Ep 1. St. Hospital's

Tommy Cooper once said that the problem with hospitals is that you could die in one. In Peep Show’s seventh season premiere, Mark is at risk of doing just that. The episode opens with him sitting in an ambulance experiencing some major chest pains. Once he arrives at St. Hospital’s, he’s immediately whisked away to receive treatment. Naturally, he’s convinced that he’s about to meet his end.

Jeremy, his roomie, is, of course, little help. His primary concern upon finding out that Mark has been admitted to the hospital is figuring out whether or not he’s going to have to take over paying rent if Mark dies. But even he knows when to take things seriously, so eventually he heads to the hospital to check in and see how Mark is doing.

In the hospital, Mark is going through a bit of a midlife crisis. He’s convinced that he’s pushed himself too far, that he’s taken on too much, that he’s not going to be able to handle it all. It’s a pretty epic feeling and one that he’s currently not sure how to deal with. Jeremy, meanwhile, is blissfully clueless throughout, primarily concerned with whether or not Mark has left him money in his will.

The episode is a grim one as it tackles death and the possibility of losing a loved one. Mark and Jeremy are in an unusual position this time, facing a life-altering wake-up call and trying to navigate a world where one of them is far more vulnerable than the other. Much of the humor that’s infused their past escapades is gone, but it's replaced by an off-kilter sense of drama, an unshakable feeling that things could go really wrong at any minute.

The episode focuses heavily on character development, with Mark being forced to confront his own limitations. He’s used to being able to handle anything that life throws his way, but this time, he’s in a situation that he can’t control. The show has always been about presenting life as it is, and in that regard, this episode is no different. It’s a morbid reminder for Mark that he won’t be able to do things forever, even if he thinks he can.

Jeremy, on the other hand, becomes something of a support system for Mark during his time at St. Hospital’s. It’s a different side to his normally rather introverted character, showing that he is capable of being there for others when it counts. It’s a welcome change to see him being something other than self-centered.

The show also manages to weave some humor into the episode, despite the serious subject matter. Fans of the show will recognize the cringe-worthy moments which the show has become famous for. At times the humor in this episode is darker than usual, but for the most part, it's still spot-on humor.

Overall, this is an excellent episode for those who are fans of the show, and in particular, for those who enjoy dark humor and the unusual character developments that Peep Show is known for. The serious subject matter may be too much for some, but for those who can handle it, it's a great episode. The hospital metaphor is used to great effect, allowing the show to explore some heavier themes in a lighter way while keeping the tone of the show consistent throughout the episode. An episode that is definitely worth watching.