Ep 5. The Cheese Stands Alone

Doogie Howser, M.D. season 3 episode 5, titled "The Cheese Stands Alone," follows the life of a teenage prodigy, Doogie Howser, who is balancing his personal and professional life as a doctor in the Los Angeles area. In this episode, Doogie is faced with a decision that challenges his capability to make tough choices.

The episode begins with Doogie entering the hospital, where he greets his colleagues and patients. He is determined to get through his shift without any hiccups, but his plans are disrupted when his father comes to visit him. His father is excited to share some news with him but stops midway when he realizes that Doogie is preoccupied. Doogie brushes off his father's concerns and returns to work.

As he continues his shift, Doogie encounters a patient, Mrs. Teschner, who has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. The diagnosis is a significant blow to Mrs. Teschner, who has a passion for cheese and owns a cheese shop. The situation becomes complicated when she refuses to undergo surgery, which is her only chance of survival. Doogie is left with the difficult task of trying to persuade her to undergo surgery and save her life.

Meanwhile, Doogie's father is still trying to get his attention. He is eager to share the news that he and Doogie's mother are planning a trip to Europe and plan to take him along. However, Doogie is too preoccupied with Mrs. Teschner's condition to listen to his father. The situation only intensifies when Mrs. Teschner leaves the hospital without undergoing the surgery.

Doogie is left feeling defeated after Mrs. Teschner's departure, but he refuses to give up on her. He goes to her house, where he discovers that she is hiding there and that her decision not to undergo surgery stems from a fear of leaving behind her cheese shop and failing to pass it on to someone who would appreciate it as much as she does. Doogie sympathizes with Mrs. Teschner and relates to her about his own fear of leaving medicine and not being able to find something as fulfilling.

Doogie's conversation with Mrs. Teschner helps him come to a realization that he needs to take control of his life and make some tough choices. He decides to accompany his parents on their trip to Europe, hoping to gain some clarity about his future and make some personal and professional decisions.

In conclusion, Doogie Howser, M.D. season 3 episode 5, "The Cheese Stands Alone," examines themes of fear, choice, and the tough decisions that come with them. Through the character of Mrs. Teschner, the episode explores the fear of letting go of something you love, while Doogie's storyline delves into the consequences of choosing one path over the other. It's a poignant and introspective episode that reminds viewers of the difficulties of life and the importance of following your heart.