Lou Grant Season 1 Episode 16 Hero

Lou Grant Season 1 Episode 16, titled "Hero," is a poignant and heartwarming episode that follows the story of a Vietnam veteran and former heroin addict, Gilbert Bates, who saves a young girl's life from a burning building.

The episode begins with the newsroom staff learning that a young girl was rescued from a fire by Bates, a homeless man who had been living in the abandoned building. Lou Grant (Ed Asner), the hard-hitting and often gruff editor of the Los Angeles Tribune, becomes interested in the story and decides to meet Bates in person.

Lou learns that Bates is a former Army Sergeant who fought in Vietnam and became addicted to heroin during his time in the service. After coming home, he struggled to find work and eventually ended up on the streets. Despite his struggles, Bates has managed to stay clean for several years and is now doing odd jobs to survive.

As Lou investigates Bates' story, he realizes that the man's heroism is not an isolated incident. Bates has been volunteering his time at a local community center, helping troubled youth stay out of trouble and turn their lives around. He's also been instrumental in helping other veterans get off the streets and find employment.

Lou decides to write a story about Bates, highlighting his heroism and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. However, when the story is published, it elicits a negative response from some of the Tribune's readers, who believe that Bates is a drug addict and a criminal who doesn't deserve to be celebrated.

The backlash is difficult for Bates to handle, and he begins to question whether he did the right thing by saving the young girl's life. Lou, however, is convinced that the story is important and insists that they stand behind it.

Throughout the episode, Lou grapples with the ethics of journalism and the responsibility of telling the truth. He questions whether the story is worth the harm it may cause to Bates and his reputation, but ultimately decides that it's important to tell the truth and honor a man who has made a difference in the world.

The episode is notable for its nuanced portrayal of a Vietnam veteran struggling to adapt to civilian life and overcome the stigma of addiction. It's also a powerful commentary on the role of journalism in society and the ethical considerations that come with reporting the news.

Overall, "Hero" is a moving and thought-provoking episode that tackles complex issues with sensitivity and nuance. It's a tribute to the power of humanity, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the good in others.