Ep 5. One Hundred Tears Away

Ally McBeal season 1 episode 5, titled "One Hundred Tears Away," follows Ally as she takes on a high-profile case involving a young girl with leukemia who wants to sue her parents for the right to die. The episode begins with a distraught little girl named Hannah asking Ally to represent her in a lawsuit against her parents. Hannah, who has spent most of her young life suffering from leukemia, has reached a point where she can no longer take the pain and just wants to die in peace.

As Ally starts digging into the case, she discovers that Hannah's parents are against the idea of euthanasia and view it as a sin. They would rather their daughter continue living in agony than allow her to die. Ally is understandably upset by this and is determined to fight for Hannah's right to die with dignity. She argues that it is inhumane to force someone to live on in constant pain and that Hannah should be allowed to make her own decisions about her body.

Throughout the episode, Ally also deals with her own personal issues. She is still struggling to get over her ex-boyfriend Billy, who has just started working at the same law firm as her. Ally is constantly reminded of Billy's presence, which only makes it more difficult for her to move on. Adding to her woes, Billy's wife also happens to be working at the firm, making things even more awkward.

The episode also explores the relationship between Ally and her roommate Renee, who has been trying to set her up with different men. Ally, who is not interested in dating at the moment, feels like Renee is trying to force her into something she doesn't want. Renee, on the other hand, believes that Ally needs to start dating again in order to move on from Billy.

As the case progresses, the tension between Hannah's parents and Ally only grows. They view her as an enemy trying to take away their daughter's life, while Ally believes that they are being cruel in denying Hannah the right to die. In the end, there is a dramatic twist that leaves everyone reeling.

Overall, Ally McBeal season 1 episode 5, "One Hundred Tears Away," is an emotional and thought-provoking episode that explores complex issues such as euthanasia, personal freedom, and the right to die. It is also a character-driven episode that delves into Ally's personal life and relationships, making it a well-rounded and engaging viewing experience.