Ep 14. Vet

Lou Grant season 2 episode 14, titled "Vet," follows the story of a Vietnam veteran named Bobby J. Read, who is facing multiple hardships while trying to readjust to civilian life. Bobby has a war injury that requires him to undergo regular treatment and therapy, but he struggles to afford the medical bills. He is also unable to secure a job due to his condition and is faced with the possibility of eviction.

Lou, being a veteran himself, takes a special interest in Bobby's story and decides to do a feature on him for the newspaper. However, things take a turn when Lou discovers that Bobby has been resorting to criminal activities to make ends meet. Lou is torn between his duty as a journalist to report the truth and his empathy for Bobby's situation. Meanwhile, the rest of the team at the newspaper is dealing with their own personal and professional issues.

Charlie Hume, the managing editor, is dealing with a lawsuit filed against the newspaper for racial discrimination. Joe Rossi, a reporter, is struggling to come up with a story for his column and faces criticism from his colleagues. Billie Newman, a journalist, is dealing with her own personal issues as she tries to manage her relationship with a photographer while also balancing her work responsibilities.

As the team wrestles with their own challenges, Lou continues to investigate Bobby's story. He meets with Bobby's doctor, who reveals the extent of Bobby's injuries and the difficulty he faces in getting the proper care. Lou also speaks with members of the community who have been affected by Bobby's actions and have conflicting opinions about him.

Lou must make a difficult decision about whether to publish the story on Bobby, knowing it could potentially harm his reputation and affect his chances of getting the help he needs. Meanwhile, Bobby's situation becomes more precarious, and the team at the newspaper must balance their responsibility to their readers with their empathy for Bobby's struggle.

Overall, "Vet" is a complex and emotional episode that explores the challenges faced by veterans returning from war and the difficult choices journalists must make when reporting on sensitive issues. As the characters navigate their own personal and professional challenges, they ultimately come together to support Bobby and find a resolution to his story.