Forgive or Forget

This episode is one of the dullest in an already poor fourth season. The ridiculous notion that in America, Shaun and Lea couldn't get another campsite anywhere is already stupid, but then we have another fight between Glassman and his incredibly annoying wife. It's just space filler at this point, with little story important enough to care about.

At this point it's bad enough, but the direction is woeful. Every character talking has the back or side of another character looming in the foreground. IN EVERY SHOT. We sat there, eventually hooting with laughter at how bad it was...at least that made it somewhat more entertaining, but for all the wrong reasons.

The gun debate. Okay, I get it. This is a vehicle for an agenda, but what really gets me us how arrogant the anti-gun brigade are in their arrogance.

So, it's alright for him to unload her gun, but not for her to have a gun? Imagine that reversed. Imagine her instisting he train and carry a firearm?

I know. Nuts. So why do the anti-gun folks think they are right?

I really love the show in general, so that is why I keep on giving it 10 stars, but this was the episode that confirmed to me that (at least to me) the reason why season 4 is not fully working is because you are over exploiting Shea. The reason why many people used to love The Good Doctor was because of the thrill of seeing how Shaun copped in a particular way DIFFERENT real life situations (Such as doing surgery for the first time, accompanying Glassman after chemo, visiting his toxic parents, karaoke/tequila shots, ...) but now that EVERYTHING is about Shea, that charm has gone!

I REALLY LOVE Shea scenes ❤❤❤ and I REALLY FELT and cried with their lost. But over exploiting their love and making the couple having to face those many different situations (like this one, which was a bit ridiculous to me), far away from making the show more interesting, is making it hard to buy and seems like you are running out of ideas (God no, I want more seasons!)

Please keep Shea but also get the show back to the essence that the audience loved during the first 3 seasons!❤

Where's the medicine gone. It's all about life outside the hospital. Shaun and his great medical diagnosis have just about disappeared. Please get back to the medicine and only medicine.

"Forgive or Forget" explores the power of forgiveness, both in personal relationships and in professional settings, as Shaun and Lea attempt to rebuild their relationship following their devastating loss. Simultaneously, Dr. Glassman faces a moral dilemma when a former patient returns seeking forgiveness for past mistakes. The episode balances its dual storylines with a focus on personal healing and the challenges of moving forward after betrayal and disappointment.

The direction by Mike Listo is more understated, allowing the emotional beats of the story to unfold naturally. The pacing is steady, giving space for the characters to reflect on their choices and actions. Peter Blake's writing is sharp and reflective, capturing the complexities of forgiveness without veering into overly sentimental territory. The episode's thematic exploration of forgiveness is multi-layered, touching on professional mistakes, personal failings, and the difficulty of granting and accepting forgiveness.

Visually, the episode is marked by softer lighting during the more intimate, personal scenes, contrasting with the clinical brightness of the hospital. The cinematography uses wide shots to emphasize the distance between characters, both physically and emotionally, particularly between Shaun and Lea as they navigate their grief. The editing is smooth, with quick cuts during the more intense medical scenes and slower transitions during the quieter, more introspective moments.

A key scene in the episode occurs when Dr. Glassman confronts his former patient, torn between professional ethics and personal guilt. Richard Schiff delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Glassman's internal conflict as he struggles to forgive himself and the patient. The scene is emotionally charged, with the dialogue hitting all the right notes, and the tight framing keeps the focus on the actors' expressions, allowing the tension to build.

While the episode handles its themes effectively, the pacing feels uneven at times, with the medical drama feeling disconnected from the emotional journeys of the main characters. The episode's strength lies in its exploration of forgiveness and healing, but some of the secondary characters' stories lack the emotional impact of Shaun and Lea's arc. Still, "Forgive or Forget" offers a thoughtful reflection on the challenges of moving forward, making it a strong addition to the season.