The Resident 2×20: One of the Most Important Episodes Yet

The Resident 2×20 “If Not Now, When?” is one of the best episodes I have seen on television. Ever. Manish Dayal wins my performance of the week for this chilling episode that shed light on senseless gun violence and the lack of standard of care in postpartum treatment. For such a heavy content episode, the writers still managed to update viewers on the failing health of Nic’s sister, Jessie (Julianna Guill) and on the somber status of CoNic.

The Subtle Shame in Senseless Gun Violence

The Resident writers are really good. We know this. I am super impressed with the way that this storyline was incorporated with an already very prominent plot occurring and yet still managed to standout. That’s good writing. After Nic witnesses a shooting involving a vehicle, she rushes over to discover a family of three. The father (Joel Johnstone) exits the vehicle and is screaming about his 14 year old son, Danny (Paxton Singleton) in the backseat who appears to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The mother (Charlene Amoia) is also bleeding in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The family was innocently driving to a science fair where Danny would be competing when their vehicle was sprayed with bullets. Sadly, a perfect example of ‘wrong place at the wrong time’.

And then both mom and son are saved but after several opportunities for dialogue and after 43 minutes with uncertainty of their fate. Bell and Kitt have this honest conversation about how many bullets they’ve removed from healthy, young men. She even talks about how her own daughter was entered into a science fair when she was younger and how they, too could have been innocent victims of gun violence simply by driving to a school function. Nic has her own moment of ‘it should have been me’ while she looks back and realizes she could have been hit if she hadn’t pulled her vehicle over.

Although the conversations are subtle and intertwined so discretely throughout the episode, the message spoke volumes: gun violence is a problem in this country. Innocent, young lives are affected every single day and until something changes, we will always be forced to think about whether or not it could have been us.

It COULD Have Been Us

The Resident brought attention to one of the most disturbing and lesser known facts about giving birth in the United States: it is the most dangerous country to give birth in the developed world. How is this possible? The maternal mortality rate also increases significantly if you are an African-American woman. Are you kidding me?

This episode shows Wade and Lea (Kamal Bolden and Vinessa Antoine) in the emergency room. Lea is pregnant and experiencing contractions. When Dr. Feldman (Tasso Feldman) and Devon listen to the baby’s heart rate, they realize that it is too low and that Lea will need an emergency c-section. Due to low staff (this is a common theme in this episode, Dr. Stewart (John Billingsley) asks Devon to scrub in with him for the c-section.

As Dr. Stewart is about to begin the procedure he looks up to Devon and asks how long he’s been in the country?

Yup. You read that correctly. And hold on to that thought.

Devon responds taken aback but graciously and informs Dr. Stewart that he was born in the United States and grew up in New Jersey. The c-section continues and the couple welcome a baby girl into the world.

Devon stops in to check on the couple later when they are moved to their room. Wade thanks Devon for helping to bring his daughter in the world safely. As Devon is walking out of the room, he notices a significant amount of blood in Lea’s catheter bag. Devon immediately locates Dr. Stewart and asks him to check in on Lea; however, Dr. Stewart essentially tells Devon to stay in his lane.

Viewers are subjected to watching the entire system fail Lea, her husband, and her two daughters (one at home waiting for her mother to return to her) throughout the rest of the episode. Dr. Stewart never checks on Lea despite Devon reaching out several times to him. The nurses never check on Lea despite the fact that Wade asks for assistance for his wife, who is in obvious extreme pain. The nurse at the front desk even ignores the call bell to Lea’s room. While Wade listens to the nurse at the desk explain that pain is normal after a c-section, he looks around in disbelief as other nurses are busy tending to women with balloons, women who are being discharged, and with patients who are clearly not in the severity of pain or discomfort that his wife lying in the hospital bed down the hall was in. So why is she specifically being ignored?

Devon ends up going to check on Lea again and realizes that no one is helping her. Devon calls out the nurse and tells her to order a CT scan and make sure that Lea is a priority for the medical test. And later when Devon returns, Lea is still not made a priority and the nurse blames understaffing.

Mina and AJ were tasked with trying to save Lea after Devon discovers that Lea is bleeding internally. After the best possible surgeons try to save her life, Lea ends up dying from a bleed in her bladder six hours after her emergency c-section.

And Devon says to Dr. Stewart what everyone was thinking as they walked out of the surgery. “Ask yourself would this have happened if Lea wasn’t black?”

AJ tries to insert himself and tells Devon that it isn’t the right time.

“If not now, when?”

Mina than educates the hallway that African-American woman are four times more likely to die postpartum. Dr. Stewart is left crying alone in the hallway as Mina, AJ, and Devon go to break the news to Lea’s husband.

I cannot commend the actors and writers of this next scene enough. The image of two male doctors holding and grieving with this heartbroken husband was stunning. Mina bawls in the corner behind them.

Dr. Bell listens to Devon’s suggestion and says that the hospital will initiate a new standard of care to make sure that this does not happen again to another patient like Lea.

At the end of the episode, The Resident shows a clip of a story about Kira Dixon Johnson, the story inspiring this episode. Her husband, Charles Johnson developed 4Kira4Moms, an advocacy group for better maternal care policies.

To learn more about Kira, her story and Charles’ mission in her honor, please visit:

4kira4moms.com

This episode was heartbreaking and I applaud The Resident for once again exposing the truth about the faults in our healthcare system.

Broken

As emotional as this episode was, the writers did not spare us whatsoever. In fact, the episode began with the break up of our beloved CoNic. And honestly, I’m okay with it. I know it sounds a little hypocritical of me after slamming these writers for even threatening to break them up in the first place but it clearly needs to be over based on the place that Conrad is in: and that is a selfish one.

Before you hate me for saying that Conrad is being selfish, hear me out. I have watched Nic get blasted on Twitter the past few weeks. She’s tired. She burnt out. According to her own account, she’s been taking care of everyone else since she was essentially a preteen. Why on earth would this girl want to move in, get married, and move forward in a relationship when the ground around her is crumbling? Why would Conrad think that now is the time for moving forward when the fate of her sister is unknown? They even have to break the news to Jessie this episode that her kidneys will never recover. She will have to live on dialysis for the rest of her life or until she is eligible for a transplant.

And so Conrad says he cannot do it. He doesn’t want to be stagnant. And, though I appreciate his honesty about not wanting to be in a relationship that doesn’t progress, I think it’s really telling that he’s not looking out for the well-being and need of Nic right now. He wants a relationship that progresses. He’s being selfish. And that’s okay, too.

They are clearly both not in the same place and it’s not going to work. Right now. Because, I’m hoping that they really do figure it out: that it’s not about pace, or moving forward, or status, or where who lives. It’s about their very apparent love for one another.

I’m just hoping this break does not even go into a romance with Alec or Zoey or any other obnoxious temporary fill in. And I hope it’s short-lived.

Random Thoughts

My random thoughts section will let this speak for itself this week:

  • “Each year an estimated 700 to 900 maternal deaths occur in the U.S.” – The New York Times
  • “A black woman is 243% more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes than a white woman.” -NPR

The Resident airs on Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

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Melinda Cassiere2 Comments

Blue Bloods Review: 9×19 Is Danny Moving On?

We’re getting close to the end of the season! Who’s nervous? I know I am! We got off easy at the end of last season, and if this episode is any indication then it certain feels like Blue Bloods is ramping up for the season 9 finale! Let’s jump right in!

Jamie and Erin (Not Eddie)

The episode opened on an insane bar fight with a homicide on the scene. The conflict for the episode centered on the murderer confessing to Jamie, and Erin being hesitant to act on it. Jamie is usually Erin’s back up, which meant watching them collide was tense and awkward and interesting. Even though showcasing this duo meant less Eddie, I found myself not truly minding. The few times we’ve seen Erin and Jamie working side by side at something personal or professional have been dynamic and intriguing. This episode was no exception. Both Jamie and Erin know the law and have a healthy respect for it. If Jamie is coming to blows with her over something, then he must be very hot under the collar.

Of course, it all explodes over family dinner and Danny gets a hilarious moment to enjoy Jamie feeling his frustration. But the best result of their fight is Anthony coming to Jamie to tell him how out of line he was. Anthony is the best thing to ever happen to Erin. Seeing him and Jamie working together to get Erin the evidence she needs was truly wonderful. It was funny and endearing, and filled me with even more respect for both of these men.

Thankfully, Anthony and Jamie find the murder weapon and then Anthony calls a meeting between the two warring parties and demands they talk it out (because Anthony is a truly wonderful friend.) Their plot ends with Erin offering to buy Jamie a drink and with me dying to see that drink. I love watching the Reagan siblings just being siblings. That drink is a missed opportunity for a bit of brother-sister hijinks.

Danny

Once again, Danny’s plot opened on high stakes and consequences. He answers a call from Delgado’s wife after someone breaks in and by the time he reaches her she’s been murdered. It results in Danny and Delgado working together to take down the man who killed both their wives.

This plot was hard on my heart, but all that means is that Donnie Wahlberg is doing his job extremely well. This is the kind of story I love to see him tell on this show. His brother may be the more famous actor, but no one should underestimate Donnie Wahlberg. He can bring the heartbreak and tears like no one else.

The scene where he decides not to kill the man who murdered his wife was beautifully painful, and to follow that with the conversation he and Delgado have about Delgado’s sons was poignant. But my absolute favorite of Danny’s scenes in this episode is the scene where he takes off his wedding ring. Danny is silent and not overtly emotional, but Donnie Wahlberg’s expressions tell you everything you need to know about how Danny is feeling in that moment. I was nearly in tears as he dropped that ring into that small velvet bag.

I need Blue Bloods to give me more Danny Reagan moments as breathtakingly emotional as this one.

This does leave me with more than a few questions, though. Will we be getting a new love interest for Danny soon? The show has slowly been planting the seeds with a few guest actresses here and there. I’ll be interested in seeing how much longer we’ll have to wait for Danny to take the plunge back into the dating scene. Will he date someone we’ve already met? Or will the show introduce someone entirely new? How will the fans react to someone who isn’t Linda? I have no clue, but I am dying to find out.

Frank

The start of Frank’s problems this episode begins with Lena Janko, Eddie’s mother. I loved the way they played on the audience’s assumptions that Lena is difficult and then gave us a twist. Lena wasn’t being difficult, she was being harassed.

The conversation between Frank and Lena once he figures out what’s really happening was a shining moment in this episode. Frank may not understand Lena completely, but she’s family and she’s a victim, so he has her back no matter what. What could have been a pain point became a lovely bonding moment between the father of the groom and the mother of the bride. And I absolutely loved Frank playing along at the end, as if he and Lena had never met. Frank will already do anything for Eddie’s comfort, just as he would for Jamie. I love one police commissioner with all my heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline and being allowed to see the softer side of Lena Janko. I hope we get to see more of her soft side as the Reagans and the Jankos continue to combine their families.

We’re getting close to the end, folks! Start preparing yourself for the end of the season intensity! Stock up on tissues and wine and all your favorite comfort foods because something tells me we might need it.

Logan AngellLeave a comment

The Resident 2×19 Review: A Storm Is Coming

The Resident 2×19 “Snowed In” takes place during a rare Atlanta blizzard. For many reasons, I was less interested and disengaged from this episode than the rest in this season. After so many episodes that have been intensely plot and character accelerating, even the backdrop of an intense southern blizzard couldn’t carry all of the missed opportunities here along.

Three’s A Crowd

I’m just going to get right into my biggest disappointment in The Resident this season. I have loved the history and character development presented to us in this second season. We finally were clued into what exactly went wrong with CoNic the first time around and the backstory was incredibly revealing as to why both Nic and Conrad were so hesitant to get back together in the first season. They had serious issues to deal with before they could move forward with one another and it was understandable and completely relatable.

This new direction that the writers are taking CoNic, however, is getting old and mundane. We were already taken down the overused love triangle direction with Devon/Priya/Julian. Now the writers have inserted this really underdeveloped and questionable character that is attracted to Nic but doesn’t reflect on the couple’s failings. I’m incredibly confused as to the direction the writers are going with Alec. He’s clearly interested in Nic and she’s made it rather clear there is no interest in him. Yet, she’s pushing herself further away from Conrad and Conrad is seemingly taking a stronger stance on where he stands which is wanting more. So, why is Alec seemingly thrown into this whole equation? It just seems sloppy.

Let’s be clear here, I am very clearly a Team Nic girl. My hope is that the writers are finally allowing Nic to have her chance to figure things out for herself. In the last attempt at their relationship it was made very clear that Conrad had a lot of issues to work out. Clearly he has made a huge step in trying to make things right but it seems that it is now Nic that has to work through her own life battles. This season we’ve been presented Nic’s familial baggage that is very clearly prohibiting her from looking at long-term decisions and commitment. This is all understandable.

That being said, a female character should have the right all on her own to decide her feelings and thoughts on longevity in a relationship. She shouldn’t need some portable hospital van driving new doctor who rolls quickly in and out of locations to be the driving force behind her indecisiveness.

Since when does the main female character need a new man to be confused about the direction her relationship is taking? The more this strange triangle plays out the more frustrated I get with where the writers are going with the Nic/Conrad/Alec storyline.  Alec even somehow managed to involve himself with the treatment of Jessie (Julianna Guill).

When Jessie asks Nic about Alec, she accuses Nic of using Alec. Nic reaffirms that having Alec around is good for patients, the clinic, and Chastain. Please don’t drag this out for as long as you did with Julian for the love of The Resident fans. It’s honestly taking away from all the good that this show has to offer.

“Go To Hell”

I feel closest to Donna (Shannon Wilcox) out of all of The Resident patients. I would totally hold a grudge for 30 years and then want to tell off that person on my death bed. And metaphorically, it was a grudge that stood between Conrad and Nic in “Snowed In”. Conrad and Nic argued about Donna’s fate when her prognosis began going south during the blizzard. Donna, a terminally ill cancer patient, was at Chastain due to her declining health and was to be transferred to hospice care the next day. She was taking control of her death and Nic and Conrad were there to help her get to the end of life that she wanted.

When Donna shares her hope to see a long lost love of 30 years while she in hospice care, Nic is touched. Donna soon begins suffering symptoms of a strangulated hernia which causes Nic and Conrad to debate over Donna’s fate. Donna is a ‘DNR’ patient and has expressed her wishes to not have any major procedures or interventions to save her life.

Conrad believes that Nic needs to let Donna’s conversation about her long lost love go. But Nic doubles down and puts her heels firmly in the ground. Something about Donna’s conversation resonates with her: a long lost love and a chance to die peacefully in a warmer environment like hospice care rather than the cold, machine-filled rooms of the hospital.

Nic and Conrad have a bit of a power struggle where Conrad eventually pulls rank and says that he’s Donna’s doctor and he will not allow a medical procedure on a DNR patient. Nic goes above Conrad and talks to Bell who suggests that he will do the surgery himself. Naturally, the surgery goes awry and Bell performs chest compressions on Donna mid-surgery to prevent another surgical death on his record. Donna pulls through the surgery and forgives Nic for her decision to medically intervene. She says that she respects Nic for trying to do the right thing for her.

When the long lost love of 30 years does finally arrive, Donna expresses how much she once loved him and how much it hurt when he broke her heart. And then she so easily proclaims, “Go to hell!”

This clearly surprises us all but most definitely Nic, who has just stuck her own neck (and her relationship’s) on the line for the proclamation of a love once lost. Conrad and Nic debated, argued over, and pulled rank for a grudge. Are Nic’s own insecurities driven by a grudge from their first attempt at a relationship?

Needed

The episode begins with some unlikely drivers of a speeding car crashing into the ambulance bay causing two EMT’s to jump out of harm’s way. Eva (Jada Garcia) and Eli (Peyton Jackson) are two young children who had to save their father from a snow bank and transport him to the hospital in a car due to the emergency conditions throughout the city. Tony (Walter Colson) is suffering from hypothermia and Mina cannot get his heart restarted.

Mina instructs Nurse Hundley (Denitra Isler) to get AJ to the hospital to assist her. AJ’s car is stuck and while he is rattling off every reason why there’s no way he can get to the hospital, Nurse Hundley tells AJ that Mina needs him. And then AJ Austin after a grand profession about how no weather condition could keep him from getting to the hospital for his protégée, AJ Austin gets out of his car and starts to walk. In a blizzard. For Mina.

The man would literally do anything for her.

Mina needs reassurance from AJ during the procedures because Eva is relying on her to save her father. Mina even confides in AJ that Eva reminds her of her sisters that were killed in a fire. AJ tells Mina that she doesn’t need him but he still tries to get to the hospital. Mina ends up performing an emergency procedure to save Tony and when the Raptor arrives as Mina’s closing up, he starts laughing that Mina didn’t need him at all. Fist bumps for Mina.

He’s so proud. And so in love.

Mina may not have needed AJ for surgery because let’s face it, Mina is a boss when it comes to cardiovascular surgery; however, Mina does need AJ but not professionally. What happened after Micah told Mina that the engagement was off? Does AJ know? Is Mina doing okay? Come on, The Resident writers! You didn’t address this one at all. And can we just talk about how comfortable these two are with one another? When Mina is doubting herself, she outright tells AJ what is going on and he listens and comforts her accordingly.   When are they going to see that their relationship has gone well beyond professional?

Meanwhile, while Mina is tending to Tony, the children are being cared for by Bell and Dr. Voss. Oddly enough, I ship them. Voss brings out more of the humanity in Bell and Bell seems to genuinely care for Kitt. But as for them, what happened to Kitt’s ex-husband? Is she still supporting him and helping him recover? Is she still regretting her decisions earlier in life?

And how will Bell screw this up?

Random Thoughts

  • New Julian-less Devon is so much more likable. His personality and his charisma is back and he even helped the young med student get through his first death examination experience with understanding.
  • Whoa, Conrad. That glare after catching Alec hanging around Nic and Jessie.
  • I know I ragged a lot on the writers for CoNic in this episode but I will give credit where credit is due. The scene where they banter back and forth about Alec’s intentions was incredibly well done. Conrad points out that there’s an issue. Nic acknowledges that there is an issue with Alec and says she’s already addressed it and is handling it. Conrad tells Nic he trusts her and knows that she’ll handle it herself. I mean, this is major progress for their once tender relationship when it came to jealousy. And the scene was quick but really revealing. And he even managed to joke about punching him in the face without making Nic mad. Nicely done, guys.
  • Nurse Jessica tried to stop Mina from doing that surgery on her own but for doubting herself so much during this incident, Mina’s instincts sure did kick in quick. She knew he’d die if she didn’t act. She also knew she could do it.
  • But then Nurse Jessica gives Mina props, “It was awesome!”
  • I really loved this scene between Devon and the med student, Eric about death. Devon reaffirms to the student that death is terrifying to even those that have been around it. It never really becomes normal but death is a part of life. I just really love how The Resident always seems to put in these little scenes that even make the viewers remember that doctors are human beings with feelings and doubts just like the rest of us.
  • Snow was a big inconvenience on this particular night at Chastain but it ended up saving the day when Tony developed a 105 fever.
  • “I don’t want to regret the things we haven’t said.” And then she goes on to say that there is still a lot to talk about.
  • They said their ‘I love you’s’ but their faces said so much more as they turned and walked away from each other. I am not pleased.
  • The promos for next week hint at a rough road ahead for CoNic and I am not having it.

The Resident airs on Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.

Melinda CassiereLeave a comment
the resident 2x18 recap and review

The Resident 2×18 Recap and Review: Taking a Chance on Love

The Resident 2×18 “Emergency Contact” was packed full of taking leaps of faith on love. There were a lot of loose ends tied up — like the whereabouts of Julian Booth and the fate of Mina and Micah’s engagement; but the questions left unanswered far outweighed the answers.

Continue reading “The Resident 2×18 Recap and Review: Taking a Chance on Love” →

Melinda CassiereLeave a comment
The Resident 8x17, Matt Czuchry and Manish Dayal

The Resident 2×17 Recap: Second Chances

In The Resident 2×17 “Betrayal,” there are stories of second chances, redemption, and justice (?). The episode revolves around a gunshot wound, mono, and an undercover takedown resulting in a shootout and a high-speed vehicle pursuit. Is this blowing your mind? Well, it should because when The Resident does action, it does it so well. As the episode reached its end, viewers on twitter seemed to be going out of their minds; and man, was it suspenseful until the very last second.

Continue reading “The Resident 2×17 Recap: Second Chances” →

Melinda Cassiere1 Comment

Blue Bloods 9×16 Review: Who Framed Jamko?

We’re back from a break and, hopefully, we won’t see another break for the remainder of the season! Let’s jump right in to reviewing “Past Tense”. This was a pretty action packed episode with a lot of familial themes all around.

Jamie and Eddie

I am starting here because this was easily the most frustrating plotline. Poor Jamko just can’t catch a break and, honestly, it’s starting to feel like the writers are a bit complacent at this point. Complacent seems like the wrong word, I know. That’s because they’ve thrown a lot of drama Jamie and Eddie’s away. But that, in and of itself, is complacent.

The show seems to think that for Jamie and Eddie to be dynamic, they need trouble from an external source. I cannot stress how untrue that perception is. Their most interesting moments this season have come from the two of them adjusting to being a couple or adjusting to each other’s families. I would much rather see an even mix of workplace drama and personal drama as opposed to what we’ve been given. Let’s give Jamie and Eddie a break soon, writers. They and the viewers would appreciate it.

This week, for example, I was less interested in the plot to retaliate against Jamie and Eddie and more interested in Eddie’s conflict with Erin. It gave us a beautiful sisterly moment that I would love to see explored on a deeper level. On the whole, I have not had nearly enough of Eddie one on one with members of the Reagan clan. Let’s fix that, shall we?

Erin and Anthony

Now, this plot I enjoyed thoroughly. I love when Erin and Anthony look out for each other. Erin may have irritated Anthony with the DNA test. But if the roles were reversed, then you can bet he would have done the same for her. I also loved seeing Anthony with a little brother. He was so happy to have family, even after finding out his brother wasn’t completely honest.

Additionally, I loved Frank calling Erin out at family dinner and the discussion it led them to have. Hearing each perspective on a long lost sibling was humorous and interesting. I particularly appreciated the exchange between Nicky and Jack. I have close cousins myself and I can definitely relate to cousins being as good as siblings.

Danny and Baez

You all know that I thoroughly enjoy watching Danny get personal on cases. This case is exactly the type of personal I want. I love the rare occasion when Danny gets to be soft. He sympathized with Margo, so much so that it clouded his judgement. He rode with her to the hospital, he made sure she ate, and he genuinely wanted to find resolution for her. That made the turnabout at the end satisfying in a twisted way. It allowed Danny to be angry and disappointed in this person he thought he could trust. Donnie Wahlberg playing angry and disappointed, like a father would be, will always be a favorite of mine. He didn’t disappoint.

Also, shout out to the line “No weed’s that good” for making me laugh out loud in an otherwise serious episode.

Frank and Sid

All of these plots this episode heavily featured two people working together. I find that interesting. Frank’s plot was also a part of this trend. Frank knew Sid was hiding something. Sid should have been up front with Frank and his “have a heart” comment was unnecessary. Frank has shown himself to have a very good heart in the many years since Sid has known him.

The way Frank resolved it in the end really showcased what can happen when you’re honest with your friends or colleagues and come together to solve a problem. Sid thought what he was doing was the best way to help, but Frank’s perspective found a much better way that served the officer better than hiding him away to log evidence. Frank, once again, reminded me why he would have my vote for president if he were real and running for office.

Thanks for dropping by to read my thoughts! Can’t wait to see what the tail end of the season has in store for us. I am worried for Jamko and afraid that the decision to keep their relationship a secret is going to come back to bite them. I hope not, but they’ve had a rough season so far, and I suspect it’s only going to get more dramatic from here.

Blue Bloods airs of Fridays at 10/9C on CBS.

 

Logan Angell2 Comments

The Good Doctor 2×18 Review: “Trampoline”

The season finale is here already, The Good Doctor fans, and I’m really just left with one question: where the hell did the time go? As up and down I feel this season has been, ‘Trampoline’ definitely went out on a high note for season two, and made me excited for season three. Which I was not sure was possible till now.

As cheesy as it sounds, this episode was a jumping off point for a whole new slew of stories, by wrapping up Shaun’s career struggle with Han, who he asked out on a date, Lim and Melendez status change, and Glassman’s leap of faith.

I mean, good lord, did all that happen in one episode?

Professionally, quite a few things changed here, and all of them were welcome in my eyes, as Andrews — surprisingly — decided to fire Han, and rehire Shaun. He’ll be dealing with consequences, no doubt, but this was a fist bump moment after what Shaun went through to treat the guy who literally beat him up in a bar.

I knew Shaun would be alright, but that didn’t make it any easier when he collapsed on the floor trying to treat the guy, and ended up in a hospital bed unconscious. His drive in doing what he believes is right, and acting as a doctor even when not employed was nothing short of commendable. He had no reason to do this other than it is literally in his bones, and it’s what matters to him.

I wish that Dr. Han had been able to see past his own judgement to see what Lim, Melendez, Claire, Dr. Andrews, and Glassman have learned about him. Claire literally walked in his shoes to figure out what Shaun knew, and couldn’t tell, which made me tear up at their friendship.

Over the course of the season, all of these people have been through numerous challenges, both personally, and professionally on hospital grounds. Yet the one element that keeps me wanting to see what happens next is simply caring about these characters, in spite of the drama introduced that felt contrived at times. This hour, though, showcased how much changes when you let the characters drive what’s going on, rather than letting drama alone be the focus.

Case in point, the moments we got to spend just sitting down, and seeing these characters interact, and what happens when they believe in each other is why it’s so compelling. Claire giving Shaun advice on how to ask a girl out. Park and Morgan going back and forth on their patient, to Lim, and Melendez debating on the future if one of them becomes Chief of Surgery.

If I had to pick out my favorites, though, it would definitely be Glassman proposing to Debbie, and Shaun asking Carla out. Glassman has been through hell and back fighting cancer, and while I’m glad he’s fit as a fiddle, it felt far more poignant for him to make this choice with complete honesty.

Shaun, in his own moment of courage marched right past Lea, and to Carla’s home to ask her out with flowers, and chocolates! Okay, I can’t lie, I was so happy he did this, and her accepting made me cheer as loud as Shaun did in the street. This guy has been through the wringer, and this much needed victory is one date I can’t wait to see in season three.

Really, I just want season three now. How about you guys?

final Thoughts

  • When Shaun walked past Lea in a suit, with his flowers and chocolates, I literally was debating who he was going to ask out; because before Carla came to the door, I legitimately didn’t know who he was going to see.
  • This finale flowed like a proper balance between all the characters, and I’m hoping next season it feels more like that. More character story balance, less roll your eyes at the screen drama, okay, writers?
  • Regardless of who becomes Chief of Surgery next season, I don’t think things are going to be easy for Lim, and Melendez so it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.
  • Can Claire find love too next season? I love this girl, she fully deserves it, and more screen time.
  • I’m getting the feeling romance is going to be a tad more prominent from this finale, and God, I hope I’m right because I need more of these characters personal lives, mixed with hospital time.

The Good Doctor will return next fall on ABC.

Sarah ThomasLeave a comment