Will Shaun and Lea Make It on The Good Doctor?
ABC’s The Good Doctor might be a medical drama that’s chock-full of complicated surgeries, but woven into these high-stress moments is an unlikely love story that’s kept fans hooked from Season 1. Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) and Lea Dilallo (Paige Spara) couldn’t be more different – he’s extremely regimented when it comes to his schedule and often misses social cues because of his autism, while she’s messy, go-with-the-flow and can effortlessly interact with anyone. Still, it’s these very differences that allow Shaun and Lea to bring out the best in each other.
Shaun and Lea’s relationship timeline on The Good Doctor is far from easy as they face life’s highs and lows together. There are obstacles, like Lea’s miscarriage, and joyous moments, such as their wedding at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital, that ultimately help their bond grow stronger. Read on to see how Shaun and Lea transitioned from neighbors to newlyweds and parents over the span of six years.
Season 1, Episode 3: Shaun and Lea meet for the first time
“Oliver” marks the beginning of Shaun and Lea’s relationship timeline on The Good Doctor. While in his apartment, there’s a knock at the door. Shaun opens it to find a frazzled Lea, who is desperate to borrow batteries for her video game controller.
Introductions are made, with Shaun learning that this is his next-door neighbor in apartment No. 34. As for Lea, she’s impressed that Shaun is a surgical resident. At the end of the episode, due to his tendency to take things literally, Shaun knocks on Lea’s door to ask for the borrowed batteries back. Though amused, she obliges and a friendship is born.
Season 1, Episodes 11 & 12: Shaun and Lea have their first kiss
In the two-part “Islands,” Dr. Aaron Glassman insists on hiring a home aide to help Shaun navigate independent living and social cues, but Shaun wants no part of this arrangement. In an effort to briefly escape the situation, Shaun allows Lea to take him on a road trip. Lea is able to bring out a new side to Shaun, who embraces music, karaoke and tequila shots.
The next morning, a severely hungover Shaun kisses Lea after she prompts him to make a move. Sadly for Shaun, their trip inspires Lea to move to Hershey to pursue her passion of working on classic cars.