The Good Doctor: 5 Best (& 5 Worst) Relationships

Airing since 2017, the hit ABC medical drama series The Good Doctor has followed the journey of young aspiring surgeon Dr. Shaun Murphy, a talented young medical professional who just so happens to have autism. The series in particular highlights the everyday ableism that Shaun faces on the job, whether from strangers, patients, or his own colleagues.
Buoyed by Freddie Highmore’s outstanding performance in the lead role, and hailing from David Shore, the mind behind acclaimed medical drama House MD, the series also features a well-rounded cast of supporting characters, whether they’re supportive of Shaun’s medical career journey or not. With the series now midway through its third season, it’s time to take a look back at the relationships that have worked so far – and those that absolutely have not worked at all.

Best: Shaun and Claire

Few characters have been on Dr. Shaun Murphy’s side from the beginning of the series. But the kind and compassionate Dr. Claire Browne is one of those very few. From day one, Claire has been comforting and supportive for Shaun, doing whatever it takes to ensure Shaun’s comfort level and trying her hardest to understand his needs.

Claire is a voice of reason and experience for Shaun, as she often provides him with advice and guidance that no one else can offer him, especially when it comes to dealing with complex human – and female – emotions.

Worst: Morgan and Shaun

By contrast, Shaun’s relationship with the arrogant, abrasive Dr. Morgan Reznick has by and large been one of the worst parts of the series. Since she was introduced in the back half of the first season, Morgan has been nothing more than a petulant bully to Shaun, treating him as though he were lesser and inadequate because of his autism.

It’s hard to think of a single moment when these two have gotten along, and not for any lack of trying on Shaun’s part. But time and again, Morgan refuses to treat him like an equal, much less a human, and it remains one of the show’s biggest failings.

Best: Jared and Shaun

In its short three season run so far, The Good Doctor has still managed to be plagued by many mistakes in terms of characters and casting. One of the biggest mistakes the series made so far was the dismissal of the character of Dr. Jared Kalu, one of Shaun’s only friends and supporters.
Though Jared began the series seeming little more than a typical medical drama lothario, he soon became one of the only people willing to go to bat for Shaun, even if it meant risking and losing his job in the process. When Jared was sadly written out of the series at the start of its second season, these two were really starting to become the best of friends. It’s a shame we’ll never know what could have been.

Worst: Morgan and Claire

Shaun isn’t the only one who bears the brunt of Dr. Morgan Reznick’s bullying ways. While working steadfastly at alienating Shaun over the last two seasons, Morgan has also bullied and demeaned fellow female resident, Dr. Claire Browne.

Though in the third season the series has attempted to forge some sort of unlikely friendship between these two, it’s never once felt genuine. Until this point, Morgan has always looked down upon Claire and mocked her for her innate kindness and warmth. It’s an odd couple duo the series would be better off avoiding, because it will never feel right after all the cruelty Morgan has been responsible for.

Best: Shaun and Carly

It took two full seasons for Shaun to get to this point, but at the end of the second season, he finally found the courage to enter into a romantic relationship with someone: the adorable Dr. Carly Lever. The first half of the third season has so far taken its time exploring the beautiful relationship blossoming between these two, as Shaun figures out where his comfort levels are in terms of intimacy.

And though occasionally frustrated by the one step forward, two steps back progress they take together, Carly has been patient, supportive, and kind all throughout. These two have a wonderful, sweet chemistry together. Hopefully, the series allows it to continue developing naturally.

Worst: Melendez and Jessica

Dr. Neil Melendez is a character who has been polarizing at best and downright infuriating at worst. But it’s the latter characterization that’s clearer than ever when it comes to his romantic relationships. In the first season, Melendez was engaged to the hospital’s resident lawyer, Jessica Preston, a beautiful, strong, compassionate woman.

Yet in almost every scene these two shared together, it becomes beyond apparent that they were poorly matched. They shared different dreams for their future, dreams that Melendez repeatedly insisted Jessica compromise upon. And then, once they’d split up, Jessica was written out of the series without a word, and viewers remained stuck with the arrogant Melendez instead.