The Good Doctor Review: Two-Ply (Or Not Two-Ply) (Season 2 Episode 6)

On The Good Doctor Season 2 Episode 6, “Two-Ply (Or Not Two-Ply),” the focus is on communication. This focus is a nice change from the first few episodes of the season where communication was disjointed and not happening at all.

Some of the biggest issues for The Good Doctor so far this season has been the inability to remain consistent on both character traits created in Season 1 and on communication between characters.

However, starting with The Good Doctor Season 2 Episode 5, “Carrots,” and continuing on into “Two-Ply (Or Not Two-Ply)” the show has shifted gears and created storytelling and authenticity much like fans came to expect in Season 1.

For example, before “Carrots,” the character of Lea seemed to be on a one-way trajectory towards becoming a shell of the complex, quirky character she was in Season 1. At first, part of that behavior could possibly be chalked up to whatever she experienced in Hershey. Then, a few more episodes pass and she continues to get even worse.

When she finally sits down with Shaun in “Carrots” audiences are led to believe that the writers have finally realized their groove, the one from last season. Despite this step forward it is safe to say “Two-Ply (Or Not Two-Ply)” could’ve gone back on its writing once more.

Thankfully, we get to watch Lea struggle with her frustration with Shaun on top of her other life stressors and then decide it’s worth the fight. There are signs throughout the episode that hint at Lea sticking around and giving the roommates thing a shot.

The biggest of which is seeking out Dr. Glassman. She realizes that he is her most valuable asset and so she discusses her Shaun frustrations with him. This conversation clues us into her way of thinking and just how much she doesn’t know what to do. She is in uncharted territory.

Lea is finally trying. Instead of ignoring the problem by ignoring Shaun, or running from it by going to Hershey, Lea is becoming a stronger friend for Shaun. She is realizing her weaknesses and choosing to work through them with a friend.

By discussing exactly what it is that makes them irritated with each other, Lea and Shaun are ensuring that their stint as roommates will last longer. Lea living with Shaun will help him to be less obtuse and more accommodating. Living together only works if you communicate.

Which leads me to the other side of things, the medical side.

Once again, this show has two separate, yet meaningful cases to showcase the overarching theme of the episode; trust and communication. In the case of Dr. Melendez’s team, the case is one that puts Morgan and Shaun at odds.

That itself is nothing miraculous, new, or worth noting. It does turn into a teaching moment that is spearheaded by Dr. Melendez. He really lets his interns take charge and only steps in when the situation warrants it.

Ever since the last episode, Dr. Melendez’s name has left a bad taste in my mouth. He has been making questionable leadership decisions all season long. From accusing the women of being hormonal to ousting Claire from his service for calling his validity into question.

It is hard for me to like him this season, which again seems to be a redaction of the huge steps of character development he made in Season 1. In short, more is expected of Dr. Melendez.

So, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Melendez manages to step in at the end and remind Morgan that emotional connection to a patient can sometimes be good and beneficial while also reminding her that sometimes that same connection affects your ability to effectively treat your patient. It’s the type of advice Melendez was known for at the end of Season 1.

Advice that Melendez has been sorely lacking. To see it come back reminds us just how complex Melendez is. He can go from cold and uncaring to perfect mentor within a few minutes flat.

It’s a character trait that makes Dr. Melendez that much more compelling to watch and care about. He talks to Morgan about coming up in school with this doctor who was only in competition with themselves. It’s a metaphor for communication and working together.

If Melendez really wants this moment to continue to be a teaching moment, then he needs to work on his own form of communication. He needs to talk with his colleagues, not at them.

It is my hope that he continues to grow a bit more and continue to work on his people skills. I believe he should walk a day in Shaun’s shoes in order to be more understanding of Shaun’s quirks. Only once he can put himself into his interns’ shoes will he finally become the mentor he was always supposed to be.

The Good Doctor has the potential to really turn this season around. If they continue to stick with consistency and growth there are no limits to where they can lead the show.

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What did you think of this episode of The Good Doctor? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Be sure to catch up with our review of The Good Doctor Season 2 Episode 5, “Carrots” right here!

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

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