Ep 16. To Be or Not to Be

To Be or Not to Be is the sixteenth episode of the fourth season of the popular Australian medical drama, All Saints. The episode originally aired on August 7th, 2001.

The central plot of the episode revolves around a young man named Karl (played by Nicholas Bishop) who is suffering from a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Karl is a talented musician and songwriter, and the episode opens with him performing at a small club in Sydney. After the performance, Karl collapses and is rushed to All Saints hospital, where he is diagnosed with the cancer.

The episode follows Karl's journey as he deals with the shock of the diagnosis and struggles to come to terms with the possibility of his own death. Karl's girlfriend, Tanya (played by Danielle Carter), is by his side throughout the episode, trying to provide support and comfort. The emotional toll of Karl's illness also affects the hospital staff, especially nurse Von Ryan (played by Judith McGrath), who becomes particularly invested in Karl's case.

To Be or Not to Be also deals with the difficulties of communicating with patients who are facing potentially life-threatening illnesses. The hospital staff is shown grappling with the tension between maintaining their professional distance and showing empathy and compassion towards their patients. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations around end-of-life care and the right to die.

Outside of Karl's storyline, the episode also features a sub-plot involving nurse Terri (played by Georgie Parker), who is dealing with a difficult patient. The patient, a young woman with a history of drug addiction, is struggling with mental health issues and is resisting treatment. Terri forms a bond with the young woman and becomes invested in helping her, despite the challenges she faces.

To Be or Not to Be is a poignant episode that deals with the themes of mortality, compassion, and the complexities of the healthcare system. It features strong performances from the cast, particularly Nicholas Bishop, whose portrayal of Karl's emotional journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The episodes also showcases the talents of the All Saints writing and production team, who handle difficult subject matter with sensitivity and nuance.