Albert (Burns) is an aging, infirm grandfather to young grandson Eddie (Corcoran) who unfortunately is immobilized with Muscular Dystrophy and completely dependent on Granddad. When Albert suffers a heart attack, he goes into a funk worrying about his fate and Eddie's. The topic here is euthanasia (mercy killing), which Albert contemplates given his and Eddie's dim future.
Apparently, the producers weren't too worried about ratings, given a real downer topic like mercy killing. Dr. Styner (Boone) has an extended rumination on the topic as he counsels Albert. Styner's authoritative manner makes his thoughts compelling. Considering the really tricky, profound nature of the subject, the screenplay (Gene Coon) handles it pretty well. Nonetheless, note that Styner doesn't really tackle whether a person should be allowed to make the decision for him or herself. Happily, there's an amusing few moments when friendly neighbor Mrs. Allan (O'Neill) brings food to Albert and Eddie and then tactlessly lectures him about a topic he's quite familiar with--the infirmities of old age. Doesn't sound amusing, but the way it's done, it is. All in all, the 30-minutes is a daring, if ultimately reassuring, effort at dealing with a deep moral question.
Apparently, the producers weren't too worried about ratings, given a real downer topic like mercy killing. Dr. Styner (Boone) has an extended rumination on the topic as he counsels Albert. Styner's authoritative manner makes his thoughts compelling. Considering the really tricky, profound nature of the subject, the screenplay (Gene Coon) handles it pretty well. Nonetheless, note that Styner doesn't really tackle whether a person should be allowed to make the decision for him or herself. Happily, there's an amusing few moments when friendly neighbor Mrs. Allan (O'Neill) brings food to Albert and Eddie and then tactlessly lectures him about a topic he's quite familiar with--the infirmities of old age. Doesn't sound amusing, but the way it's done, it is. All in all, the 30-minutes is a daring, if ultimately reassuring, effort at dealing with a deep moral question.
