Morgan came and lit up the room with her craptastic “pep talk.”
What’s familiar: Regarding my above question Is he now seeing parenthood looming as something that will require him to relinquish some of his “superpower”-- More foreshadowing, anyone? This time for season 5??
Taryn offers an (apologetic) cup of decaf to Lea, and the two engage briefly about motherhood. Lea admits fear about not being able to handle something like this; Taryn points out “this” is abnormal and Lea can’t compare herself to the way the two moms are (and aren’t) handling themselves.
What’s new: It’s noteworthy to me how that word STRONG cropped up two episodes in a row for Lea. In “Gender Reveal,” we were all warm and fuzzy (as was she) hearing Shaun’s “(Strong) like you” in the final moments of the show. But here, in the cold light of a waiting room she’s sat in for far too long, Lea’s had a hard look at a parent’s worst-case scenario-- and she doesn’t feel strong at all.
Fortunately for her, she’d earned the validation that came in Taryn’s words Strength doesn’t matter. It’s compassion. And, the way you’ve treated us… you’re gonna be a great mother.
But all the validation in the world is pretty useless unless the one being validated believes it herself. How often do you suspect Lea’s strength AND compassion will be tested throughout the remainder of this season alone? Also-- how soon until she admits to her own unique brand of badassery? (A real word, by the way. “Badassery.” Look it up!)
The good news, finally: both Mason and Ethan are out of the woods and appear on the path to recovery. The once-sparring moms embrace, then head to the ICU. Cue this episode’s music montage...
What’s new: “Small Leaf” by Hayden Calnin… the below lyrics were what was heard in the final moments of the episode
Grace the days, the night, the now
You surely get it by now
That seeds don't grow without a cloud
Shaun and Lea and the walk outside the hospital
If they’d had more time at the end, Shaun and Lea’s talk about feeling lucky (or tired and lucky in Shaun’s case; I doubt he’d have said “lucky” before Lea suggested it anyway) could have had to do with many things… no gestational diabetes, nothing going sideways with BabyShea (yet), Shaun was able to help save a child’s life, Lea was able to be there for two moms who desperately needed it, they plan on raising the baby together (no single mom situation for Lea)...
Many things, and just one thing: they have each other.
But then “lucky” became about maybe one alarmingly different thing: That they were still within shouting distance of the hospital when Lea found herself doubled over with pain… and, of course, intense fear.
What’s new:
Over 50 viewers “liked” something I tweeted Monday night, so I’ll say it here again: Shaun yelling “HELP!” in front of his own hospital of employment really hit me hard. Even when Shaun himself was ailing (in 2.18 “Trampoline), he didn’t call attention to his own needs. But Lea and his unborn daughter are another story altogether. The overhead shot of them on the plaza at the end-- looking very small, vulnerable, and alone-- aaaugh! Just brutal. Brilliant-- thank you, director Gary Hawes-- but brutal.
ONE MORE QUICK THING TO NOTE BEFORE YOU GO COMMENT (because of course that's what you were gonna do next, right?).........
Reader Melii has put together a poll to get #Shea fans' opinions on the best scenes from season 4 thus far. She calls it a way to pass the time until our next new episode May 10... why not go check it out and add your voice? Follow this link and enjoy (it's done on a Google doc)!
See you in a week (or hopefully less) for a "Dr. Ted" preview...
21 comments:
Well that was one hell of an episode and after 5 repeat viewings I can honestly say it was one of my favorites of this season. It was riveting, relatable, thought-provoking and most of all, hopeful despite the unexpected ending. I agree with you Kelli that the purposeful lack of explanation of prop 266 was effective in Shore and cowriters' messaging that despite our differences, we can still get along, whether coworkers, friends or even political adversaries.
Personally speaking, I empathized very much with the mothers, imagining the helplessness, fear, anger and guilt they were going through, being a mother myself. It was incredible to see Taryn donate blood to save Mason, despite her political differences and anger toward Carina. I also related to how Claire felt when Asher disclosed that he had voted for Trump. Even as a Canadian, I felt hurt and puzzled when one of my best friends who has lived in California for the past 9 years told me she voted for Trump. It led to some very uncomfortable discussions, with a real attempt to understand why. I may still not fully get the why but my respect and friendship with her has remained. And I'm glad Claire attempted to bridge that divide with Asher at the end with the offer of a cheeseburger.
Now to Shea: it was a tough experience for them but both shone in their own way. I thought Shaun communicated really well by calmly relaying info about Ethan to his mom. He didn't overreact or act defensive when Taryn was berating him over the initially unrecoverable bullet fragment. Of course he reserved his emotional outburst for Glassman who I agree is not thinking objectively when he tried to advise Shaun. Amazing scene there by Freddie with his rapid fire speech and helplessness in finding a solution and feeling the emotions of the price of parenthood. Lea was awesome in her ability to just stay present with the mothers, whether just listening, advocating for them, or providing small talk distraction. Kudos to Paige for her quietly restrained, nuanced performance which is quite the opposite of the frantic, manic badassery (love this word Kelli) she pulled off for Decrypt. I didn't actually count and compare but it seemed like Lea was in more scenes this episode than Decrypt. I look forward with a cautious hopefulness for the remainder of Shea and Babyshea's story this season.
Hey Kelli! Thank you for another great post!
‘Waiting’ was definitely an emotional episode for so many reasons. I disagree with those who got angry because ‘politics were discussed yet again’. No, I don’t think this was an episode about politics at all. It was about humanity and how we should always try our best to respect and support one another, no matter how different our ideas or point of views are. And I can respect this kind of approach. TV shows are about real life, after all, and David Shore’s signature on this episode was evident.
Also, the guest stars did an amazing job, there were small but significant details here and there (Claire did a REBOA! Wow!), and the music selection was spot on as usual.
Lea was spectacular in her effort to support the two poor mothers in what was surely a most uncomfortable setting. And, as you reminded us, Kelli, this wasn’t the first time she did something like that, even if in Quarantine it was about a baby being born, while now it was about two boys at risk of dying. So, a much more dramatic situation, that triggered her insecurities.
But no matter how hard it was, she stood her ground and didn’t leave. She really has grown a lot as a character!
There was a hard lesson to learn here, for both Lea and Shaun: the price of parenthood.
And it’s totally true. Those of us who are parents know that you don’t see kids the same way as before, and you begin to really understand your own parents’ worries, only after having children.
Obviously, Shaun struggled with this concept harder than others. And obviously, it’s going to affect his judgement as a doctor (not necessarily in a negative way).
So, yes, he’s probably going to abdicate some of his ‘superpowers’, from now on, even more so after his baby will be born. But this will also help to highlight his compassionate side, and maybe to further improve his empathy.
As many have already suggested, Shaun was in charge of communication with the boy’s mom. And he did a great job, in my opinion. He was professional, but not at all rude. And he was always in control of the conversation.
Park was affected too, of course. But he managed, thanks to Morgan’s support and encouragement. Now, I really love these two when she lowers her shields and when he let his dad’s side emerge.
And then there’s the big emotional scene in Glassman’s office. Shaun was drowning and, as it often happens, he went to Glassman hoping that he would find out a miraculous solution. His extreme urgency and frustration were underlined by his quickened speech pattern (Freddie Highmore was outstanding here!).
But Glassy didn’t have any magical save and Shaun collapsed on a chair, completely crashed. So, it’s not surprising that his reaction to Glassman’s (true and heartwarming) advise was first denial, and then anger.
It’s upsetting to see Shaun angry at Glassy, and honestly, I wasn’t sure which one of them to feel sorrier about. Shaun’s reaction was totally understandable as it was his need to unload on Glassman. But knowing where Glassman comes from, I felt for him too, because it’s evidently difficult for him to open his heart to discuss these kinds of topics.
He probably wasn’t objective here, as you suggested, Kelli. Or maybe he simply trusted Shaun’s analysis implicitly. Anyway, there’s clearly something going on there. A buried pain and a scar nor completely healed, even after everything Glassy did for Shaun. Even after taking care of him and helping him through everything, probably Glassman still thinks to have sins to atone.
This is where my personal frustration kicks in. Because the writers are dancing around the issue here. Will they ever talk about this?
I don’t think that the solution can be as easy as making Shaun turning to someone else for advice. Probably, it’s exactly the opposite. They need to talk about it, head on, because it’s clear to me that Shaun is the only one who can offer Glassman validation as a parent. No one else can.
But Shaun, being Shaun, will not be able to understand that. Not on his own, and not right away. No matter how well he knows Glassman, and no matter how strong their bond is.
That’s when Lea comes into this equation. That’s why it would be essential to have a scene between Lea and Glassman, possibly a big emotional one. Not just because it’s long overdue, after they became closer, and because they didn’t have any scene together since the pregnancy started.
Lea can detect Glassman’s uneasiness, and she can facilitate Shaun’s understanding. This is the only possible way to unlock this situation. And then there’s Debbie on the other side (apparently, she will be in episodes 17 and 18). She can surely help Glassy to sort everything out and to realize that he needs to focus on the present and not keep struggling about the daughter he lost in the past. Life has offered him a second opportunity, after all.
All that, obviously, only if the writers want to go there. And it’s a big ‘if’, because I don’t know if they really want to.
Maybe they don’t. And this would explain why Richard Schiff is only having one brief scene per episode, no direct mention to his thoughts and feelings about Shaun and Lea’s baby, no scenes with pregnant Lea, and why he’d already got back to the US, while they were in the middle of filming episode 19.
It would be a huge missed opportunity in my opinion. But there’s nothing to be done about it.
Surely ‘Doctor Ted’ will offer more clues on this subject. Because, at this point, it would be ridiculous for Glassy not to be there for Lea and Shaun when they’re both scared and in need of support. I mean, it would be unthinkable in real life.
Unfortunately, at least for now, the promo has merely offered the usual scene between Shaun and Glassman, in Glassy’s office.
Also, considering the episode’s writers, it’s still difficult to make any predictions. We have the one who has written one of the best episodes of the season (Parenting), together with the one who has written the worst (Irresponsible).
So, it’s going to be a shot in the dark.
To conclude, the ending of ‘Waiting’ was certainly scaring. But we already know that Shaun and Lea are supposed to go through hell, it’s how they grow as single persons and as a couple. What’s really important is that everything will be fine in the end.
Sorry for being so long (as usual) and about the rant (I’m feeling quire frustrated right now).
First off, nice Tom Petty reference, Kelli (and with one of my favorite Tom Petty songs)! Waiting is indeed the hardest part!
As for the episode, I think David Shore being part of the teleplay played a huge part in this episode being better-received than "Irresponsible." During PaleyFest not too long ago, Shore specifically said that one of his goals is to take on a harder subject without being preachy. And I truly believe "Waiting" accomplished that in both of its tougher storylines.
I was actually thrilled that Park came up with a brilliant save! Remember, the show has really underscored his moments of professional excellence over the years.
- Not having anything for Andrews to critique in Episode 2.1
- Not even having his first lead surgery on-screen in Episode 3.5
- Having arguably fewer "teaching" moments to the first-year Residents than we've had references to Lea's last name this season.
As brilliant as Shaun is, if the goal is to have him become a full-fledge attending surgeon, the show needs to move away from House territory and its focus on diagnostics. I do believe it has, and that it continues to. As long as we get the occasional highlight of Shaun's special gifts (including his uniquely amazing recall), then his development as an all-around person is far more thrilling to see, as far as I'm concerned!
I thought it was clever to insert a commercial break into the Shaun-Glassman scene. It helped stretch Glassman's appearance within the episode, and helped keep it from being a simple one-and-done like we've seen in recent episodes. I agree with Daniela that a Lea-Glassman scene is in order. And depending on how bleak things look in the next episode, perhaps we'll get one. I just hope we get something good by season's end (which is not that far away now)!
And I'll conclude with my thoughts about that ending scene. I agree that it was a WHAM moment as a fan watching, seeing Lea suddenly in pain and so scared. But seeing Shaun instinctively call out for help was amazing! No panicking on the floor like in "Quarantine". Shaun stepped up BIG, and I'm sure got Lea the help she needed almost instantly. Fingers crossed for the best on May 10!!!
Excellent blog as always Kelli : ) I really enjoyed the pacing of this episode and it was just great to have Lea throughout the episode. I do agree with others that there need to be more moments with her and Glassman. I don't see how it would make any sense for them not to interact at least once more before the season is over. All I want right now is for the baby and for Lea to be okay. The storyline that interests me is seeing them raise their daughter. I am excited to witness how they differ and are the same in their approach to parenting.
Another excellent blog Kelli! I’d like to pick up on the Shaun getting called incompetent by Taryn in front of Lea too and Shaun feeling that way so he did nothing to defend himself. They gave this save to Park and that’s nice because he had some tough moments getting bumped from the spinal surgery so he needed a win. But so does Shaun. His only sort of a win this season was his initial covid patient and maybe guiding Asher in inserting the catheter, but no bold saves we expect. He needs a victory is all I’m saying and hopefully they’re saving it for next episode with Lea. The writers have been spotlighting the other doctors and that’s great but they’ve forgotten what makes Shaun special.
While you can’t be certain I’m still confident that Lea and the baby will be okay. Freddie referred to there being a baby not merely a pregnancy and shore alluded to Shaun’s next challenge as being a parent. But you bring up an interesting point as to whether parenthood will strip Shaun of his super powers. I really hope they’re not mutually exclusive and it’s not like Superman marrying Lois Lane. I just think we need Shaun to have a breakthrough and crack at least one touch case this season.
Otherwise I love the direction of Shea. They’ve reached that level that I hoped for after last season. Of love and trust, They’re in sync with each other and they have reached the unconditional love that I had hoped for. Shaun’s reaching for Lea after she was pushed was wonderful to see. And yes his calling out for help while simultaneously comforting Lea was beautiful to see even if it scared me to death.
Yes they got us by not waiting for the preview to scare the crap out of us. I’d say the previews calmed me down as we learn that while not a good thing Lea’s collapse can have a medical solution.
So Shaun is shut off of her surgery but he gives Lea one of his most treasured possessions the scalpel for good luck to Lea. I still think he’ll have a breakthrough that he’ll communicate to save the day.
Obviously it sucks to wait until the 10th especially when you see “to be announced” is what’s listed for the 10:30 time slot and a rerun of the provincial “Home economics” for 10-10:30 slot.
Last worlds collided for me with Italia Ricci guest starring as Taryn in last episode as she was on my pre the good doctor favorite show Designated Survivor.
Damit - AUTISM IS NO SUPERPOWER!
On the contrary, living with autism is quite often unpleseant.
I'm sure it is, Andreas... didn't mean to imply otherwise, of course!
But wouldn't it be Shaun's savant syndrome (as opposed to his ASD) that contributes to what I quipped as his "superpower" as a doctor/surgeon?
Obviously the 'superpowers' we were referring to, were the ones related to Shaun's Savant Syndrome, Andreas.
And I actually think it's a good thing that the focus has slowly shifted from them to Shaun's struggles as a human being.
I have no idea what it's like to have autism, but I can imagine it's quite hard.
That's why I personally prefer this version of Shaun. It feels more real.
But I can also understand why so many people miss the genious Shaun. In a way, his special abilities compensate his difficulties and legitimate his being the hero of the show. From a mere narrative point of view, it makes sense.
It does make me wonder. The show spends considerably more time talking about Shaun's autism, compared to his savant syndrome. I'm struggling to find an instance where the latter has even been mentioned in Season 4. Because of that, I think some of the more casual fans mistakenly associate autism with ALL of Shaun's strengths and weaknesses.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm glad that the show has moved in a direction that shows Shaun's journey as an all-around person and not just an immediate recall machine. Hopefully the show can do a better job separating out Shaun's savant abilities so that they don't come across as "autism superpowers" like some of the less-informed would believe.
For all not on Twitter: Renewed! 🥳
The Good Doctor goes wild(erness) – according to this news report
https://infotel.ca/newsitem/film-crews-on-location-in-merritt-for-the-good-doctor/it82754
the show is filming these days in Vancouver but in the open landscape near a small town:
https://goo.gl/maps/JH41gJB4nzD3wDG88
Obviously, this season finale is going to be different in some ways compared to previous ones.
And apparently Shaun and Lea won't be in whatever place the other characters are going to be.
Probably in another country.
I'm more confused than ever!
Oh yeah, this will hard to figure out. A social media post by Christina Chang confirms more or less that she is filming with Hill Harper, Antonia Thomas, Will Yun Lee and Fiona Gubelman at the said location.
Though, with so many main characters off the hospital and the newbies not featured in the season finale altogether, Shaun and Lea probably won't we at St. Bonaventure either, since the surgical department is such shorthanded with all the others gone, that I hardly can imagine any scenes there.
Thank you, Kelli. Excellent post.
I loved the episode and enjoyed watching Lea supporting the boys' mothers. And sure enough, I remembered when Lea waited hours with Glassman for her exams.
About what’s coming up.
I am very excited. It seems that the last three episodes will not be in the hospital environment? Could an air crash be coming? Something big that will make everyone leave the hospital.
New photos posted on Paige Spara’s Instagram show that she and Freddie Highmore are also at the location. Some pictures also show Shaun, Claire and Park wearing the hospital windbreaker jackets they use on away missions such as in “Oliver” and “Hurt”.
All of that indicates that the surgical team as a whole is on a relief mission in “South America”. Though, why they would need their IT director on such a mission is a bit of a mystery to me (Lea not wanting to stay behind while her boyfriend is far away?). And no – no baby bump on the photos, but the actors might not be in costume in every picture. Or they deliberately withhold that to keep us guessing. Keep in mind that these photos are part of the series’ marketing.
So far, the only series regular not accounted for on -this- location is Glassman, but he obviously saw the others off at the airport. Also unknown to me is if they are currently filming for episode 4.19 or 4.20 already – if there’s even a clear distinction between these two episodes in production because it probably is a two-parter again.
Setting the #SheaBaby aside for once, let’s think straight and methodical here: What kind of event would require a whole bunch of Californian surgeons, a reluctant internal medicine practitioner and an engineer to drop their businesses at hand, have the department shorthanded, and travel down to Latin America?
Covid returning on India dimensions? Could be considered bad taste.
A conflict causing a humanitarian catastrophe? Middle East or Africa would fit the bill better.
Natural disasters are quite frequent in that region! Which would finally explain one very intriguing exchange in 4.07 “The Uncertainty Principle”:
LEA: Our relationship will not end in natural disaster.
SHAUN: It did begin in one.
So, here we go again? Common natural disasters in this region of the world are tropic storms, flooding and seismic activity, aka earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The location they were filming at doesn’t look like it would support flooding or tropic storms. That leaves us with another earthquake or a volcano – the latter is not that difficult anymore for a TV series thanks to green screen and computer graphics but more a question of time and budget.
A relief mission in an area devastated by annatural disaster also explains why they would bring Lea along – the medical team can’t function without a support and logistics unit which is typically handled by engineers and other specialists.
How would that go together with Lea being in say, the third trimester? Kind of a stretch perhaps, but it’s a drama, nevertheless.
Or… we think the worst-case scenario of them loosing the baby before the finale. That would explain why they are on that trip in the first place. All the characters have or are currently going through major changes in their lives. Lim was wrecked by her Covid experience. Park isn’t coping well with the divorce and Morgan is messing with his head. Morgan herself might have made peace with internal medicine but she feels alone. Andrews failed living a career through his nice. And don’t start with Claire – her next downer is coming in “Letting Go”.
Thus, Shaun and Lea losing her baby would fit into that. But still, I have some doubts that the show would dispose that easily the rich potential for storytelling in season 5 that #SheaBaby brings with them.
Thank you Andreas for sharing this information with us.
With these pictures of Paige, I literally don’t know what to think right now about #Sheababy.
I think a baby would not fit in this trip to South America. Maybe the destination is Argentina or Chile.
If it’s Argentina, I’m flattered. I love it.
Andreas
If the show kills their baby ratings will crash. Everyone wants to see how an ASD Savant married to a non-ASD copes with a new baby. This also gives ABC a chance to give hope to others who have the same condition that they to will find unconditional love and a family. I hate the negativity on fan pages with so many viewers scared their baby daughter will die.
Tony Payne your posting is excellent and mirrored my own views. The Good Doctor does not even mention during the show that Shaun is a Savant apart from episode one when Glassie got Shaun the opportunity to become a surgical resident the word Savant is so important. The Good Doctor now has a chance to educate others who know very little about ASD and even less about a Savant
A story of a real couple where the man is an Autistic Savant and his wife does not have ASD
I have friends who are Shaun and Lea even the same ages who now have 2 children. The husband is an Autistic Savant and his wife does not have ASD like Lea and like Shaun, he holds down a top job
I was the husband's play specialist in 1993 from aged 3-8 where he went to our local school. His wife is so angry at how Shaun and Lea are being portrayed with weekly challenges as that is not reality, they lead normal lives and face challenges the same as non-ASD couples face saying "They are only showing someone with ASD I wish TGD would remind people during the show Shaun is a Savant hence why he is so intelligent and is able to grow and have a loving relationship with Lea and can now show his emotions"
The couple met in 2014 aged 22 and became friends, both were born in July 1992 so will be 29 this July and fell in love 6 years ago and moved in together 6 months later. Both love children and want to have a large family so have taken no protection since living together and getting married 6 months later. They have a daughter aged 4 who does not have ASD and a new baby boy ~ they will not know until he is older if he has ASD but prepared for whatever his future holds. They have grown even closer and are one of the happiest in love couples I am proud to know
My job as a play specialist was to increase self-esteem with children who came from damaged backgrounds. This boy had an awful childhood, his dad left when the boy was very young as the dad could not cope with having a child who was different and left his son to look after his mother who has mental health problems including schizophrenia. This wee boy was only 10 when he became his mum's carer Being a Savant allowed him to be both a carer and a genius never missing school and was in a class with pupils who were much older due to his intelligence
He got beat up at school by bullies regularly as children can be so cruel when coming across someone who is different. On one occasion he got tied up for hours on the goalposts at the playing fields after football getting home after dark, scared tired, and hungry but his mum was having one of her episodes and did not even know he was gone so there was nobody to comfort him.
The boy phoned me as was so intelligent he found out my phone number ~ this is not allowed you have to wear an invisible cloak as a play specialist, we have many children to look after and not wearing your cloak can cause problems to your own well being
My heart rules my head and I went over and helped. I ended up staying with them until this episode passed as the family was stronger together and the damage done if separated from his mom would have devastated him and every time afterward he phoned in an emergency I went and stayed with them. I was very lucky to have a super boss who valued me so I did not lose my job
When my Grandson who is exactly like Shaun is an adult my wish is he will find love with a strong girl like Lea who is patient, happy, showering each other with love as they can face each challenge together in this rollercoaster we call life
Just another thought about “Waiting“ and possible foreshadowing. The stories about how the mothers gave birth seem very different. One gave birth 300 miles away from home, one on Christmas. Yet, there is a clear similarity: Mary gave birth to Jesus away from home as well…
Andreas, I like that positive view thanks for giving me hope. Kelly and friends, I am so scared they will lose their wee baby daughter. Season 5 gives The Good Doctor a wealth of material to show during the season of how an ASD SAVANT in a loving relationship or marriage with Lea the girl of his dreams who is not ASD but does have has the patience of a saint. What a great chance for the program to educate viewers and show how couples who are different do survive and enjoy happy marriages. It would be great to see how Shaun and Lea juggle life with a new baby. I can see Shaun being such a loving dad and nothing like his own evil dad so long as he keeps away from drinking alcohol. In the promo when he gives Lea his most treasured possession his wooden knife from brother Steve then Lea said "I love you too", that was me in tears as even while Lea must be scared about the operation and losing their baby Lea reassured Shaun of their love. I did smile at the long list Shaun made of things that could go wrong and Lea had the list, the looks between Lea and Claire were priceless yet Claire went to start them all, such a lovely friend to both. I am so glad Paige has Claire supporting her and not alone. Poor Shaun has Glassy who of course Shaun speaks to as Shaun feels helpless and showing his emotions so much more and frustrated as not allowed to be in the operating theatre you can see his fear. I thought the photos may be of them on a trip to her parents. If it is somewhere an accident has taken place why would Lea be there as Lea is IT unless they need to set up communications. I cannot see them doing another earthquake as did that end of season three. I will check with my friend Tony Payne if it safe for me to watch as have been very ill and have to avoid all stress. Please everyone take Care and Stay Safe. <3 <3
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