The Good Doctor has aired heartbreaking scenes in its latest episode with the death of Dr Asher Wolke.
The ABC series is currently in the middle of its final season, and last night’s (April 2) instalment ‘Who At Peace’ saw Wolke subjected to an antisemitic attack with tragic consequences.
The storyline began as Asher helped at a patient’s wedding, and while driving the rabbi home the two witnessed thugs vandalising a synagogue, before confronting them.
After Asher told them to leave, one thug said: “What do you care?”, another adding: “He’s a Jew, too.” Asher then declared: “I am a Jew. A gay one, in fact, and I’m calling the cops.”
While things initially appeared to be resolved, the thugs then returned and struck Asher on the head, which resulted in his death.
At the same time, Asher’s boyfriend Jerome (Giacomo Baessato) was waiting for him at a restaurant to celebrate their second anniversary, with the intention of proposing.
Following the tragic scenes, a title card at the end of the episode read: “If you or anyone you know has experienced antisemitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ+ related incidents or hate crimes, or if you want to learn more about what you can do to stop hate, please visit splcenter.org.”
The show explored Asher’s struggles to reconcile his religious upbringing with his sexuality, and while many fans were left heartbroken by the death storyline, some criticised the decision to kill him off.
“I usually don’t like making criticism like this but the Good Doctor killing Asher is horrifying,” one wrote. “I’m appalled they went with a gay bashing storyline like this as he’s reconciled his religious views. It’s frustrating this keeps being the narrative for queer characters. It’s sick.”
“Literally why would they kill Asher off like that oh my god?!??! it was so sudden and unnecessary,” another added. “Can’t just let the gay couple get engaged and be happy like jfc.”
The Good Doctor was confirmed to be ending with its seventh season earlier this year, with creator David Shore recently opening up about the decision to conclude the series.
