Ep 15. Tabloid Nation

Alan Shore and Denny Crane take up the case of a company that specializes in celebrity news. The company is being sued by a woman whose photograph was published while she was undergoing an enema as part of a medical treatment. The woman claims that her privacy was violated and she is seeking a large sum of money as compensation. The case becomes even more complex when it is revealed that the woman was actually a man who underwent a sex change operation. The legal team argues over whether or not the company had the right to publish the photograph and whether or not the plaintiff's gender identity should be taken into consideration when determining damages.

Meanwhile, Shirley Schmidt takes on the case of a locum tenens doctor who is being sued for malpractice after a patient dies under his care. The doctor, who was only temporarily filling in for the regular physician, claims that he followed the standard of care and is not responsible for the patient's death. However, the plaintiff's attorney argues that the doctor should have done more to save the patient's life. As the case unfolds, it becomes clear that the real issue at hand is the shortage of doctors in rural areas and the need for locum tenens physicians to provide care to underserved communities.

Elsewhere, Jerry Espenson becomes obsessed with a new video game and spends all his time playing it, even during work hours. Alan Shore and Denny Crane try to intervene and convince him to put down the game and focus on his job, but they soon find themselves hooked on the game as well. The three of them begin to spend all their time playing the game together, neglecting their legal duties. As the addiction spirals out of control, Alan comes up with a plan to wean themselves off the game and get back to work.

Throughout the episode, the characters grapple with issues of privacy, responsibility, and addiction. As they take on these complex cases and personal challenges, they are forced to confront their own beliefs and biases, often leading to unexpected moments of growth and self-discovery. With its trademark blend of humor, drama, and sharp social commentary, "Tabloid Nation" offers viewers a captivating glimpse into the world of one of television's most beloved legal dramas.