User reviews

The twelfth episode of The Good Doctor, "Islands: Part Two," picks up immediately where the previous episode left off, diving deeper into the consequences of Shaun's decisions and the high-stakes surgery at the hospital. The episode opens with the aftermath of Shaun's road trip with Lea, as he returns to the hospital, struggling with the emotional fallout from their adventure. Meanwhile, the surgical team prepares for the most challenging part of the conjoined twins' separation, a procedure fraught with potential complications.

This episode is a masterclass in tension and emotion, as the narrative weaves together the personal and professional crises facing the characters. Freddie Highmore continues to deliver a nuanced portrayal of Shaun, who is now grappling with feelings of loss and confusion after his brief taste of freedom. The direction by Bill D'Elia effectively captures the intensity of the surgery, using quick cuts and close-ups to convey the precision and stakes involved, while also allowing quieter moments to breathe, particularly in the scenes between Shaun and Dr. Aaron Glassman.

The script by David Hoselton is tightly written, expertly balancing the multiple storylines. The separation surgery is depicted with meticulous detail, highlighting the collaborative effort required to save both twins. At the same time, the episode delves into Shaun's inner turmoil, as he confides in Dr. Glassman about his fears and uncertainties, leading to some of the most emotionally resonant moments in the series so far. The pacing is relentless, maintaining a steady rhythm that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

One of the most powerful scenes in this episode occurs in the operating room, where the team faces a critical moment during the surgery that could determine the twins' fate. The scene is a tour de force of acting, direction, and editing, with the tension palpable as the surgeons work against the clock. The use of music and sound design in this moment heightens the drama, making it one of the most memorable sequences in the season.

However, the episode does have a few minor drawbacks. The resolution of Shaun and Lea's storyline feels somewhat rushed, with their relationship left in an ambiguous state that may frustrate viewers looking for closure. Additionally, while the conjoined twins' case is gripping, it occasionally overshadows the character development of the other doctors, who are relegated to the background in this episode.

Despite these minor issues, "Islands: Part Two" is a powerful and emotionally charged episode that delivers on the promise of its predecessor. The combination of high-stakes medical drama and deep character exploration makes it one of the most compelling installments of the season, leaving viewers eager to see how Shaun and the rest of the team will move forward.

It surprises me that I am enjoying "The Good Doctor" but IMO, it is well written and acted. Also, Shaun's ability to mentally scan situations that lead to brilliant insights reminds me of my own mental processes. I am hooked to watch all the episodes.

This is the first two part episodes and I thought it was very well done. They covered topics that are too large for one episode, such as the twins separation and Shaun's social needs.

I recommend this series and these two episodes in particular.

Relationships Omg this episode was so good it did a lot in one episode. It tested Shaun's relationship with Dr. Glassman in such a meaningful way. We got to see how much he really loves Shaun. Lea is a little too happy for my liking but she ended up helping Shaun grow as a person and that's what this 2 part episode was really about.

Claire & Dr. Coyle Claire's sexual harassment experience was very well done at the beginning and the way she stood up for herself help build her character and confidence. Now to the part where it fell off. My review and thought of Claire's harassment continues on to the next.

Dr. Andrews I first gotta say I am not black, but i am a brown man. The fact he was pissed off that Dr kale used a racial lawsuit to get back was frustrating. So you're telling it's okay to support one movement and be okay to look over any other as long as it doesn't affects yours? He was completely ok with Claire's claim and didn't even put up a fight for her. He was okay with how women's complains and voices aren't heard and how they're always victim blamed. Thought when it Dr Kalu brought in racism into the mix he couldn't stand it? He didn't put up a fight for Claire, he didn't seem to care, not until color was brought into it. Mind you it was only cuz he made the decision to fire Dr. Kalu because he thought a minor assault was worst than Claire getting sexually harassed is mind boggling to me. He sided with the harasser.

Part 2 of all of this continues on the next episode.

Where do I start?! Gosh! I have so many complaints. Let's start with the main story: the twins. I think the mistake the writers did was prolonging their plot another episode, because they absolutely ruined it in this last part. It was kinda emotional the first time when one was ok and the other one struggling to live, but afterwards it went downhill, it kept getting worse and worse and made the whole thing such a silly mess. "They're better off separately, oh no wait they are not, let's glue them together again, wait wait wait we should re-separate them, give me the cleaver quick!" I have one word for the writers: Really!!! It's like they're dealing with lego pieces not actual human beings, and every time there is a magical explanation. I mean at some point I wanted to scream at the director CUTT IT OUT! And what's with the mother?! They portrayed her so poorly for such a complex painful situation, that one scene where they were removing life support machines from one twin was simply laughable, she is sending her daughter to death but acts as if she's sending her to a good night sleep.

I never liked Dr Kalo to begin with and his situation with Dr Andrews is painfully uncomfortable. Why is he obsessed with his job at this hospital? And why is the other one constantly disapproving of him?

And lastly Dr Melendez and his fiancée. "I'm breaking up with you because I love you" Ahh the same creative pathetic cliché! We are always seeing a glimpse of their relationship, and when there is an important turn point they cut the scene off and we are left with no explanation whatsoever afterwards. It is applied on other plots too and it is frustrating. I hope things get better in the future and we get to see the full view.

Overall 2 stars. Well, 2 pity stars.