As this series has progressed, the haunting nature of the preventable opioid epidemic is startling. Here is where we are up to in the story:
- In 1972, the Sackler family had to attend a congressional hearing about the nature of the drugs they were selling in the market and the ethics of their marketing. It appears that Purdue Pharma had a history of unethical advertising.
- Betsy is found by her mother in the homeless part of the community. They attend a town meeting, and the impact OxyContin has had on the community is evident.
- Samuel attends therapy, and he’s making emotional progress. He has regrets for prescribing OxyContin to his patients. He also finds a new medicine to help with his addiction, but he’s struggling to get his medical licence back as the board will not reinstate it if he’s on a narcotic. The medicine he is using is technically a narcotic, even though it help for preventative use.
- Richard Sackler learns from the FDA that they want to put a “Black Box Warning” on OxyContin, which causes concern in the company. He works with an ex-FDA employee to think of a new wording.
- Billy is irritated at work and does not want to sell OxyContin. This comes at a time when Amber admits having feelings for him. He steals training material as evidence of fraudulent sales and marketing tactics.
- Rick and Randy make progress in their investigations and prove that Purdue Pharma has lied to congress and committed fraud. This will help form an indictment.
- It’s confirmed that OxyContin comes with the “Black Box Warning” label. However, the wording helps in their favor. This is somehow made into a win for Richard Sackler, and the company expects to triple sales.
- Bridget presents data on overdose statistics to the FDA and Purdue Pharma that shows their highly addictive drug overwhelmingly leads to death to the non-abusers. However, due to withholding the report until the meeting and a sense that professionals on either side of the room do not like her, it goes down like a popped balloon. Bridget is also struggling with her marriage.
- As episode 8 ends, Betsy tragically dies of an overdose.
Dopesick episode 8 – the finale release date
Episode 8 will be released on November 17, 2021. The usual time is 12 am (PT).
Where to watch online
Viewers worldwide can watch Dopesick episode 8 on Hulu at the date and time mentioned above. Viewers can subscribe to the streaming service and watch all released episodes of Dopesick.
Episode 8 finale predictions/questions
- How will Samuel deal with the death of Betsy after trying to help her? As we saw at the beginning of the series, he will have a sense of fight in him to bring the Pharma company down in court.
- We expect Bridget to have her victory eventually — she’s a fighter.
- We will see more horror at the hands of Purdue Pharma, but also, the indictment against them will surely bring some compelling courtroom drama.
- Billy will become a whistleblower, but this will cause Amber to break up with him.
- Will Purdue Pharma finally get what they deserve?
