Ep 1. The Summer of '91

Doogie Howser, M.D. season 3 episode 1 titled "The Summer of '91" follows the titular character, a teenage prodigy doctor who is juggling his medical career, his personal life, and his family responsibilities.

The episode takes place in the summer of 1991, where Doogie (Neil Patrick Harris) and his best friend Vinnie (Max Casella) have planned a summer road trip across the country before they both start their respective medical residencies. However, Doogie's plans are thrown off balance when he is forced to adjust to the dynamics of his family and his work as a doctor.

Doogie's father, David (James Sikking), is struggling with the loss of his job, which leads him to be home more often around Doogie and his mother, Katherine (Belinda Montgomery). As a result, Doogie finds his summer plans disrupted by spending more time with family and trying to help his father navigate his new job search.

In addition to his family struggles, Doogie faces professional challenges at the hospital. He is assigned to a demanding new patient, an elderly woman with a complicated set of symptoms that require Doogie to use all of his medical knowledge and skills. At the same time, Doogie is pursuing a relationship with his girlfriend, nurse Wanda (Lisa Dean Ryan), and dealing with the stresses of maintaining a long-distance relationship.

As the summer progresses, Doogie must learn to prioritize his obligations and responsibilities. He faces difficult decisions, including whether to continue pursuing his road trip plans with Vinnie or to stay close to home to help his family. All the while, he must balance his medical career aspirations and the challenges of being a young doctor with his personal relationships and his own sense of self.

"The Summer of '91" presents Doogie with a complex set of challenges that require him to navigate his personal and professional responsibilities in the face of unexpected obstacles. Through it all, Doogie's intelligence and compassion shine as he works to overcome adversity and grow as a person. The episode offers viewers a poignant look at the pressures of being a young adult, grappling with family and career expectations, and learning to balance competing demands and desires.