Ep 16. The Show Musn't Go On

Doogie Howser, M.D. season 3 episode 16, titled "The Show Musn't Go On," follows the life of a teenage prodigy named Doogie who is juggling medical school while also navigating his personal life. In this particular episode, Doogie finds himself in an ethical dilemma when he is forced to reconsider his patient's best interest against his own career advancement.

Doogie's patient, a young and talented Broadway actress, comes to the hospital with a life-threatening illness that requires surgery. However, Doogie learns that the surgery could potentially damage her vocal cords, thereby jeopardizing her career in the theater. The actress and her manager are both opposed to the surgery and request that Doogie come up with an alternative treatment plan.

Doogie is initially hesitant to go against what he believes is his patient's best interest, which is to undergo surgery. However, as he begins to learn more about the actress's passion for her craft and how much her career means to her, he starts to empathize with her plight. He also feels pressure from his superiors to consider the actress's wishes and find another solution that would preserve her vocal cords.

As Doogie grapples with this ethical dilemma, he is further complicated by the arrival of his ex-girlfriend Wanda, who has come to visit him and rekindle their romance. Doogie's conflicted emotions towards Wanda further distract him from his professional responsibilities as he becomes more invested in their relationship.

Meanwhile, Doogie's father, who is also his mentor, senses that his son is struggling with the decision and offers him some sound advice. He tells Doogie to put himself in the shoes of his patient and consider what he would want if he were in her position. This advice prompts Doogie to seek out the actress and have an honest conversation with her about what she truly wants.

Ultimately, Doogie is able to find a solution that satisfies both his patient and her manager. He also makes a decision about his relationship with Wanda that is both mature and responsible. Throughout the episode, we see Doogie's growth as a both a young doctor and a person who is learning to navigate the complexities of love and life.

Overall, "The Show Musn't Go On" is an engaging and emotionally charged episode that showcases the challenges of medical practice and personal relationships. It exemplifies how even a brilliant and talented young physician like Doogie can still struggle with the moral and ethical gray areas of medicine and life.