Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones talks his way into a job on a construction site, exuding charisma. He then suffers a manic episode that drives him toward a dangerous jump from a building. Howard, a fellow worker, intervenes and saves him, and Jones is transported to a psychiatric hospital.

At the hospital, Jones is misdiagnosed as schizophrenic and medicated. Because of budget cuts and lack of space, he is released shortly after. Dr. Catherine Holland oversees the discharge.

Dr. Elizabeth Libbie Bowen becomes intrigued with Jones' case as she evaluates him after release. She balances her professional concerns with her own life, including her divorce, which colors her approach to his treatment.

During a manic episode, Jones spends extravagantly on a date and loses himself in the moment. He climbs onto the stage during a Beethoven Ninth Symphony performance and begins conducting, shocking the audience. He is arrested and returned to hospital, where Bowen eventually diagnoses him correctly.

A competency hearing reveals Jones's charm and rationality, which Bowen challenges as she seeks involuntary treatment. He is deemed capable and is released. He openly questions Bowen's diagnosis by noting she has never seen him in a depressive phase.

Bowen gives Jones a ride home after the hearing and tries to learn more about his illness. He flirts with her and admits he resists treatment because he enjoys the energy and confidence of mania.

Jones stops taking lithium and sinks into a severe depressive state. Howard contacts Bowen, who discovers him severely depressed at his apartment and arranges admission to her hospital.

Bowen begins psychotherapy with Jones, and he gradually opens up about his long history with the condition. Howard visits him and the two men become friends, offering support outside the hospital.

Jones rescues Bowen during a violent attack by another patient, displaying courage and care. She comforts him as he grapples with missing the mania while on medication and adjusts to life in the hospital.

As their professional relationship deepens, Bowen contacts Jones's ex-girlfriend to learn more about his past. Jones confronts the intrusion, storms out, and Bowen confesses her feelings; they end up sleeping together.

The romantic entanglement triggers concern; Bowen confesses to Dr. Shaye and is instructed to stop treating Jones. Jones is transferred to another hospital, but leaves before a formal recommitment, signaling escalating consequences.

A fellow patient, Amanda Chang, commits suicide, deeply affecting Bowen and prompting her to quit her job. Jones reappears at Howard's house, and Howard senses he is entering another manic phase.

Jones returns to Howard's house; Howard deduces another manic episode and calls Bowen. He heads toward the construction site, but Bowen arrives in time and helps him calm down. The two reconcile and commit to pursuing treatment for his bipolar disorder.