The much-beloved medical drama “The Good Doctor” concluded with a bitter-sweet and poignant series finale in its seventh season on Tuesday night. Fans were left emotionally stirred by the passing of Dr. Glassman (Richard Schiff), while gaining comfort in the knowledge that Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) and his colleagues at Saint Bonaventure Hospital would find their paths forward.
Co-showrunner Liz Friedman expressed hope that audiences would keep these characters alive in their hearts: “That’s the way it’s going to be in my heart forever, is that Shaun is out there doing the best he can in his own wonderful, hilarious, Shaun Murphy way. It’s all still happening, we just don’t get to see it every week.”
In the series’ final moments, audiences were moved by Shaun’s TED Talk, an homage to his own journey and the integral support of Dr. Aaron Glassman, his mentor and friend. The episode took viewers through a heartfelt montage of the characters’ futures, concluding with Shaun paying respect to Glassman’s legacy by founding a neurodiversity foundation in his name.
Co-showrunner David Shore shared with Parade the emotional impact of the final cut: “We hope the fans feel the same way. It hits us every time.”
The showrunners divulged the creative process behind key decisions for the finale, such as not showing Glassman’s death directly and the thoughtful time jumps that punctuated the episode. They also discussed the joy of welcoming back characters like Claire and her notable absence from a surgical role due to her injury. The vision to have Shaun deliver a TED Talk stemmed from his compelling character development and his ability to inspire, reflecting on the powerful influence of one individual’s journey.
The poignant decision to use a time jump revealed the future for several characters, offering fans closure and hope. Yet, despite the pride and satisfaction in culminating the series, Friedman and Shore also spoke candidly about the bittersweet feelings that come with bidding farewell to a project so dear to them.
FAQs about “The Good Doctor” Series Finale
Q: Why did the showrunners choose not to depict Dr. Glassman’s death?
A: Liz Friedman and David Shore explained that the viewer didn’t need to witness Glassman’s last breath to grasp his significance in Shaun’s life and the emphasis was on showcasing their time together rather than his final moments.
Q: How did Richard Schiff react to the news of his character’s death?
A: Schiff was informed ahead of time and understood the narrative direction, finding it interesting and in alignment with the character’s looming fate.
Q: Why was there a time jump at the end of the series finale?
A: The creative team wanted to provide a glimpse into the characters’ futures and emphasize the positive impact of Shaun’s journey, inspired by the series’ spirit of hope and resilience.
Q: How did the creators feel about ending “The Good Doctor”?
A: Though grappling with denial and a sense of loss from the end of such a special undertaking, both Friedman and Shore expressed immense gratitude for the experience and the amazing journey the show provided.
Conclusion
The creators of “The Good Doctor” expertly crafted a series finale that navigated the poignant and complex emotions of concluding a cherished story while providing audiences with a hopeful and forward-looking resolution. The commitment to character development and a deep respect for the journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy and his colleagues culminated in a final episode that was both touching and satisfying. Fans were filled with gratitude for the heartfelt storytelling and the lasting impact these characters will have on their memories, long after the show’s end.