What Happens If You Leave Dr. Friedlander in GTA V? A Deep Dive
What happens if you leave Dr. Isiah Friedlander, Michael De Santa’s therapist, alone in Grand Theft Auto V? The short answer is: you can. Leaving Dr. Friedlander doesn’t directly trigger any dramatic in-game consequences, however, it does affect some narrative and gameplay aspects. You won’t face any immediate repercussions or see changes in the main storyline if you choose not to interact with him beyond your initial therapy sessions. However, completely severing ties with Dr. Friedlander will mean missing out on optional interactions and some unique, albeit pricey, phone calls later on in the game. Essentially, ignoring Dr. Friedlander allows him to pursue his own path, leading to his rise as a TV/radio celebrity, a detail revealed in some in-game news articles, showcasing his post-therapy success. There is a potential ending where, if you choose not to kill him, he leaves to pursue this career path.
The Dynamics of Ignoring Therapy
Initial Interactions
Initially, Michael is required to visit Dr. Friedlander for therapy as part of the main storyline. These sessions provide insight into Michael’s complex psyche, past traumas, and his general dissatisfaction with his life. After these mandated appointments, further therapy is optional. At this point, a player is able to completely cease visiting Dr. Friedlander.
The Cost of Continued Therapy
If you choose to continue therapy sessions, you’ll find that they are not free. Initially, each visit costs $500, eventually rising to $1000 per session. These sessions provide unique dialogue between Michael and Friedlander, delving deeper into their complex and, often humorous, relationship. Although there are no tangible gameplay benefits to these additional sessions, some players find them entertaining.
The Phone Contact Option
Even if you don’t continue with face-to-face therapy, Dr. Friedlander remains listed in Michael’s phone contacts. You can call him, but each phone call will also cost you, just like in-person sessions. Again, the calls are largely for entertainment purposes and do not impact the game’s progression or story.
Friedlander’s Career and Michael’s Choice
A significant point to remember is that Dr. Friedlander is not simply a static NPC. The game narrative makes it clear that Friedlander is using Michael as a source of material for his own fame and career. This culminates in him revealing that he will be leaving Los Santos to start his own TV show, further betraying the confidentiality of his therapist-patient relationship with Michael. After this revelation, Michael will have a choice to make: to kill Friedlander or allow him to leave.
The “Let Him Go” Option
If you choose the “let him go” option, Dr. Friedlander ultimately survives and his media career is born. This outcome is also supported by the in-game news articles confirming his celebrity status. Choosing not to kill Friedlander means that you simply no longer have the option to interact with him in person, but you can still contact him over the phone.
The Absence of Benefits
Ultimately, leaving Dr. Friedlander alone, or choosing not to pursue the “kill” option, has no major positive or negative effect on gameplay or story. The only difference lies in whether you experience his unique content and, if you choose to see it, pay for it. It neither unlocks special items, nor does it hinder your progress. The only thing you might lose out on are the conversations, and the money you might choose to spend on these interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Dr. Friedlander Betray Michael?
Yes, Dr. Friedlander betrays Michael by exploiting his therapy sessions for career advancement, eventually starting his own TV show based partly on Michael’s life.
2. Is There a Benefit to Continuing Therapy Sessions?
No, there are no gameplay benefits to continuing therapy sessions. They are mainly for entertainment purposes, providing unique dialogues but draining your in-game cash.
3. How Much Does Each Therapy Session Cost?
Each therapy session initially costs $500, later increasing to $1000. Phone calls to Friedlander also incur the same cost.
4. What Happens if Michael Kills Dr. Friedlander?
If Michael kills Dr. Friedlander, he ceases to exist within the game and will not be available to contact. The articles confirming his rise to fame will not appear.
5. What Happens If Michael Lets Dr. Friedlander Leave?
If Michael allows him to leave, Dr. Friedlander will go on to become a TV/radio celebrity, as mentioned in in-game news articles.
6. Can I Contact Dr. Friedlander After He Leaves?
Yes, you can still contact Dr. Friedlander via Michael’s phone after his departure, but each call will still cost you money.
7. Is Friedlander a Main Character?
No, while he plays an important role in Michael’s story, he is not a main character in the game. He is essentially a supporting role.
8. Does Ignoring Dr. Friedlander Impact the Main Storyline?
No, completely ignoring Dr. Friedlander has no impact on the main storyline of the game. It only changes some minor interactions you may or may not experience.
9. Is there any unique content associated with Dr. Friedlander?
Yes, there is unique content in the form of dialogue and conversations during therapy sessions and phone calls.
10. Can you get 100% completion without interacting with Friedlander?
Yes, you can achieve 100% completion in the game without engaging in optional interactions with Dr. Friedlander.
11. Why Does Michael Visit a Therapist?
Michael visits a therapist due to his personal issues, past traumas, and general unhappiness with his current life situation.
12. Is Dr. Friedlander’s TV Show an Actual Show You Can Watch In-Game?
No, the TV show Dr. Friedlander stars in isn’t an actual show you can watch. It is just referenced in in-game news articles.
13. Does Killing Dr. Friedlander Have Any Long-term Consequences?
No, killing Dr. Friedlander doesn’t have any long-term consequences beyond him being removed from the game. The outcome of other events and characters remains the same regardless of this action.
14. Can I Save Dr. Friedlander from Michael?
No, there is no option to save Dr. Friedlander if Michael chooses to kill him. If you are aiming to save Friedlander you need to simply refrain from killing him at the relevant time in the game.
15. Can I undo killing Friedlander later in the game?
No, there is no option to undo killing Dr. Friedlander after it has been done. He will not respawn in the game. Once he is gone, he’s gone for good.