Ep 8. Bed Bugs

Michael J. Fox Show season 1 episode 8, titled "Bed Bugs," follows the life of Michael Henry, a beloved New York news anchor that's recently returned to work, following 5-year absence, due to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. In this episode, his daughter, Eve, comes back home from college, and learns of a bed bug infestation in her dormitory, and in no time, she's convinced that they've followed her home.

The episode is primarily set in the Henry's family apartment, with Michael's wife, Annie, playing the voice of reason amidst the bed bug paranoia. Michael's sister-in-law, Leigh, and her son, Ian, also feature in the episode, with Ian terrified that he might have been contaminated by the infestation.

As the episode unfolds, the characters' personalities increasingly reveal themselves in a way that showcases their fears and insecurities. Michael, while initially reluctant to take sides in the argument about whether or not the apartment was infested, ultimately steps up, and attempts to do everything within his power to prevent the pests from making themselves comfortable in his family's home.

Meanwhile, a bed bug finding becomes the catalyst for Leigh to air her grievances. She's feeling underappreciated by her family and is struggling to feel like she's a part of something. Michael, aware that his Parkinson's diagnosis has taken a toll on his sister-in-law, tries to offer her a bit of comfort, and listening ear.

The episode utilizes the bed bug dilemma to explore each character's individual struggles. Michael's colleagues at work want to do a segment on the bed bugs, only for Michael to snap, frustrated that they would turn a family issue into a public spectacle. As the episode progresses, viewers are taken on a tour of the Henry apartment, as the family attempts to quarantine the potential infestation's sources of origin.

Bed Bugs is an engaging and empathetic episode that showcases the interplay between family members amidst a perceived crisis. Michael's character is particularly interesting in this episode - his Parkinson's disease is no longer the central focus of the show, and instead, the audience is treated to a glimpse of how life goes on amidst a chronic illness. With seamless transitions between comedic moments and heavy scenes, Bed Bugs is a testament to the writing prowess of its creators.