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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Thoughts about "The Doctors" - September 1975

Another month's worth of episodes of "The Doctors" has aired on RetroTV. Below are my thoughts on what has aired for the month of September 1975.

Toni asked Althea for advice about how to make it on her own, and also ended up not needing an abortion, as she miscarried. While in the hospital, Billy called to check up on his sister, and Steve spoke to him first. Alan and Mike decided to see Toni together, though they didn't continue to get along. Mike was working for the police force, but had to go away to South America, as he was the only one qualified for the work. He had thought about coming back to Hope Memorial, but felt like he should not give up his responsibility. (This was a temporary write-off as Armand Assante who played Mike at the time was moonlighting and acting elsewhere.)

Joe left town, as he got another position helping people as a pastor. Andy Andersson sang a new song, and then decided to move home to help his aging parents. (Weird he would leave in September, and not prior to the beginning of the semester.)  Andy and Stacy spoke, and had some closure, as at least neither was angry anymore. Her phone rang, and Rico was on the other end. He realized she had truly moved on, and left without saying a word.

Penny continued to be annoyed by Stacy, though it feels like Penny just doesn't want Stacy to win. Penny went for advice about classes to Rico, while Stacy talked to Steve. Both women decided to take classes outside of their major, so I'm waiting to see them clash if they have to do a project together (but perhaps that will never happen as that is too dull for a soap even in the 70s.) Penny treats MJ with respect, which is a good thing. Penny and Althea have also been getting along for a change. Maybe the suitcase of housewares that Althea gave to Penny and MJ were so amazing that she didn't feel the need to be rude to her mother.

Hank got a new job being in charge of a new paramedical unit, which sounds a lot like the program that caused Hank to be shot. This would not only involve new and/or doctors in training, but existing professionals like Ann and MJ. Penny as a student or anyone else within the Hope University community also could be involved, like Stacy, who arrived with Rico. They decided they did like each other enough to date though they are not rushing into marriage. The meeting was held in MJ and Penny's apartment. Before the meeting, Hank told Penny if she or anyone else were to being doing this for the wrong reasons to not start volunteering. Penny had been upset about the idea of Ann being involved, though due to her charity work in Africa, she knows more about helping people outside a hospital than most involved in the unit.

Tom still is not doing much, but seems upset about things. Martha and Cadman are still together. Matt and Maggie spent time working, and not much together.

Erich wasn't happy with Karen, and the end of summer camp meant that he didn't get to see Billy. Karen's working at another hospital, so we aren't seeing her with patients at Hope Memorial. Of camera, Billy went to visit Erich, and we later heard about how Karen directed the conversation, and wouldn't let them have a conversation alone. Karen punished Erich without giving him supper for being messy, so he ran away. He was returned home by Billy, who lied about what happened as Carolee didn't want to lie, but decided that was best. Karen didn't even want Carolee to hear about Erich in the break room of the hospital. Karen shared how well Erich was doing in some ways.

Carolee and Steve's love life has been variable. We found out after the episodes in August that they weren't as close as I thought. Carolee pushed him away, and wasn't interested in doing anything. Steve gave her space, though eventually she was interested. Eventually Steve realized what Karen was up to, though unfortunately Judge Bowman was out of town, so they couldn't help Erich.

During all of this Mona returned to Madison. She and Win seem to no longer be together, though she is still using his name. At this point, she is staying at the Aldrich house, as the Elks were taking over all the hotels. She interrupted Steve and Carolee getting cozy, he had to fix his hair before they let Mona in, but made up for it, when she manipulated Karen for Erich's sake. Mona got Erich over for a visit, and was able to keep him long enough for Carolee and Steve to arrive from work. Erich was thrilled to see them, and then suggested that Erich spend the night. (Mona did this as she knew how Karen wouldn't allow Erich to spend even an afternoon at his family.)

We also found out since Mona came back, she was donating money and visiting important people. She invited Stacy over to catch up, and then left a message at the hospital for Rico, due to her close relationship with his uncle Nick (they were not that close.)

Althea had two patients who were elderly, who started keeping each other company, which annoyed her. The female patient Edna Ackerman messed up her medication so she could stay in the hospital and spend more time with Daniel Grady. This could hurt MJ in a professional way potentially. Althea also had a new patient with an ulcer, due to stress.

Those were the highlights of September 1975. The September 3 episode was missing, and September 25 was preempted. It made me extremely happy that Billy actually had something to do, though I'm still not sure what I think about his casual use of Mom and Dad for Carolee and Steve. I do wish that Billy could have a longer scene in person with Toni instead on the phone, but I did appreciate seeing him for more than two minutes on one episode.

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