Pain
- Episode aired Mar 12, 2018
- TV-14
- 42m
When the team treats a patient who has to decide about getting a dangerous surgery that could change his life, the man asks Dr. Murphy what he would do.When the team treats a patient who has to decide about getting a dangerous surgery that could change his life, the man asks Dr. Murphy what he would do.When the team treats a patient who has to decide about getting a dangerous surgery that could change his life, the man asks Dr. Murphy what he would do.
Photos
- Jessica Preston
- (credit only)
- Dr. Aaron Glassman
- (credit only)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAlthough they do not share scenes, this episode (presumably) reunites series regular Hill Harper and guest star Anna Belknap, who acted together for eight seasons on CSI: NY (2004).
- GoofsWhen Melendez is getting a consult for fertility, there is the Transamerica Pyramid, along with Coit Tower and the whole city of San Francisco; St. Bonnaventure is supposed to be in San Jose.
- Quotes
Hunter: You know what the worst part is? It isn't being in the chair. Is that's people see the chair first. They don't see me. You know what I'm talking about.
Dr. Shaun Murphy: Why would I know what you're talking about?
Hunter: My brother-in-law's on the spectrum. So is my assistant. I make it a priority of hiring people with disabilities. Let me guess; when you first started working here, no one believed in you.
Dr. Shaun Murphy: They didn't know me. They didn't know that I was going to make a good surgeon.
Hunter: No. You were different. I guarantee you every other doctor started with a basic level of respect. It's implied they're competent. We waste our time and energy trying to prove that we belong.
This episode is particularly effective in its exploration of the complexities of pain management, a topic that is both medically challenging and emotionally charged. Freddie Highmore delivers a powerful performance as Shaun, who struggles to understand the patient's desire to take such a significant risk in the hopes of achieving a pain-free life. The direction by Larry Teng is subtle yet impactful, using close-ups and muted colors to convey the patient's suffering and the weight of the decisions being made. The script by Thomas L. Moran is insightful, delving into the ethical dilemmas of pain management and the difficult choices doctors must make when dealing with chronic conditions.
One of the most striking elements of "Pain" is its portrayal of the patient's desperation and the lengths to which he is willing to go to find relief. The episode does an excellent job of showing the psychological impact of chronic pain, not only on the patient but also on the doctors who must decide whether to proceed with a risky surgery. The pacing of the episode is deliberate, allowing for moments of reflection and dialogue that deepen the audience's understanding of the characters and the ethical issues at play.
A particularly memorable scene occurs when Shaun, after struggling to understand the patient's perspective, has a breakthrough moment during a conversation with Dr. Aaron Glassman, who shares his own experiences with pain. This scene is beautifully acted and directed, with the emotional weight of the conversation captured through close-ups and a soft, melancholic score. It's a moment of connection and understanding that adds depth to both characters and highlights the episode's themes.
However, the episode is not without its shortcomings. The subplot involving Dr. Neil Melendez and his strained relationship with his fiancée feels somewhat disconnected from the main narrative and detracts from the focus on the patient's story. Additionally, while the episode raises important questions about pain management, some of the ethical dilemmas are resolved a bit too quickly, leaving certain issues underexplored.
Overall, "Pain" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant episode that tackles a challenging and important topic with sensitivity and insight. The combination of strong performances, careful direction, and a well-crafted script makes it one of the standout episodes of the season, offering both a compelling medical case and meaningful character development.
- fernandoschiavi
- Aug 25, 2024
- Permalink