In a dramatic turn of events that left many viewers in shock, “The Good Doctor” delivered a devastating blow in its recent episode by killing off Dr. Asher Wolke. This pivotal moment, unfolding in the midst of the show’s seventh and final season, has sparked widespread discussion and questions among fans. Why did “The Good Doctor” choose to eliminate such a beloved character, and what does this mean for the series moving forward?
According to series writer Adam Scott Weissman, the decision to kill off Asher, played by Noah Galvin, was a confluence of factors. In an interview with TheWrap, Weissman revealed that Noah Galvin himself expressed a desire to explore new opportunities beyond the series. This opened up a narrative avenue for the writers, presenting them with a chance to address pressing real-world issues within the context of the show.
Noah Galvin as Dr. Asher Wolke and Giacomo Baessato as Jerome in a scene from “The Good Doctor”, illustrating their relationship before the character’s unexpected departure.
The writers seized this opportunity to shine a light on the alarming rise of antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ attacks. Weissman explained that they approached the episode with the understanding that life doesn’t always offer neat, happy endings. Tragedy can strike unexpectedly, and its impact often resonates more deeply when it affects someone we feel connected to, like a character we’ve grown to love on television. By having this “horrible thing happen” to Asher, the show aimed to bring these critical social issues closer to home for its audience.
The episode, titled “Who at Peace,” delves into Asher’s journey of reconciling his identity as a gay Jewish man. Asher assists a dying patient in arranging his wedding, prompting Asher to confront his own complex relationship with his religious upbringing within the Hasidic community. Simultaneously, the episode explores Asher’s personal life, as he contemplates taking a significant step forward with his partner, Jerome (Giacomo Baessato). Jerome is seemingly ready to propose as their two-year anniversary approaches, adding another layer of emotional depth to Asher’s storyline.
In the episode’s heart-wrenching climax, after the wedding ceremony, Asher accompanies the rabbi back to the synagogue. They encounter vandals, whom Asher initially appears to deter. However, in a devastating turn, the vandals return and attack Asher, killing him. This occurs as Jerome waits at a restaurant, unaware of the tragedy unfolding and prepared to propose.
A production insider confirmed to TheWrap that Galvin’s desire to pursue other roles was indeed a catalyst for Asher’s exit. Asher Wolke was initially introduced in Season 4 as a recurring character before becoming a series regular in Season 5, making his departure a significant shift in the show’s dynamic.
While Asher’s death serves a purpose in highlighting real-world issues, Weissman emphasized that the primary goal of Episode 5 was to provide a “satisfying ending” to Asher’s narrative arc. He pointed to Asher’s poignant line, “I’m not just a Jew, I’m a gay one, too,” as encapsulating his character’s journey. Throughout the episode, Asher grapples with feeling forced to choose between these two fundamental aspects of his identity. His ultimate realization and declaration that he can embrace both identities was a crucial point for the writers.
Weissman also acknowledged the writers’ awareness of the “bury your gays” trope, a problematic pattern in media where LGBTQ+ characters are disproportionately killed off, often for the sake of tragic storylines. He credited showrunner Liz Friedman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, for guiding the writers in navigating this sensitive narrative with care and authenticity.
Dr. Shaun Murphy, portrayed by Freddie Highmore in “The Good Doctor,” will navigate the aftermath of Asher’s death in the show’s final episodes.
According to Weissman, while Asher’s death is undoubtedly tragic, it is also intended to be a moment of heroic affirmation. Asher’s final act, embracing his full identity to protect both a person and a sacred space, underscores this heroism.
Previews for the subsequent episode indicate that Asher will be memorialized, but the doctors will soon be drawn back into the demanding realities of the hospital. Weissman hinted that the repercussions of the attack and Asher’s death will significantly influence the remaining characters’ storylines as the series concludes, particularly impacting Jerome.
“The Good Doctor” airs on ABC on Tuesdays, and episodes are available for streaming on Hulu the following day. Asher’s departure marks a significant and poignant moment in the show’s final season, prompting viewers to reflect on both the character’s journey and the important social issues his death brings to the forefront.
