Ep 17. Samaritan

Lou Grant season 2 episode 17, titled "Samaritan," follows the staff of the Los Angeles Tribune as they cover a human interest story about a man who helps homeless individuals living in the local park. Charlie Hume assigns Billie Newman to write the piece, and she and photographer Joe Rossi set out to interview the man, named Harry.

Upon meeting Harry, Billie and Joe discover that he has a unique and effective approach to helping those in need. He provides them with basic necessities like food and clothing, but he also helps them to find jobs and even gives them money if needed. He does all of this out of the kindness of his heart and without any expectation of payment or recognition.

As Billie and Joe continue to work on the story, they encounter various challenges. They struggle to get Harry to speak on record, and they face opposition from people who view the homeless as a nuisance. During their interviews with several homeless individuals, they learn about the harsh realities they face every day, including violence, illness, and hopelessness.

Meanwhile, Lou Grant faces his own challenges as he tries to convince his boss, Mrs. Pynchon, to publish the story in the newspaper. She is hesitant to give the story front-page coverage, as it does not fit into the Tribune's usual coverage of politics and crime. Lou argues that the story is important because it sheds light on a pressing issue facing many people in the community.

Throughout the episode, the staff of the Tribune grapple with the question of whether a single person can make a meaningful difference in the world, and whether it is the responsibility of the media to highlight the stories of those who do. Ultimately, they must decide whether to sacrifice the paper's usual focus on hard news in order to bring attention to the important work of one man.

"Samaritan" is an emotional and thought-provoking episode that highlights both the struggles and the potential of ordinary people to make a difference in the world. It poses important questions about the role of the media in society and challenges viewers to consider their own beliefs about the importance of human compassion and kindness.