Ep 1. Frontline Part 1

Shaun Murphy and the rest of the St. Bonaventure Hospital team are back for season 4 of The Good Doctor. In the first episode, titled "Frontline Part 1," the hospital is hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic as the doctors and nurses struggle to cope with the influx of patients and the overwhelming workload that comes with it.

As the hospital gets busier and busier, the staff must not only treat patients with COVID-19 but also keep up with the regular emergency cases that keep coming in. Shaun, who has autism and savant syndrome, struggles to navigate the changes brought on by the pandemic. He finds it difficult to understand why he must wear a mask and follow new safety protocols when treating patients.

Meanwhile, resident doctors Claire Browne, Marcus Andrews, and Audrey Lim struggle to keep their own fears and anxieties in check as they try to provide the best care possible for their patients. The episode also introduces us to new characters who are brought in to help with the pandemic response, including a new infectious disease specialist and a medical student drafted in to help with the extra workload.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise as the doctors and nurses work tirelessly to keep up with the demand. They begin to worry about their safety as they face the risk of becoming infected themselves. In a poignant scene, Shaun highlights the importance of staying positive and making the best of the situation, even amidst the chaos.

Overall, "Frontline Part 1" is an emotionally charged opener that sets the stage for what is sure to be a season full of heart-wrenching moments, inspiring heroics, and deep human connections. The show expertly captures the reality of life during the pandemic, and viewers will be left feeling both grateful for our heroic frontline workers and moved by the struggles they face every day.