The Good Doctor season 3 finale deeply influenced the series with a quake that caused significant ruin to the San Jose area. While other people faced danger, it was Dr. Neil Melendez who suffered a sudden death.
Dr. Melendez, an important character from Season 1, was a surgeon collaborating with Dr. Shaun Murphy at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.
Melendez suffered internal organ damage from being struck by earthquake debris, resulting in his death. This, of course, indicated that the actor portraying the character, Nicholas Gonzalez, also departed from the ABC medical drama.
Fortunately, in contrast to certain exits in other series, this was a consensual decision reached by both the performer and the producers. In a 2020 interview with TVLine, Gonzalez expressed that he believed he was departing from The Good Doctor at an optimal juncture.
The Good Doctor has officially concluded, however its supporters continue to cherish the series and its ensemble. Nevertheless, not all key characters endured for the duration of the series. Dr. Neil Melendez, portrayed by Nicholas Gonzalez, was eliminated in the third season of the series; nevertheless, this was not the final appearance of the character for fans.
This article has been revised to incorporate further details regarding Dr. Melendez’s demise and to comply with CBR’s new formatting standards.
Who Was Dr. Melendez On The Good Doctor?
Dr. Neil Melendez was introduced in Season 1, Episode 1, “Burnt Food,” as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon who had at first a low opinion for Shaun. Melendez initially held doubts on Shaun’s surgical abilities because to his autism; however, he ultimately developed respect for Shaun via their collaborative efforts.
Melendez recognized Shaun’s potential and became his foremost supporter in the face of rejection from patients or their parents.
During his time on the show, Melendez involved in several love relationships. His initial encounter was with Jessica Preston, portrayed by Beau Garrett, a member of the hospital board and the granddaughter of the founder. Melendez desired children, although Jessica opposed the idea.
The divergence of opinions resulted in a separation, which left Melendez devastated. He subsequently engaged with colleague Dr. Audrey Lim, portrayed by Christina Chang, resulting in several unethical incidents, including a kiss in the emergency room.
Upon her ascension to Chief of Surgery, their relationship faced scrutiny from human resources, rendering their eventual separation foreseeable. Dr. Melendez’s final romantic interest prior to his demise was Claire Browne, a surgical resident mentored by Antonia Thomas.
The Season 3 finale of The Good Doctor included an earthquake that struck the city of San Jose. Initially, Melendez appeared unscathed and dismissed the incident. He subsequently lost consciousness and regained awareness in an ambulance, when Claire and Lim discovered that he had significant internal injuries endangering his life.
Melendez bid farewell to his colleagues and expressed his love for Claire prior to his demise in the hospital.
What Caused Dr. Melendez to Leave The Good Doctor?
David Shore, the creator of The Good Doctor, explained his reasons for going with Dr. Melendez’s death, claiming that it was not a personal decision. “We aimed to remove a character that would create emotional resonance and pain,” Shore informed Deadline, “and surely, he is a character with whom many have connected.”
Dr. Melendez’s death was obviously notable. His death was among the most significant in the entire series, which continued for an additional four seasons following Gonzalez’s exit.
In earlier seasons, Dr. Melendez cultivated profound relationships with numerous other important characters of the series. He had lately ended his relationship with Dr. Lim and was beginning to develop love for Dr. Claire Browne when his premature death occurred.
In a poignant yet moving sequence, Melendez and Browne declare their love for one another during his deathbed hours. The authors recognized that the doctor’s demise would resonate profoundly because to his strong connections with many people in The Good Doctor.
“I believe that would have been predominantly accurate for any of our characters,” Shore stated, “but it is especially applicable to him.”
Nicholas Gonzalez Made a Return in Season 4 of the Good Doctor
Melendez’s death deeply impacted the audience. Fans expressed sadness regarding the sudden death of a loved character, especially since it happened before to the start of an actual friendship with Claire Browne.
Gonzalez stated to Entertainment Weekly that Melendez had unsolved things, stating, “Part of me is saddened to witness the departure of a character I greatly respected, someone I believed still had much more to convey, yet opportunities were not always available.”
The character made a brief reappearance in Season 4 to provide Claire some closure. During her struggle with the pressures of the COVID-19 epidemic, Melendez manifested as hallucinations in the initial two episodes of the fourth season.
He was present when she required him most, yet vanished once she acknowledged that she could not remain ensnared in the past indefinitely.
Although the demise of a character is often unwelcome, such events contribute significantly to the allure of series like The Good Doctor. Melendez’s impact on San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital will endure.
For an extended period, some individuals speculated that Gonzalez may reprise his role as Melendez in some capacity, particularly since he made a brief appearance in Season 4 as a vision to Claire.
Regrettably, the beloved surgeon did not return prior to the series end. Nevertheless, his memory persisted and continued to be a significant presence in the lives of those acquainted with him.
Enjoy the emotional journey of Dr. Melendez in The Good Doctor and discover the impact of his story on the series and its audience. Want to learn more about your favorite characters and series? Visit our website for the most recent changes and comprehensive content!