Brilliant Minds (2024) s02e12 Episode Script
The Rider
1
Hope you don't mind feet.
My toes swell up like crazy at night.
Want an edible?
Uh, no. I'm good. Thank you, though.
I'm sorry. So you're, like,
friends with my dad?
I wouldn't exactly say friends.
I live in the unit upstairs.
Your dad and I have,
like, an arrangement.
An arrangement?
Gross. It's not sexual or anything.
Oh, I wasn't thinking it was. What?
I water his plants while he's away.
Away where?
I take it you two aren't close?
Not since I was a kid.
When you saw him last,
did he look sick?
Seemed fine to me.
On second thought
Settle in. This stuff hits quick.
[COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING]
[COWS MOOING,
INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]
[BULL ROARING]
[CAMERA SHUTTER CONTINUES CLICKING]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS FADING]
[DISTORTED, SLOW MOTION BULL GRUNTING]
I know that this past week
has been difficult
without Doctors Nash and Marcus,
but like the brain,
we have the capacity to adapt,
and adaptation requires cooperation.
That said, I know it's obvious
that there has been tension
between Dr. Porter and me.
That is why I want it to be known
that I am the doctor
who treated his mother.
The gala speech that
Dr. Porter gave was about me.
I-I'm sorry.
Charlie, so, you came here
for, like, what?
Revenge?
I came here to be a good doctor.
Okay. Um
[PHONES CHIMING]
They're calling a code. We have to go.
Smart move, taking away my leverage.
This isn't a game, Dr. Porter.
I am not your enemy.
H-How did you find that apartment?
You can pay enough for anything.
The only thing that tops
your curiosity about my life,
Dr. Porter, seems
to be the fragility of your own.
You can go.
Okay. I finished setting up
your dating profile.
All I need is a picture.
Ugh. Can't this wait?
I have a patient.
I see what you're doing.
Is this about the Thorne
thing at the gallery?
What thing? Okay, look,
the man prefers someone simpler,
with less baggage.
No, no, no. Thorne just knows
you're not the type of woman
that he rebounds with.
Maybe it's not a bad idea
to look outside the hospital.
Give the apps a chance.
Playing the field sucks,
but it's worth it to have
someone to come home to.
I want that for you.
Mm.
Not that there's anything
wrong with a woman being alone.
Mm-hmm. Nice try.
I'll think about it. [CHUCKLES]
Betsy! look at you. You are glowing.
Oh, well,
I'm feeling real good lately.
But I got so worried when
I heard about your suspension,
because you've been such a light
since the building collapsed,
right? You ever find out
who reported you?
Now, how do you know
someone reported me?
You know how these nurses can talk.
- Oh, do they?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay. Well, unfortunately,
we only have so long.
My schedule is tight today.
What brings you in?
I'm sorry. Where are my manners?
This here is my baby, D'Angelo.
Well, how cute.
My life has been turned around
since I adopted him.
I'm sleeping better through the night.
I'm not having as many bad dreams.
But the problem is,
D'Angelo here can yowl.
And my neighbors went to my landlord,
and now I'm gonna get evicted
if I can't prove that D'Angelo
is my emotional support animal.
Now, Betsy, I can't just hand
out emotional support letters.
Oh, no, no, I'm not asking you
to do that.
No, no. Get to know D'Angelo.
Some days it feels like he's my
only reason to get out of bed.
Third cup of coffee?
Um, what can I do for you,
Nurse Silva?
Okay. I see you wore your
grumpy stethoscope today,
but I think you're gonna
like this one.
Benson Bowman, a bull rider
in town with his touring rodeo
for a few days,
came into the E.D. after a fall.
They noted proximal leg weakness,
but C.T., X-ray,
and utox were all normal,
so I squeezed him in
for an appointment today.
And fair warning,
I have a thing for cowboys.
Buckling belts, knocking boots.
So if I faint
Let's hope there's
someone there to catch you.
- Where is our cowboy?
- Come on.
[PIANO PLAYING SCOTT JOPLIN'S
"MAPLE LEAF RAG"]
Is it Mr. Bowman? I'm Dr. Wolf.
Yeah.
It's nice to meet you.
You're quite the musician.
Yeah, I learned
from a fella in New Orleans.
Said music keeps the brain sharp.
Indeed it does.
Uh, so I don't see anything wrong
with your brain on these scans.
But I do agree with the E.D.
Your gait is peculiar.
This could be muscular or skeletal.
I see you've broken quite a few bones.
Yeah, that's par for the course.
A rider is supposed to fall,
but lately it feels like
I could fall
before the chute even opens.
Just need to hydrate more, I guess.
You do have significant
sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Oh! You understand any of that?
It means you've got some nerve
damage in your arms and legs.
Oh, hell, I wouldn't need
so many fancy words
- to tell you that.
- That could be the result
of your extensive injury history,
but I would like to run
some additional tests
just to rule out any
neurological causes.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Sure thing. Yeah,
I appreciate you, doc.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Excuse me. I'm looking for Benson?
Anyone know where he is? Benson. Baby?
Hey, there. Uh, I'm Dr. Wolf.
Dear heavens,
you are one handsome man.
- You're a doctor?
- Uh, I am. [CHUCKLES]
Did I hear you're looking
for Mr. Bowman?
Are you Mrs?
That boy wishes. I'm Grace Ann.
Grace Ann Stevens. Benson's my guy.
All right. Right this way, Grace Ann.
I'm Benson's doctor.
I can show you his room.
Just right around here.
- Cold.
- Oh, my God.
Benson? Benson, baby!
- Silva, can I get some help?
- Yeah.
[SHIVERING] C-Cold. Cold.
His pulse is increasing.
He's hypothermic.
93.2. It's an aggressive drop.
Okay, Benson, we gotta
warm you up. All right, buddy?
Warm blankets
and warm Lactated Ringer's,
with two large bore I.V.s.
We've got to administer
these fluids rapidly. Now.
Can I get some help here?
Benson, come on.
Let's get him up. Let's get him up.
- Okay.
- [THERMOMETER BEEPS]
98.6. Totally normal.
Benson, can you walk us through
how you felt
before your temperature dropped?
Yeah, a little woozy, I guess.
Look, it ain't a big deal, all right?
- This This happens sometimes.
- Benson runs frigid.
Especially after,
you know, he has a B.M.
All right. It's
It's been happening like this
for about a year.
Comes on fast, goes away faster.
But it's never been like that before.
That was something else.
Persistent sinus tachycardia.
What's going on with me, doc?
I just discharged Ms. Chen.
Room 303 is free
- if you need it.
- Thanks.
I can't stop thinking about
this Charlie thing.
It's like John Wick levels
of obsessed,
but with, like, stethoscopes
instead of guns.
And his speech? All the feels.
I guess you had to be there.
I'm doing a dinner drop at Van's
tonight after my shift,
- if you want to come.
- Yeah.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I applied for that grant.
The Mental Health Services grant
that Bronx General is sponsoring?
I-I didn't realize
that was your thing.
I landed an interview.
Will you help me practice tonight?
Uh, yeah. Of Of course.
Yes. Um, that's great.
- Congrats.
- Thanks.
So Ericka is going for the same grant
that I wrote you a reference for?
Yeah, but I never would
have even considered it
if I'd known she was applying.
Why not? Your proposal's great.
These grants are
like a gold star on your résumé.
Do you know
how hard it is to get hired
- after residency without one?
- I know,
but Ericka's just
so good at these things.
Kinney is a nuclear level
overachiever,
addicted to success.
Some stiff competition
might be healthy for her.
- Betsy was arrested.
- What?
She got into a fight with her
neighbors. Cops showed up.
They found the place crawling
with cats, like dozens.
When they said it was a public
health hazard, Betsy lost it.
- Where is she?
- The 44th precinct.
Hey, have you tested
for Toxoplasma gondii yet?
It's a parasite transmitted
through cat feces.
The one where rats
fall in love with cats?
Right. Some say
that Toxo could be what's
behind the misconception
of the "crazy cat lady."
The pathogen alters
the neurons to spark obsession.
Maybe I got Toxo,
'cause I keep bringing home
strays from the bar.
It's an interesting theory,
but fringe.
I'll look into it. Thanks.
No, no, and no.
Benson's mixed neurologic
exam, his autonomic instability,
his intensely sweaty palms,
none of these symptoms are explained
by our in-house workup.
But it is notable
that the life of a pro bull rider
is full of close contact
exposures manure, dirt,
fertilizers, other animals,
even spiders.
Rodeo trailers travel,
right, like a circus?
It's feasible that southern and
western pathogens are at play.
- Especially if he naps in hay.
- Hay naps? Really?
I mean, how much do any of us
actually know about a rodeo?
- I know Cowboy Carter.
- You might be onto something,
Dr. Porter. Benson's tachycardia
is concerning.
Whatever's happening
could be silently worsening.
The best thing we can do for him now
is put ourselves in his boots.
Sounds like we're going to the rodeo.
I don't mind working hard,
I'm always on the move ♪
Welcome to the Empire State
Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Where should we start?
Well, we'll need to talk
to the tour manager
and get samples from the dirt
in the arena,
as well as from any fertilizer or feed
that Benson might
have come in contact with.
I read that riders
can get sick from their bulls,
so maybe we get some specimen
from old Elsie.
Elsie? Bulls are boys.
They don't teach y'all that
in med school?
That would be vet school.
Heard that, buckle bunny.
Some Rodeo 101 for you city slickers.
Barrel racers like me
travel with our horses.
But bull riders draw
a new bull for each competition.
Which means there's not just one Elsie
for you to get specimen from, but
[ANIMALS GRUNTING]
Three.
Well, we need samples from both ends.
Dr. Wolf, you and I have got a
date with the Agricultural Expo.
[HORSES NEIGHING]
I'll be at the concession stand.
[COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS]
I never want to see
another bull in my life.
Why do they have so much saliva?
Ugh.
Thanks. Um
So I actually also applied
for the grant,
and I got an interview, too.
Oh. Why didn't you tell me?
I guess I just was worried
that it would be weird.
- Is it weird? It feels weird.
- Dana, relax.
I've been working in therapy
to not let my competition trigger me.
There's no reason
we can't both go for it.
That's true. And I'm glad
that therapy is helping.
I wasn't sure if going for
the grant was that or Sam or
What?
You've just been talking more
about your bio mom lately.
Have I?
Come on. We should find Wolf.
[BENSON GRUNTING]
Hey, hey, hey, hey. Excuse me.
Can I get a little help in here?
My arm's itching like crazy.
Ah! No! There's something on me.
What, do y'all got bedbugs
in here or some
I'm gonna need you to hold still!
No! No! What the hell? Get 'em off me.
They're under my skin. Aah, aah!
[SCREAMING]
Someone page Dr. Wolf! Stat!
Have you ever seen "The Mummy"?
When the the little beetle
dug himself
- under the little guy's arm?
- They were scarabs, honey.
Well, whatever they're called.
It was like that.
It's crawling up under my skin.
Have you ever experienced
hallucinations like that before?
Well, I've been knocked
in the head a few times.
Saw stars, but it wasn't like that.
This felt too real.
And what about now?
Are you still seeing
or feeling any bugs?
No, I feel right as rain now.
But that is how I get when I got
my good luck charm by my side.
It's the power of love and all that.
So sorry you had to go through
that on your own, baby.
But I'm here now.
I'm gonna take care of you.
Well, if this issue were
psychiatric, it's unlikely
that your episode would have
resolved this quickly.
We are still analyzing
the samples from the rodeo
to see if there's any connection.
But in the meantime, Grace Ann,
keep doing what you're doing.
On it. Not letting this one
out of my clutches.
Lab results from the rodeo.
Figured you should debrief Wolf.
Are you open to some feedback
from someone
who's been awarded six grants?
You have my attention.
I used to walk into those interviews
and just rattle off
a bunch of stats and facts.
It wasn't until I actually opened up
about what the grants meant
to me that committees lit up.
My advice?
Don't be afraid to get personal.
Thanks.
Uh, speaking of getting personal
You. Dr. Wolf.
Ah, my mentee has questions.
One, not your mentee.
And two, now that
your "C for Vendetta" mission
is accomplished, are you really
just gonna keep hanging around?
Are you trying to get rid of me, Dana?
- Okay.
- And who says
my mission is accomplished?
Are you open to some feedback?
You're a good doctor, despite
some sociopathic tendencies.
Maybe spend less time
trying to prove Wolf wrong
and show people
how your approach works.
I have a patient.
- Everything all right?
- Totally.
I was just on my way to find you.
- The rodeo results are in.
- Great.
And there is nothing relevant here.
So this isn't environmental
or infectious.
What are we missing?
A barrel racer and a germaphobe?
- Oh. Excuse me.
- Whoa! Naked cowboy butt.
Whoops. Sorry, doc. We should
have put a sock on the door.
I thought I told you to lock it.
[BOTH GIGGLING]
They drank the hand sanitizer.
I think they're drunk.
That's just the beginning
of our worries.
Benson, why didn't you tell me
you were an alcoholic?
We don't call it that where I'm from.
My mama, she was born with that
uh, what do you call it?
Uh, fetus alcohol disease.
Fetal alcohol syndrome.
Yeah, the day I was born,
first thing she asked the doctor
was, "Is he like me?"
She drank all nine months
of her pregnancy.
That's what we do.
My family, my friends.
I was sober 12 years,
then I turned 13.
I wasn't even drinking
when I came in here.
I was sober all of two days.
I didn't think it was related.
Well, what you have is called
atypical Wernicke's Disease,
sometimes referred to as wet brain.
It's a thiamine deficiency
caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
Alcohol blocks thiamine,
commonly known as vitamin B1,
and in severe cases, it can lead
to paralysis, coma, even death.
Thiamine. That's what y'all
got me hooked up to?
- It's gonna fix me?
- Well, it will alleviate
some of your symptoms
the wide gait, the hypothermia.
But I believe
your hallucination was caused
by alcohol withdrawal,
which Grace Ann treated
with hand sanitizer.
Grace.
She was just trying to help me.
She's seen me through a lot.
We've always been there
for each other.
We got this dream
of owning this big ranch with
one of those wraparound porches.
We'll get us some
rocking chairs, and
And we'll sit back
under that pink Montana sky.
Sip a couple cold ones.
I don't think Grace would be too keen
sipping sparkling water instead.
Well, how would she feel
about sitting on that porch
all by herself?
[CLEARS THROAT]
I've tried everything.
I worked all the steps.
I went to therapy.
I hired a sober buddy.
Expensive rehab. Cheap rehab.
I even tried hypnotherapy
and those GLP-1's.
I just wasn't born with an off switch.
Then we need to get you one.
Did you say neuromodulation?
Correct. Deep brain
stimulation, DBS, is a surgery
that uses electrical impulses
to re-tune neural pathways.
One could also point out
the similarity
- to a modern-day lobotomy.
- I'm the first to acknowledge
the troubled history
of psychosurgery, but
deep brain stimulation to treat
severe alcohol use disorder
- is something different.
- I've seen DBS
for movement disorders, of course,
and even read about it for OCD,
but never alcoholism.
That's because
there aren't that many people
who can benefit from it, people
who are motivated to change
but who can't stop drinking
despite meds or therapy.
That describes Benson.
So how does it work?
Electrodes in the nucleus accumbens
and then suddenly no more alcohol?
We don't know how it works,
not exactly.
But it does work, for some people.
Not enough to guarantee
abstinence, necessarily,
but ideally enough
to reduce the urge to drink.
Without impacting anything else
- in the pleasure-reward pathway?
- That is what it seems like.
I mean, this is
at the forefront, team.
Which is why I don't even know
why we would consider it.
We barely know anything
about our patient
other than the fact that he's a drunk.
And if nothing has changed
that yet, then nothing will.
This is a disease like any other.
The window is quickly narrowing
for Benson.
At this point, there are just
not that many other options.
Good luck convincing the chief.
Well, let me handle him.
Wolf, this just
doesn't make sense for us.
You've known this patient
all of 24 hours.
We'd need a more longitudinal view
of what he's tried, his commitment.
I've known Benson long enough
to know he's been trying
to stop drinking for a decade.
This is a powerful addiction, Josh.
His life is at stake.
We could save him.
I hear where you're coming from.
I've done DBS countless times,
but never for this indication.
This is a real risk
in an unapproved setting
I'm sorry. This is about FDA approval?
You're the one who was pushing DBS
on my patient with Tourette's.
That's not
- an approved use, either.
- And you said no.
Yeah, because Tourette's
wasn't about to kill him.
I'm not just one surgeon
making calls about one patient.
I'm the chief. To okay
an unapproved surgery
with uncertain outcomes
and no mechanism for reimbursement?
I'm sorry, I simply can't.
- Dr. Wolf! You got a sec?
- Mm.
Also, did you just drink
hand sanitizer?
[HOARSELY] Uh, it's patient research.
I wanted to ask your advice.
I'm applying for this grant,
and I have to speak to a panel,
and I'm not sure what to say.
- Competition's tight.
- You want to get ahead?
Button up. Be professional.
Boards love that in our line of work.
Button up. I can do that.
Thanks, Dr. Wolf!
I'm glad to see your time in
the clink hasn't changed you.
Oh, well, I'm still considering
getting a neck tattoo.
[LAUGHS] But it's all been worth it
if it means that I can keep my babies.
I spoke with Officer Rogers,
and he's willing to drop the charges
if we can get this situation
under control.
Betsy, how come
you weren't honest with me
about how many cats you had?
Because it fluctuates.
Even I don't know how many
there are sometimes.
People may think that makes me
some kind of old kook with cats.
But the thing is,
D'Angelo and these strays,
they make me feel whole.
I wake up with purpose.
It's been a long time
since I've felt that.
And there's nothing wrong
with having a companion.
But when it gets excessive,
it can become a health risk.
As it happens,
your lab results came back
positive for Toxoplasma gondii.
What is that? Never mind.
Okay, how do we treat that?
While you were exposed
to the pathogen,
fortunately, it's
not an active infection.
So physically,
there's nothing to treat.
I mean, you said it yourself.
You've never felt better.
But we still need to find a solution
so you and your babies
can have a safe place to live.
[SIGHS]
Nichols is being
completely unreasonable.
Benson is the perfect candidate
for DBS.
He's tried everything.
There is no other option.
Well, relapses are often caused
by euphoric recall.
His mind only remembers the
pleasurable aspects of drinking.
Do I have euphoric recall?
'Cause I keep forgetting
all the bad parts
about being married.
Maybe I need DBS.
Well, you can't get it
at Bronx General.
I can't believe Josh.
Did Josh mention Dr. Beau Pedrosa?
He's a neurosurgeon. He
practiced here before you came.
He's running a clinical trial on DBS,
mostly in patients with OCD.
But I have a feeling
he would make a humanitarian
exemption for Benson.
Why didn't Josh mention him?
Must have slipped his mind.
Carol, you're biting your lower lip.
- No, I'm not.
- You're lying.
What are you hiding from me?
Dr. Pedrosa is
Josh's boyfriend.
Wait, so you're gonna
cut out the part of my brain
- that craves alcohol?
- Not quite.
Surgeons will place electrodes
in the areas of your brain
involved in your addiction.
It's still experimental,
but there is a private hospital
running a trial
that we can try to get you into.
The goal is to reduce your cravings
and the anxiety you feel
around needing to drink.
- How soon?
- Hey, can we just
hold on for a second?
- This is all happening so fast.
- I understand,
but this is a once
in a lifetime opportunity.
They don't let just anyone
into these trials.
I get that Benson drinks,
but surgery seems like
a bit much, doesn't it?
The rodeo's like family.
We got plenty of people
who want to help.
You tell us that this is an issue,
then the other guys
and I can handle it.
Gracie.
Come here. Come here.
Hey.
I love that you don't make me
feel like I have a problem.
But I do.
- I need to hear this.
- There is no guarantee.
It likely won't remove
your cravings altogether,
but with continued therapy,
it could make you a different person.
I've seen Benson try to get sober.
He's not the man I fell in love with.
This time will be different.
After everything we've tried
to get me right,
we ended up here, in this city,
in this hospital,
with this nut of a doctor
no offense
who's offering me something
that no one else ever will.
This might be my one shot
to get back on the bull.
In my mind, there are two choices.
Either we go through with
this surgery, or your career,
your life as you know it, is over.
All right. I'm so sorry
to keep you all waiting.
Oh, please. Don't worry about that.
Mr. Bowman. You're lucky
you saw Dr. Wolf.
I wouldn't make time
this quickly just for anyone.
I've heard a lot about you, doctor.
Uh, yeah,
I've heard about you, as well.
So [CLEARS THROAT]
The way I like
to explain this to my patients
is that your reward system has
been hijacked by your addiction,
and this is the first step
to getting it back.
Yeah, that sounds real good.
Now, this surgery is just
the beginning of a long journey.
I like all my patients
to see a psychiatrist
before we move forward.
And, uh, the people
in your life are essential.
They will need to be equally
committed to your recovery,
or you'll be going through
brain surgery for nothing.
I'm I'm here for Benson.
Good. Yes.
Having good people in your life
is everything.
So how have you been, Betsy?
Well, it's real quiet now
with just me and D'Angelo.
But in finding homes
for all my other fur babies,
I realized that
this city is full of cat lovers.
And I'm now a proud member
of the Cat Museum
and the NY Cat Film Festival.
I even got invited to CatCon
in Pasadena.
[BOTH LAUGH]
It sounds like
you found your people, Betsy.
That's amazing progress.
And I have more good news.
I can sign off on D'Angelo
officially being your
emotional support animal.
And you two
can both stay in the apartment.
Mm. How does that sound?
How does that sound, baby?
How about you, Dr. Pierce?
You ever think about getting
a cat for yourself?
Well, you make being
a cat lady look good.
Thank you.
I'm not sure I can
pull that off the way you do.
Dr. Pierce, I am a 60-year-old
widow rebuilding her life.
I don't got time for such trifles.
Life's too short. Isn't it? Isn't it?
Yes, it is. Yes, it is.
Think of all this surgery
could do for us.
No more money wasted on rehab.
I could finally give you
that life you always wanted.
All I've ever wanted was you.
What if What if this surgery
changes you?
You heard the doctor.
I'll still be me.
Just a better version.
Maybe if this works,
you could get it, too.
We'd be in it together.
What do I need the surgery for?
Gracie, come on.
You could drink me under the table.
That doesn't make me a drunk.
If you want to quit drinking, fine,
but don't put your stuff on me.
Look, I'm ready for this.
I need it.
But I also need you.
My good luck charm.
You have me.
You know that.
So then do this with me.
Come on.
Get sober.
Benson
Do it for us.
Please.
Dr. Dang, we're so excited
to hear from you today.
Happy to be here.
[CLEARS THROAT]
- Your proposal is impressive.
- Thank you.
How do you plan on
balancing your grant work
with your current caseload?
Well, I love working
with my patients, of course,
but even in my first year,
I've already successfully completed
three research projects.
I rely on a three-pronged approach
communication, structure,
and transparency.
Oh, wow. Um [CLEARS THROAT]
That's a great question.
I guess I haven't
really thought about it.
Uh, you know,
I've never really been great
at time management.
It is my one flaw.
Why don't you tell us
what made you interested
in pursuing this particular grant?
The statistics of how difficult it is
for patients living with
mental illness
to get care are staggering,
and the cost
that society then has to bear
is unsustainable.
So, Dr. Dang, why do you want this?
When I was young, my sister
battled depression for years
before taking her own life.
My parents made it impossible
for her to talk about
what she was going through.
She was alone.
And she shouldn't have been.
As providers, we should
be there for our patients,
especially when no one else is.
I want to make sure that when
patients come into our hospital,
they have someone
who is going to protect them,
someone
who has the patient's
best interests at heart.
No matter what.
Maybe if my sister had had that
she would still be here.
Good run?
Well, if it isn't Dr. Pot-Stirrer.
Thank you for introducing
my boyfriend to my ex.
Well, thank you for introducing me
to the wonderful world of dating apps.
Besides, I did you a favor.
It was gonna come out eventually.
Let me ask you something.
As chief, you have access
to all HR files, right?
So you know who reported me?
Carol, you know I can't
You don't have to confirm or deny.
I think it was Dr. Dang.
I sit on the board
for a grant she's applying for,
but she couldn't even look at me
while she talked about
her sister's death.
It was a suicide, and Alison's case
must have reminded her of her sister.
It felt like she'd wanted me
to know it was her.
How do you feel about that?
How do you think I feel
about that, Josh?
I don't like it.
Look, I'm glad that
she had the strength to stand up
for what she believed in,
and I was wrong.
I have accepted that.
But I am just so frustrated.
Carol, you're a good doctor.
Don't let this convince you otherwise.
And as much as Wolf makes a fuss,
he cares about those interns.
Dana reporting me,
he'll see that as a betrayal,
and he cannot handle that.
Well, then we should make sure
that he doesn't find out.
Benson, should we wait for Grace Ann?
Uh, she ain't coming.
I'd do anything for that girl.
Almost heaven ♪
You just can't see what you can't see.
West Virginia ♪
- No.
- Blue Ridge Mountains ♪
I gotta take this ride on my own.
Well, I'll see you
on the other side, partner.
Older than the trees ♪
Younger than the mountains,
growing like the breeze ♪
Country roads, take me home ♪
To the place where I belong ♪
You're quite impressive, Dr. Wolf.
It's not easy getting
people to accept help.
Sometimes we can be
our own worst enemies.
Country roads ♪
I hear her voice in
the morning hour, she calls me ♪
Radio reminds me
of my home far away ♪
Driving down the road,
I get a feeling ♪
Like I should have been
home yesterday, yesterday ♪
Oh! We almost torched
your winter wear.
Van and Jacob are lucky.
They are the only odd couple
I'd cook for.
Can you check my phone and see
how long we bake this bad boy for?
Where I belong ♪
- Um
- [PHONE CHIMES]
Oh, my God. Dana, the grant committee.
They e-mailed?
Quick. Open it.
Dana, you did it. You got the grant!
- I got it?
- You got it!
- I got it!
- You got it!
[BOTH LAUGHING
AND SCREAMING INDISTINCTLY]
I got it, I got it, I got it.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
[SIGHS] I wish we both could have won.
I'd go splitsies with you any day.
No, stop it! You deserve this.
Thanks.
It was tough putting myself
out there like that,
but it was worth it.
I'm proud of you for being open.
I wanted to talk about my
birth mom during the interview,
but I didn't.
My whole life, I told myself
not to think about her.
But now I am thinking
about her, and
I want to find her.
That's amazing, Ericka.
Let me offer my finest
stalking services,
- free of charge.
- Oh.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
[KNOCK ON WALL]
I'm starting to wonder if I'm
the only food motivated one
in this relationship.
Shoot. Dinner.
Totally lost track of time.
- Sorry, babe.
- It's okay.
You'll make it up to me.
I met your colleague Dr. Wolf.
Nice guy. He seems to care a lot
about his patients.
Like someone I know.
Yeah, yeah, he's a good doctor.
Don't really know him that well.
Hey, are you, uh, ready for dinner?
- Sure.
- I'm sure we can still
make our reservation.
How long have you been there?
It was actually impressive
how you advocated for DBS.
I wasn't sure it was suitable
for an alcoholic,
but going after an experimental
for this patient?
That's the kind of leadership
that I want to embody.
Well, addicts deserve a second chance.
Perhaps your father
could have used one.
Your mother opened up to me
during her treatment.
She said your father started drinking
long before she got sick.
Neither of you were responsible.
- Neither was I.
- Is that how this works?
You tell me a nice,
little fun fact about my family,
- and we're all good?
- Charlie, what do you want?
To be honest, I wanted you to
fire me after that gala speech.
I did what I came here to do.
But someone reminded me
I'm a good doctor.
Maybe I want to stick around,
maybe run a department
like this one day.
Revenge is a ravenous beast.
If you let it,
this obsession with the past
will tear you apart.
Focus on your future.
Addiction isn't a loop.
It's a spiral.
You may think you're moving forward,
but it's only when you hit the bottom
that you realize you've
just been going down.
[TOILET FLUSHES, DOOR OPENS]
Left the front door unlocked for you.
Made you a set of keys so you
don't have to break the window.
Um
What else can you tell me
about my father?
Look. Usually, I live for some drama,
but I'm not really trying
to get involved
in whatever's going on
between you and your dad.
Well, what's going on between you two?
You said you had an arrangement.
You water his plants.
In exchange for what?
Are you hungry?
We could order a pizza.
What are your thoughts
on stuffed crust?
[YAWNS]
When's the last time you slept?
I don't sleep. Not much.
Your dad's the one
who suggested edibles.
They haven't been helping.
He was treating you.
Kind of.
He heard me screaming
in the middle of the night.
I have these crazy dreams.
And then I wake up, unable to move
- Sleep paralysis.
- That's what your dad said.
I started talking to him
about my symptoms.
One day, I guess I had a seizure.
Noah offered to be my doctor,
pro bono.
He always liked to make
house calls when I was a kid.
So I bartered with him.
I didn't want to feel
like a charity case.
He'd be my doctor, and in return,
I'd help him write his life story.
He told me about you.
How he lied about being dead.
Wild.
You need a doctor.
Why don't I treat you on the house?
And in exchange,
you can tell me what
my father's been up to
for the last 30 years.
Got yourself a deal.
Greg, move your head.
sync & corrections awaqeded
♪
♪
Hope you don't mind feet.
My toes swell up like crazy at night.
Want an edible?
Uh, no. I'm good. Thank you, though.
I'm sorry. So you're, like,
friends with my dad?
I wouldn't exactly say friends.
I live in the unit upstairs.
Your dad and I have,
like, an arrangement.
An arrangement?
Gross. It's not sexual or anything.
Oh, I wasn't thinking it was. What?
I water his plants while he's away.
Away where?
I take it you two aren't close?
Not since I was a kid.
When you saw him last,
did he look sick?
Seemed fine to me.
On second thought
Settle in. This stuff hits quick.
[COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING]
[COWS MOOING,
INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
[CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKING]
[BULL ROARING]
[CAMERA SHUTTER CONTINUES CLICKING]
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS FADING]
[DISTORTED, SLOW MOTION BULL GRUNTING]
I know that this past week
has been difficult
without Doctors Nash and Marcus,
but like the brain,
we have the capacity to adapt,
and adaptation requires cooperation.
That said, I know it's obvious
that there has been tension
between Dr. Porter and me.
That is why I want it to be known
that I am the doctor
who treated his mother.
The gala speech that
Dr. Porter gave was about me.
I-I'm sorry.
Charlie, so, you came here
for, like, what?
Revenge?
I came here to be a good doctor.
Okay. Um
[PHONES CHIMING]
They're calling a code. We have to go.
Smart move, taking away my leverage.
This isn't a game, Dr. Porter.
I am not your enemy.
H-How did you find that apartment?
You can pay enough for anything.
The only thing that tops
your curiosity about my life,
Dr. Porter, seems
to be the fragility of your own.
You can go.
Okay. I finished setting up
your dating profile.
All I need is a picture.
Ugh. Can't this wait?
I have a patient.
I see what you're doing.
Is this about the Thorne
thing at the gallery?
What thing? Okay, look,
the man prefers someone simpler,
with less baggage.
No, no, no. Thorne just knows
you're not the type of woman
that he rebounds with.
Maybe it's not a bad idea
to look outside the hospital.
Give the apps a chance.
Playing the field sucks,
but it's worth it to have
someone to come home to.
I want that for you.
Mm.
Not that there's anything
wrong with a woman being alone.
Mm-hmm. Nice try.
I'll think about it. [CHUCKLES]
Betsy! look at you. You are glowing.
Oh, well,
I'm feeling real good lately.
But I got so worried when
I heard about your suspension,
because you've been such a light
since the building collapsed,
right? You ever find out
who reported you?
Now, how do you know
someone reported me?
You know how these nurses can talk.
- Oh, do they?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay. Well, unfortunately,
we only have so long.
My schedule is tight today.
What brings you in?
I'm sorry. Where are my manners?
This here is my baby, D'Angelo.
Well, how cute.
My life has been turned around
since I adopted him.
I'm sleeping better through the night.
I'm not having as many bad dreams.
But the problem is,
D'Angelo here can yowl.
And my neighbors went to my landlord,
and now I'm gonna get evicted
if I can't prove that D'Angelo
is my emotional support animal.
Now, Betsy, I can't just hand
out emotional support letters.
Oh, no, no, I'm not asking you
to do that.
No, no. Get to know D'Angelo.
Some days it feels like he's my
only reason to get out of bed.
Third cup of coffee?
Um, what can I do for you,
Nurse Silva?
Okay. I see you wore your
grumpy stethoscope today,
but I think you're gonna
like this one.
Benson Bowman, a bull rider
in town with his touring rodeo
for a few days,
came into the E.D. after a fall.
They noted proximal leg weakness,
but C.T., X-ray,
and utox were all normal,
so I squeezed him in
for an appointment today.
And fair warning,
I have a thing for cowboys.
Buckling belts, knocking boots.
So if I faint
Let's hope there's
someone there to catch you.
- Where is our cowboy?
- Come on.
[PIANO PLAYING SCOTT JOPLIN'S
"MAPLE LEAF RAG"]
Is it Mr. Bowman? I'm Dr. Wolf.
Yeah.
It's nice to meet you.
You're quite the musician.
Yeah, I learned
from a fella in New Orleans.
Said music keeps the brain sharp.
Indeed it does.
Uh, so I don't see anything wrong
with your brain on these scans.
But I do agree with the E.D.
Your gait is peculiar.
This could be muscular or skeletal.
I see you've broken quite a few bones.
Yeah, that's par for the course.
A rider is supposed to fall,
but lately it feels like
I could fall
before the chute even opens.
Just need to hydrate more, I guess.
You do have significant
sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Oh! You understand any of that?
It means you've got some nerve
damage in your arms and legs.
Oh, hell, I wouldn't need
so many fancy words
- to tell you that.
- That could be the result
of your extensive injury history,
but I would like to run
some additional tests
just to rule out any
neurological causes.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Sure thing. Yeah,
I appreciate you, doc.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS]
Excuse me. I'm looking for Benson?
Anyone know where he is? Benson. Baby?
Hey, there. Uh, I'm Dr. Wolf.
Dear heavens,
you are one handsome man.
- You're a doctor?
- Uh, I am. [CHUCKLES]
Did I hear you're looking
for Mr. Bowman?
Are you Mrs?
That boy wishes. I'm Grace Ann.
Grace Ann Stevens. Benson's my guy.
All right. Right this way, Grace Ann.
I'm Benson's doctor.
I can show you his room.
Just right around here.
- Cold.
- Oh, my God.
Benson? Benson, baby!
- Silva, can I get some help?
- Yeah.
[SHIVERING] C-Cold. Cold.
His pulse is increasing.
He's hypothermic.
93.2. It's an aggressive drop.
Okay, Benson, we gotta
warm you up. All right, buddy?
Warm blankets
and warm Lactated Ringer's,
with two large bore I.V.s.
We've got to administer
these fluids rapidly. Now.
Can I get some help here?
Benson, come on.
Let's get him up. Let's get him up.
- Okay.
- [THERMOMETER BEEPS]
98.6. Totally normal.
Benson, can you walk us through
how you felt
before your temperature dropped?
Yeah, a little woozy, I guess.
Look, it ain't a big deal, all right?
- This This happens sometimes.
- Benson runs frigid.
Especially after,
you know, he has a B.M.
All right. It's
It's been happening like this
for about a year.
Comes on fast, goes away faster.
But it's never been like that before.
That was something else.
Persistent sinus tachycardia.
What's going on with me, doc?
I just discharged Ms. Chen.
Room 303 is free
- if you need it.
- Thanks.
I can't stop thinking about
this Charlie thing.
It's like John Wick levels
of obsessed,
but with, like, stethoscopes
instead of guns.
And his speech? All the feels.
I guess you had to be there.
I'm doing a dinner drop at Van's
tonight after my shift,
- if you want to come.
- Yeah.
Oh, I almost forgot.
I applied for that grant.
The Mental Health Services grant
that Bronx General is sponsoring?
I-I didn't realize
that was your thing.
I landed an interview.
Will you help me practice tonight?
Uh, yeah. Of Of course.
Yes. Um, that's great.
- Congrats.
- Thanks.
So Ericka is going for the same grant
that I wrote you a reference for?
Yeah, but I never would
have even considered it
if I'd known she was applying.
Why not? Your proposal's great.
These grants are
like a gold star on your résumé.
Do you know
how hard it is to get hired
- after residency without one?
- I know,
but Ericka's just
so good at these things.
Kinney is a nuclear level
overachiever,
addicted to success.
Some stiff competition
might be healthy for her.
- Betsy was arrested.
- What?
She got into a fight with her
neighbors. Cops showed up.
They found the place crawling
with cats, like dozens.
When they said it was a public
health hazard, Betsy lost it.
- Where is she?
- The 44th precinct.
Hey, have you tested
for Toxoplasma gondii yet?
It's a parasite transmitted
through cat feces.
The one where rats
fall in love with cats?
Right. Some say
that Toxo could be what's
behind the misconception
of the "crazy cat lady."
The pathogen alters
the neurons to spark obsession.
Maybe I got Toxo,
'cause I keep bringing home
strays from the bar.
It's an interesting theory,
but fringe.
I'll look into it. Thanks.
No, no, and no.
Benson's mixed neurologic
exam, his autonomic instability,
his intensely sweaty palms,
none of these symptoms are explained
by our in-house workup.
But it is notable
that the life of a pro bull rider
is full of close contact
exposures manure, dirt,
fertilizers, other animals,
even spiders.
Rodeo trailers travel,
right, like a circus?
It's feasible that southern and
western pathogens are at play.
- Especially if he naps in hay.
- Hay naps? Really?
I mean, how much do any of us
actually know about a rodeo?
- I know Cowboy Carter.
- You might be onto something,
Dr. Porter. Benson's tachycardia
is concerning.
Whatever's happening
could be silently worsening.
The best thing we can do for him now
is put ourselves in his boots.
Sounds like we're going to the rodeo.
I don't mind working hard,
I'm always on the move ♪
Welcome to the Empire State
Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Where should we start?
Well, we'll need to talk
to the tour manager
and get samples from the dirt
in the arena,
as well as from any fertilizer or feed
that Benson might
have come in contact with.
I read that riders
can get sick from their bulls,
so maybe we get some specimen
from old Elsie.
Elsie? Bulls are boys.
They don't teach y'all that
in med school?
That would be vet school.
Heard that, buckle bunny.
Some Rodeo 101 for you city slickers.
Barrel racers like me
travel with our horses.
But bull riders draw
a new bull for each competition.
Which means there's not just one Elsie
for you to get specimen from, but
[ANIMALS GRUNTING]
Three.
Well, we need samples from both ends.
Dr. Wolf, you and I have got a
date with the Agricultural Expo.
[HORSES NEIGHING]
I'll be at the concession stand.
[COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYS]
I never want to see
another bull in my life.
Why do they have so much saliva?
Ugh.
Thanks. Um
So I actually also applied
for the grant,
and I got an interview, too.
Oh. Why didn't you tell me?
I guess I just was worried
that it would be weird.
- Is it weird? It feels weird.
- Dana, relax.
I've been working in therapy
to not let my competition trigger me.
There's no reason
we can't both go for it.
That's true. And I'm glad
that therapy is helping.
I wasn't sure if going for
the grant was that or Sam or
What?
You've just been talking more
about your bio mom lately.
Have I?
Come on. We should find Wolf.
[BENSON GRUNTING]
Hey, hey, hey, hey. Excuse me.
Can I get a little help in here?
My arm's itching like crazy.
Ah! No! There's something on me.
What, do y'all got bedbugs
in here or some
I'm gonna need you to hold still!
No! No! What the hell? Get 'em off me.
They're under my skin. Aah, aah!
[SCREAMING]
Someone page Dr. Wolf! Stat!
Have you ever seen "The Mummy"?
When the the little beetle
dug himself
- under the little guy's arm?
- They were scarabs, honey.
Well, whatever they're called.
It was like that.
It's crawling up under my skin.
Have you ever experienced
hallucinations like that before?
Well, I've been knocked
in the head a few times.
Saw stars, but it wasn't like that.
This felt too real.
And what about now?
Are you still seeing
or feeling any bugs?
No, I feel right as rain now.
But that is how I get when I got
my good luck charm by my side.
It's the power of love and all that.
So sorry you had to go through
that on your own, baby.
But I'm here now.
I'm gonna take care of you.
Well, if this issue were
psychiatric, it's unlikely
that your episode would have
resolved this quickly.
We are still analyzing
the samples from the rodeo
to see if there's any connection.
But in the meantime, Grace Ann,
keep doing what you're doing.
On it. Not letting this one
out of my clutches.
Lab results from the rodeo.
Figured you should debrief Wolf.
Are you open to some feedback
from someone
who's been awarded six grants?
You have my attention.
I used to walk into those interviews
and just rattle off
a bunch of stats and facts.
It wasn't until I actually opened up
about what the grants meant
to me that committees lit up.
My advice?
Don't be afraid to get personal.
Thanks.
Uh, speaking of getting personal
You. Dr. Wolf.
Ah, my mentee has questions.
One, not your mentee.
And two, now that
your "C for Vendetta" mission
is accomplished, are you really
just gonna keep hanging around?
Are you trying to get rid of me, Dana?
- Okay.
- And who says
my mission is accomplished?
Are you open to some feedback?
You're a good doctor, despite
some sociopathic tendencies.
Maybe spend less time
trying to prove Wolf wrong
and show people
how your approach works.
I have a patient.
- Everything all right?
- Totally.
I was just on my way to find you.
- The rodeo results are in.
- Great.
And there is nothing relevant here.
So this isn't environmental
or infectious.
What are we missing?
A barrel racer and a germaphobe?
- Oh. Excuse me.
- Whoa! Naked cowboy butt.
Whoops. Sorry, doc. We should
have put a sock on the door.
I thought I told you to lock it.
[BOTH GIGGLING]
They drank the hand sanitizer.
I think they're drunk.
That's just the beginning
of our worries.
Benson, why didn't you tell me
you were an alcoholic?
We don't call it that where I'm from.
My mama, she was born with that
uh, what do you call it?
Uh, fetus alcohol disease.
Fetal alcohol syndrome.
Yeah, the day I was born,
first thing she asked the doctor
was, "Is he like me?"
She drank all nine months
of her pregnancy.
That's what we do.
My family, my friends.
I was sober 12 years,
then I turned 13.
I wasn't even drinking
when I came in here.
I was sober all of two days.
I didn't think it was related.
Well, what you have is called
atypical Wernicke's Disease,
sometimes referred to as wet brain.
It's a thiamine deficiency
caused by chronic alcohol abuse.
Alcohol blocks thiamine,
commonly known as vitamin B1,
and in severe cases, it can lead
to paralysis, coma, even death.
Thiamine. That's what y'all
got me hooked up to?
- It's gonna fix me?
- Well, it will alleviate
some of your symptoms
the wide gait, the hypothermia.
But I believe
your hallucination was caused
by alcohol withdrawal,
which Grace Ann treated
with hand sanitizer.
Grace.
She was just trying to help me.
She's seen me through a lot.
We've always been there
for each other.
We got this dream
of owning this big ranch with
one of those wraparound porches.
We'll get us some
rocking chairs, and
And we'll sit back
under that pink Montana sky.
Sip a couple cold ones.
I don't think Grace would be too keen
sipping sparkling water instead.
Well, how would she feel
about sitting on that porch
all by herself?
[CLEARS THROAT]
I've tried everything.
I worked all the steps.
I went to therapy.
I hired a sober buddy.
Expensive rehab. Cheap rehab.
I even tried hypnotherapy
and those GLP-1's.
I just wasn't born with an off switch.
Then we need to get you one.
Did you say neuromodulation?
Correct. Deep brain
stimulation, DBS, is a surgery
that uses electrical impulses
to re-tune neural pathways.
One could also point out
the similarity
- to a modern-day lobotomy.
- I'm the first to acknowledge
the troubled history
of psychosurgery, but
deep brain stimulation to treat
severe alcohol use disorder
- is something different.
- I've seen DBS
for movement disorders, of course,
and even read about it for OCD,
but never alcoholism.
That's because
there aren't that many people
who can benefit from it, people
who are motivated to change
but who can't stop drinking
despite meds or therapy.
That describes Benson.
So how does it work?
Electrodes in the nucleus accumbens
and then suddenly no more alcohol?
We don't know how it works,
not exactly.
But it does work, for some people.
Not enough to guarantee
abstinence, necessarily,
but ideally enough
to reduce the urge to drink.
Without impacting anything else
- in the pleasure-reward pathway?
- That is what it seems like.
I mean, this is
at the forefront, team.
Which is why I don't even know
why we would consider it.
We barely know anything
about our patient
other than the fact that he's a drunk.
And if nothing has changed
that yet, then nothing will.
This is a disease like any other.
The window is quickly narrowing
for Benson.
At this point, there are just
not that many other options.
Good luck convincing the chief.
Well, let me handle him.
Wolf, this just
doesn't make sense for us.
You've known this patient
all of 24 hours.
We'd need a more longitudinal view
of what he's tried, his commitment.
I've known Benson long enough
to know he's been trying
to stop drinking for a decade.
This is a powerful addiction, Josh.
His life is at stake.
We could save him.
I hear where you're coming from.
I've done DBS countless times,
but never for this indication.
This is a real risk
in an unapproved setting
I'm sorry. This is about FDA approval?
You're the one who was pushing DBS
on my patient with Tourette's.
That's not
- an approved use, either.
- And you said no.
Yeah, because Tourette's
wasn't about to kill him.
I'm not just one surgeon
making calls about one patient.
I'm the chief. To okay
an unapproved surgery
with uncertain outcomes
and no mechanism for reimbursement?
I'm sorry, I simply can't.
- Dr. Wolf! You got a sec?
- Mm.
Also, did you just drink
hand sanitizer?
[HOARSELY] Uh, it's patient research.
I wanted to ask your advice.
I'm applying for this grant,
and I have to speak to a panel,
and I'm not sure what to say.
- Competition's tight.
- You want to get ahead?
Button up. Be professional.
Boards love that in our line of work.
Button up. I can do that.
Thanks, Dr. Wolf!
I'm glad to see your time in
the clink hasn't changed you.
Oh, well, I'm still considering
getting a neck tattoo.
[LAUGHS] But it's all been worth it
if it means that I can keep my babies.
I spoke with Officer Rogers,
and he's willing to drop the charges
if we can get this situation
under control.
Betsy, how come
you weren't honest with me
about how many cats you had?
Because it fluctuates.
Even I don't know how many
there are sometimes.
People may think that makes me
some kind of old kook with cats.
But the thing is,
D'Angelo and these strays,
they make me feel whole.
I wake up with purpose.
It's been a long time
since I've felt that.
And there's nothing wrong
with having a companion.
But when it gets excessive,
it can become a health risk.
As it happens,
your lab results came back
positive for Toxoplasma gondii.
What is that? Never mind.
Okay, how do we treat that?
While you were exposed
to the pathogen,
fortunately, it's
not an active infection.
So physically,
there's nothing to treat.
I mean, you said it yourself.
You've never felt better.
But we still need to find a solution
so you and your babies
can have a safe place to live.
[SIGHS]
Nichols is being
completely unreasonable.
Benson is the perfect candidate
for DBS.
He's tried everything.
There is no other option.
Well, relapses are often caused
by euphoric recall.
His mind only remembers the
pleasurable aspects of drinking.
Do I have euphoric recall?
'Cause I keep forgetting
all the bad parts
about being married.
Maybe I need DBS.
Well, you can't get it
at Bronx General.
I can't believe Josh.
Did Josh mention Dr. Beau Pedrosa?
He's a neurosurgeon. He
practiced here before you came.
He's running a clinical trial on DBS,
mostly in patients with OCD.
But I have a feeling
he would make a humanitarian
exemption for Benson.
Why didn't Josh mention him?
Must have slipped his mind.
Carol, you're biting your lower lip.
- No, I'm not.
- You're lying.
What are you hiding from me?
Dr. Pedrosa is
Josh's boyfriend.
Wait, so you're gonna
cut out the part of my brain
- that craves alcohol?
- Not quite.
Surgeons will place electrodes
in the areas of your brain
involved in your addiction.
It's still experimental,
but there is a private hospital
running a trial
that we can try to get you into.
The goal is to reduce your cravings
and the anxiety you feel
around needing to drink.
- How soon?
- Hey, can we just
hold on for a second?
- This is all happening so fast.
- I understand,
but this is a once
in a lifetime opportunity.
They don't let just anyone
into these trials.
I get that Benson drinks,
but surgery seems like
a bit much, doesn't it?
The rodeo's like family.
We got plenty of people
who want to help.
You tell us that this is an issue,
then the other guys
and I can handle it.
Gracie.
Come here. Come here.
Hey.
I love that you don't make me
feel like I have a problem.
But I do.
- I need to hear this.
- There is no guarantee.
It likely won't remove
your cravings altogether,
but with continued therapy,
it could make you a different person.
I've seen Benson try to get sober.
He's not the man I fell in love with.
This time will be different.
After everything we've tried
to get me right,
we ended up here, in this city,
in this hospital,
with this nut of a doctor
no offense
who's offering me something
that no one else ever will.
This might be my one shot
to get back on the bull.
In my mind, there are two choices.
Either we go through with
this surgery, or your career,
your life as you know it, is over.
All right. I'm so sorry
to keep you all waiting.
Oh, please. Don't worry about that.
Mr. Bowman. You're lucky
you saw Dr. Wolf.
I wouldn't make time
this quickly just for anyone.
I've heard a lot about you, doctor.
Uh, yeah,
I've heard about you, as well.
So [CLEARS THROAT]
The way I like
to explain this to my patients
is that your reward system has
been hijacked by your addiction,
and this is the first step
to getting it back.
Yeah, that sounds real good.
Now, this surgery is just
the beginning of a long journey.
I like all my patients
to see a psychiatrist
before we move forward.
And, uh, the people
in your life are essential.
They will need to be equally
committed to your recovery,
or you'll be going through
brain surgery for nothing.
I'm I'm here for Benson.
Good. Yes.
Having good people in your life
is everything.
So how have you been, Betsy?
Well, it's real quiet now
with just me and D'Angelo.
But in finding homes
for all my other fur babies,
I realized that
this city is full of cat lovers.
And I'm now a proud member
of the Cat Museum
and the NY Cat Film Festival.
I even got invited to CatCon
in Pasadena.
[BOTH LAUGH]
It sounds like
you found your people, Betsy.
That's amazing progress.
And I have more good news.
I can sign off on D'Angelo
officially being your
emotional support animal.
And you two
can both stay in the apartment.
Mm. How does that sound?
How does that sound, baby?
How about you, Dr. Pierce?
You ever think about getting
a cat for yourself?
Well, you make being
a cat lady look good.
Thank you.
I'm not sure I can
pull that off the way you do.
Dr. Pierce, I am a 60-year-old
widow rebuilding her life.
I don't got time for such trifles.
Life's too short. Isn't it? Isn't it?
Yes, it is. Yes, it is.
Think of all this surgery
could do for us.
No more money wasted on rehab.
I could finally give you
that life you always wanted.
All I've ever wanted was you.
What if What if this surgery
changes you?
You heard the doctor.
I'll still be me.
Just a better version.
Maybe if this works,
you could get it, too.
We'd be in it together.
What do I need the surgery for?
Gracie, come on.
You could drink me under the table.
That doesn't make me a drunk.
If you want to quit drinking, fine,
but don't put your stuff on me.
Look, I'm ready for this.
I need it.
But I also need you.
My good luck charm.
You have me.
You know that.
So then do this with me.
Come on.
Get sober.
Benson
Do it for us.
Please.
Dr. Dang, we're so excited
to hear from you today.
Happy to be here.
[CLEARS THROAT]
- Your proposal is impressive.
- Thank you.
How do you plan on
balancing your grant work
with your current caseload?
Well, I love working
with my patients, of course,
but even in my first year,
I've already successfully completed
three research projects.
I rely on a three-pronged approach
communication, structure,
and transparency.
Oh, wow. Um [CLEARS THROAT]
That's a great question.
I guess I haven't
really thought about it.
Uh, you know,
I've never really been great
at time management.
It is my one flaw.
Why don't you tell us
what made you interested
in pursuing this particular grant?
The statistics of how difficult it is
for patients living with
mental illness
to get care are staggering,
and the cost
that society then has to bear
is unsustainable.
So, Dr. Dang, why do you want this?
When I was young, my sister
battled depression for years
before taking her own life.
My parents made it impossible
for her to talk about
what she was going through.
She was alone.
And she shouldn't have been.
As providers, we should
be there for our patients,
especially when no one else is.
I want to make sure that when
patients come into our hospital,
they have someone
who is going to protect them,
someone
who has the patient's
best interests at heart.
No matter what.
Maybe if my sister had had that
she would still be here.
Good run?
Well, if it isn't Dr. Pot-Stirrer.
Thank you for introducing
my boyfriend to my ex.
Well, thank you for introducing me
to the wonderful world of dating apps.
Besides, I did you a favor.
It was gonna come out eventually.
Let me ask you something.
As chief, you have access
to all HR files, right?
So you know who reported me?
Carol, you know I can't
You don't have to confirm or deny.
I think it was Dr. Dang.
I sit on the board
for a grant she's applying for,
but she couldn't even look at me
while she talked about
her sister's death.
It was a suicide, and Alison's case
must have reminded her of her sister.
It felt like she'd wanted me
to know it was her.
How do you feel about that?
How do you think I feel
about that, Josh?
I don't like it.
Look, I'm glad that
she had the strength to stand up
for what she believed in,
and I was wrong.
I have accepted that.
But I am just so frustrated.
Carol, you're a good doctor.
Don't let this convince you otherwise.
And as much as Wolf makes a fuss,
he cares about those interns.
Dana reporting me,
he'll see that as a betrayal,
and he cannot handle that.
Well, then we should make sure
that he doesn't find out.
Benson, should we wait for Grace Ann?
Uh, she ain't coming.
I'd do anything for that girl.
Almost heaven ♪
You just can't see what you can't see.
West Virginia ♪
- No.
- Blue Ridge Mountains ♪
I gotta take this ride on my own.
Well, I'll see you
on the other side, partner.
Older than the trees ♪
Younger than the mountains,
growing like the breeze ♪
Country roads, take me home ♪
To the place where I belong ♪
You're quite impressive, Dr. Wolf.
It's not easy getting
people to accept help.
Sometimes we can be
our own worst enemies.
Country roads ♪
I hear her voice in
the morning hour, she calls me ♪
Radio reminds me
of my home far away ♪
Driving down the road,
I get a feeling ♪
Like I should have been
home yesterday, yesterday ♪
Oh! We almost torched
your winter wear.
Van and Jacob are lucky.
They are the only odd couple
I'd cook for.
Can you check my phone and see
how long we bake this bad boy for?
Where I belong ♪
- Um
- [PHONE CHIMES]
Oh, my God. Dana, the grant committee.
They e-mailed?
Quick. Open it.
Dana, you did it. You got the grant!
- I got it?
- You got it!
- I got it!
- You got it!
[BOTH LAUGHING
AND SCREAMING INDISTINCTLY]
I got it, I got it, I got it.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
[SIGHS] I wish we both could have won.
I'd go splitsies with you any day.
No, stop it! You deserve this.
Thanks.
It was tough putting myself
out there like that,
but it was worth it.
I'm proud of you for being open.
I wanted to talk about my
birth mom during the interview,
but I didn't.
My whole life, I told myself
not to think about her.
But now I am thinking
about her, and
I want to find her.
That's amazing, Ericka.
Let me offer my finest
stalking services,
- free of charge.
- Oh.
[INDISTINCT CONVERSATION]
[KNOCK ON WALL]
I'm starting to wonder if I'm
the only food motivated one
in this relationship.
Shoot. Dinner.
Totally lost track of time.
- Sorry, babe.
- It's okay.
You'll make it up to me.
I met your colleague Dr. Wolf.
Nice guy. He seems to care a lot
about his patients.
Like someone I know.
Yeah, yeah, he's a good doctor.
Don't really know him that well.
Hey, are you, uh, ready for dinner?
- Sure.
- I'm sure we can still
make our reservation.
How long have you been there?
It was actually impressive
how you advocated for DBS.
I wasn't sure it was suitable
for an alcoholic,
but going after an experimental
for this patient?
That's the kind of leadership
that I want to embody.
Well, addicts deserve a second chance.
Perhaps your father
could have used one.
Your mother opened up to me
during her treatment.
She said your father started drinking
long before she got sick.
Neither of you were responsible.
- Neither was I.
- Is that how this works?
You tell me a nice,
little fun fact about my family,
- and we're all good?
- Charlie, what do you want?
To be honest, I wanted you to
fire me after that gala speech.
I did what I came here to do.
But someone reminded me
I'm a good doctor.
Maybe I want to stick around,
maybe run a department
like this one day.
Revenge is a ravenous beast.
If you let it,
this obsession with the past
will tear you apart.
Focus on your future.
Addiction isn't a loop.
It's a spiral.
You may think you're moving forward,
but it's only when you hit the bottom
that you realize you've
just been going down.
[TOILET FLUSHES, DOOR OPENS]
Left the front door unlocked for you.
Made you a set of keys so you
don't have to break the window.
Um
What else can you tell me
about my father?
Look. Usually, I live for some drama,
but I'm not really trying
to get involved
in whatever's going on
between you and your dad.
Well, what's going on between you two?
You said you had an arrangement.
You water his plants.
In exchange for what?
Are you hungry?
We could order a pizza.
What are your thoughts
on stuffed crust?
[YAWNS]
When's the last time you slept?
I don't sleep. Not much.
Your dad's the one
who suggested edibles.
They haven't been helping.
He was treating you.
Kind of.
He heard me screaming
in the middle of the night.
I have these crazy dreams.
And then I wake up, unable to move
- Sleep paralysis.
- That's what your dad said.
I started talking to him
about my symptoms.
One day, I guess I had a seizure.
Noah offered to be my doctor,
pro bono.
He always liked to make
house calls when I was a kid.
So I bartered with him.
I didn't want to feel
like a charity case.
He'd be my doctor, and in return,
I'd help him write his life story.
He told me about you.
How he lied about being dead.
Wild.
You need a doctor.
Why don't I treat you on the house?
And in exchange,
you can tell me what
my father's been up to
for the last 30 years.
Got yourself a deal.
Greg, move your head.
sync & corrections awaqeded
♪
♪