11 reviews
This has to be the best episode yet in this drama that manages to highlight so many human interest topics, the complexity of our emotions, and various relationship dynamics that pepper our lives - and in particular, the lives of the medical professionals who mostly behave toward us in their health care and healing roles, as though the only thing they are concerned with is us and our medical problems. We may rationally know and recognize that, of course, doctors and surgeons have lives and thus joys and woes like the rest of us. But in our preoccupation with being on the cared-for end of the equation, we easily overlook just how significant doctors' "own stuff" is, and that it is all going on at the same time as our own personal life story. And this one doesn't do what many TV medical series do, and simply make doctors into two-dimensional caricatures more interested in money and/or fame and accolades than substance.
So, that Freddie Highmore in particular, so dramatically captures and presents to us a person who is every bit the brilliant diagnostician and surgeon with autism is one thing. But his impactful delivery is only a small part of what is the true underpinning of this show: the incredibly well-thought-out characters, their development and a plot primed by the brilliant creators and writers of this show to reveal such complexities and make them believable elements. And all in an entertainment format that is otherwise all too prone to superficial and unrealistic content - so, wow! This tops the many previous glimpses we have been granted into Shaun's world and consequently his worldview, together with the often mistaken belief that those on the autism spectrum are either cold or emotionless, and that people's neurodiversity is still something that many find hard to accept amounts - yes, true enough - to differences between us, but not wrongness or 'less-ness' requiring or dictating being left behind or always being judged as "needing to be fixed."
So, I love the story and roles portrayed and played out in this episode. And coming on top of recent developments in Shaun's relationship with another neurodiversity-accepting person, Carly, and her rightful and inclusive emphasis on Shaun's many attributes, I am grateful this show is no doubt influencing a wide audience of viewers to open their minds (newly or further) to neurodiversity being an ordinary fact, not an oddity. To our human family as a whole being diverse beyond the ways we have already recognized (even as we struggle still to reconcile how to deal with what was in the past simply shunned and not acknowledged) in things like gender, sexual orientation, intellectual abilities, and so on, this too now stretches us.
The show's excellence In writing and acting, its candour and 'realness' we can relate to, its ability to engage us at a heartfelt level, are welcome in an increasingly negative and evil-focused set of fantastical prime time dramas. Kudos are due here for a show, and this episode in particular that hits it out of the park, to show us and to challenge us, to different ways of thinking, and deploying our empathy and our emotions. Not just well done, indeed it is at the top of every excellence category it could be.
So, that Freddie Highmore in particular, so dramatically captures and presents to us a person who is every bit the brilliant diagnostician and surgeon with autism is one thing. But his impactful delivery is only a small part of what is the true underpinning of this show: the incredibly well-thought-out characters, their development and a plot primed by the brilliant creators and writers of this show to reveal such complexities and make them believable elements. And all in an entertainment format that is otherwise all too prone to superficial and unrealistic content - so, wow! This tops the many previous glimpses we have been granted into Shaun's world and consequently his worldview, together with the often mistaken belief that those on the autism spectrum are either cold or emotionless, and that people's neurodiversity is still something that many find hard to accept amounts - yes, true enough - to differences between us, but not wrongness or 'less-ness' requiring or dictating being left behind or always being judged as "needing to be fixed."
So, I love the story and roles portrayed and played out in this episode. And coming on top of recent developments in Shaun's relationship with another neurodiversity-accepting person, Carly, and her rightful and inclusive emphasis on Shaun's many attributes, I am grateful this show is no doubt influencing a wide audience of viewers to open their minds (newly or further) to neurodiversity being an ordinary fact, not an oddity. To our human family as a whole being diverse beyond the ways we have already recognized (even as we struggle still to reconcile how to deal with what was in the past simply shunned and not acknowledged) in things like gender, sexual orientation, intellectual abilities, and so on, this too now stretches us.
The show's excellence In writing and acting, its candour and 'realness' we can relate to, its ability to engage us at a heartfelt level, are welcome in an increasingly negative and evil-focused set of fantastical prime time dramas. Kudos are due here for a show, and this episode in particular that hits it out of the park, to show us and to challenge us, to different ways of thinking, and deploying our empathy and our emotions. Not just well done, indeed it is at the top of every excellence category it could be.
What an actor! The whole thing was pretty emotionally charged, but the last scene?! Unbelievably intense and powerful acting. Leah's an amazing friend to him and just wow.
- Purpelephant
- Dec 16, 2019
- Permalink
I really like this show, but this episode really grabbed me. I got very teary and that is not something that happens often. Freddie Highmore plays this character in an amazing way as if he spent hours studying those who are autistic. I hope this show has some staying power with those who make the decisions on what should stay and what is cancelled.
- grasswhisperer
- Dec 2, 2019
- Permalink
I wasn't prepared for all the emotions that came pouring out during this episode. When my own mother died I experienced the same wave of sadness that Shaun does here. A deeply moving and powerful episode.
- tahitislim25
- Dec 2, 2019
- Permalink
What a chapter, the serie itself its great, but this chapter was the best ever, i cried in two chapters of The Good Doctor, the first and this one, and all it was of the GREAT Freddie Highmore, having myself a little asperger, can understand those feelings and they hit strong, Freddie deserves an Oscar!!!
- ortegajulian
- Dec 4, 2019
- Permalink
What an episode!!!!, full of emotion and moving. Freddie Highmore was perfect with each move he makes.
I kinda guessed where this episode was heading but I was awestruck in the end the way Freddie pulled off "the Shaun Murphy".
By far the best episode in terms of building Shaun's story. Should appreciate the writers.
The title should have been "family". Glassy was more of a father since the beginning and Leah(boy, I just adored her in the last scene) was more than a friend. My perception is glassy and Leah are exactly like how Steve was with Shaun.
In the pilot I liked Steve and Shaun. Then I liked glassy. When I reached the end of this episode I saw the genuinity and divinity in Leah.
Conclusion: If I had the power I would pick Freddie highmore to win best actor award everywhere for this series.
- tvinodramprasad
- Jan 25, 2021
- Permalink
I really love so much this show i love the actors the way they get in their character like real... But this episode was the best of the whole series until now!!! Freddie is an amazing anazing actor ( first time i see him on a movie or tv series) and i have to say he is an excellent actor and very promising for the future. This episode made me cry and get so emotional of Shaun's story which is very sad and unfair for him. Ohh and something else : I dont like Shaun beeing together with carly i would love him beeing with Lea she is Sweet and and honest they fit better together ( i hope we see him with her ) A BIG FAN OF The good doctor.
- john-49622
- Dec 5, 2019
- Permalink
I hold favor against the last episode. It was taxing and repetitive to watch and seemed very substandard by the shows quality. However this thing is cathartic and brilliant. Freddie Highmore's acting reigns over the plot though, he delivers his best performance on the show to date.
- generatiorter
- Sep 8, 2021
- Permalink
- panagiotis1993
- Mar 11, 2024
- Permalink
"Friends and Family," the tenth episode of The Good Doctor's third season, shifts the focus to Dr. Shaun Murphy's personal life as he reconnects with his estranged parents. The episode explores the complexities of familial relationships and the lingering effects of past trauma, as Shaun returns home to face the ghosts of his childhood. Simultaneously, the episode continues to explore the dynamics of the hospital staff, particularly as they support Shaun through this difficult journey.
Directed by Mike Listo, "Friends and Family" is an emotionally charged episode that delves into the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the enduring impact of family on one's sense of self. The script by Thomas L. Moran is rich in character development, offering a deep and nuanced portrayal of Shaun's emotional journey as he confronts his past. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for the full exploration of the emotional stakes involved, while the medical subplot provides a counterbalance to the intense personal drama.
A key strength of "Friends and Family" is its exploration of the complex dynamics between Shaun and his parents, particularly his strained relationship with his father. The cinematography uses stark, contrasting lighting to emphasize the tension and emotional distance between the characters, creating a visual representation of their fractured relationships. The pacing is measured, giving space for the characters to express their emotions and for the audience to feel the weight of Shaun's journey.
One of the episode's most powerful scenes occurs when Shaun confronts his father about the abuse he suffered as a child. The scene is raw and intense, with Freddie Highmore delivering a gut-wrenching performance that captures the pain and anger that Shaun has carried with him for years. The direction is particularly effective in this scene, using tight close-ups and minimal dialogue to heighten the emotional impact.
However, "Friends and Family" is not without its flaws. The subplot involving Dr. Claire Browne's attempts to reconcile with her estranged father, while thematically relevant, feels somewhat rushed and lacks the emotional depth of Shaun's storyline. Additionally, while the episode is effective in exploring the theme of reconciliation, it could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the long-term impact of trauma on Shaun's relationships with others.
In summary, "Friends and Family" is a deeply emotional episode that offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of familial relationships and the process of reconciliation. With strong direction, a well-crafted script, and standout performances, particularly from Freddie Highmore, it provides a powerful and resonant installment in the series, highlighting the enduring impact of family on one's sense of self.
Directed by Mike Listo, "Friends and Family" is an emotionally charged episode that delves into the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the enduring impact of family on one's sense of self. The script by Thomas L. Moran is rich in character development, offering a deep and nuanced portrayal of Shaun's emotional journey as he confronts his past. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for the full exploration of the emotional stakes involved, while the medical subplot provides a counterbalance to the intense personal drama.
A key strength of "Friends and Family" is its exploration of the complex dynamics between Shaun and his parents, particularly his strained relationship with his father. The cinematography uses stark, contrasting lighting to emphasize the tension and emotional distance between the characters, creating a visual representation of their fractured relationships. The pacing is measured, giving space for the characters to express their emotions and for the audience to feel the weight of Shaun's journey.
One of the episode's most powerful scenes occurs when Shaun confronts his father about the abuse he suffered as a child. The scene is raw and intense, with Freddie Highmore delivering a gut-wrenching performance that captures the pain and anger that Shaun has carried with him for years. The direction is particularly effective in this scene, using tight close-ups and minimal dialogue to heighten the emotional impact.
However, "Friends and Family" is not without its flaws. The subplot involving Dr. Claire Browne's attempts to reconcile with her estranged father, while thematically relevant, feels somewhat rushed and lacks the emotional depth of Shaun's storyline. Additionally, while the episode is effective in exploring the theme of reconciliation, it could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the long-term impact of trauma on Shaun's relationships with others.
In summary, "Friends and Family" is a deeply emotional episode that offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of familial relationships and the process of reconciliation. With strong direction, a well-crafted script, and standout performances, particularly from Freddie Highmore, it provides a powerful and resonant installment in the series, highlighting the enduring impact of family on one's sense of self.
- fernandoschiavi
- Aug 31, 2024
- Permalink