Good doctorSeason 4 opener not one, but returned Two Former series regular.
In addition to the previously reported (and all too short-term) return of Beau Garrett as Jessica Preston, attorney for the home of St. Bonaventure, the epidemic-centric premier, Nicolas Gonzalez, was introduced to Dr. Welcome back in the form of Neil Melendez – too how, Right?
Melandis died at the end of Season 3 after a partial building collapse and internal injuries. In Monday’s episode, when she suddenly heard a reassuring voice in the distance, a mourning Claire was set through the throat through the luggage of the Covid patients.
“Things will be okay,” the man said. This is when a fourth-year resident turned to see his deceased – and, yes, he still is. Very Very Dead – love interest standing in front of him, sets the stage for episode 2.
Below, executive producer David Shore – who confirmed that Melendaz is just Claire’s imagination – breaks down the first part of the two-part premiere.
TVline | Let’s start at the end. Why did you decide to bring Melandis back?
This part [pandemic] The episode is about stress – real-world stress that lasts [several months] There are real doctors laying there. We tried [incorporate] Dealing with frustration of not knowing what the answer is, or even the frustration of being separated from loved ones will help people get started.
Claire’s story is very much about trying to comfort someone who has lost someone [and] Doing what you can. Melandis is one of those people [for Claire], More than anyone else in our hospital at that moment, looking at the way we finished last season. Of course, we didn’t even expect any of this at the end of season 3. Liz Friedman, who played the episode with me, called me one day and said, “I think we should see Melandis,” and I went, “That’s one. Good idea. “We’ve done this before, with Shawn and his brother, and it seemed like an interesting way to do this. [grief] To disclose.
I would also add that even when I was talking to Nick late last year, I said, “This is the kind of show where even death doesn’t stop you from coming here.” I always thought it would take some time to bring it back and it would be great to somehow bring back the spirit of Melendez.
TVline | Was Nicolas Gonzalez immediately on board when you presented him with the idea?
He was immediately on board. He may have been surprised that this was so soon, but he did not hesitate. It was wonderful.
TVline | Speaking of cast members returning, have you returned for a zoom cameo – will she see Jessica since her first appearance, regularly leaving the show at the end of season 1, or will she be back this season?
I don’t have to promise too much on that front. He is still technically the hospital’s in-house attorney. We have no plans in that regard, but she felt it was natural to be there.
TVline | Your first episode focuses on the gradual severity of the virus over time. Was there an issue where you considered jumping forward to today’s date, rather than relieving the early days of the COVID-19 crisis?
Yes. We had numerous discussions at the very beginning in the writers’ room. We are [also] The serious disadvantage is that we do not know how this will end. When we first started talking about this in April and May, and we knew we would be up in the air in October or November, we didn’t anticipate that, but we all hoped that this would all be behind us. Then, or most likely behind us at the time.
It was hard… you don’t want to be immersed in this forever, but here’s the real drama, and here are the real heroes, and it affects each of us. Not telling this story just felt dishonest.
TVline | In addition to seeing how the doctors handled all the uncertainty on the frontline, we also followed some at home, including the DRS. Lim and Andrews. Was it important to show you how their personal lives have been affected?
We wanted to portray as much as possible. I mean, we’re wound up with two episodes [focused on COVID]. We thought we’d do one, but it seemed to me, quite quickly, that it wasn’t happening enough. But yes, we wanted to see [the doctors] At home. We wanted to see people in the hospital. We wanted to see patients. We wanted to see patients and their loved ones. We wanted to see patients who got better, and we wanted them to be as close to home as possible.
TVline | The premiere includes a handful of guest stars, including Famous Veterinarian Carly Pope appears on FaceTime as the patient’s wife. How were those scenes shot? Were they filmed on a remote set, or was she filming scenes from home, to limit the number of people on that set?
Carly shot on one of our sets, it just fell apart [from everybody else].
TVline | The episode also shows how the newlyweds Shan and Lee are navigating this real-world barrier to living together – at least in a physical sense. Do you think this latest hurdle really makes that relationship, and the story with the relationship you’re trying to tell, a little better?
Look, I don’t sit back and go, “Gosh, I wish there was no COVID, so I can start with Shun and Lee on a better foot.” [Laughs] There are many great reasons to wish that Kovid had not happened. I’m proud of these two episodes. [Being separated from loved ones] This is a reality we have all faced, and I made it a reality that has the face of Shawn and Lee.
Following Part 2, TVline will have more of our conversations with David Shore (next Monday, Nov. 9). Hit the comments to let us know what you think about Season 4 Premiere (and consider the poll below) – And Melande’s shocking return.
