What is the plot?

The episode "Strange Afflictions" opens with Dan Aykroyd introducing the theme of unusual medical conditions that have baffled doctors throughout history. The first sequence focuses on a family afflicted with an extraordinary condition causing their skin to appear blue. The episode presents the family members in their daily lives, showing the striking blue hue of their skin under natural light. Medical experts are brought in to examine the family, conducting various tests including blood work and genetic analysis. The doctors express astonishment as they find no known cause for the pigmentation, ruling out common explanations such as methemoglobinemia or exposure to chemicals. The family shares their history, revealing that the blue skin trait has been passed down through generations, and they describe the social challenges they face due to their appearance.

The narrative then shifts to a young girl who suffers from an extreme allergy to water, a condition medically known as aquagenic urticaria. The episode details her daily struggles, showing scenes of her avoiding contact with water, including rain and sweat. Doctors attempt to diagnose her condition through skin tests and controlled exposure to water, which results in painful hives and rashes. The medical team discusses the rarity of the condition and the difficulty in managing it, as water is essential for hygiene and survival. The girl's family recounts the emotional toll the allergy has taken on her, including isolation and the need for constant vigilance.

Next, the episode explores a historical epidemic characterized by uncontrollable laughter, which left doctors perplexed and searching for answers. The story begins with archival footage and reenactments of affected communities where the laughter outbreak spread rapidly. Medical historians and epidemiologists analyze the phenomenon, suggesting possible causes such as mass psychogenic illness or neurological disorders. The episode follows the progression of the epidemic, showing how the laughter incapacitated individuals, leading to exhaustion and, in some cases, death. Doctors at the time struggled to contain the outbreak, implementing quarantines and various treatments with limited success. The episode highlights key moments when medical professionals made critical decisions to isolate patients and study the condition, though the exact cause remained elusive.

Throughout the episode, Dan Aykroyd and guest experts provide commentary linking these strange afflictions to broader themes of medical mystery and human resilience. The episode concludes with reflections on how these cases challenge conventional medical understanding and the ongoing quest for answers in the face of the unknown.

What is the ending?

The episode ends with Dan Aykroyd reflecting on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of rare and misunderstood afflictions. The family with blue skin is shown continuing their lives with dignity, having found acceptance and support. The girl allergic to water is seen adapting to her condition with the help of her family and medical team, embracing her unique reality.


The episode "Strange Afflictions" concludes with a series of poignant scenes that bring closure to the stories introduced earlier. The camera opens on the family with blue skin gathered in their modest living room, sunlight streaming through the windows. Each member is engaged in everyday activities--reading, laughing, sharing a meal. Dan Aykroyd's voiceover narrates that, despite their rare condition, they have found strength in each other and in their community. The eldest daughter, who once struggled with self-consciousness, is now seen confidently leading a local support group for people with rare genetic disorders. Her parents, once fearful of judgment, are shown smiling as they watch their children play outside, their blue skin glowing softly in the afternoon light. The scene fades out with a close-up of the family's hands intertwined, symbolizing unity and acceptance.

Next, the episode shifts to the story of the young girl allergic to water. The final scene takes place in a specialized medical facility, where she is undergoing a new experimental therapy. Her parents stand by her bedside, holding her hands as she receives treatment. The doctors explain that while there is no cure, her condition is now manageable, and she can live a fuller life with careful precautions. The girl, once isolated and afraid, is shown smiling as she watches rain fall outside the hospital window, no longer seeing it as a threat but as a part of the world she can now safely experience. The camera lingers on her face, capturing a moment of quiet triumph.

Dan Aykroyd appears on screen, standing in front of a backdrop of medical diagrams and photographs from the episode. He speaks directly to the audience, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the face of the unknown. He notes that while these afflictions are rare, they remind us of the incredible diversity of the human experience and the power of community and science to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

The episode closes with a montage of the families and individuals featured, each shown in moments of joy and connection. The final shot is of Dan Aykroyd walking away from the camera, his silhouette framed by the setting sun, as the credits roll. The fate of each main character is clear: they have not been cured, but they have found ways to live meaningful lives, supported by love, science, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Is there a post-credit scene?

The episode "Strange Afflictions," Season 2 Episode 19 of The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd (2025), does not have any publicly documented post-credit scene. Available sources, including detailed episode summaries and official listings, do not mention or describe a post-credit scene for this episode.

The episode itself focuses on unusual medical mysteries such as a family with blue skin, a girl allergic to water, and a deadly epidemic causing uncontrollable laughter, but no additional scenes after the credits have been reported or highlighted in reviews or official descriptions.

What is the nature of the family cursed with blue skin featured in the episode?

The episode explores a family afflicted with a rare condition causing their skin to appear blue, baffling doctors and challenging medical understanding.

Who is the girl allergic to the world's most unlimited resource, and what are the symptoms she experiences?

The episode features a girl who suffers from an extreme allergy to water, the world's most unlimited resource, leading to severe and unusual allergic reactions that confound medical professionals.

How do the doctors react when confronted with these strange afflictions, and what diagnostic challenges do they face?

Doctors in the episode are stunned and perplexed by the unusual medical cases, struggling to diagnose and treat conditions that defy conventional medical knowledge.

What role does Dan Aykroyd play in investigating or narrating these strange afflictions?

Dan Aykroyd serves as the host and narrator, guiding viewers through the bizarre medical cases with historical context, expert interviews, and detailed storytelling.

Are there any historical or scientific explanations provided for the strange afflictions shown in the episode?

The episode delves into possible historical and scientific backgrounds for the afflictions, including genetic, environmental, and cultural factors, though some mysteries remain unresolved, emphasizing the limits of current medical science.

Is this family friendly?

The episode "Strange Afflictions" (Season 2, Episode 19) of The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd is rated 18 and is not suitable for children due to its content. It features unusual medical conditions and afflictions that may be unsettling or disturbing for sensitive viewers or children.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects include:

  • Visuals of unusual physical conditions, such as a family with blue skin and a girl with a severe allergy to water, which might be disturbing to some viewers.
  • Medical scenes that could be unsettling, as doctors encounter baffling and rare afflictions.
  • The tone and subject matter are serious and may include discussions of suffering or rare diseases that could be emotionally intense.

There is no indication of strong violence, explicit content, or graphic scenes, but the medical and physical abnormalities shown could be upsetting for sensitive audiences or young children. The overall rating and content suggest parental discretion is advised.