Ep 8. Pupil

Nurse Jackie is a medical comedy-drama series starring Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton, a talented nurse living in New York City. Season 1 Episode 8, titled "Pupil," follows Jackie as she struggles to navigate her personal and professional life while dealing with the consequences of her addiction to prescription drugs.

The episode begins with Jackie getting ready for work at All Saints Hospital. She's clearly anxious and distracted, muttering to herself as she scurries around her apartment. When she arrives at the hospital, she's greeted by Dr. Cooper (Peter Facinelli), who gives her a hard time about being late. Despite her obvious discomfort, Jackie manages to do her job competently, attending to patients and cracking jokes with her co-workers.

As the day wears on, Jackie becomes increasingly paranoid and anxious. She's worried that her secret drug use will be revealed, and is hyper-vigilant about anyone who might be watching her. When a new nurse, Sam (Arjun Gupta), arrives on the floor, Jackie's suspicion levels go through the roof. She accuses him of being an undercover cop, but Sam is bemused and confused by her accusations.

Meanwhile, Jackie is also dealing with a difficult patient, a young boy named Sean (Adam Scarimbolo) who has been admitted with a severe head injury. His mother is distraught and inconsolable, and Jackie is tasked with trying to keep both of them calm. She's also dealing with a pregnant patient who is in labor, another patient who is showing signs of sepsis, and a surly doctor who won't cooperate with her.

Throughout the episode, we see Jackie struggling with her addiction. She sneaks pills from the hospital's pharmacy, hoards them in her locker, and takes them in secret. She's clearly in great emotional pain, but is too scared and ashamed to seek help. The tension builds throughout the episode until, in the final scene, Jackie has a breakdown in the hospital bathroom. She's weeping uncontrollably and screaming that she can't go on like this. It's a powerful and heartbreaking moment, and sets the stage for the rest of the season.

Overall, "Pupil" is a tense and emotionally charged episode that showcases Edie Falco's incredible acting abilities. Her portrayal of Jackie is nuanced and complex, and she brings a depth of feeling to the character that is truly remarkable. The writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of humorous moments to offset the darkness and gloom. The show's themes of addiction, secrecy, and pain are handled with sensitivity and insight, making Nurse Jackie one of the most compelling medical dramas on television. If you're a fan of shows like Grey's Anatomy or House, you'll definitely want to check out this incredible series.