Becker
Misanthropic Dr. John Becker runs a clinic in New York City. He is assisted by super-capable Margaret, and less-than-capable Linda--who's only kept on because no one else can stand the doctor. Becker's best (some would say only) friend is the blind Jake Malinak, who runs a newsstand in the diner across the street. The diner used to be run by Reggie Kostas, but it has been taken over by Chris Conner, a lady whom Becker fluctuates between lusting after and loathing. The diner is also frequented by Robert Benito, who is universally known as Bob and is the super at Becker's apartment, much to the doctor's regret.
- Metascore54
- 1998-2004
- 6 seasons
- CBS
- Comedy
- TV-PG
Misanthropic Dr. John Becker runs a clinic in New York City. He is assisted by super-capable Margaret, and less-than-capable Linda--who's only kept on because no one else can stand the doctor. Becker's best (some would say only) friend is the blind Jake Malinak, who runs a newsstand in the diner across the street. The diner used to be run by Reggie Kostas, but it has been taken over by Chris Conner, a lady whom Becker fluctuates between lusting after and loathing. The diner is also frequented by Robert Benito, who is universally known as Bob and is the super at Becker's apartment, much to the doctor's regret.
Season 1 Episode Guide
22 Episodes 1998 - 1999
Episode 1
Pilot
Mon, Nov 2, 1998 22 mins
Becker treats an HIV-positive child and is shocked to find that Reggie has inherited his favorite diner from her father.
Episode 2
Take These Pills and Shove 'Em
Mon, Nov 9, 1998 22 mins
Becker makes a house call after a patient reacts to his rude bedside manner. Jake takes a sculpting class to meet women.
Episode 3
Sex in the Inner City
Mon, Nov 16, 1998 21 mins
As the day progresses, Becker is faced repeatedly with reminders him of his sex life, or lack thereof.
Episode 4
Tell Me Lies
Mon, Nov 30, 1998 21 mins
Becker and Jake pressure Reggie to tell them what's bothering her-with varying responses.
Episode 5
My Dinner with Becker
Mon, Dec 7, 1998 21 mins
Becker and Reggie each have blind dates that disintegrate-Becker because he didn't listen to his own instincts and Reggie because she did listen to Becker's.
Episode 6
Man Plans, God Laughs
Mon, Dec 14, 1998 21 mins
Becker's attempt at friendship is short lived. With Margaret at home with the flu, Linda is left in charge of the office. Reggie receives an unwelcome visit from a former high-school classmate.
Episode 7
City Lights
Mon, Dec 21, 1998 21 mins
Becker's mood is worse than ever when a flickering street light keeps him awake. Margaret agrees to let Linda bring one personal item into the office.
Episode 8
Physician, Heal Thyself
Mon, Jan 11, 1999 21 mins
Becker and Reggie argue about crime rates. Becker is forced to ask for Reggie's help with an injury, but he initially rejects her suggestion that he see an acupuncturist. Margaret receives special deliveries from an apparently smitten mailman.
Episode 9
Choose Me
Mon, Jan 18, 1999 21 mins
When Reggie announces that she has an extra ticket to a Rangers-Flyers hockey game, Jake and Becker each makes it his primary goal to be chosen as the lucky recipient.
Episode 10
P.C. World
Mon, Jan 25, 1999 21 mins
When a self-serving reporter witnesses a heated argument between Becker and a man at the diner, he determines that Becker's comments are ""politically incorrect"" and uses his column to create a local controversy. Becker tries to ignore the reporter's comments, but when the hack then belittles Becker on a local radio show, the short-fused doctor heads to the station for a one-on-one confrontation.
Episode 11
Scriptus Interruptus
Mon, Feb 1, 1999 21 mins
Becker agrees to write an article for a fellow doctor's medical journal, but has trouble finishing the project. With the article's deadline quickly approaching, Becker tries desperately to find a place to sit and hash out the piece. Unfortunately, he can't seem to acquire five minutes of quiet time before something or someone finds a way to interrupt his concentration.
Episode 12
Love! Lies! Bleeding!
Mon, Feb 8, 1999 21 mins
Becker is typically cynical about Valentine's Day after seeing a woman stab her husband with a fork, advising a teenager who wants a vasectomy, treating a woman who is allergic to roses, and seeing Linda begin and end a relationship within hours. A hospital visit changes his perspective, and he begins to understand the holiday's significance.
Episode 13
Becker the Elder
Mon, Feb 15, 1999 21 mins
Becker is less than thrilled when his estranged father, Fred, makes an unannounced visit. Although Becker is unhappy to see his father, the others are instantly charmed by Fred's easygoing, jovial manner. Despite Becker's chilly welcome, Fred refuses to give up on resuming contact with his polar opposite son.
Episode 14
Larry Spoke
Mon, Feb 22, 1999 21 mins
Becker treats a patient who claims he can talk to God. Linda decides to keep a jacket accidentally returned to her by her dry cleaner.
Episode 15
Activate Your Choices
Mon, Mar 1, 1999 21 mins
When Becker learns that his ex-wife Sondra is in town for a book signing tour, he feigns disinterest until he learns that chapters of her new self-help publication denounces "Angry Man," a pseudonym for Becker. When Becker confronts Sondra at her hotel, it becomes abundantly clear that their explosive chemistry remains fiercely intact.
Episode 16
Limits & Boundaries
Mon, Mar 8, 1999 21 mins
When a patient's mother desperately needs Becker to watch her two kids for the day, he reluctantly agrees and then makes Margaret and Linda keep an eye on them. But when the day turns into an unexpected sleepover at Becker's, his attempts to establish rules for the kids are about as effective as a blender during a power outage.
Episode 17
Partial Law
Mon, Apr 5, 1999 21 mins
When Becker's computer is stolen from his apartment, he's shocked to learn that the insurance company's reimbursement won't even cover the cost of a keyboard. Against his better judgment, he purchases a top of the line system via shady means and soon realizes he's made a "fatal error."
Episode 18
Saving Harvey Cohen
Mon, Apr 12, 1999 30 mins
Much to the Becker's dismay, an alley cat finds its way into his office and refuses to leave. When they realize that the cat is sick, Becker's guilted into taking care of it -- to the tune of $1,500. Meantime, Margaret attempts to help Becker plan a trip she knows he'll never take.
Episode 19
Truth and Consequences
Mon, Apr 19, 1999 21 mins
Becker's cousin Barry invites him over to his house for dinner, and Becker learns first-hand than Barry and his wife are having major marital problems. However, Becker makes the situation worse by letting it slip that Barry once had an affair.
Episode 20
Drive, They Said
Mon, May 3, 1999 22 mins
Becker reluctantly agrees to shuttle Reggie, Margaret, Jake and Linda to various engagements in Queens when they learn that he's heading that way in his car. It quickly becomes a "what-was-I-thinking" scenario for the gang when Becker's terroristic skills behind the wheel cause an accident. Even More Shameless Crossover Monday winds up when Dr. Becker returns to his office waiting room to find Hilton Lucas, Doug Heffernan and Ray Barone -- side-by-side -- waiting.
Episode 21
Lucky Day
Mon, May 10, 1999 21 mins
A prime parking space, an unexpected tax refund and a flawless trip to the post office are just a few of the lucky breaks bestowed upon Becker. Unable to accept the idea that he might just be having a good day, he remains wary of each new stroke of luck and convinces himself that payback is on its way.
Episode 22
Regarding Reggie
Mon, May 17, 1999 21 mins
Becker fears that Reggie may get the wrong idea if he asks her to be his date at a medical fundraiser. Fearing that Reggie will misread his invitation, Becker struggles to find someone else to take to the event. Despite his resistance, his friends insist that he should just ask Reggie. The ongoing pressure causes Becker to recall the first time he was rejected by the opposite sex, as Prequel Monday concludes with a flashback sequence of a 10-year-old Becker asking a little girl to a school dance.
