NOTE: This post contains spoilers Season 6 of The Good Doctor Episode 13, “39 Differences.”
“39 Differences,” focuses on the ways loved ones can work together to overcome differences and make important decisions.
Shaun (Freddie Highmore), Lea (Paige Spara), and Shaun place their child on the waiting list of a preschool that’s an Ivy League college feeder. The tension gets worse for the young doctor when he receives a patient at the ER whose parents are fighting about their parenting style.
Shaun, Asher (Noah Galvin), and Daniel (Brandon Larracuente), treat a young boy that stepped on a rusted nails at camp. His parents are now fighting over whether or not to send him off to camp. They debate about whether their son should be safe or allowed to have fun. Asher and Daniel both comment on Asher’s apparent disagreement with Daniel, claiming it adversely affects their child.
Shaun notices their disagreement and worries that Lea and Lea will have similar problems as they are so different. He records 39 differences between Lea and him, in hopes of resolving them before the baby is born. He wonders whether love is enough to make them survive their differences.
The condition of the boy worsens and he develops neurological complications that doctors attribute to an infection. Initial thought was that it was a tick bite. This adds to the safety debate and raises questions about the safety of the boy attending camp. Shaun eventually discovered that the infection was likely due to a nasal rinse given by the father prior to Shaun’s trip. Both parents must agree to perform a potentially dangerous brain surgery. The father, who is known for being cautious, agrees with the mother and approves the surgery. It begins the journey to reconciliation. The procedure is successful and the child recovers with no neurological impairment.
Dr. Glassman, Richard Schiff, is dealing with the loss of his entire house to a fire. He is currently absent from work, as he attempts to recollect family memories. Shaun visits him, still worried that love won’t be enough for Lea and him to successfully navigate their different parenting styles. Shaun asks why Glassman’s love for his wife couldn’t surmount their problems?
Shaun hears him tell Shaun that his wife and he were in their prime careers at the time they had their child. However, having a child changes everything. Lea is his contact. Lea stops when Shaun leaves. Dr. Glassman offers her more wisdom and shares memories of his daughter. She also suggests that Lea talk to Shaun.
Jordan (Bria Henderson), and Dr. Lim (Christine Chang), treat a young voracious blogger who requires a double lung transplant. This patient has been with Dr. Lim for 11 years. He is very invested in her recovery. The transplanted lungs arrive with pneumonia. This could make it impossible for the patient to survive. Jordan suggests that they put the lungs in an ECMO machine as a last-ditch effort to heal them. Initial results don’t look promising so they inform the patient and place them back on the donor waiting list.
Dr. Lim refused to abandon the damaged lungs and stayed late to monitor their recovery. She alters her treatment plan, putting at risk either a cure or total destruction of the lungs. The mother of the patient and the patient have a serious talk about her chances of survival. The patient accepts her mortality and her mother agrees. The transplant goes well and the lungs are repaired on time.
Fiona Gubelmann (Dr. Reznick) conducts her first study in her new role and calls upon Dr. Park (Will Yun Lee). One of their patients seems to not be suitable for the trial. Reznick believes the screening protocol used in the trial is flawed. Reznick also thinks that the patient lied to get admission. Park says she is too cynical. He asks her if it is possible to raise a child that sees the world as mostly negative and makes assumptions about everyone.
They discover that the discrepancies found in the patient’s lab results were due to a condition they previously thought was hidden by the patient’s frequent blood donation. Park receives unlimited access to her new espresso maker, and Reznick reluctantly agrees to change her world view.
Both Shaun and Lea return to Dr. Glassman’s burnt house at the end of the episode. Lea begins a conversation with Dr. Glassman, but it is interrupted by baby kicking. Lea and Shaun bond over this moment, which leads to a moment of common purpose. They focus on the things that really matter. Lea invites Dr. Glassman along to their moment of wonder and tells him to imagine all the memories they will make.
The new episodes of The Good Doctor ABC’s Monday premieres are broadcast live on ABC, and they can also be streamed on-demand. Hulu The US is Disney Plus In the UK.
