Ep 9. She Ain't Heavy, She's My Cousin

Doogie Howser, M.D. season 1 episode 9 titled "She Ain't Heavy, She's My Cousin" follows the story of Doogie as he navigates a difficult situation involving his cousin, Jackie.

Jackie comes to stay with Doogie and his family as she is having issues at home. Doogie welcomes her with open arms but things start to get complicated as he realizes she is struggling with drug addiction.

Doogie tries his best to support her and help her overcome her addiction, but it proves to be a tough battle. Jackie's actions start to put a strain on the relationship between her and Doogie's family, especially with her Aunt and Uncle who are housing her.

As Jackie's addiction gets worse, Doogie takes matters into his own hands and reaches out to a drug abuse counselor for help. The counselor advises him that Jackie needs professional help, and he convinces her to check into a rehab facility.

Throughout the episode, Doogie deals with the emotional toll of watching his cousin suffer from addiction and trying to do everything in his power to help her. Meanwhile, his medical career takes a backseat as he focuses on supporting his cousin.

In the end, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of addiction and the importance of seeking help. Doogie's unwavering support for his cousin shows the strength of familial bonds, even in the face of adversity.

Overall, "She Ain't Heavy, She's My Cousin" is a powerful episode that touches on important social issues. Despite its serious subject matter, the episode still manages to maintain the show's lighthearted tone, making it a true testament to the show's ability to balance drama and comedy.