Ep 3. L.A. Woman

Becker season 5 episode 3, titled "L.A. Woman", follows the antics of the cantankerous doctor John Becker as he deals with a troublesome patient and clashes with his colleagues.

In this episode, Becker is confronted with a patient who seems to have everything going for her on the outside but is struggling with deep-seated emotional issues. The patient, named Victoria, is a well-known actress from Los Angeles who is passing through town and has come to Becker seeking help for her anxiety and depression. However, Becker finds himself frustrated by her lack of openness and her reluctance to engage with him in a meaningful way. He quickly becomes convinced that Victoria is a difficult patient who is more interested in playing games than in getting better.

Meanwhile, Becker also finds himself at odds with his colleagues. When he discovers that Margaret and Linda have been secretly seeing a therapist, he is outraged that they would seek help from someone other than him. He feels betrayed and insulted that they would not come to him with their problems, and he becomes determined to find out what they are discussing in therapy. Becker's abrasive personality and lack of tact cause tensions to rise in the office, as his colleagues bristle at his overbearing behavior and his tendency to take over every situation.

As Becker struggles to deal with Victoria and his colleagues, he is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about himself. He realizes that he may not be as in control of his own emotions as he thought, and that his stubbornness and ego are causing more harm than good. He also begins to appreciate the value of vulnerability and empathy, as he sees how they can help his patients and improve his relationships with those around him.

Overall, "L.A. Woman" is a compelling and entertaining episode of Becker that showcases the show's strengths: witty dialogue, relatable characters, and a healthy dose of humor. The episode is a reminder that even the most prickly and difficult personalities can grow and change, and that healing is possible for even the most troubled patients. With its sharp writing, talented cast, and thoughtful insights into human nature, Becker continues to be a classic of the sitcom genre.