This episode will probably be viewed as naive, quaint even censorious by today's drug tolerant society as it deals with the emerging concerns of the sixties, drug abuse and the breakdown of family relationships.
David Easton, a young man, dies of pneumonia but, an autopsy reveal he was a heroin user. Family friend Andrew Quincey invites pathologist Professor Robert Lazard to his home to ask if he can avoid mentioning the drug use. However, Lazard notices Quincey's son Gerry, a student. The young man is hyper active and is anxious to get to his club to meet friends. Lazard concludes that Gerry is also a user but Quincey refuses to believe it, insisting that he and his son have a close, honest relationship. However, Gerry later doses up on Purple Hearts, the Extasy of the sixties, and confronts Easton's girlfriend Carol. It emerges that she was aware of David's drug use and had convinced him to give it up. Unfortunately, without medical treatment his body was unable to fight infection which is why he died. Gerry beats Carol, who is saved by neighbours, but he has no memory of the incident, even when faced with the battered girl. Also he cannot accept that taking "pep pills" could result in addiction. With Quincey's permission Lazard tries a shock tactic to bring Gerry to his senses. However, the episode ends without the audience knowing if the ruse has worked.
As mentioned above, this will appear rather innocent and obvious, not to mention amusing in parts. E.g. Gerry has to explain the phrase "It's a drag." to Lazard. But, Gerry's carefree and careless attitude to the drugs he is using came to typify young people in the sixties. Much to the horror and embarassment of their parents. A period piece.
David Easton, a young man, dies of pneumonia but, an autopsy reveal he was a heroin user. Family friend Andrew Quincey invites pathologist Professor Robert Lazard to his home to ask if he can avoid mentioning the drug use. However, Lazard notices Quincey's son Gerry, a student. The young man is hyper active and is anxious to get to his club to meet friends. Lazard concludes that Gerry is also a user but Quincey refuses to believe it, insisting that he and his son have a close, honest relationship. However, Gerry later doses up on Purple Hearts, the Extasy of the sixties, and confronts Easton's girlfriend Carol. It emerges that she was aware of David's drug use and had convinced him to give it up. Unfortunately, without medical treatment his body was unable to fight infection which is why he died. Gerry beats Carol, who is saved by neighbours, but he has no memory of the incident, even when faced with the battered girl. Also he cannot accept that taking "pep pills" could result in addiction. With Quincey's permission Lazard tries a shock tactic to bring Gerry to his senses. However, the episode ends without the audience knowing if the ruse has worked.
As mentioned above, this will appear rather innocent and obvious, not to mention amusing in parts. E.g. Gerry has to explain the phrase "It's a drag." to Lazard. But, Gerry's carefree and careless attitude to the drugs he is using came to typify young people in the sixties. Much to the horror and embarassment of their parents. A period piece.