Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989) s03e19 Episode Script
My Father, My Self
Choosing a specialty is a momentous decision.
My advice Consider neurosurgery.
Brains.
Huh.
There's a thought.
Pathology, Dr.
howser.
I love it.
Well, the the population is getting older.
Become an allergist, doogie.
If you can free one person from the prison of their Ah-choo Allergies, it can be a very rewarding feeling.
Ah-choo! Pediatrics, Dr.
howser.
What could be better than working with babies? Cute kid.
Keep it in mind.
Administrative work has always been very satisfying to me.
Thank you, sir.
I'll think it over.
It may lack the glamour and excitement of the operating theater.
Well, what doesn't? But what fireworks can erupt over a hotly-contested financial review.
The budget That's strong stuff.
Why, just the other day, I locked horns with the board of directors over the food services budget.
I have the notes on that meeting somewhere which tell the whole incredible story.
Plastic surgery, specializing in breast enhancement.
Guys, I am so confused.
My residency's almost over.
I don't know what to do next.
I don't like seeing you like this, flailing about with a lack of direction.
Yeah, doogie.
It's weird.
You're acting like What I choose will determine the course of my life.
You're right.
You should take your time.
It takes careful thought, analysis, research.
It's like Buying shoes.
You need to browse, try on as many pairs as possible, and whatever you do, never grab the first pair of pumps, 'cause you can't return shoes, especially when they're on sale.
You know, Janine, that actually makes sense to me.
It does? Then why do you still look so worried? Because What you said actually makes sense to me.
I know it's here.
It's got to be here.
Please, please, please! Where's that magazine? It's got to be here.
Yes! "September, 1979.
" My favorite.
It's still here.
"Seed gatherers of the serengeti.
" Dad ought to invest in some new magazines.
What, are you kidding? This is the woman who introduced me to the beauty of the female form.
You can't discard a woman who carries a basket like that.
Well, well.
Look what the cat dragged in.
Doogie, look at you.
You grow a foot every time I see you.
And, Vinnie Lois, please.
There are no words to describe my incredible physical magnetism, so don't even try.
Mmm, ha ha ha.
Lois, is dad ready? We're going to the Lakers game.
He's finishing up with Dr.
fenmore.
He'll be right out.
Say, Lois, do you got a lollipop for me? For you? Come here.
Better watch out.
You got any purple ones? Ooh, we might.
I only like the purple.
Say, Vinnie You got a hug for me? For you? Ha ha ha.
Ooh! Good hug! Ha ha.
Yes! I am so relieved.
I don't know why I worry so much.
Nothing wrong with being cautious.
If you have any questions, call my home number.
Thanks so much, Dr.
howser.
You're welcome.
Hi, son.
You ready? Oh, yeah.
I'm ready, dad.
Ready, vin? Bye.
What a price to pay for a stinkin' lollipop.
The human vise nearly broke a rib.
David, do I have time to make a quick call? Stuart.
Stuart, this is Dr.
Douglas howser.
Doogie, Dr.
Stuart fenmore.
Oh, hi.
Nice to meet you.
Same here.
Your father talks a lot about you.
Jeez.
Roomful of doctors.
If you're choking on a chicken bone, this is the place.
Stuart's visiting from New York.
He graduated from my Alma mater.
Good school.
You here long? I'm heading back east tomorrow.
Then It looks like I have some thinking to do.
Stuart and I have been talking.
I've asked him to join me in my practice.
Really? I'd be crazy to say no.
Hi.
How was the Lakers game? Fantastic.
We saw Nicholson, dyan Cannon, mcenroe and Tatum, rob lowe, and arsenio hall.
Who won? Uh, Dr.
h? Oh, dyan had the best hairdo.
Tatum had a bodacious bod.
No contest.
Ha ha ha.
I thought you'd be home earlier.
Overtime? No.
We had to drop Dr.
fenmore home at his hotel.
He went to the game with us.
Great guy.
Don't you think, doogie? Yeah.
I like him.
Did you know what he was an all-American receiver at Stanford? How long have you been interviewing people? Oh, on and off for the last few months.
Uh, but nobody i didn't click with anybody until Stuart.
Why? I was a little surprised.
I didn't think you'd bring anybody into the practice until you got older.
I got older, doogie.
While you weren't looking, I turned 56.
He's right.
A man gets to be his age, he's got to make the most of what little time he's got.
Get in all the shuffleboard you can.
There's a little more to it than shuffleboard, Vincent.
I want to make sure that my practice is in good hands - when i - Croak? Sorry.
Pass away.
Retire.
You can hand over the reins that way, too.
Well, it's your practice.
Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night, doogie.
Say, tell me something, Dr.
h.
Even with this Stuart guy in the picture, upon your Demise, doogie will still inherit your estate, correct? You're flirting with your own demise, Vincent.
That's a good sign.
Still got your sense of humor.
Oh, doog.
You live a charmed life, howser.
When I told my old man I didn't want to go into the family business, I was so wracked with guilt, I got nauseous.
But your dad doesn't even want you in the practice.
You have escaped the son-sucking vortex without a single dry heave.
I envy you, man.
You are one lucky guy.
You are one lucky boy.
Your cast will be off in no time.
You'll be o.
K.
, Jason.
It's just a greenstick fracture of the ulna.
Ha ha ha.
All right.
Jason, you go and pick out a lollipop.
You know where they are.
Thank you, Dr.
howser.
You're welcome.
Watch out for Lois.
She'll smother you.
Thanks, doctor.
He'll be fine.
If you have any questions, call.
O.
K.
You have our home number, right? Aw, we make a pretty good team, huh? Dad, when I grow up, can we be doctors together? I have the feeling when you grow up, you can be whatever you want.
I want to work with you.
That sounds like a pretty good plan to me.
Look.
Whoa! I have just the place for this.
Cool.
Yeah.
Real cool.
"Oat bran, oat nuggets.
" Bran this, bran ahh! David.
Damn it, Katherine, I'm a doctor.
Let me live.
Good morning.
Morning.
Oh, doogie.
I was on the phone with Dr.
sachs.
I said you were undecided about what to do next.
He offered to show you around obstetrics at valley general.
Thanks, dad, but I've decided.
Wonderful.
What? I've decided to go into practice with you.
That's why I was so freaked out about this decision.
I know I belong in practice with you.
I had no idea you were considering this.
Don't you remember our plan howser and son? I know we talked about it when you were little, but now, uh I just assumed you were destined for bigger things than a family practice.
I feel this is something I want to do.
Look, 22 years ago, you delivered a baby named Libby keen, and now she's invited you to her wedding.
You've become a member of the family.
You've built something really special, dad, and I want to be a part of it.
Well? Nothing could make me prouder.
Are you nuts? You were off the hook.
Now, due to a temporary malfunction of the judgment lobe in your brain, you've committed yourself to a lifetime of father knows best.
Relax, vin.
O.
K.
, here's what we'll do.
We'll go to hickory farms and buy your dad the "I said I'd go into business with you", but I was insane" salami gift pack.
Then I'm looking forward to this.
Working for your old man is hell.
I know.
I did one summer.
I won't be working for him.
I'll be working with him.
We'll be partners.
You will be getting it around the clock.
Here, he'll tell you to clean your room.
There, he'll tell you to clean your office.
It'll be a nonstop nightmare.
Vin, you're you, and I'm me.
O.
K.
? I'm not worried.
I-I'm content.
I'm relaxed, completely at peace.
Oh, really? I wanted to let you know what's happening.
It's a great decision.
I'm very comfortable with it.
Oh, really? O.
K.
So I'm not being totally honest.
It's strange, Ben.
This is what I've always wanted, so Why do I feel so uneasy? David, it's understandable that you would have some reservations.
Not reservations, really.
Uh, concerns, questions.
Like what? My office is my sanctuary.
I'm afraid I won't have privacy.
What if he's in my face? Working with doogie isn't easy.
His mind is always going.
He's an old-timer.
His mind is going.
He's a genius.
Do I want to compete? They're his patients.
Do I want to compete? I'm not into high-tech medicine.
There's a jar of leeches on his shelf.
He'll want to make changes.
I'll want to make changes.
He's young.
He's old.
Would he quit? Could he fire me? Discuss it with him.
Run for your life.
It's important to him.
I'll make it work.
It'll work, for doogie's sake.
For my dad's sake.
Office supplies in here, patients' files, active and inactive, here, uh, prescription pads in here.
Ah.
Tea bags.
Do you like lemon zinger? Love lemon zinger.
That's great.
This is pretty exciting.
Yeah, boy, dad, it is.
Dr.
howser? Yeah? Yeah? Senior.
Mr.
neubeck is in room "a.
" His nasal polyps are flaring up again.
Thanks, Lois.
Just think, soon I'll be able to say "son, you want to take this one?" Just think.
Look what I found.
You kept that? I held on to it all this time just waiting for the day I could hang it up.
Ho ho.
Ha ha ha.
O.
K.
, thank you, Lois.
Thank you.
Son, you're going to make yourself dizzy.
Now, what should we do until your mom gets here? I want to check your ears.
O.
K.
, you got it.
Get up here.
What is this? Hey, where'd you get that bruise? You and Vinnie been playing star warsagain? Nope.
Wait, wait.
What is this? It's another black and blue mark.
I got one here, too.
O.
K.
, look, it's my turn to be a doctor, all right? Let me, uh, check your neck here.
O.
K.
? O.
K.
, uh Why don't you just scooch up here and lie down? There you go.
I will teach you how to examine the abdomen.
All right, this is your stomach The liver The spleen Ow, dad! Who's ready for dinner? What do you guys say we go to Farrell's, hmm? David, what's wrong? I haven't looked at that in years.
I used to look at it every day.
You saved my life.
Oh, I don't know about that.
I think Dr.
Flynn and his staff deserve the real credit.
No.
No, you do.
If you hadn't caught this leukemia in time, I wouldn't be alive.
I can never repay you for that.
Doogie Is that why you're here? What do you mean? Here With me, in the practice.
Do you feel you owe me? No, that's not how I feel.
I i want to be here.
It makes me happy.
I thought it made you happy.
What? Uh There's a A moment that I'm seeing in my mind.
You were 10 and got that crazy idea that you wanted to learn how to sail.
We thought you were too young, but, uh, you insisted.
And when you went out by yourself for the first time, I watched you struggle for hours.
You couldn't get the boat moving.
You hollered for me to come back in, but I wouldn't.
And after what seemed like forever, a wonderful thing happened.
You suddenly found the wind and off you went, and you had the biggest smile on your face.
And I sat alone on the beach and watched you soar.
You want to make me happy? Do what's right for you.
But i Trust me, son.
A child can never repay his parents.
It's not even expected.
Son, you want to honor me as a father, someday, give your own child the same freedom.
We'll take it home.
Your mother can put it in a scrapbook.
There are hundreds of specialties neurology.
I can go into research or oncology.
There are trauma specialists who are in such demand, they get a pilot's license to fly on a moment's notice.
Yeah, that sounds all right.
That's a bit of an understatement, wouldn't you say? I felt closer to you when you were paralyzed with indecision and self-doubt.
Now you're, like, bouncy.
It's all attitude.
You can look at a big decision as a burden or as a glorious opportunity.
My future's out there.
I just have to grab it.
A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
Carpe diem.
Never say die.
Just do it.
Yecchh! Come on, baby, I'll be your confused, alienated, misunderstood boy-toy.
You can straighten out my life.
O.
K.
, but can we eat first? Sure, doll, anything you want.
Just nothing with a drive-up window.
My advice Consider neurosurgery.
Brains.
Huh.
There's a thought.
Pathology, Dr.
howser.
I love it.
Well, the the population is getting older.
Become an allergist, doogie.
If you can free one person from the prison of their Ah-choo Allergies, it can be a very rewarding feeling.
Ah-choo! Pediatrics, Dr.
howser.
What could be better than working with babies? Cute kid.
Keep it in mind.
Administrative work has always been very satisfying to me.
Thank you, sir.
I'll think it over.
It may lack the glamour and excitement of the operating theater.
Well, what doesn't? But what fireworks can erupt over a hotly-contested financial review.
The budget That's strong stuff.
Why, just the other day, I locked horns with the board of directors over the food services budget.
I have the notes on that meeting somewhere which tell the whole incredible story.
Plastic surgery, specializing in breast enhancement.
Guys, I am so confused.
My residency's almost over.
I don't know what to do next.
I don't like seeing you like this, flailing about with a lack of direction.
Yeah, doogie.
It's weird.
You're acting like What I choose will determine the course of my life.
You're right.
You should take your time.
It takes careful thought, analysis, research.
It's like Buying shoes.
You need to browse, try on as many pairs as possible, and whatever you do, never grab the first pair of pumps, 'cause you can't return shoes, especially when they're on sale.
You know, Janine, that actually makes sense to me.
It does? Then why do you still look so worried? Because What you said actually makes sense to me.
I know it's here.
It's got to be here.
Please, please, please! Where's that magazine? It's got to be here.
Yes! "September, 1979.
" My favorite.
It's still here.
"Seed gatherers of the serengeti.
" Dad ought to invest in some new magazines.
What, are you kidding? This is the woman who introduced me to the beauty of the female form.
You can't discard a woman who carries a basket like that.
Well, well.
Look what the cat dragged in.
Doogie, look at you.
You grow a foot every time I see you.
And, Vinnie Lois, please.
There are no words to describe my incredible physical magnetism, so don't even try.
Mmm, ha ha ha.
Lois, is dad ready? We're going to the Lakers game.
He's finishing up with Dr.
fenmore.
He'll be right out.
Say, Lois, do you got a lollipop for me? For you? Come here.
Better watch out.
You got any purple ones? Ooh, we might.
I only like the purple.
Say, Vinnie You got a hug for me? For you? Ha ha ha.
Ooh! Good hug! Ha ha.
Yes! I am so relieved.
I don't know why I worry so much.
Nothing wrong with being cautious.
If you have any questions, call my home number.
Thanks so much, Dr.
howser.
You're welcome.
Hi, son.
You ready? Oh, yeah.
I'm ready, dad.
Ready, vin? Bye.
What a price to pay for a stinkin' lollipop.
The human vise nearly broke a rib.
David, do I have time to make a quick call? Stuart.
Stuart, this is Dr.
Douglas howser.
Doogie, Dr.
Stuart fenmore.
Oh, hi.
Nice to meet you.
Same here.
Your father talks a lot about you.
Jeez.
Roomful of doctors.
If you're choking on a chicken bone, this is the place.
Stuart's visiting from New York.
He graduated from my Alma mater.
Good school.
You here long? I'm heading back east tomorrow.
Then It looks like I have some thinking to do.
Stuart and I have been talking.
I've asked him to join me in my practice.
Really? I'd be crazy to say no.
Hi.
How was the Lakers game? Fantastic.
We saw Nicholson, dyan Cannon, mcenroe and Tatum, rob lowe, and arsenio hall.
Who won? Uh, Dr.
h? Oh, dyan had the best hairdo.
Tatum had a bodacious bod.
No contest.
Ha ha ha.
I thought you'd be home earlier.
Overtime? No.
We had to drop Dr.
fenmore home at his hotel.
He went to the game with us.
Great guy.
Don't you think, doogie? Yeah.
I like him.
Did you know what he was an all-American receiver at Stanford? How long have you been interviewing people? Oh, on and off for the last few months.
Uh, but nobody i didn't click with anybody until Stuart.
Why? I was a little surprised.
I didn't think you'd bring anybody into the practice until you got older.
I got older, doogie.
While you weren't looking, I turned 56.
He's right.
A man gets to be his age, he's got to make the most of what little time he's got.
Get in all the shuffleboard you can.
There's a little more to it than shuffleboard, Vincent.
I want to make sure that my practice is in good hands - when i - Croak? Sorry.
Pass away.
Retire.
You can hand over the reins that way, too.
Well, it's your practice.
Good night.
- Good night.
- Good night, doogie.
Say, tell me something, Dr.
h.
Even with this Stuart guy in the picture, upon your Demise, doogie will still inherit your estate, correct? You're flirting with your own demise, Vincent.
That's a good sign.
Still got your sense of humor.
Oh, doog.
You live a charmed life, howser.
When I told my old man I didn't want to go into the family business, I was so wracked with guilt, I got nauseous.
But your dad doesn't even want you in the practice.
You have escaped the son-sucking vortex without a single dry heave.
I envy you, man.
You are one lucky guy.
You are one lucky boy.
Your cast will be off in no time.
You'll be o.
K.
, Jason.
It's just a greenstick fracture of the ulna.
Ha ha ha.
All right.
Jason, you go and pick out a lollipop.
You know where they are.
Thank you, Dr.
howser.
You're welcome.
Watch out for Lois.
She'll smother you.
Thanks, doctor.
He'll be fine.
If you have any questions, call.
O.
K.
You have our home number, right? Aw, we make a pretty good team, huh? Dad, when I grow up, can we be doctors together? I have the feeling when you grow up, you can be whatever you want.
I want to work with you.
That sounds like a pretty good plan to me.
Look.
Whoa! I have just the place for this.
Cool.
Yeah.
Real cool.
"Oat bran, oat nuggets.
" Bran this, bran ahh! David.
Damn it, Katherine, I'm a doctor.
Let me live.
Good morning.
Morning.
Oh, doogie.
I was on the phone with Dr.
sachs.
I said you were undecided about what to do next.
He offered to show you around obstetrics at valley general.
Thanks, dad, but I've decided.
Wonderful.
What? I've decided to go into practice with you.
That's why I was so freaked out about this decision.
I know I belong in practice with you.
I had no idea you were considering this.
Don't you remember our plan howser and son? I know we talked about it when you were little, but now, uh I just assumed you were destined for bigger things than a family practice.
I feel this is something I want to do.
Look, 22 years ago, you delivered a baby named Libby keen, and now she's invited you to her wedding.
You've become a member of the family.
You've built something really special, dad, and I want to be a part of it.
Well? Nothing could make me prouder.
Are you nuts? You were off the hook.
Now, due to a temporary malfunction of the judgment lobe in your brain, you've committed yourself to a lifetime of father knows best.
Relax, vin.
O.
K.
, here's what we'll do.
We'll go to hickory farms and buy your dad the "I said I'd go into business with you", but I was insane" salami gift pack.
Then I'm looking forward to this.
Working for your old man is hell.
I know.
I did one summer.
I won't be working for him.
I'll be working with him.
We'll be partners.
You will be getting it around the clock.
Here, he'll tell you to clean your room.
There, he'll tell you to clean your office.
It'll be a nonstop nightmare.
Vin, you're you, and I'm me.
O.
K.
? I'm not worried.
I-I'm content.
I'm relaxed, completely at peace.
Oh, really? I wanted to let you know what's happening.
It's a great decision.
I'm very comfortable with it.
Oh, really? O.
K.
So I'm not being totally honest.
It's strange, Ben.
This is what I've always wanted, so Why do I feel so uneasy? David, it's understandable that you would have some reservations.
Not reservations, really.
Uh, concerns, questions.
Like what? My office is my sanctuary.
I'm afraid I won't have privacy.
What if he's in my face? Working with doogie isn't easy.
His mind is always going.
He's an old-timer.
His mind is going.
He's a genius.
Do I want to compete? They're his patients.
Do I want to compete? I'm not into high-tech medicine.
There's a jar of leeches on his shelf.
He'll want to make changes.
I'll want to make changes.
He's young.
He's old.
Would he quit? Could he fire me? Discuss it with him.
Run for your life.
It's important to him.
I'll make it work.
It'll work, for doogie's sake.
For my dad's sake.
Office supplies in here, patients' files, active and inactive, here, uh, prescription pads in here.
Ah.
Tea bags.
Do you like lemon zinger? Love lemon zinger.
That's great.
This is pretty exciting.
Yeah, boy, dad, it is.
Dr.
howser? Yeah? Yeah? Senior.
Mr.
neubeck is in room "a.
" His nasal polyps are flaring up again.
Thanks, Lois.
Just think, soon I'll be able to say "son, you want to take this one?" Just think.
Look what I found.
You kept that? I held on to it all this time just waiting for the day I could hang it up.
Ho ho.
Ha ha ha.
O.
K.
, thank you, Lois.
Thank you.
Son, you're going to make yourself dizzy.
Now, what should we do until your mom gets here? I want to check your ears.
O.
K.
, you got it.
Get up here.
What is this? Hey, where'd you get that bruise? You and Vinnie been playing star warsagain? Nope.
Wait, wait.
What is this? It's another black and blue mark.
I got one here, too.
O.
K.
, look, it's my turn to be a doctor, all right? Let me, uh, check your neck here.
O.
K.
? O.
K.
, uh Why don't you just scooch up here and lie down? There you go.
I will teach you how to examine the abdomen.
All right, this is your stomach The liver The spleen Ow, dad! Who's ready for dinner? What do you guys say we go to Farrell's, hmm? David, what's wrong? I haven't looked at that in years.
I used to look at it every day.
You saved my life.
Oh, I don't know about that.
I think Dr.
Flynn and his staff deserve the real credit.
No.
No, you do.
If you hadn't caught this leukemia in time, I wouldn't be alive.
I can never repay you for that.
Doogie Is that why you're here? What do you mean? Here With me, in the practice.
Do you feel you owe me? No, that's not how I feel.
I i want to be here.
It makes me happy.
I thought it made you happy.
What? Uh There's a A moment that I'm seeing in my mind.
You were 10 and got that crazy idea that you wanted to learn how to sail.
We thought you were too young, but, uh, you insisted.
And when you went out by yourself for the first time, I watched you struggle for hours.
You couldn't get the boat moving.
You hollered for me to come back in, but I wouldn't.
And after what seemed like forever, a wonderful thing happened.
You suddenly found the wind and off you went, and you had the biggest smile on your face.
And I sat alone on the beach and watched you soar.
You want to make me happy? Do what's right for you.
But i Trust me, son.
A child can never repay his parents.
It's not even expected.
Son, you want to honor me as a father, someday, give your own child the same freedom.
We'll take it home.
Your mother can put it in a scrapbook.
There are hundreds of specialties neurology.
I can go into research or oncology.
There are trauma specialists who are in such demand, they get a pilot's license to fly on a moment's notice.
Yeah, that sounds all right.
That's a bit of an understatement, wouldn't you say? I felt closer to you when you were paralyzed with indecision and self-doubt.
Now you're, like, bouncy.
It's all attitude.
You can look at a big decision as a burden or as a glorious opportunity.
My future's out there.
I just have to grab it.
A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
Carpe diem.
Never say die.
Just do it.
Yecchh! Come on, baby, I'll be your confused, alienated, misunderstood boy-toy.
You can straighten out my life.
O.
K.
, but can we eat first? Sure, doll, anything you want.
Just nothing with a drive-up window.