FOX’s medical drama “Doc” continues its freshman run with “He Ain’t Heavy,” an episode that throws a wrench into the typical medical procedural formula by focusing on the complicated bonds of family. When a teenager arrives needing a bone marrow transplant, the seemingly straightforward case becomes a medical and ethical minefield after his brother, the donor, reveals his own health complications.
Amy and Sonya must collaborate, pooling their medical expertise to address the interwoven health crises impacting both brothers. The emotional strain on the family facing this double threat is palpable, and “Doc” doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions that arise.
While the central storyline tackles this weighty family drama, “He Ain’t Heavy” also keeps the other plates spinning. Jake contends with a classic medical drama trope – a bride fainting at her wedding, sending the groom into a predictable tizzy. While this case may initially feel like familiar territory, the execution sets it apart from the typical “will she or won’t she make it down the aisle” narrative. Meanwhile, Michael continues to wrestle with a secret, the specifics of which remain frustratingly vague.
Of course, the underlying thread of Amy’s memory loss continues to permeate every interaction. Eight years gone, poof, just like that. While the show occasionally uses this amnesia as a convenient plot device, it also serves as an effective means of exploring the complexities of identity and the long shadow of the past. This episode, however, seems less interested in Amy’s ongoing struggle with her fragmented memory and more focused on the immediate crisis of the two brothers. While this choice might disappoint viewers invested in Amy’s journey, it does allow for a deeper exploration of the episode’s central theme: the sometimes-unbearable weight of family ties.
“Doc” airs Tuesdays at 9:00 PM on FOX.