St. Elsewhere Season 2 Episode 9
St. Elsewhere
Season 2

Ep 9. Aids and Comfort

  • TVPG
  • December 21, 1983
  • 8.4  (51)

Set in the run-down St. Eligius Hospital in Boston, St. Elsewhere Season 2 Episode 9 was titled "Aids and Comfort." The episode debuted on December 4th, 1983, and lasted 60 minutes.

As suggested by its title, the episode revolves around the early days of the AIDS epidemic when very little was known about the disease. AIDS, now known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, was a new virus at the time that was decimating entire communities, particularly among the gay population. At the time, AIDS was seen as a death sentence, with no cure or even reliable treatments to manage its symptoms. The disease was highly stigmatized and few medical professionals knew how to deal with its unique set of challenges.

In "Aids and Comfort," the staff of St. Eligius Hospital suddenly finds itself ill-prepared for the diagnosis of an AIDS patient. Set in the middle of a heatwave, the episode follows Dr. Westphall and his team as they race to not only combat the patient's symptoms but also to educate themselves on the disease and how it can be transmitted.

The episode is shot in a sensitive and realistic way, showcasing the drastic measures that the medical professionals of the time were taking to contain the virus, including extreme measures such as quarantining patients and requiring doctors and nurses to use protective gear.

As the staff of St. Eligius struggles to keep their patient alive, we see how the different characters process their feelings and emotions regarding AIDS. Dr. Fiscus, a young and inexperienced resident, is panicked and afraid of contracting the virus. Meanwhile, Dr. Westphall is determined to do everything possible to give his patient the best possible care.

The episode's main focus is on Dr. Craig, who steps up to the plate to confront his own fears and prejudices regarding AIDS. In a powerful scene, we see Dr. Craig's frustration boil over as he struggles to keep his composure in the face of his own lack of knowledge about the disease.

Throughout the episode, we see how AIDS affects both the patients and their caregivers, as Dr. Craig, Dr. Fiscus, and nurse Shirley experience unique challenges. Meanwhile, the hospital's administrative staff tries to make sense of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the epidemic.

In the end, the case of the AIDS patient ultimately changes the staff at St. Eligius and their perception of the disease. The episode is a touching and realistic portrayal of the early days of AIDS and the medical community's struggle to come to a consensus on how to deal with the disease.

The episode is marked by its dark and somber mood, reflecting both the heatwave and the disease that has taken St. Eligius by storm. The cinematography reflects the intensity of the moment, with dark, dark scenes shifting to the bright and harsh light of the hospital's hallways.

Despite the bleak subject matter, the episode shines as a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a difficult topic. It is a powerful reminder of the challenges that the medical community faced during the early days of the AIDS epidemic and the bravery and compassion required of those who were thrust into the center of a new and terrifying pandemic.

Description
Watch St. Elsewhere - Aids and Comfort (s2 e9) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
St. Elsewhere, Season 2 Episode 9, is available to watch and stream on FOX. You can also buy, rent St. Elsewhere on demand at Hulu, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    December 21, 1983
  • Content Rating
    TVPG
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (51)