Ep 3. Play Me

In Nurse Jackie season 3 episode 3, titled Play Me, we are taken on a journey through the lives of the staff at All Saints Hospital. Focusing on the character of Jackie Peyton, a nurse who struggles with addiction and pain management, the episode explores the consequences of her choices and actions both in and out of work.

At the start of the episode, we see Jackie feeling guilty about stealing a prescription pad from her co-worker and using it to get herself pain medication. As she goes about her duties in the emergency room, she is constantly aware of her actions and of the potential consequences if she were to be caught. This sense of guilt is only heightened when she is called upon to treat a young boy who has accidentally shot himself in the head. The boy's father, who is also a patient at the hospital, is distraught and angry and Jackie is forced to confront her own feelings of shame and self-loathing.

Meanwhile, other members of the All Saints staff are also dealing with their own personal struggles. Dr. Cooper, for example, is having trouble dealing with his own mortality after a patient he treated dies unexpectedly. He turns to his girlfriend, Sam, for comfort but she is preoccupied with her own concerns about her mother, who is suffering from dementia.

As the episode progresses, we see the various characters trying to navigate their way through the complex web of relationships that exists within the hospital. Jackie, for example, must deal with the fallout of her addiction when it is discovered by Dr. O'Hara, a close friend and confidant. While O'Hara tries to offer support and advice, Jackie is left feeling angry and resentful at being exposed.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Play Me also contains moments of humor and levity. Dr. Cooper's attempts to come to grips with his own mortality, for instance, are played out in a series of increasingly absurd scenarios, including a fantasy sequence in which he imagines himself as a super-powered hero. Similarly, the relationship between nurses Zoey and Lenny is a source of constant amusement, as they bicker and banter their way through the day.

Ultimately, what makes Play Me such a compelling episode is its willingness to explore the darker side of the human experience. By delving into the lives of the All Saints staff and showing us the consequences of their actions, the show offers a raw and honest glimpse into the often messy and complicated world of healthcare. Whether you are a fan of medical dramas or simply someone who appreciates great storytelling, Nurse Jackie season 3 episode 3 is a must-watch.