Season 2 of Diagnosis Murder, airing from 1994 to 1995, continues the captivating blend of medical drama and crime investigation that fans adore. Starring Dick Van Dyke as Dr. Mark Sloan, a sharp and insightful doctor with a knack for solving crimes, this season delivers 22 episodes packed with intricate plots, memorable characters, and the signature charm that makes Diagnosis Murder a beloved classic. Each episode presents a unique and puzzling case, often intertwined with the medical world of Community General Hospital, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. Let’s delve into the details of each thrilling episode from this season.
Episode 1: Many Happy Returns – A Taxing Situation Turns Deadly
In “Many Happy Returns,” the season opens with Dr. Sloan in a state of unease. An impending IRS audit has him on edge, perceiving errors everywhere. His anxiety leads him to leave a frantic message, almost a ‘death threat,’ on his accountant Ernie Pitt’s voicemail, desperately seeking assistance. Meanwhile, Mark’s son, Detective Steve Sloan, is interviewing Agent Gretchen McCord at the hospital. Seizing a moment under the guise of a ‘medical emergency,’ Mark finds himself at Ernie Pitt’s apartment, only to discover Pitt murdered, stabbed to death. LAPD Detective Claire Van Sickle, still harboring resentment from a past encounter with Steve, teams up with McCord to put pressure on Mark. As Mark, with the help of Jack and Amanda in undercover roles, investigates potential suspects – Pitt’s wealthy heir and other clients like martial arts expert Nick Cove and the dubious Attorney Avery Decker known for insurance fraud – he himself becomes a target of the real killer, alongside Agent McCord.
Episode 2: A Very Fatal Funeral – Death Follows the Board
“A Very Fatal Funeral” begins with tragedy striking the charitable foundation of Chairman Elton Malone. Malone collapses and dies after licking an envelope, believing it contained proof of embezzlement by a board member. However, the envelope was empty, making it a literal empty threat. The board members, now prime suspects, include Community General administrator Norman Briggs, Mort Slater, Christine Shaw (whose husband Charles is campaigning for Congress), and art investment broker Alexander Damon. The Sloanes investigate Damon’s struggling business, but he too dies mysteriously at Malone’s funeral from a curare dart. Amanda joins Shaw’s campaign, uncovering suspicious finances, but Shaw also dies at Damon’s funeral, leading Charles to withdraw from the election. Norman, concerned about his job security, suspects Slater, whose brewery is rumored to be failing. Jack investigates Slater, discovering his arson plans. Mark focuses on Jennifer Sweeney, the foundation’s secretary who attended all funerals and fainted at Damon’s. Slater, indeed embezzling to pay an arsonist, becomes the next victim, dying from curare at Shaw’s funeral.
Episode 3: Woman Trouble – A Web of Infidelity and Conspiracy
In “Woman Trouble,” Dr. Mark Sloan grows concerned when his patient, businessman Robert Stanton, misses a crucial follow-up X-ray to check for TB. Mark had previously witnessed a heated confrontation between Robert, his mistress Marilyn Kramer (a model), and his wife Irene Stanton, whose wealth is crucial for Robert’s Japanese business deal. Mark suspects foul play when he learns the two women conspired to kill Robert and hide his body. He enlists Jack and Amanda to infiltrate the fashion world to investigate. Meanwhile, Steve falls head over heels for a socialite while undercover, leading him to desperately seek loans and dating advice from Jack and Amanda to maintain his facade.
Episode 4: The Busy Body – A Hospital Homicide and Handcuffed Doctor
“The Busy Body” starts lightheartedly with a birthday dinner for Mark Sloan with the ‘boys,’ including Norman, who abruptly leaves for a hospital accreditation inspection. Mark finds himself humorously trapped in handcuffs meant for a surprise stripper, but the keys are missing, lost by a fired security agent replaced by Norman’s new security team. However, Mark has a far bigger problem for the inspectors: a murder victim mysteriously appears in the hospital pharmacy, vanishing with the likely murder weapon before Steve arrives. The victim is identified as lawyer Lorenzo P. Kotch through TV footage, revealing motives stemming from a messy divorce and business rivalries. Kotch’s body reappears and disappears again, prompting Mark to unravel the complex situation.
Episode 5: My Four Husbands – Framed Fame in Hollywood
“My Four Husbands” features Pamela Dorn, a TV star known as the ‘Queen of the Jungle,’ admitted to Community General for cosmetic surgery. A TV reporter undercover as a patient seeks to exploit her story. One of Pam’s four ex-husbands, who previously denied her a movie role, is murdered. A condo manager and another ex-husband place Pam at the scene, yet Mark, who knows Pam from her childhood, believes she is being framed. Despite Jack’s reluctance due to a past ice-cream errand for Pam and Norman and Delores’s unhelpful assistance, incriminating evidence against Pam mounts. Steve confirms alibis for all exes, but Mark is convinced one is false, uncovering an elaborate murder plot to exonerate Pam.
Episode 6: Murder Most Vial – Malpractice and Medicine Mayhem
“Murder Most Vial” sees Community General facing a massive malpractice lawsuit from millionaire William P. Bissell, paralyzed after knee surgery due to ignoring doctor’s orders. Norman persuades Bissell to accept further treatment. An accident confines Mark to bed, and during a visit, Bissel dies from a drug overdose of his own medication. Suspects include CFO Thomas Taylor, recently demoted but now CEO successor, widow Emily Bissell, mistress Jenny Morley, and orthopedic surgeon Karen Fielder with a hidden past. Steve is drowsy from night law classes. Mark, meanwhile, is determined to improve the hospital food, even if it means blackmailing Norman.
Episode 7: You Can Call Me Johnson – Mob Ties and Hospital Treachery
In “You Can Call Me Johnson,” Jack asks Mark to operate on his godfather, mob boss Alfredo Bartolo, alias Mr. Johnson. Bartolo dies in recovery, seemingly from a suture switch. Bartolo’s son, Vinnie, blames and threatens Mark, suspected by Steve’s FBI contact Gayle Wheeler of seeking a family business takeover. Jack, believing in family loyalty, investigates and finds a suspicious fake cleaning lady in the OR. Mark’s rental car is then bombed, escalating the danger.
Episode 8: Georgia on My Mind – Ice Cream, Cyanide, and Deadly Secrets
“Georgia on My Mind” opens with the death of P.I. Charlie Hawkins at Community General, his dying words cryptic: “tell Georgia ‘Jerry Mathers’?” Georgia is his secretary, captivating Jack enough to abandon his Hawaii trip to assist Steve in investigating Charlie’s last case. It involves an ice cream company named after founders Harry Litvak’s sons, Walter and Harry, with actors promoting under those names. Money envelopes point to the sons, or their sister, Samantha Litvak. Samantha is then poisoned with cyanide, also found in Charlie’s body. Cyanide could be the murder weapon, or he could have been killed before being shot. Two murderers might be at play. Meanwhile, Norman deals with his fiancée’s fertility concerns.
Episode 9: The Last Laugh: Part 1 – Doctor of the Year and Deadly Humor
“The Last Laugh: Part 1” sees Norman pushing Mark to invite plastic surgeon Dr. Elliott Valin, “Doctor of the Year,” to attract wealthy clients to Community General, but Valin dismisses the idea. Valin dies from laughing gas overdose, leading Mark to investigate. Valin’s son Roger discovered his father’s affair and financial troubles with his holistic practice. Valin’s younger widow, Bonnie, with a lover, becomes a suspect but convinces Mark of her innocence, embarrassing Steve when she’s cleared. Mark then realizes Bonnie manipulated them with perjured testimony from her boyfriend, Dave McDonnell.
Episode 10: The Last Laugh: Part 2 – Double Jeopardy and Deadly Deception
“The Last Laugh: Part 2” continues the saga as Bonnie Valin confesses to Mark she orchestrated her husband’s murder, believing double jeopardy protects her. Steve faces demotion and is forced to prosecute the innocent son, Roger Valin. Jack aims to recover Amanda’s embezzled trust fund. Mark confronts Bonnie, revealing the life insurance refusal and Roger’s probate contest. Bonnie, scared, and her boyfriend Dave McDonnell attempt to kill Mark. Mark believes Dave is then murdered by Bonnie with rat poison, but the truth is more complex.
Episode 11: Death by Extermination – Sisterly Trouble and Termite Troubles
“Death by Extermination” introduces Mark’s sister Dora, whose arrival disrupts everyone’s lives. She takes over Mark’s beach house while her villa is fumigated for termites. Realtor Harvey Wardell’s body falls from her closet, poisoned. While Dora appoints Harvey’s replacement, Steve investigates, finding Harvey’s secretary Lena Prosser, who filed a harassment suit, had access to his coffee. Harvey’s young widow Constance shows no grief, enjoying her newfound freedom. Dora’s nitpicking leads to pharmacist Larry Macklin, who bought a collapsed house from Wardell, having access to lethal drugs.
Episode 12: Standing Eight Count – Boxing Betrayal and Hospital Homicide
“Standing Eight Count” sees Jack’s boxing hero, Mercury ‘The Heat’ Jones, hospitalized after a KO loss, urged by his wife Brianna to retire. His opponent, Tommy Brackett, is diagnosed with a heart condition, ending his career and denying Jones a rematch. Brackett is found dead, smothered, with Mercury’s hospital ID bracelet nearby. Jack investigates with friend Marco, joining Butch Reilly’s gym undercover, finding Brackett’s debts and a check from promoter Wayne Topping. A witness saw Brianna entering Brackett’s room in a doctor’s jacket, but the Sloanes seek another suspect.
Episode 13: The Bela Lugosi Blues – Vampire Panic and Bachelor Lists
“The Bela Lugosi Blues” finds Dr. Jack Stewart reluctantly representing medicine on Empire magazine’s “L.A.’s Most Eligible Bachelors” list. Another bachelor finalist, band singer Vic Danton, is murdered, drained of blood with neck punctures. Mark fears a vampire killer, especially when Jack dates Moriah Thomas, the list’s editor.
Episode 14: The New Healers – TV Set Tragedy and On-Screen Intrigue
“The New Healers” episode features a TV show filming at the hospital, constantly interrupted by Mark due to inaccuracies. When the lead actor is murdered, Mark investigates the cast, as the actor was widely disliked.
Episode 15: Call Me Incontestable – Dating Service Suicides and Deadly Matches
“Call Me Incontestable” begins with Mark concerned over his friend Alex Forman’s absence, finding him in an apparent suicide. Steve believes the suicide note, but Mark investigates Alex’s dating service, Perfect Couple, noting multiple suicides among members. Jack joins the service, attracting attention. His first date, Gloria Kinley, dated three ‘suicided’ men. Her ex, Clete Kinley, is possessive. Insurance issues complicate suicide claims. Gloria becomes aggressive towards Mark. The Sloanes set a trap, changing their initial conclusions.
Episode 16: A Blast from the Past – Vengeful Parolee and Family Threat
“A Blast from the Past” sees Steve visited by Eddie Gault, a wife-killer Steve imprisoned, now paroled and hinting at revenge. Steve moves back home, disrupting Mark’s new alarm system. Eddie gets a hospital orderly job, charming everyone, even Norman. Despite his record, Norman can’t fire him. Eddie provokes Steve, getting a restraining order. Steve warns Eddie’s fiancée, but she’s abused and silent. Eddie bypasses the alarm and dog. Steve’s warning leads to suspension. Eddie abuses his fiancée again, then targets Amanda to draw Steve out.
Episode 17: Playing for Keeps – Volleyball Vengeance and Team Troubles
“Playing for Keeps” features Norman’s pride in sponsoring his cousin’s volleyball team, the Malibu Rockets. Team infighting and attacks on star player Rita Jansen are prevalent. Sponsorship includes physicals by Mark, not Jack. Rita is murdered after team blood sample tampering is found. Jack and Amanda take new samples, facing team rivalry. Steve goes undercover as trainer. Motives and suspects abound. A jock suit wearer attacks Amanda. Jack distrusts Amanda’s boyfriend. A rare genetic immunity case emerges.
Episode 18: Sea No Evil – Lifeguard Negligence and Ocean Tragedy
“Sea No Evil” depicts a woman drowning in the ocean while a lifeguard sleeps on duty. The sleeping lifeguard is accused of negligence. His aunt, IRS Agent Gretchen McCord, assists Mark in the investigation.
Episode 19: How to Murder Your Lawyer – Law Course Chaos and Hit-and-Run
“How to Murder Your Lawyer” sees Steve’s law professor, Arnold Baskin, targeted in a hit-and-run, prevented by his assistant Agnes Benedetto. Vital case files disappear and reappear, threatening Baskin’s job. Steve protects Arnold, investigating with Jack, who faces painful mishaps, ultimately finding the solution with Mark’s guidance.
Episode 20: Naked Babes – Quadruplet Chaos and Baby Black Market
“Naked Babes” begins with Amanda hosting a dinner party when her pregnant friend Angela Pearson arrives and gives birth to quadruplets. Angela fears baby theft, linked to her friend Carol at Shady Glen. Angela vanishes, leaving the quadruplets at Mark’s beach house. Jack hires student Ty Bradford as nanny. Amanda infiltrates Shady Glen as a pregnant woman for adoption. Mark and Steve investigate, finding medical fraudster Dr. Henry Wexler involved with nursing staff in baby selling and illegal protection.
Episode 21: Death in the Daytime – Soap Opera Suspects and On-Set Danger
“Death in the Daytime” sees Amanda win a soap opera ‘walk-on’ role on The Young and the Restless. Set accidents and threats indicate a murderer. Mark becomes a regular on set, while Steve investigates a death. Suspects abound both on and off-screen. Amanda resembles an actress on the show, making her a target too.
Episode 22: My Baby Is Out of This World – Alien Abduction and Rock Star Demise
“My Baby Is Out of This World” concludes the season with psychiatrist Max Frye asking Mark to help his patient, Tara Sampson, who believes she’s pregnant by an alien. Her husband, rock star Noble Samson, is abusive and unfaithful. Noble collapses and dies onstage, stabbed. Groupie Christie Rowan is seen leaving his dressing room. Maid Anita Henry heard Tara threaten Noble. Tara claims an alien did it. Jack learns of Willy’s wife, Christie, being Noble’s lover and new band leader. Dr. Frye reveals Tara found Noble with Anita, his heir. Steve follows Tara to musician Johnny ‘M’ Meslofski, whom she kisses. Johnny confesses falsely. Frye has Tara declared incompetent.
Conclusion: Season 2 – A Season of Intrigue and Endearing Mysteries
Diagnosis Murder Season 2 successfully maintains the show’s engaging format, offering a compelling mix of medical scenarios and detective work. Each episode delivers a fresh mystery, showcasing Dr. Mark Sloan’s brilliant mind and the endearing dynamics of the core characters. From tax audits to soap opera sets, and from hospital hallways to Hollywood hills, Season 2 solidifies Diagnosis Murder’s place as a captivating and enjoyable crime drama series.
