We had the opportunity to talk with the executive producer and star of the series, Freddie Highmore, who also speaks Spanish perfectly because he lived for several years in Madrid. The actor, who has reached maturity on screen as the surgeon Shaun Murphy, premieres the last season very soon, which says goodbye to his character, closing his plots with emotion and pride for making an inspiring and inclusive series.
Q: Why is this the last season of 'The Good Doctor?
A: We have been lucky enough to be able to plan the ending we want. It's been a strange year, because doing only 10 episodes is unfortunate. But being able to finish a series on your own terms is a huge blessing in this industry and we consider ourselves fortunate. We are excited and sad at the same time.
Q: Freddie, when this journey began, did you think you would connect with a character who has so many difficulties socializing?
A: I guess it would be vain to say it was easy. For none of us who make the series, this adventure has been easy but here we are after seven years. One of the things I'm most proud of is that we've always cared deeply about the content of the series. I think the entire team has strived to make the show the best it can be, and I certainly feel that way about playing Shaun, which is the character I'm most proud of in my career. It has been a truly special and meaningful opportunity.
Q: How do you identify with the character?
A: Well, I've always said that as a Brit I'm quite cynical by nature, so I hope Shaun has made me a better person, a bit more optimistic and a bit more hopeful. I think there is a part of yourself in every character you play. The interesting thing about this season for me is not being a father, but Shaun progressing beyond the point in life I'm at, which to me is magical. I've been talking to people about filming with real babies on set. There's a real magic to it because it puts into perspective how far we've come. And certainly, for me, looking back on Shaun's journey, this guy comes to the hospital at the beginning, naïve, innocent, starting his first job; and suddenly he is married and has a child. It is an incredible journey that we have been able to tell.
Q: Are you a reader or more of a movie person?
A: So, I've been studying English literature. I don't always go to the cinema every weekend, but I am always reading. I also love Spanish literature and I do think Don Quixote is amazing.
Q: Do you read Spanish authors?
A: I like to read good books no matter where the author is from, but I do love Spanish literature and reading in Spanish. As I said, Don Quixote is quite an adventure but what I love most about the book is the character. I love good characters.
Q: Do you speak Spanish?
A: I do. I’ve been practicing Spanish since I was little. I can read in Spanish and I’m almost bilingual. I feel a little bit madrileño as I go constantly to Madrid. I love Madrid where I lived for a while, in the Olavide square. I love the food, the culture, the Spanish literature... in fact I feel a little bit ‘madrileño’.
Q: You have been appearing on television regularly for a long time. Five seasons with 'Bates Motel' and seven with 'The Good Doctor'. What are your plans?
A: Yes. It has been a long time playing two very different roles. Now I want something lighter.
Q: Do you want to return to television?
A: Yes, the truth is, I said I wouldn't come back after 'Bates Motel' and three days later, literally three days later, I sat down with David Shore and started talking about 'The Good Doctor.' I think it would be unreasonable to expect the same thing to happen again, but I guess stranger things have happened in Hollywood. I am open to returning to television. I feel like I'm processing the end of this series now and it makes me sad. I live the graduation of my series, which is an analogy that someone used for me and that I am now borrowing. This farewell fills me with nostalgia because it has been seven years living in a bubble in Vancouver. We have created a parallel universe and it's time to graduate. I am excited for the future, for the new opportunities, but very sad to say goodbye to the production team. I have realized that at some point it is necessary and probably healthy to move on. So that's where I am right now.
Q: What can you tell us about the last season of ‘The Good Doctor’?
A: I am very bad at giving specific examples but, from my experience in this series, I can say that the way the scripts are written, the best is always found in the small moments, in the intimacy of the characters. I think throughout all the things that happen to Shaun and the rest of the characters on the show, it's ultimately the details that make the biggest difference. Emotions are often explored through a hug between Shaun and Dr. Glassman, or a look between two characters, or something small and simple that actually speaks to something much bigger. I've always loved that about the series, and I'll definitely miss it when it's over. In this last season we are going to continue the same. There will be some unexpected tragedy, there will be some sad moments, but we will also have many of those great little moments of hope, those little moments of optimism that I think we have always managed to give.
Q: You say goodbye knowing something about medicine
A: (Laughs) I think the show is less about... or for me, it's less about the big, flashy cases about medical events. I have a lot more vocabulary, but I can't say I know more about medicine or surgery.
María Estévez
Correspondent writer
