Ep 1. Pills

Lou Grant season 2 episode 1, titled "Pills," explores the dangers of prescription drug addiction. The episode focuses on a young woman named Andrea who is struggling with a dependence on prescription pills. She first comes to the attention of Lou and his team when she is arrested for stealing drugs from her employer.

At first, Andrea is resistant to the idea that she has a problem with pills. She claims that she needs them to function and that they help with her anxiety and depression. However, as Lou and the others begin to dig deeper, they discover that Andrea's addiction is more severe than they initially thought. She has been doctor shopping, stealing from pharmacies, and even faking illnesses to get her hands on more pills.

Throughout the episode, Lou and his team work to get Andrea the help she needs, even though she resists their efforts at every turn. They try to get her into rehab, but she refuses, saying that she can't afford it and that it won't work anyway. They try to get her to talk to a therapist, but she shuts down and refuses to engage with the process.

Despite Andrea's resistance, the team keeps pushing, knowing that they can't just leave her to fend for herself. They know that the longer she stays on these pills, the more likely it is that she will ultimately face serious consequences, either from an overdose or from the legal issues that are sure to arise if she continues to steal drugs. They also know that without help, Andrea's addiction is unlikely to get better on its own.

The episode does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of addiction, both from the perspective of the person struggling with addiction and from the perspective of the people around them. It shows how addiction can be a deeply ingrained cycle that is difficult to break, even when the person wants to get better. It also highlights the ways in which addiction affects those around the addict, as Lou and his team struggle with the ethical and practical questions that come with trying to help someone who doesn't want to be helped.

Another important theme in the episode is the role that prescription drugs play in addiction. While many people think of addiction as something that only happens with illegal drugs like heroin or cocaine, the reality is that prescription drugs can be just as addictive and dangerous. In recent years, there has been increasing attention paid to the ways in which prescription drugs are over-prescribed and the harms that can result from their misuse. By focusing on this issue, the episode helps to show viewers the importance of being aware of the potential risks of prescription drugs and seeking out help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.

Overall, Lou Grant season 2 episode 1, "Pills," is a powerful exploration of addiction and the ways in which it can affect individuals, families, and communities. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of seeking help when struggling with addiction, and of the need for ongoing attention to the dangers of prescription drugs. The show's empathetic treatment of these issues is a testament to its enduring relevance and the quality of its storytelling.