“Sacrifice,” episode 10 of The Good Doctor’s first season, marks a pivotal point for Shaun Murphy and several other characters. This episode, originally aired in early 2018, delves into themes of independence, personal growth, and the complexities of patient care, all while navigating the interpersonal dynamics within San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Let’s break down the key events and analyze what makes this episode stand out in the context of Good Doctor episodes.
Dr. Melendez and Dr. Andrews discuss a VIP case with surgical residents in a scene from The Good Doctor episode 10.
The episode kicks off with surgical residents being informed about a high-profile case: Bobby Ato, a professional eSports basketball player. Dr. Melendez and Dr. Andrews need only two residents, leaving Claire Browne to assist Dr. Coyle on a less glamorous double-leg fasciotomy. This immediately sets up a hierarchical dynamic and Claire’s ongoing struggle for recognition. Meanwhile, Dr. Glassman intervenes in Shaun’s personal life, arranging a meeting with therapist Melissa Bourne, much to Shaun’s distress.
Shaun’s discomfort is palpable. He exhibits stimming behavior in the elevator, rubbing his hair in a manner reminiscent of Steve, highlighting his emotional turmoil. This scene effectively portrays Shaun’s aversion to unwanted intervention and his difficulty in expressing his feelings verbally. It reinforces a recurring theme in Good Doctor episodes: Shaun’s fight for autonomy and his resistance to help when he perceives it as unnecessary or forced.
Upon reaching Bobby Ato’s room, Shaun quickly diagnoses ligament tears in Bobby’s arm, demonstrating his exceptional diagnostic skills. Bobby, noticing Shaun’s interactions with Dr. Melendez, offers Shaun advice on gaining respect, suggesting he needs a “strategy.” Shaun, taking this advice literally, attempts to mimic Jared Kalu’s flattery during surgery. His attempt at improvisation, however, falls flat, resulting in an awkward compliment about Dr. Melendez’s hair. This scene underscores Shaun’s literal interpretation of social cues and the challenges he faces in navigating social nuances, a common thread throughout Good Doctor episodes.
Frustrated and overwhelmed by the impending therapy session, Shaun seeks refuge in the hospital basement, creating a makeshift bedroom in a janitor’s closet. This act of avoidance highlights Shaun’s coping mechanisms when faced with emotional distress and change. Dr. Glassman, discovering Shaun’s avoidance, resorts to bribery, promising a surround-sound system for three therapy sessions. This approach, while seemingly well-intentioned, further emphasizes the sometimes misguided attempts to “help” Shaun without truly understanding his needs and perspective, a recurring theme in many Good Doctor episodes.
Dr. Glassman and Shaun Murphy in an elevator scene from The Good Doctor episode 10, highlighting their complex relationship.
Bobby Ato’s storyline takes a dramatic turn when Shaun’s suggestion for a precautionary MRI reveals a schwannoma and, subsequently, a brain tumor. Dr. Melendez, initially dismissive of Shaun’s input, is forced to acknowledge Shaun’s diagnostic acumen. This plot development serves as a crucial moment of validation for Shaun and a point of growth for Dr. Melendez, showcasing the evolving dynamic between them, a key element in the narrative arc of Good Doctor episodes. Dr. Glassman’s neurosurgical expertise becomes essential in removing the brain tumor, resulting in partial paralysis for Bobby. In a post-operative conversation, Bobby’s advice to Shaun, “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do,” becomes a poignant and somewhat ironic moment, given Bobby’s own choices and limitations.
The climax of the episode centers around Shaun and Dr. Glassman’s escalating conflict. Dr. Glassman’s insistence on taking Shaun to the therapy session and his physical touch trigger a severe reaction in Shaun. In a heart-wrenching scene, Shaun hits his head and expresses his desperate need for independence. This scene poignantly illustrates the core conflict of the episode: the tension between Shaun’s need for autonomy and Dr. Glassman’s protective, albeit sometimes overbearing, guardianship. The physical altercation, though accidental, leads Shaun to pack his belongings and run away, leaving his apartment and Dr. Glassman behind.
This episode powerfully addresses the complex issue of independence for individuals with autism. It differentiates between independence and self-sufficiency, highlighting that independence can exist even without complete self-sufficiency. Shaun’s struggle resonates with the broader challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families in navigating societal expectations and personal needs. The episode subtly touches upon the stigma surrounding disabilities and the tendency to underestimate the capabilities of individuals with autism, a theme often explored in Good Doctor episodes.
While the episode effectively portrays Shaun’s storyline and Dr. Melendez’s evolving mentorship, the subplot involving Dr. Coyle and sexual harassment feels somewhat forced and underdeveloped. While acknowledging the importance of addressing sexual harassment in the medical field, its portrayal in this episode lacks the nuanced and sensitive approach it deserves. The episode risks reducing a serious issue to a plot device, which detracts from the overall impact and depth of “Sacrifice” within the context of Good Doctor episodes. However, Antonia Thomas’s portrayal of Claire’s discomfort and frustration is commendable and believable.
In conclusion, “Sacrifice” is a significant episode in the first season of The Good Doctor. It excels in its portrayal of Shaun’s journey towards independence, his complex relationship with Dr. Glassman, and the subtle growth of Dr. Melendez. While the sexual harassment subplot feels somewhat heavy-handed, the episode’s strengths lie in its nuanced exploration of character development and its sensitive handling of themes related to autism and independence. For viewers interested in character-driven narratives and explorations of complex social issues within a medical drama, “Sacrifice” remains a compelling and noteworthy entry in the collection of Good Doctor episodes.
