The Good Doctor Review: Carrots (Season 2 Episode 5)

It seems that The Good Doctor Season 2 Episode 5, “Carrots,” is the exact moment that this show hits its stride. All previous grievances are addressed and done so quite thoroughly.

In previous reviews, I stated that the show lacked depth and care. On “Carrots,” there is meaning behind each moment and some of the smaller ones transcend into the bigger ones.

Honestly, one of the biggest mistakes so far this season has been the lack of communication between Lea and Shaun. These are two characters that were created and built up as two humans that understand one another on a more intimate level than anyone else.

However, this season there has been a lot of talking between them but no actual discussion has been created. One will speak and expect the other to listen without speaking. That is not how relationships are mended.

The writers seem to have realized this and create a moment in “Carrots” where Shaun and Lea go back and forth about living together.

Their discussion actually harkens back to the relationship built up in Season 1. Lea doesn’t want to because she thinks she is sparing Shaun hurt feelings and Shaun wants her to because to him being friends is simple and easy.

Their stark differences throughout the episode make the conclusion in the final moments of the episode that much more impactful. Shaun and audiences go into that moment thinking she has given up the apartment, but with a very Lea like impulsivity, she chose not to return the keys.

The excitement Shaun shows is unadulterated and something we haven’t ever seen from him. The writers have created this space for him to be a “normal” human which is always a win in my book.

Another character development of note is Dr. Blaize or Lisa Edelstein. Up until now, she has simply been Glassman’s “doctor” with very little known about her.

“Carrots” shows that The Good Doctor can expand on new characters in order to have us all keep coming back for more.

Dr. Blaize’s actions towards Shaun show that on some level she understands him and has the patience for him. She gives him advice freely without any indication that she doesn’t trust his actions.

Outside of Shaun’s inner circle, we don’t see him interact with other medical professionals. With Dr. Blaize the writers want us to see that the quirks Shaun is known for don’t completely phase her. She raises the bar and dares Shaun to grow and expand his understanding.

She is similar to Glassman in that she is patient and kind to Shaun while still remaining a no-nonsense woman.

The compelling performance by Lisa Edelstein harkens back to her days on House and dealing with that pesky doctor. The calm, cool, in charge attitude from that show, is perfect once again now that she is heading the oncology department on The Good Doctor.

It’ll be interesting to see if the rest of the season will reveal more character information as well as traits. If they don’t, it’ll be a sad waste of Edelstein’s talent.

Another thing this episode does really well is that it tells the completely opposite stories of the anorexic mom and the gastric bypass husband. Neither of these characters knows each other and yet they are interconnected for the sake of storytelling.

Writers create extreme opposite patients to show that one extreme over the other doesn’t guarantee happiness. Hard work and dedication to any lifestyle is what makes all the difference.

Unlike previous episodes, these patients weren’t just another “fascinating” case. They were humans with relatable issues.

The mom wants to save herself for her son, but the voice in her head makes it impossible. She decides to go above and beyond in order to prevent her son from seeing her succumb to her addiction.

The bypass husband fears his husband’s reaction when he finds out he used to be overweight. When time and effort is put into making sure we become the healthiest versions of ourselves we don’t want to be reminded of who we used to be.

In that respect the husband is relatable. He’d heard his husband say negative things about heavier people. The lie wasn’t harmful and honestly allowed the two men to love each other without conflict.

The best part about these two stories is that their conclusions aren’t necessarily uplifting or happy. The mom gets a treatment that fixes her eating issues but changes her feelings about her son. The gay couple realizes that they may not stay together if the one husband reverts back to his overweight self as per his surgery to reverse the bypass.

Life is rarely sunshine and rainbows all the time. That’s why the realness of these stories really draws you in and makes you care.

Ultimately, this episode is a step up from previous ones. The writing is done so well that audiences are intrigued and invested in their outcomes.

The character development that has been sorely lacking now comes back in full force which is the best thing this show could do right now. I just wish my faith in them staying on this positive path was stronger.

Further Thoughts:

• The continued strife between Melendez and Browne spells trouble for the rest of the season. I can see the validity of both sides, but I don’t think kicking her off his service was the right move.
• Having Debbie be the one to convince Glassman to walk around was really sweet and honestly more meaningful than if Shaun had succeeded.

What did you think of this episode of The Good Doctor? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Be sure to catch up on our review of The Good Doctor Season 2 Episode 4, “Tough Titmouse” right here!

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The Good Doctor airs Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.

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