Originally aired February 11, 2002
Written by John J. Sakmar, Kerry Lenhart & Douglas Steinberg
Directed by Mel Damski
A student's terminal illness leaves Harry feeling useless. Lauren is appalled by a student's website which encourages anorexia. Brooke and Jeremy begin dating.
Tropes present in the episode:
- 10-Minute Retirement: After Max dies, a grief-stricken Harry tenders his resignation, but ultimately doesn't follow through with quitting.
- Cooldown Hug: Ronnie gives one to Harry as he grieves for Max.
- Face Death with Dignity: Max is resigned to his impending death and just wants to finish reading Moby-Dick.
- Love-Obstructing Parents: Meredith manipulates Jeremy and Brooke into breaking up by being overenthusiastic with praise for the relationship. Scott notes this and is less than thrilled.
- Make an Example of Them: Steven irately suggests he'll do this to Harry when he's adamant about resigning after Max dies.
- Manly Tears: Harry breaks down in Ronnie's arms as he finally mourns Max.
- Non-Giving-Up School Guy: Harry tries to get Max to apply for college and do schoolwork despite the fact that Max is dying and has accepted his fate.
