‘This Is Going to Hurt’ Recap: ‘Episode 7’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the AMC+ series, This Is Going to Hurt, has been one of 2022’s most fascinating and engaging television shows. Simply because it really has presented the medical world in a new light, since we’ve learned a lot about the kind of pressures that doctors face when they’re working in their respective wards, the kind that push them to their breaking point in every way imaginable. Since their personal lives suffer greatly since the needs of the wounded are a priority and of course, it also takes quite the emotional toll upon them as well. To the point where depression runs rampant and suicide is considered a viable out, due to the lack of mental health care for medical professionals. In fact, that revelation was so powerful and so stunning… that it set the stage for the finale of this fascinating saga.
 
For the final chapter in Adam’s journey, was influenced heavily by Shruti’s decision to take her own life. To the point where Adam is a changed man when we catch up with him in this tale. To the point where his demeanor had changed at work. For gone was the salty young hotshot we met in the premiere, replaced instead by a level-headed doctor that understood humility and the power of the moment and he also learned, to treat all of his coworkers with a newfound respect. So, they didn’t feel ostracized and incompetent so that the darkness that consumed Shruti wouldn’t consume them. Plus, he also learned the importance of setting boundaries with his workplace and in his life and setting up that kind of stress-free environment put Adam at quite the crossroads in this tale.
 
One where he came to realize… that he really needed to take the time and evaluate if this was the career field for him. Because despite finding balance now, there was always the chance said balance wouldn’t last. For promotions and bigger responsibilities down the line… could bring that stress and that ugliness back and well, before he could commit to pondering upon just that, he had to survive his complaint hearing first and well… that brought about quite the beautiful moment. Wherein Adam found a way to honor Shruti and apologize at last, by pointing out that his mistake and everything that happened that day, was a result of the fatigue and pressures that doctor’s face, and that the board needed to recognize that and respect that for a change and that allowed for him to win his case and focus his attention once again on that all-important question.
 
Which in turn, led to some powerful and poignant moments for certain. The kind that allowed for us to watch a brilliant doctor, slowly come to the realization that he had chosen the wrong field all along. Which is revolutionary to see in storytelling, since the zeitgeist of the world when it comes to the career field, we’ve chosen… is to stick with it through thick and thin and find a way to make it work. When in reality, we need to start being honest about how… sometimes what we choose, isn’t for us in the slightest. Because there are a great many elements that go into living a fulfilling life and being married to a job, especially one that brings us strife and stress, isn’t one of those elements. And while Adam didn’t make the decision to part ways here with his gig, the foundation was laid down.
 
For he came to realize that he wanted a fulfilling relationship, and time to reflect and time to pursue endeavors that didn’t involve blood and guts and the rush of panic. All of which sadly came forth from having to see a great person and a great doctor… decide that there was no hope in life but to remove themselves from it. Which is a harrowing way to learn that lesson, but he learned it none the less and eventually went on to leave the NHS behind and write the very story we enjoyed and well, now that we’ve come to the end of this journey… all we can do is offer Adam Kay our thanks. For taking the time to share his intimate and powerful journey with us and for teaching all of us, to choose the right path in life, so that we can enjoy the wonder that it has to offer and find the career that truly provides us with a sense of worth and joy.

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