FREDDIE HIGHMORE

With medical drama The Good Doctor back (returns Tues., Oct. 2 on the Seven Network), WHO talks to the 26-year-old British actor about what he’s discovered playing an autistic surgical resident, and his involvement behind the scenes.

Have you picked up much about medicine playing a doctor for two seasons now? Medically, I haven’t really learnt anything. I try my best to keep up with the medicine, but I find myself more intrigued to see all of these organs and you’re like, “How do all these things fit inside everyone?” The kidneys seem so big!

What have you learnt about yourself playing a character like Shaun?

I think naturally, British people are somewhat cynical and Shaun is the opposite of that. He doesn’t have any judgement of people – he always sees the good in people. He has faith in humanity and so I think he makes me a little bit more like that, too, which is a good thing.

You wrote the Season 2 opener and also wrote for your previous series, Bates Motel. How did that side of things come about?

Yeah, I got lucky enough to write two episodes of Bates Motel, so when I sat down with [executive producer] David Shore before this all began, I said that would be something I’d love to do if we managed to get another season. He sent me a text in between seasons saying, “I’m thinking of having you write the first one of the season.” I spent about a month and a half in the writers’ room. Being the most junior writer, I was coupled with Kerry Ehrin on Bates and now David Shore on this – two amazing people to have learned from. But you want to sort of remain anonymous, so it hopefully just seems the same as all the other episodes.

What’s in store for Shaun this season?

One of the things we’ll see is Shaun’s transformation. The person we met in the first episode last year and the person we have in the first episode this year is different. He’s grown, he’s learning, he’s a bit more confident. Of course, he has many of the same challenges and he still has autism, but he’s a bit more comfortable with people and in those surroundings.

What about his personal life?

Yes, Lea [Paige Spara] will be back. I don’t think it will be the happy reconciliation everyone might be expecting. Lots will have gone on in each of their personal lives that means their relationship will be different, but hopefully just as interesting.