Ep 6. Higher Powers

In the sixth episode of the third season of Chicago Hope, entitled "Higher Powers," tensions run high as the hospital is forced to confront a controversial case involving religion and medicine. When a young girl is diagnosed with a brain tumor, her deeply religious parents refuse to allow her to undergo surgery, believing that it is God's will for them to let their daughter pass away naturally. Dr. Jeffrey Geiger (played by Mandy Patinkin), the head of the hospital's neurosurgery department, becomes involved in the case and must navigate the complex intersection between medicine and faith.

As the hospital staff grapples with the ethical dilemmas raised by the case, tensions begin to mount between Dr. Geiger and the religious community. The girl's parents are joined by a group of protesters who accuse the hospital of overstepping its bounds and violating the principles of religious freedom. The situation becomes increasingly heated as the hospital faces mounting pressure to comply with the family's wishes.

Meanwhile, other members of the staff are dealing with their own personal and professional challenges. Dr. Aaron Shutt (played by Adam Arkin) is struggling with a sense of disconnection from his wife and the long hours of his job, while Dr. Kate Austin (played by Christine Lahti) is dealing with the aftermath of a failed relationship with Dr. Robert Yeats (played by Eric Stoltz). In the midst of the hospital's turmoil, the characters must confront their own fears, vulnerabilities, and beliefs.

As the episode unfolds, tensions reach a boiling point and the hospital is forced to make a difficult decision. Will they comply with the parents' wishes and let the girl pass away without surgery, or will they intervene and potentially save her life? The episode is a complex exploration of the moral, ethical, and spiritual implications of medical decision-making, and it challenges viewers to consider where they stand on these issues. Ultimately, Higher Powers is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that leaves a lasting impact.