DOOGIE HOWSER, M.D.: TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT (TV)
Summary
One in this comedy series about teenage genius Doogie Howser, M.D., the youngest doctor in the country, who attempts to live his life as a normal adolescent.
In this episode, while out on a double date with Vinnie and Janine, Doogie and Wanda nervously conclude that they are ready for the "next natural step" in their relationship: physical intimacy. At the hospital, Doogie assists as a teenage girl, Caroline, gives birth to a healthy baby girl, later explaining that she is committed to finishing high school while raising her child. Doogie and Wanda both prepare for their big night together, having decided to take advantage of the Howsers' absence on Friday night. An overeager Vinnie stops by to offer some advice and encouragement. Doogie's plans are forestalled, however, when Caroline leaves her baby on his doorstep with a note explaining that she needs time to consider her future. Doogie assures his flustered parents that he can care for the infant for a few days, though he, Wanda, and Vinnie are overwhelmed by the prospect of changing a diaper.
Doogie apologizes to Wanda for their interrupted date night, and he later goes shopping with Vinnie for a romantic present for her. Caroline returns and admits that she herself is "still a kid" and was unprepared for the time-consuming loneliness of raising a child, revealing that she may put the baby up for adoption. On their next evening together, Doogie and Wanda both confess that they do not feel ready for sex despite their deep feelings for one another. They agree that they would rather not risk their relationship with such a high-pressure decision. Doogie demonstrates his commitment to her by showing her his private journal; he adds a new entry about their personal choice to wait. Includes commercials and promos.
Details
- NETWORK: ABC
- DATE: November 30, 1999 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:28:56
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: B:17221
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Drama, medical; Teenagers; Sex - Comedy
- SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 1989-1993
- COMMERCIALS:
- TV - Commercials - "Back to the Future Part III" motion picture
- TV - Commercials - CoverGirl Anti-Smudge mascara
- TV - Commercials - Louis Rich meats
- TV - Commercials - Ocean Spray cranberry juices
- TV - Commercials - Sears stores
- TV - Commercials - Stanley tools
- TV - Commercials - Tropicana Homestyle orange juice
- TV - Commercials - Visine eye drops
- TV - Promos - "20/20"
- TV - Promos - "America's Funniest Home Videos"
- TV - Promos - "Full House"
- TV - Promos - "Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase"
CREDITS
- Steven Bochco … Executive Producer, Created by
- Stephen Cragg … Supervising Producer
- Phil Kellard … Producer
- Tom Moore … Producer
- Scott Goldstein … Producer
- Jill Gordon … Producer
- Linda Morris … Producer, Writer
- Vic Rauseo … Producer, Writer
- Joe Ann Fogle … Co-Producer
- Mark Horowitz … Supervising Associate Producer
- Jeffrey A. Henry … Associate Producer
- Rob Thompson … Director
- David E. Kelley … Created by
- Mike Post … Music by
- Neil Patrick Harris … Cast, Dr. Douglas "Doogie" Howser
- Max Casella … Cast, Vinnie Delpino
- Belinda Montgomery … Cast, Katherine Howser
- Lawrence Pressman … Cast, Dr. Benjamin Canfield
- Mitchell Anderson … Cast, Dr. Jack McGuire
- Kathryn Layng … Cast, Nurse Curly Spaulding
- James B. Sikking … Cast, Dr. David Howser
- Lisa Dean Ryan … Cast, Wanda Plenn
- Terri Ivens … Cast, Caroline
- Lucy Boryer … Cast, Janine Stewart
- Lillian Lehman … Cast, Delivery Doctor
- Lainey Hashorva … Cast, Nurse