Ep 5. Whipping Boy

In Peak Practice season 4 episode 5, titled "Whipping Boy," we find the doctors of The Beeches dealing with a young patient named Mark, who is suffering from a rare genetic disorder. The illness causes his skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch, making everyday life incredibly difficult.

As they try to help Mark manage his condition, the doctors become increasingly concerned about his home life. Mark's father, a successful businessman, seems more concerned with maintaining his image than taking care of his son's needs. His attitude towards Mark borders on neglectful - he frequently refers to his son as his "whipping boy," using him as a scapegoat for his own mistakes.

When Mark's condition worsens, the doctors are forced to take action. They confront his father, who admits that he feels overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for Mark and doesn't know how to handle his illness. Dr. Will Preston, the senior doctor at The Beeches, convinces Mark's father to seek therapy and learn how to be a better caregiver to his son.

Meanwhile, Dr. Erica Matthews, the newest doctor at The Beeches, finds herself facing a personal crisis. Her mother, who suffers from dementia, has moved in with her and is proving to be a handful. Erica struggles to balance her work at the clinic with the demands of caring for her mother, and worries that she may be in over her head.

As the episode progresses, we see Erica become increasingly isolated and overwhelmed. She turns to alcohol to cope with the stress, and starts to make mistakes at work. Eventually, she confides in Will, who offers her support and encourages her to seek help for her alcoholism.

"Whipping Boy" is a touching episode that explores the difficulties of caring for sick loved ones, and the toll it can take on caregivers. It also raises important questions about neglect and abuse, and the responsibilities of parents towards their children. Throughout the episode, we see the doctors of The Beeches navigating complex personal and professional relationships, and struggling to balance the needs of their patients with their own personal lives.

Overall, "Whipping Boy" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that resonates with anyone who has experienced the challenges of caring for a sick loved one. The performances are strong and sensitive, and the writing is deft and nuanced, making this installment of Peak Practice a standout in the series.