Ep 21. The TorMentor

Becker season 3 episode 21, entitled "The TorMentor", follows the misadventures of Dr. John Becker, a grumpy and somewhat socially awkward physician who runs a small practice in the Bronx. In this episode, Becker finds himself getting sucked into the world of online dating after deciding to take the plunge and sign up for a dating app.

As someone who's always been more comfortable flying solo, Becker is initially hesitant about the whole idea of online dating. But after being encouraged by his friend and nurse Margaret, he decides to give it a shot. Things start off well enough – he matches with a seemingly nice woman named Linda and they strike up a conversation via the app.

However, it doesn't take long for things to take a turn for the worse. Linda starts bombarding Becker with messages, both on the app and over text, and becomes increasingly clingy and possessive. At first, Becker tries to be polite and let her down gently, but she just won't take no for an answer.

Meanwhile, Becker's other relationships are also causing him grief. His neighbor and frenemy Bob is driving him crazy with his constant complaints and requests for help, and even Becker's office dog, Jake, seems to be acting up lately. Becker can't seem to catch a break, and it's starting to take a toll on him.

Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, Linda starts berating him with angry messages accusing him of ghosting her. Becker is at his wit's end and doesn't know how to extricate himself from the situation. That's when he gets a surprise visit from an unexpected friend, one who might just be able to help him out of this mess.

"The TorMentor" is a light-hearted and breezy episode of Becker that showcases the titular character's conflicted personality. On the one hand, Becker is a sarcastic and prickly person who doesn't suffer fools gladly. On the other hand, he's also quietly compassionate and cares deeply about his patients and friends. This episode highlights both sides of Becker's personality, as he struggles to navigate the choppy waters of modern dating while dealing with his other personal conflicts.

What sets "The TorMentor" apart from other sitcom episodes about online dating is its frank and honest portrayal of the ups and downs of online dating. The episode acknowledges that while online dating can be a powerful and effective way to meet new people, it can also be frustrating and anxiety-provoking. Linda's persistent messages and emotional manipulation echo many real-life horror stories that people have encountered while trying to find love online.

However, the episode doesn't dwell too long on the negative aspects of online dating. Instead, it opts for a fun and humorous approach that allows Becker to shine as both a thinker and a doer. His wry one-liners and quick wit keep the tone light even when things start to go off the rails. And in the end, his resourcefulness and kindness shine through, proving that even grumpy old doctors can find a way to connect with others.

Overall, "The TorMentor" is a charming and relatable episode of Becker that will resonate with anyone who's tried their luck at online dating. Its clever writing and excellent character development make it a standout episode of the show and a must-watch for fans of smart and witty sitcoms.