Binge Watch Review: The Good Doctor Season 3
Season 3 packs quite the punch
Let me start this review off with a warning. If you have not watched The Good Doctor yet and are considering it based off reviews, you may want to skip this one. It contains a major spoiler that changes the entire show.
That said, I both loved and hated season three. Not that the series wasn't still producing great episodes, but it was more the direction in which the writers/the producers/the powers that be chose to go in for this season.
Shaun (Freddie Highmore) gets a girlfriend for a few episodes, and while I was a fan originally, it didn't take long for me to change my mind. Dr. Carly Lever (Jasika Nicole) really cared about Shaun, but it was clear to me that this was a stop-gap romance, that Shaun would always be in love with Lea (Paige Sbara). It just didn't seem like an equitable romance from the beginning and left me feeling bad for Carly and just wanting the relationship to end quickly.
Then, after Carly and Shaun broke up and Shaun told Lea he loved her and wanted to be her boyfriend, Lea rejects him. That sends Shaun on a spiral that has him wanting to take a baseball bat to her car. It's a jarring, out-of-character moment for Shaun who, up until that point, has had his angry moments but none with violence. I understand it was done to show Shaun's pain, but it just didn't sit well with me.
Then there was Dr. Neil Melendez's (Eric Gonzalez) relationship with Dr. Audrey Lim (Christina Chang). I knew from the start that it wasn't going to last. They were both up for Chief of Surgery, then when Dr. Lim was chosen, it was difficult for the two to not let their romance affect their work relationship. Lim ends things, breaking Melendez's heart. And that would have been a great character building moment for him. Instead, he moves on and strikes up a platonic friendship with his resident, Dr. Claire Browne (Antonia Thomas).
The pair have to hide their friendship for obvious reasons, but it never moves beyond friendship, though Claire admits to her therapist she's in love with her boss. There are no kisses. No hand-holding. No hugs. Nothing.
Then we come to the second to last episode of the season. There's an earthquake, and Melendez, Dr. Alex Park (Will Yun Lee), and Lea are at a brewery when it happens. Though it seems like they're all okay, and Melendez even works with Claire to save the life of the owner of the brewery, at the end of the episode, he vomits blood and collapses.
In the season finale, though the surgeons try to save Melendez's life, they discover his injuries are too severe. So they have to tell him that they can't save him. Dr. Lim and Dr. Glassman (Richard Schiff) stop by to say their goodbyes, but it's Claire who is with him at the end. It's that time that she tells him he loves him, and he tells her he loves her, too. Then she lays her head on his chest, he cups her cheek, and they stay there, presumably, until Melendez dies.
And that's what made me hate this season. There was no reason for Melendez to die other than shock value. Gonzalez himself didn't want to leave the show so the writers/producers apparently thought this was a good move. It wasn't. And I wasn't the only viewer who was upset. Fans were not happy with this route, and, to be honest, it almost made me not want to watch season four. I have continued, though, and will be back with my review of that season shortly.
Suffice it to say that out of all of the three seasons I have watched so far, this is the one I liked the least.
About the Creator
Rachel Carrington
I write a little bit of everything because I love to write. 53 novels. Over 2,500 articles. Essays. Short Stories. Book Reviews. Movie Reviews. And more. You can find a lot of that stuff here. rachelcarrington.com. X: @rcarrington2004
Keep reading
More stories from Rachel Carrington and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Binge Watch Review: The Good Doctor Season 2
Picking up after season one, Season two of The Good Doctor starts off strong with Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff) beginning his journey with cancer. He's no longer the president of the hospital due to the events of season one's finale, but it's for the best now as he's in for a terrible struggle this season.
By Rachel Carrington7 months ago in Geeks
Marvel Zombie
The last entry into our 2025 superhero projects catalogue is Marvel Zombies. This was a show that was anticipated by absolutely no one and it disappeared from the public consciousness as quickly as it was released. There was nothing special about the project that made it a must see, or a must remember. In fact if anything it's a must forget.
By Alexandrea Callaghan16 days ago in Geeks
Poet 'flabbergasted' by London fireworks request
In an unusual request that has left the literary world buzzing, a prominent British poet expressed shock after being asked to contribute a poem to accompany London’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks display. While poetry and fireworks may seem like an unlikely pairing, the organizers of London’s world-famous spectacle hoped to add a new layer of meaning and reflection to the annual celebration. For the poet involved, however, the request proved both surprising and challenging, highlighting the intersection of art, public spectacle, and expectation. An Unexpected Invitation The poet, whose work has been celebrated for its introspective and reflective qualities, revealed that the invitation came out of the blue. “I was completely flabbergasted,” they said. “To think that my words could be part of a massive public event like the London fireworks—it’s thrilling, but also daunting.” The request involved composing a poem that could be read aloud just before the fireworks began, setting the tone for millions of viewers both in person along the Thames and watching through live broadcasts. Organizers reportedly wanted a piece that captured the essence of London, the passage of time, and the hope that comes with the arrival of a new year. While the themes may appear straightforward, translating them into a poem suitable for such a massive, public platform is no small feat. As the poet noted, “It’s one thing to write for readers in a quiet room. It’s another to write for thousands of people looking up at the sky, waiting for the pyrotechnics to begin.” Balancing Art with Spectacle This request highlights a broader question about the role of art in public celebrations. London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks have traditionally focused on visual spectacle, with music often accompanying the display. Adding poetry introduces an element of reflection and literary expression, encouraging viewers to pause and consider not just the fireworks but the ideas and emotions they evoke. The poet described the challenge as a balancing act. “You want to create something meaningful, something that resonates, but you also have to recognize that it’s just before a massive, loud display of fireworks,” they explained. “Your words have to land instantly, emotionally, because the visual spectacle is overwhelming.” This challenge reflects the broader difficulty artists often face when working in public spaces: their work must be accessible, immediate, and impactful while retaining depth and authenticity. The Pressure of Public Expectation Being asked to contribute to such a high-profile event comes with enormous pressure. The poet admitted feeling the weight of responsibility, noting that millions of people will hear the poem, and the stakes are high. “When you write for the page, you have the luxury of quiet reflection. Here, you’re competing with pyrotechnics, cheers, and cameras,” they said. “It’s thrilling, but it’s also nerve-wracking.” This moment also reflects how poetry continues to find new avenues for public engagement. From spoken word performances to interactive installations, poets are increasingly being called to contribute to events outside traditional literary spaces. The London fireworks request exemplifies this trend, illustrating how poetry can amplify emotions, create context, and transform a visual spectacle into a moment of collective reflection. Creative Freedom or Constrained Vision? While the invitation was an honor, the poet noted some constraints. “They wanted certain themes, certain emotions, and a length that could fit into the opening sequence,” they said. “It’s challenging to balance artistic freedom with practical requirements, but it’s also an opportunity to push your creativity in new directions.” For many poets, constraints like these can stimulate innovation, forcing them to think differently about rhythm, imagery, and narrative structure. The experience also raises questions about how public art is curated and who gets to shape collective experiences. Poetry, by nature, is subjective and personal, but in this context, it becomes part of a shared cultural moment, bridging private reflection and public celebration. Looking Forward As London prepares for its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks, all eyes will be on the Thames, anticipating the dazzling display. Behind the spectacle, however, will be a poet whose words aim to complement and deepen the experience. For viewers, it may be a reminder that fireworks are not just visual wonders but emotional and intellectual experiences, enriched by the power of language. The poet’s reaction—flabbergasted, humbled, and inspired—speaks to the ongoing relevance of poetry in contemporary life. Even in an age dominated by social media, lights, and screens, the written word retains the ability to surprise, move, and connect people in unexpected ways. London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks may never have been just a visual celebration; now, thanks to a poet’s touch, it promises to be a moment where the sky and the human imagination meet. Conclusion While the idea of combining poetry with fireworks may seem unusual, it underscores the enduring power of words to frame human experiences. As London’s crowds count down to midnight, the poem will offer a pause—a moment to reflect on the past year, anticipate the future, and experience the beauty of language alongside the thrill of pyrotechnics. For the poet, the request was flabbergasting, but for the city and its millions of spectators, it may become an unforgettable way to welcome the New Year.
By Fiazahmedbrohi 6 days ago in Geeks
Fair Exchange, No Robberies
Dark Memoirs - Index There are at least two kinds of people in the world: those who write this half-arsed kind of intro to a story that looks to separate the rare and the norm, and those who realise it's an overused framing device and don't.
By Paul Stewart6 days ago in Chapters
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.