The Emotional Conclusion of The Good Doctor: Shaun's Heart-Wrenching Dilemma

The Good Doctor's Shaun Struggles to Save Glassy and Claire in Series Finale: How the Show Ended

Freddie Highmore. ABC/Art Streiber

Dr. Shaun Murphy faced a challenging moment in his personal and professional life in the finale of The Good Doctor. He was caught in a difficult situation while trying to save two people he cared deeply about.

Spoiler alert: Details about what happened in The Good Doctor season 7, episode 10 will be revealed below.

In the Tuesday, May 21 finale, Shaun (Freddie Highmore) is faced with the news of Dr. Aaron Glassman’s (Richard Schiff) cancer returning. Alongside this, Shaun is also dedicated to finding a cure for his close friend Dr. Claire Browne’s (Antonia Thomas) illness.

After Glassman, also known as “Glassy,” shares that he has a short time left to live, the doctors reflect on their shared memories. Despite this, Shaun remains focused on developing a treatment plan to help his mentor and friend.

Glassman explained to Shaun that he won't undergo the planned procedure because he doesn't want to be sick and in pain during his remaining days. He would rather spend quality time with Shaun, his wife Lea, and their son Steve.

Meanwhile, Claire faces septic shock while being treated for Acinetobacter, a stubborn infection. The only option to increase her chances of survival is to induce a coma.

Dr. Jared Kalu (Chuka Modu) tells Claire that he can't say goodbye because he just got her back. Claire gets emotional and expresses her love for him, apologizing for the lost time. Jared reassures her that it was the right decision for her to go to Guatemala and tells her that he loves her too, addressing her as Claire Brown.

The heartwarming moment is interrupted when Claire realizes that Shaun isn’t there to say goodbye in case she doesn’t come out of the coma.

The Good Doctor's Shaun Struggles to Save Glassy and Claire in Series Finale: How the Show Ended

Shaun yells in his office when Dr. Audrey Lim confronts him, saying, "I will find a way to save them both!" He reveals that he's been working on Claire and Glassman's cases all night.

Shaun only has a lightbulb moment after Lim calls him out for being "scared" and a "bad friend." In his typical fashion, Shaun comes up with a crazy idea to use viruses to get rid of the infection, potentially saving Claire.

Even though one problem seems to be solved, Shaun can't stop thinking about Glassman's decision not to get treatment for his cancer.

Shaun expresses his frustration to Glassman, accusing him of being selfish and a coward. He feels like Glassman is giving up on him and the rest of the team. Shaun declares, "If you are giving up on me, then I have to give up on you."

After some time, Shaun has a change of heart. He realizes that the only way to save Claire is to break FDA rules. In a crucial moment, Shaun confides in Glassman, saying, "On the day that you go to heaven, I will have Lea. I will have little Steve."

Shaun assures Glassman that he will go bowling with him and take a ride on the carousel, a tradition they started after Glassman's wife passed away. He plans to continue this tradition both before and after his own death. Shaun acknowledges that he can't save everyone, but his priority is to save Claire.

Shaun discloses that even though the FDA did not approve Claire's treatment, he is determined to administer it to her regardless. He understands that this decision could lead to his medical license being revoked, which would mean he can no longer practice as a doctor. Despite this consequence, Shaun is prepared to accept it.

Glassman, however, is not OK with that plan and does Claire’s procedure himself to protect Shaun’s career.

The Good Doctor's Shaun Struggles to Save Glassy and Claire in Series Finale: How the Show Ended

Shaun is seen sitting on the carousel with Glassman in one scene, and later by himself. His wife and their son, Steve, then join him on the ride. A 10-year time jump shows that the family has now grown with the addition of a daughter.

Shaun wraps up the series by presenting a TED Talk focusing on his career and path to becoming the chief of surgery at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.

During his speech, Shaun reveals that after Glassman passed away, both he and Claire, who survived, established a foundation in memory of the esteemed doctor. (Meanwhile, Claire is now married to Jared and they have a daughter together.)

In the background, scenes of his coworkers' current lives unfold. Lim is now on a work trip, informing her mom that she's heading to Ukraine to lend a hand. Dominick and Charlotte are now established doctors.

Dr. Jordan Allen and Daniel have rekindled their relationship and are now singing together in the church choir. Dr. Alex Park and Dr. Morgan Reznick have officially become parents to their daughter, Eden. Nurse Jerome has also found love again following the passing of Dr. Asher Wolke.

Shaun shared with the audience his desire to help people, save lives, and earn money to buy a television. Thanks to Dr. Glassman, Shaun now has more than he ever imagined - he has many friends, a family, and even two televisions.

The season 7 finale marked the end of The Good Doctor's successful run on ABC, which began in 2017.

Editor's P/S:

"The Good Doctor" season 7 finale provided a satisfying conclusion to the beloved medical drama. The episode was filled with emotional moments, poignant reflections, and a bittersweet farewell to a beloved character. The show's protagonist, Dr. Shaun Murphy, faced a profound dilemma, torn between saving two people he held dear: his mentor, Dr. Glassman, and his close friend, Dr. Claire Browne. The episode highlighted Shaun's unwavering determination to find a cure for Claire's illness, even at the risk of his own medical license. Ultimately, Glassman's selfless act protected Shaun's career, ensuring that he could continue to heal countless others.

The finale also showcased the growth and transformation of the supporting cast. Lim's humanitarian mission to Ukraine, Dominick and Charlotte's successful careers, and Jordan and Daniel's rekindled romance were all heartwarming developments. The episode concluded with Shaun's TED Talk, where he reflected on his journey and the profound impact Dr. Glassman had on his life. The establishment of a foundation in Glassman's memory by Shaun and Claire served as a fitting tribute to the esteemed doctor and symbolized the enduring legacy of his teachings. Overall, the season 7 finale of "The Good Doctor" provided a poignant and satisfying conclusion to the series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers with its themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of human connection.