Doc – Season 1 Episode 5

Published: Feb 20 2025

As the curtains rise on the fifth installment of "Doc," Tyler (Patrick Kwok-Choon) and Kayla (Rosie Simon) stand on the brink of matrimonial bliss, only for their dreams to be momentarily dashed. Kayla, suddenly overcome with malaise, declares herself in bad shape, and before long, collapses into unconsciousness. Amy Larsen (Molly Parker), an observer of life's unexpected twists, surveys the scene of Kayla's fainting with a sober gaze. She confides in Gina Walker (Amirah Vann), acknowledging the futility of her visit yet revealing the subtle shifts and constants in their reality. Gina prompts Amy to inspect their new abode, to which Amy reluctantly admits she hasn't even broached the subject with Michael (Omar Metwally). Instead, she places her faith in a figure named Alan, whom Gina dismisses as unworthy of a second thought. Meanwhile, Amy's memory of her past with Jake Heller (Jon-Michael Ecker) remains a blank slate.

Doc – Season 1 Episode 5 1

In the hospital's hallowed halls, Sonya Maitra (Anya Banerjee) probes Jake, wondering how he could have remained oblivious to the truth for so long. Jake unveils their secret communication via WhatsApp, while Sonya urges him to enlighten Amy, who promptly enters the scene. Amy is directed to room 617 to shadow Sonya, leaving Jake an opportunity to apologize to Amy for past grievances, accompanied by her favored coffee.

Kayla, recovering her senses, apologizes to Tyler, chalking her condition up to forgetfulness regarding sustenance. Jake informs her of elevated blood pressure and traces of Benzodiazepines in her system, prompting Kayla to confess her sporadic use of Xanax borrowed from a friend to quell her anxiety. Tyler's concerns escalate, fearing she's relied on medication to navigate recent stress.

Elsewhere, Amy joins Sonya, who is collaborating with Nancy (Samantha Soule), Erick (Gord Rand), and Sam (Etienne Kellici). Sam's plight—diffuse bone pain, rash, and debilitating weakness—is the focus of their concern. Sonya speculates that these could be adverse effects of Filpogen treatment, possibly worsening. Preparations for a stem cell transplant loom on the horizon.

Through a video feed, Leo (Caleb Malis), confined in a positive air-pressure isolation room next door, joins their conversation. This marks Leo's third recurrence, with Sam consistently serving as his donor. Eric recounts the timeline: the first incident in 2018, followed by another three years later. With Sam's Filpogen treatment nearing its end in three days and Leo's final chemo infusion ahead, the family's anxieties peak over potential splenic complications for Sam, based on his symptoms. Nancy suggests administering Oxy for pain relief, but Leo balks at the idea. Amy discovers that the video feed cannot be deactivated.

As Sam undergoes a CT scan, he confides in Eric about the overwhelming nature of their ordeal. Eric reflects on Leo's diagnosis at the tender age of three, emphasizing their refusal to accept defeat when hope flickered. Post-scan, Sam is encouraged to visit Leo in person. Their conversation reveals Leo's awareness of Sam's unprecedented decline.Sam insists that the situation tends to deteriorate for those who are older and have undergone the procedure before. He stands firm in his resolve, vowing not to let Leo perish. In his room, Sam yearns for Leo's cherished baseball cards and a state-of-the-art Xbox.

In a poignant flashback, Michael tenderly checks on Nora (Sarah Allen), who insists, despite her fragile state, that she is alright. To his astonishment, she reveals her pregnancy, a miracle they had deemed impossible.

Switching to the present, Michael seeks reassurance from Gina, who has just learned that they are expecting a boy. Nora urges Michael to confront Amy swiftly, likening it to ripping off a Band-Aid. Gina concurs, emphasizing that procrastination serves no one. She admits that, despite his past, a part of Michael will always hold a special place for Amy. Moreover, Gina notices a shift in her feelings towards Michael; for the first time since Danny, she finds herself looking at him with love. She implores him to confide in Amy soon, as his hesitation is causing tension among those around him.

Jake arrives, seeking Gina's help in speaking to Kayla. Meanwhile, Sonya informs Amy that Sam's CT scans have revealed an enlarged spleen. Dr. Miller suggests taking a pause before administering his next dose. Sonya relays that Sam is in considerable pain and in considerable pain. Amy fears that delaying treatment will only prolong his agony. Sonya, too, expresses doubts about the worth of continuing the treatment solely to prolong Leo's life.

Jake engages Tyler in a heartfelt conversation about his relationship with Kayla and her recent fainting spells. Tyler admits a twisted hope that something might be wrong with her, as it would suggest she's not scared of marrying him. Jake counters that a brief delay wouldn't matter if Tyler's love for her is genuine. Gina joins them and encourages Tyler to speak with Kayla directly.

In private, Gina explains to Jake that people often collapse at such events due to prolonged denial of their fears. Kayla, she believes, has been exaggerating her anxiety for months. On the day of her fainting, she should have found solace. Gina asserts that Kayla still desires to marry Tyler. Jake realizes that there might be a physical cause behind her fainting.

Amy shares a tender moment with Leo, confirming that the stem cell transplant is still on track. Leo reflects that this will be his third attempt, having gained 25 months of remission after the first and 14 after the second. He knows adults aren't allowed to donate more than twice due to the physical strain. Leo admits he never agreed to this, having had no say in the matter. When Sonya enters, Leo expresses concern for Sam's condition. Amy reassures him they'll halt the treatment if there's any danger to Sam. Leo believes Sam doesn't want to go through with it, and his parents are in denial. Sonya reminds Leo that, as an 18-year-old, he has the right to refuse. She offers to search for another donor if he's worried about Sam. Amy tries to refute her points.

Sonya pulls Amy aside for a private discussion. Amy pleads with Sonya to consider the family's well-being. Sonya responds that stepping back would free them all and that the decision isn't hers to make. She stresses that Leo is an adult with rights and asserts that she no longer works for Amy.

Jake checks on Kayla, who is being administered Labetalol, a beta-blocker, to manage her condition.He aims to stabilize her blood pressure before initiating a battery of diagnostic tests. Jake meticulously reviews the extensive list of procedures they intend to conduct. However, Tyler's actions prompt an adverse reaction in Kayla, prompting Jake to hush him urgently. He instructs the nurse to halt the administration of Labetalol as Kayla experiences an involuntary surge in hypertension. Jake suspects the presence of an adrenal gland lesion, a potential culprit behind her condition.

Meanwhile, Leo remains steadfastly opposed to Sam's Oxycontin treatment. Sam, weary of the ongoing conflict, urges everyone to cease their arguing. Leo, resolved to end the impasse, declares an immediate halt to Sam's treatments and insists on taking him home. Sam, earnest in his desire to contribute, points out his genuine intentions. Leo counters that they have centered Sam's entire existence around saving him, an accusation that resonates deeply. Nancy accuses Sonya of manipulating Leo into giving up on his fight. Amy advocates for taking the matter to the hospital administrators. Nancy, convinced that Leo's actions stem from a misplaced desire to shield Sam from suffering, informs Michael and Dr. Richard Miller (Scott Wolf) of her intention to have Sonya removed from Leo's case. Michael, defensive, urges them to refrain from assuming a conspiracy aimed at thwarting their efforts.

Jake delivers the diagnosis to Kayla; she has an endocrine tumor, likely benign. The tumor, a Pheochromocytoma, is hyperactivating her stress response. Surgical removal is feasible but carries risks due to its location. Jake advocates for surgery, emphasizing that the risks will persist regardless of delay. He later confides in Gina, acknowledging her insight regarding the bride and revealing his and Amy's five-month relationship prior to the accident. Though Jake desires to share this with Amy, Gina cautions against potential complications amidst Amy's current scrutiny. She warns that Amy, still emotionally entangled with her husband six weeks post-coma, may not be ready for such news. Jake believes it crucial for Amy to glimpse a glimmer of hope, even if she isn't prepared to embrace it.

Amy checks in on Nancy, offering to mediate with Leo. Sonya, justifying her actions to Michael, asserts she acted in her patient's best interest, citing the urgency and Nancy's intransigence. She denies influencing Leo directly, speculating that Amy might have planted such thoughts. Michael assures her that the incident will undergo a comprehensive review, while Sonya expresses hope for fairness akin to that afforded to others in the department.

Amy visits Leo, who expresses familiarity with pain and expresses concern about further medicating Sam. Amy reassures him that his parents' actions stem from love. Suddenly, Leo suffers a medical emergency. Nurse Julie (Claire Armstrong) frantically informs Amy of Leo's Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. Eric and Nancy implore Amy to defy it, but Amy persists, driven by a deeper resolve.

In a poignant flashback, Nora discovers Michael asleep in his son's room once more, a gesture revealing his uncertain strength to endure another such ordeal.

He is consumed by worry that the child may never reclaim his spirit. Nora reassures him that the boy is not Amy, and his heart remains open to possibilities. Meanwhile, in the present moment, Sonya confides in Amy that Leo had persuaded Dr. Lawrence to endorse the DNR the previous night, emphasizing that she herself would never have approved such a decision. Nancy verifies that Leo's condition remains stable. Amy speculates that Leo's request for the DNR stemmed from a place of desperation. She concedes that Leo's voice goes unheard by all except for Sonya. Michael confronts Amy, reminding her that overriding a DNR typically results in suspension or even dismissal. He reveals that he's had the parents lobby board members to shield her from repercussions. Gina warns Amy that Richard Miller is relentless in his pursuit of justice, advocating for medication to manage her impulsivity. Amy counters that such drugs hinder memory recovery. Gina and Michael sternly caution Amy that she's treading on dangerous ground and cannot afford any more mishaps; a formal complaint from Leo would plunge her into serious trouble.

Later, Amy overhears Nancy conversing with Sam while Eric comforts Leo, assuring him that Nancy's intentions were noble until they weren't. Leo acknowledges that they are now listening to him and admits his mistake in requesting the DNR. Eric urges him not to surrender. Leo agrees to keep fighting. In private, Leo expresses gratitude to Sonya for her actions. Kayla decides to marry Tyler promptly, fearing the worst. Post-surgery, Jake assures everyone that all is well. Amy invites Katie (Charlotte Fountain-Jardim) over for dinner. Sonya informs Amy that Leo has no intention of lodging a complaint; his father's guidance has restored his sense of right and wrong. Amy apologizes to Sonya for her earlier harsh words. Richard assures Sonya that she won't face an investigation, acknowledging that Amy's position is precarious; anyone else would face severe consequences if they crossed the line again.

Sharing cake with Jake, Amy finds herself sidetracked when he seems poised to confide something significant. Instead, she initiates a conversation about Michael and their upcoming wedding, remarking that remembering the past is easier than navigating the present. Flashing back, Michael arrives home with flowers for Nora, pledging his unwavering support. In the contemporary scene, Michael visits Amy at her home to share news about their baby. Before the accident, Amy had wished him luck upon discovering the news. Michael admits they never attempted conception. She offers him the same well-wishes once more.

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