I've never written a review before, but the first time I felt a need to make some comments. I'm honestly shocked by the reviews of this episode so far. I think they seem to misinterpret the intentions of the writers. The writers, evident in prior episodes, seem to focus on the issues that are prevelant in society currently: racism, gender equality, the harmful stereotypes made about some religions, and so on. I'm actually pleasantly surprised to see a tv show hit on such topics (in someways, it reminds me of Master of None), and for the most part, I think they do a good job of highlighting these issues. Here's why
In this episode lying is definitely discussed, but it's not as if it's one sided like only men lie. Shawn clearly assumes that Claire is a liar, the mother who tries to kill her husband is a liar, and the women who presumably is making chemical weapons is lying. All people lie, but is lying bad necessarily? The episode seems to really hint at this in the case of the Muslim and the mother; sometimes it's better to lie to protect someone than tell the truth.
Secondly, the episode points out the racial struggles with Jared. Yes, racism is prevalent and often times, people are far more prejudice than they let on (notice what the Muslim woman said?). However, as Dr. Andrews points out, falsely accusing someone of that isn't really making a step forward in the case of racial equality. It's a difficult battle, and caution is needed.
Thirdly, the episode stands up for the negative ways women have been treated for millennia. There is a clear double standard prevelant in society and noticeably pointed out when Claire is first assaulted by Dr. Coyle. She's clearly hurt by the way the issue is smilingly ignored/avoided. Thus, she decided to find people to talk about. It reminds me of the #metoo movement and in some ways, I hope this challenges women to speak out or find people that they can confide in about the horrible ways they have been treated.
I'm honestly moved by tv that engages with real issues. This doesn't mean that the episode is free from problems (I mean would they really not ask Coyle to do the surgery?), but I just want to clear the misconceptions about the intentions of the writers that I perceive they are portraying.
TL;DR this episode engages with real issues evident in society. I think they do a relatively good job of discussing issues, while leaving people to think about it themselves.
In this episode lying is definitely discussed, but it's not as if it's one sided like only men lie. Shawn clearly assumes that Claire is a liar, the mother who tries to kill her husband is a liar, and the women who presumably is making chemical weapons is lying. All people lie, but is lying bad necessarily? The episode seems to really hint at this in the case of the Muslim and the mother; sometimes it's better to lie to protect someone than tell the truth.
Secondly, the episode points out the racial struggles with Jared. Yes, racism is prevalent and often times, people are far more prejudice than they let on (notice what the Muslim woman said?). However, as Dr. Andrews points out, falsely accusing someone of that isn't really making a step forward in the case of racial equality. It's a difficult battle, and caution is needed.
Thirdly, the episode stands up for the negative ways women have been treated for millennia. There is a clear double standard prevelant in society and noticeably pointed out when Claire is first assaulted by Dr. Coyle. She's clearly hurt by the way the issue is smilingly ignored/avoided. Thus, she decided to find people to talk about. It reminds me of the #metoo movement and in some ways, I hope this challenges women to speak out or find people that they can confide in about the horrible ways they have been treated.
I'm honestly moved by tv that engages with real issues. This doesn't mean that the episode is free from problems (I mean would they really not ask Coyle to do the surgery?), but I just want to clear the misconceptions about the intentions of the writers that I perceive they are portraying.
TL;DR this episode engages with real issues evident in society. I think they do a relatively good job of discussing issues, while leaving people to think about it themselves.