Thoughts about "The Doctors" - September 1977

Another month of episodes of "The Doctors" has aired on RetroTV. Below are my thoughts on what has aired in September 1977.

Mike seems to like Sarah, and he went to the hospital as an observer, though by the end of the month he was actively treating patients.

Althea gave her notice that she wasn't coming back to Hope Memorial. Matt had to decide what he would do with his career, go back to being chief of staff, run the mobile unit or both.

Luke had to fire Nola due to Doreen's urging, and as Doreen financially backed the restaurant. Eleanor became more clinging to Luke though he pushed her away as he was spending his nights with Doreen. Wendy still had issues with her mother, and didn't trust Jason being her lawyer, but was told he was ethical. Doreen got a friend to help Nola with her career by sending her to NYC to become a singer. Jason figured this was suspect, and discovered Doreen was behind it all. Jason decided he wanted a future with Nola, and end his marriage.

MJ had a bridal shower at the Powers house hosted by Maggie. Carolee was MJ's attendant, and Steve was Tom's as Jerry, his only friend moved away. Betsy put an announcement in the newspaper about the wedding, and Tom got a phone call from his mother, that MJ believes is dead. Most of MJ's family came to the wedding, and it was surprising to see Dan Lauria and Chris Goutman in such small roles. Their wedding was nice, though short. MJ and Tom got to enjoy their wedding night (with Carolee moved out of the apartment) but not much else. They were going to meet Dick and Betsy and then go to Vermont, as the Manero's visited with Emma and Andrew after the wedding. There was a rainstorm with fog, and a car accident.  Dick and Betsy died and MJ had promised Betsy that she and Tom would look after Ricky. Betsy knew that Tom and MJ couldn't have kids (though Tom could be lying about this), and spoke to them before succumbing to her injuries.

Steve and Carolee shared some kisses the night of MJ and Tom's wedding. They both thought it was odd to be living together, but not together. Steve left for San Francisco and his medical conference and was gone for most of the month. Carolee was a comfort for MJ and Tom after the accident. Steve returned a night early, and Carolee, Mona and the kids were glad to see him. There was no movement yet with the annulment.

Those were the highlights of "The Doctors" for September 1977. I was disappointed that Jason's proposal to Nola seemed to be missing. Virginia and Mona being awkward due to Virginia being a guest at Tom and MJ's engagement party was logical. The September 30 episode was the last credited to Doug Marland. It was interesting to see his first head-writing stint, but it felt like he was breaking all the rules he later stated that one should follow writing a soap. I guess he learned from experience.