Ep 7. Beckerethics

Beckerethics is the seventh episode of the third season of the popular American sitcom, Becker. The episode originally premiered on November 22, 2000, and was directed by series regular, Andy Ackerman. The episode centers around the titular character, Dr. John Becker (played by Ted Danson), and his struggle to maintain his ethics when a pharmaceutical company offers him a large sum of money to prescribe their new drug to his patients.

The episode opens with Becker's office assistant, Linda (played by Shawnee Smith), going through the mail and handing Becker a letter informing him that the pharmaceutical company, Amgen, wants to meet with him to discuss their new medication. Becker initially dismisses the letter, stating that he has no interest in meeting with a company that is just trying to sell him something. However, Linda informs him that Amgen is offering to pay him $10,000 to prescribe their medication to his patients.

Becker is immediately conflicted. On the one hand, $10,000 is a lot of money and could help him pay off some of his debts. On the other hand, he is a doctor and his primary concern should be the well-being of his patients. He seeks advice from his nurse, Margaret (played by Hattie Winston), who tells him to do what he thinks is right for his patients and not worry about the money.

However, things become more complicated when Becker's rival, Dr. Jake Malinak (played by Alex Desert), reveals that he has already taken the money from Amgen and is prescribing their medication to all of his patients. Becker is furious and begins to feel like he is being left behind. He meets with a representative from Amgen, who offers him an even larger sum of money – $20,000 – to prescribe their medication.

Becker is torn between his ethics and his financial situation. He seeks advice from his friend and diner owner, Reggie (played by Terry Farrell), who tells him that he needs to do what is ethical, even if it means losing out on a large sum of money.

In the end, Becker decides to stick to his ethics and turn down the offer from Amgen. He tells his patients that he will not be prescribing the medication because he does not believe it is in their best interests. Jake tries to mock Becker for his decision, but Becker stands firm. He knows that he made the right choice and that his patients are better off because of it.

Overall, Beckerethics is a classic episode of the series, one that deals with a topic that is still relevant today – the ethics of medicine and the influence of pharmaceutical companies. The episode is well-written and well-acted, and it provides a great showcase for Ted Danson's skills as an actor. Fans of the show will love this episode, as will anyone who appreciates a good ethical dilemma.