'The Good Doctor' Season 3 Episode 19 Review: Shaun and Lea could get the dreamy love story they deserve

Contrary to what fans and we have been contemplating, the season finale could actually mark the beginning of Shaun and Lea's love story. Here is why
Paige Spara and Freddie Highmore (IMDb)
Paige Spara and Freddie Highmore (IMDb)

The time has finally come for the third season of the most popular primetime drama to end. As we inch closer to the final chapter of 'The Good Doctor' Season 3, we experienced a lot of changes, upheavals of character, storyline, and unexpected twists.

Episode 19, titled 'Hurt', was definitely a shocker, in every definition of the word.

The earthquake that hit the city of San Jose not only shook everything up across the city but also our protagonists, especially Dr Shaun Murphy. The tremors put Shaun and Lea in a spot, which none of us (and even they for that matter) probably expected.

Shaun has still not gotten over Lea, despite his meltdown in an earlier episode. Lea is holding on to her point as to why she cannot date Shaun. Then the earthquake hits and puts Lea's life in danger.

No matter how much Shaun feels heartbroken at Lea's rejection, he rushes to save her. Of course, he cannot find her first under the heaps of rubble. Instead, he ends up helping a trapped victim.

Even an injured patient suggests to him that he move on and forget Lea and all the hurt that she caused him. But we all know how Shaun is, don't we? He is not the kind to give up easily.

Whether it is diagnosing a condition, finding the right treatment or wanting to be with someone, Shaun is persistent and determined. And he has his unique charm. This time, it is beyond everything — it is his heartfelt love for his friend.

Hence, he goes beyond his capacity to save her. In the process, he ends up risking his life. As the scene ends, we see Lea frantically crying out on the radio for Shaun and hearing the tremors and crashing sounds. She is in tears as she hears Shaun's confession to an injured patient about how much he loves her.

But fret not, Shaun and Lea shippers, because this ship is running aground away anytime anywhere soon. The scene appears to be an ultimate cliffhanger, which is a great idea for the writers to keep us all hooked.

And now, with Shaun's life in danger, there are high chances of Lea realizing how wrong she was in turning him down. On the other hand, the plotline from Shaun's side also seems perfect — he saves Lea's life only to give her another chance to reconsider their relationship.

Also, Shaun is the hero of our story and it's time that his character gets to have a relationship that would change his character arc (maybe).

Long story short, this entire set of scenes makes it obvious that this disaster was a vehicle to get Shaun and Lea together. So, in a way, the episode might be heralding the end of the current season but is definitely marking the beginning of a love story that was long due.

'The Good Doctor' Season 3 finale part two will air on March 30 at 10 pm/9c on ABC.

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