A Pain in the Neck

"A Pain in the Neck" was the third episode of the 11th season of 7th Heaven. It was also the first episode to ever air in the Sunday 8:00pm timeslot. The sudden night change attributed the show's lowest original rating since 1997 with 3.17 million viewers.

Plot
With Annie in New York helping Mary with her new babies, Eric is busy taking care of the household while dealing with an excruciating pain in his neck that won't go away. He substitutes for Lucy when he visits a patient in the hospital named Stanley. After the doctor convinces Eric to let him check "the ol' ticker" he gives Eric some shocking news about his health. Subsequently Eric decides to pull Sam and David out of school after their teacher Ms. Margo makes a pass at him. Meanwhile, Kevin tells Lucy that it's his brother Ben's birthday so that she'll let him stay with them for a few days, despite her desire to have no house guests.

Trivia

 * This was the show's first original airing in its new Sunday 8pm timeslot.


 * This is the first episode of the series that does not feature Catherine Hicks. Therefore, Stephen Collins and Beverley Mitchell are now the only characters who have appeared in every episode.

Opening Credits
Featured in the opening credits are:

Stephen Collins Catherine Hicks Beverley Mitchell Nikolas/Lorenzo Brino George Stults

Music

 * White Room by Cream.