Not surprisingly, Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) dramatically wrestles one more life from the jaws of death in the series finale of the ABC medical drama “The Good Doctor.”
The genius surgeon with autism and savant syndrome spearheads an unprecedented treatment to save his friend and former colleague Dr. Claire Browne, played by original cast member Antonia Thomas, who returned for the final two episodes.
The bigger shock in Tuesday’s “Good Doctor” conclusion is the patient Shaun could not save.
RIP Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff), the mentor and father figure who fought to hire Shaun at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital seven seasons ago. Glassman’s brain cancer returned in the penultimate May 14 episode, and the brilliant neurosurgeon dies in the finale.
“The finale presented one case where the solution was found due to Shaun’s refusal to give up, and one case where Shaun needed to accept what he couldn’t help,” says executive producer Liz Friedman. “The most challenging thing for Shaun is letting go of the idea of helping Dr. Glassman medically and simply being there for him emotionally.”
Who dies in ‘The Good Doctor’ finale?
“Good Doctor” fans have seen this high-stakes scenario before, with very different results. In the Season 1 finale, Shaun went on a mission to find a cure for Glassman’s terminal brain cancer diagnosis. Glassman was ready to give up, taking Shaun on the carousel he frequented with his daughter to talk about dying.
