Ep 10. A Pig Too Far

St. Elsewhere season 2 episode 10 entitled "A Pig Too Far" is a dramatic and emotional episode that explores the complexities of human relationships in a hospital setting. The episode brings viewers on a journey as the staff of St. Eligius Hospital deals with the fallout from a tragic and untimely death.

At the beginning of the episode, we see a patient, Mr. Walters, brought into the hospital after being struck by a car. The hospital staff rushes to save his life, but their efforts are in vain; Mr. Walters dies on the operating table. This tragic event sets off a chain reaction of emotions and events that reverberates throughout the hospital and affects all the staff differently.

As the episode progresses, we see the various characters of St. Eligius come to terms with Mr. Walters' death in their own way. Dr. Westphall, the head of the hospital, is the most affected by the loss of Mr. Walters. He had gotten to know the patient and had hoped to save his life. Westphall's grief drives a wedge between him and his wife, who is unable to understand his intense emotional response to the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Dr. Auschlander, the chief of services, is forced to deal with his own mortality. He is diagnosed with cancer during the episode, and the news of his illness shocks and saddens the entire hospital staff. Throughout the episode, we see him struggling to come to terms with his diagnosis and accepting help from his colleagues.

Nurse Papandrao is also affected by Mr. Walters' death in a profound way. She had been close to the patient and his family, and the news of his death hits her hard. Throughout the episode, we see her grappling with her own feelings of grief and trying to console Mr. Walters' family.

Other members of the hospital staff also have to deal with their own personal crises while trying to cope with the aftermath of Mr. Walters' death. Dr. Craig, a brilliant but abrasive surgeon, is forced to confront his own biases and prejudices when he is assigned to operate on an overweight man. The episode explores the theme of body image and the stigma around obesity, which is particularly relevant today.

Overall, St. Elsewhere season 2 episode 10 is a moving and thought-provoking episode that explores the fragility of life and the complex emotions that arise in a hospital setting. It brings together an ensemble of talented actors who deliver powerful performances that will leave viewers contemplating the themes long after the episode ends.