Ep 19. The Bearer of Bad Tidings

Becker season 2 episode 19, titled The Bearer of Bad Tidings, sees the titular character, Dr. John Becker, facing a dilemma when he is asked to deliver some devastating news to a patient. The episode follows a similar format to other episodes of the show, with Becker's grumpy personality and witty one-liners serving as the main source of entertainment.

The episode begins with Becker treating a patient named Mr. Thompson, who has recently undergone surgery for a tumor. Becker discovers that there has been a mix-up with the biopsy results, and the tumor was actually cancerous. He is tasked with breaking the news to Mr. Thompson, who is already struggling to come to terms with his illness.

Throughout the episode, Becker struggles with how to deliver the news to Mr. Thompson, who is clearly in a fragile state. He bounces ideas off of his colleagues and friends, including Linda and Jake, but none of them seem to be able to offer a solution. Becker is torn between wanting to be honest with his patient and wanting to spare him the pain of hearing the news.

Meanwhile, Reggie, Becker's office manager, is dealing with her own issues. She has been asked to organize a surprise party for a coworker, but is struggling with the logistics of planning the event. While her story provides some lighthearted moments throughout the episode, it takes a backseat to the main plotline.

As the episode progresses, Becker continues to grapple with the best way to tell Mr. Thompson the truth. He considers sugarcoating the news, but ultimately decides that honesty is the best policy. He delivers the news to Mr. Thompson in a sensitive way, and the patient takes the news surprisingly well.

The episode ends with a heartwarming moment between Becker and Mr. Thompson, as the two bond over their shared love of baseball. While the episode deals with some heavy themes, it ultimately ends on a positive note.

Overall, The Bearer of Bad Tidings is a typical episode of Becker, with the show's trademark mix of humor and heart. While the plotline may not be particularly groundbreaking, it provides an interesting look at the ethical dilemmas faced by doctors when delivering bad news to their patients. The episode is well-acted, with Ted Danson's performance as Becker being a particular highlight. Fans of the show will likely enjoy this episode, while newcomers may find it to be a good introduction to the show's characters and themes.