When news broke that The Good Doctor was bringing back actress Paige Spara as a series regular in Season 2, fans got understandably excited. Lea is coming back, which means Shaun might get another shot at love in the upcoming season of the ABC drama, right? Series star Freddie Highmore couldn't confirm exact details of what was going to happen between Shaun and Lea when they reunite, but he did assure those curious that the two will be spending time together:
Absolutely, yes we can. It's funny because actors can usually just rely on the excuse that they have no idea what's coming, so they don't have to give any teases about what's happening in season 2. But I'm actually in the middle of being in the writers' room, so I know lots of what's going to happen with Lea and Shaun, and all of it is exciting, but I can't reveal any of it.
Freddie Highmore had to be cryptic about The Good Doctor's exact plans for the two in Season 2, to not spoil an upcoming storyline that fans are undoubtedly anxious to see. Highmore, who also told EW that series creator David Shore let him write and direct an episode for the upcoming season, was enthusiastic in his response regarding Lea and Shaun, which could mean good things are on the horizon for the two. Of course, it could also mean he's just really excited about the potential of the storyline, and that a budding romance may not be the reason these two are hanging out together in the new season.
Freddie Highmore's statement that Shaun and Lea will be spending more time together could mean she's moving into her old apartment, which was most recently inhabited by his jerk neighbor, Kenny. David Shore has told fans a few months back that Kenny's final scene in Season 1 was most likely his final scene on the series, which would appear to mean he's leaving that apartment. Is it purely coincidence Lea's old apartment is up for grabs just as Paige Spara joins the show full time? Possibly, but Highmore's comments definitely make it sound as though Shaun will be getting his favorite neighbor back once again.
Lea's return to The Good Doctor came at just the right time for Shaun, as the young doctor ended Season 1 by admitting a mistake that almost cost a young boy his life. Shaun's honesty might just end up costing himself and his mentor, Dr. Glassman, their jobs. Should Shaun lose his job temporarily, having someone like Lea there to keep him centered would be a huge plus for the character. Of course, there's always the chance that the show is taking some radical twist and removing Shaun from the hospital permanently, although one would imagine they would've changed the show's title if that were the case.
The Good Doctor returns to ABC for Season 2 this fall on Mondays at 10:00 p.m. ET. For a look at some things headed to television this summer, visit our summer premiere guide.
