Horses, Don't They?: [s2e11] They Shoot

Why 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' is more relevant than ever

: It follows contestants in a dance marathon who are pushed to their physical and mental breaking points for a cash prize that turns out to be a scam.

: The phrase "They shoot horses, don't they?" is used as a justification for a "mercy killing." At the end of the film, after the marathon destroys her spirit, the female lead begs her partner to shoot her. When arrested, he compares the act to putting down a horse with a broken leg—an animal that has lost its usefulness and is in pain. [S2E11] They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

This episode is notable for guest-starring as Meg, the Mayor's daughter.

The title is borrowed from the starring Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. Why 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They

: Meg visits from college and reveals she has grown up with radical ideas. In a protest against the harsh treatment of animals used for hansom cabs in New York City, she decides to ride naked through the streets, causing a major conflict with her father.

: Paul Lassiter begins corresponding with a woman through a "lonely hearts club." Distressed by his desperation, the office staff recruits his ex-girlfriend, Claudia (Faith Prince), to secretly ghostwrite the letters in hopes of reuniting the two and returning the office to normalcy. Context of the Title This episode is notable for guest-starring as Meg,

The episode title is a direct reference to the 1935 novel by Horace McCoy and the acclaimed 1969 film of the same name, both of which center on a grueling Depression-era dance marathon. : "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (S2E11)