Season 5 of The Good Doctor continues to challenge both its characters and its audience with emotionally rich storylines, dynamic new faces, and moral dilemmas that strike at the core of what it means to be a doctor—and a human being. Episode 3, titled “Measure of Intelligence,” stands out not only for its moving storyline but also for its guest stars, whose performances add depth and emotional gravity to an already powerful episode. So, who guest stars in The Good Doctor Season 5, Episode 3? The episode welcomes Hollis Jane Andrews, Rachel Bay Jones, and Cooper Bibaud—each bringing something uniquely compelling to the screen.
Though not a “guest star” in the traditional sense, Rachel Bay Jones plays a key role in this episode as Salen Morrison, the new owner of St. Bonaventure Hospital. Jones, a Tony Award-winning actress known for Dear Evan Hansen, brings complexity and charisma to the character. In this episode, her influence begins to reshape hospital policies and workplace culture in subtle but significant ways. Salen isn’t your typical antagonist. She’s smart, persuasive, and incredibly charming—but also manipulative and deeply committed to changing how medicine is practiced at St. Bonaventure. Her interactions with the staff, particularly Shaun and Dr. Glassman, are charged with tension as she continues implementing her vision of a more profitable and “efficient” hospital.
The guest performances in this episode tie directly into its central themes: identity, autonomy, and what it means to live authentically. Sophie’s dilemma forces the hospital staff to examine their own assumptions, biases, and approaches to patient care. Her refusal to accept pity, and her insistence on being treated as a whole person rather than a “problem” to fix, resonates far beyond the episode. Likewise, Salen’s growing control over the hospital serves as a foil to these personal battles, reminding us that sometimes the greatest threats to humanity in medicine aren’t physical—they’re institutional. Her business-minded decisions contrast starkly with the emotional nuance that patients like Sophie and Cody bring into the hospital halls.
The casting of Hollis Jane Andrews was particularly intentional. Known for her work in both advocacy and the arts, her inclusion in the series marks another step forward for inclusive casting in primetime television. By placing an actual little person in a role that deals with real issues facing that community, the show doesn’t just tell a story—it sends a message. This move also aligns with The Good Doctor’s long-standing commitment to portraying people with disabilities, both on and off screen. Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy—a surgeon with autism and savant syndrome—has been widely praised for its sensitivity and research-based approach, even if it comes from a neurotypical actor. Including more actors with lived experience strengthens the authenticity of the show’s mission.
Though guest stars typically appear for a single episode, the best ones leave a lasting impact—and that’s certainly true for Episode 3 of Season 5. Sophie’s story doesn’t just affect the characters in that moment; it sparks a change in how Shaun and others approach future patients, especially those who challenge traditional norms. Meanwhile, Salen’s influence becomes increasingly central as the season unfolds, eventually culminating in dramatic clashes that threaten the very fabric of the hospital. Rachel Bay Jones’s nuanced performance ensures that Salen is never one-dimensional; she’s ambitious, often misguided, but always grounded in a belief that she’s helping—something that makes her all the more dangerous.
In The Good Doctor Season 5, Episode 3, the guest stars shine as brightly as the main cast, each bringing heart, tension, and authenticity to the screen. Hollis Jane Andrews’s portrayal of Sophie stands out as a moment of bold, inclusive storytelling, while Cooper Bibaud and Rachel Bay Jones help round out a deeply compelling hour of television. Whether you’re watching for the medical drama, the emotional stories, or the social questions embedded in each patient’s journey, Episode 3 is a standout installment—and much of that credit goes to the guest stars who helped make it unforgettable. If you haven’t seen it yet, “Measure of Intelligence” is a must-watch. It’s not just an episode; it’s a thoughtful conversation about identity, self-worth, and the role of medicine in shaping how we see ourselves and others.
