Ep 14. The Pain in the Neck

Becker season 5 episode 14, titled "The Pain in the Neck," follows the grumpy but lovable Dr. John Becker (played by Ted Danson) as he navigates through the day-to-day challenges of running his medical practice in the Bronx. As the episode begins, Becker is having a terrible day - his bank account has been frozen, his refrigerator is on the fritz, and to top it all off, his neck is killing him.

Unable to afford a trip to the chiropractor, Becker turns to his begrudging friend and patient, Jake Malinak (played by Alex Desert), for help. Jake agrees to crack Becker's neck for him, but things take a turn for the worse when Jake accidentally injures his hand in the process. Becker is forced to take Jake to the hospital, where he is treated by his rival and ex-girlfriend, Dr. Elizabeth Carson (played by Terry Farrell).

Meanwhile, Becker's other patients are keeping him busy - there's a young girl who thinks she's pregnant, a man with a bizarre skin condition, and a woman who desperately needs a prescription refill. To make matters worse, Becker's office is short-staffed, with his assistant Linda (played by Shawnee Smith) out sick and his nurse Margaret (played by Hattie Winston) dealing with some personal issues.

Despite all of these obstacles, Becker manages to keep his cool and tend to his patients with his trademark sarcastic wit and unparalleled medical expertise. Along the way, he offers a helping hand to his friends and colleagues, proving that even the grumpiest among us can show compassion and kindness when it matters most.

Overall, "The Pain in the Neck" is a classic episode of Becker that showcases the show's unique blend of humor, heart, and medical drama. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and expertly crafted dialogue, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike.