As fans prepare to say goodbye to The Good Doctor after seven seasons, it looks like a former medical worker at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital will be returning for an unexpected reason.
Before the ABC drama ends its run on May 21, fans got their first look at what’s to come in the penultimate episode, which is titled “Unconditional” and is scheduled to air on May 14. In a teaser that aired on YouTube on May 7, viewers saw Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) have a surprise guest in none other than Dr. Claire Browne (Antonia Thomas). While she initially seems excited to see her old colleague and friend, she’s there for a specific reason: she has breast cancer. When she and Shaun talked to his wife Lea Dilallo (Paige Spara) about the initial negative biopsy of a lump in her breast, further tests confirmed that she did indeed have the disease.
“[The biopsy] was wrong,” Shaun said as Claire underwent further tests at San Jose St. Bonaventure. “Claire has breast cancer.”
Seeing Claire’s return on The Good Doctor , fans couldn’t believe her new storyline would come up in the final season.
“I’m glad Claire’s back for the finale. Perfect for me. No matter what, Shaun will save her,” one YouTuber wrote. “Wow 😮 I hope Claire survives,” another commented. “I’m [glad] to see Dr. Brown again before the series finale. I’m not ready for this ending,” another viewer added.
As fans of the medical drama will remember, Claire was a staple of the San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital team throughout the show’s first four seasons. She then took a job in Guatemala, where the character left the show as a regular. Although she later appeared in two episodes in season 5, this was her last appearance on the show, right after it ended.
So, what can fans expect from the penultimate episode, aside from Claire’s breast cancer diagnosis? According to ABC’s official press release, “Unconditional” will also see Dr. Aaron Glassman (Richard Schiff) struggling to help Hannah (Ruby Kelley) kick her Oxycodone addiction, while Dr. Alex Park (Will Yun Lee) hunts for the perfect last-minute wedding venue.
Someone text the doctor, because this is sure to be one hell of a thrill ride!
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