Ep 3. Healthcare

In season 5 episode 3 of Portlandia, titled "Healthcare," the show explores the absurdities and frustrations of America's healthcare system. The episode features a variety of sketches that highlight different aspects of healthcare, from the high cost of insurance to the confusing jargon used by medical professionals.

One sketch begins with Carrie Brownstein's character, who is suffering from a mysterious ailment, trying to navigate the complicated world of health insurance. She spends hours on the phone with her insurance company, trying to figure out what is covered and what isn't. Meanwhile, Fred Armisen's character is dealing with his own health issue – a rash that won't go away – and is similarly frustrated by the system. The sketch is both funny and relatable, as viewers will undoubtedly identify with the characters' struggles to navigate the confusing world of healthcare.

Another sketch features a group of doctors who speak in a bizarre language that only they understand. They throw around phrases like "trans-vaginal mesh" and "clot-busting medication," leaving their patients completely confused. The scene is a commentary on the way medical professionals often use complicated jargon that leaves patients feeling intimidated and overwhelmed.

Other sketches in the episode take a more surreal approach to healthcare. In one scene, a man discovers that he is actually an alien, sent to Earth to help heal the planet. He goes to see a doctor, hoping to get some answers about his true identity, but the doctor is more interested in finding out if he has insurance.

In another scene, a woman goes to a therapist to talk about her fear of hospitals, only to discover that the therapist herself is actually a ghost. The surreal, dreamlike quality of the scene underscores the absurdity of healthcare, as the woman is unable to find the help she needs even in the supposed safety of a therapist's office.

Throughout the episode, the show pokes fun at the many problems with America's healthcare system, from the high cost of insurance to the confusing, impersonal nature of doctor-patient interactions. But the sketches are always smart and funny, never heavy-handed or preachy. By using humor to comment on a serious issue, the show manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, season 5 episode 3 of Portlandia offers a hilarious and incisive look at the flaws in America's healthcare system. The sketches are cleverly written and well-acted, and viewers are sure to find themselves laughing at the absurdity of it all. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply someone who has struggled with the system, this episode is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the frustration and confusion of trying to navigate the world of healthcare. So, anyone who wants to have a good laugh while learning a little something about the healthcare system should definitely check out this episode of Portlandia.