.

Season One

1. Pilot
   The emergency room of Chicago's County General, a teaching hospital, is on alert when a number of victims are rushed there for treatment after a building collapses nearby. The young residents and interns all help with the injured and deal with other patients and personal problems as well.

   Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) must console a fragile cancer patient. After being extremely drunk on his day off from work, charming pediatrician Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) resumes his duties and confronts a mother whom he suspects of abusing her baby. Due to a shortage of staff on duty, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE), an intense and confident second-year surgical resident, must perform a major operation for which he may not be prepared. However, he manages to save the patient's life. Inexperienced medical student John Carter (NOAH WYLE), not yet a doctor, is forced to deal with several medical emergencies on his very first day in the emergency room.

   In the midst of the chaos, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS), the married chief resident, receives a lucrative job offer from a prestigious private practice. He is forced to make a choice between staying in this city hospital among colleagues and friends or listening to his wife who wants him to take the new job so he can be with his family more often. Although his commitment is with the emergency room, he worries about the effect this decision will have on his family.

   Meanwhile, Ross' attraction to Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) becomes apparent. Although they used to date, the relationship didn't work, and Hathaway is now dating a football player-turned-doctor. Several hours after she goes off duty, Hathaway is rushed back to the hospital--this time on a stretcher. Her new roommate found her unconscious. It appears that she is in critical condition due to a drug overdose. No one knows why she would attempt suicide
   

2. Day One
   The physicians of County General Hospital are inundated with food poisoning victims including German tourists and members of a wedding party--all of whom ate at a German Hofbrdu.

   Meanwhile, tough, talented medical resident Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) saves the life of an infant who swallowed an earring. Later, she argues with the hospital's chief psychiatrist, Dr. Cvetic (JOHN TERRY - "Against The Grain," in a recurring role), regarding the fate of a senile man (ED CAMBRIDGE). Despite their argument, Lewis and Cvetic are lovers.

   Confident surgical resident Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) can solve any medical problem in the emergency room. When Benton correctly diagnoses a case of thrombosis, which the victim's personal physician missed, he impresses the naove medical student, John Carter (NOAH WYLE).

   Carter is assigned to deal with a patient, Liz (LIZ VASSEY), who is a frequent visitor to the emergency room. She constantly tries to seduce the doctors using real or imaginary maladies to get their attention. This time Liz has a rash on her buttocks, caused by poison oak, and Carter must examine it. Later, she asks him to come home with her, and Carter accepts.

   Finally, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) and pediatric resident Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) try to help the victims of a drunk driving accident, a father, mother and daughter. Also, Dr. Greene confronts an elderly husband (JOHN RANDOLPH) who insists on sustaining his dying wife on a respirator against her wishes.

   With Dr. Greene's encouragement, Dr. Ross visits Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES), who is recuperating from a suicide attempt. The two behave awkwardly around each other. Meanwhile, Dr. Greene's wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), announces that she passed the bar exam to practice law. Greene admits he has no intention of leaving the ER for private practice
   

3. Going Home
   The mysterious Madame X (singer ROSEMARY CLOONEY, series regular George Clooney's real-life aunt) wanders the halls of County General Hospital. She can only express herself in song, and no one knows who she is. Later, the staff learns that she was once a famous singer. Her daughter is contacted and comes to take her home.

   Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) makes a risky but life-saving decision while treating a heart patient. Without the support of Dr. Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS), Lewis must defend herself to the patient's private physician. Lewis becomes more deeply involved romantically with hospital psychiatrist Dr. "Div" Cvetic (JOHN TERRY).

   Third-year medical student John Carter (NOAH WYLE) contends with the romantic advances of a perennial patient, Liz (LIZ VASSEY, in a recurring role), who seduces him in x-ray. Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) meets a former patient, liquor store owner Ivan Gregor (JOHN LA MOTTA), who is constantly getting hurt every time his shop is robbed.

   Finally, Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) returns to work after recovering from a mysterious suicide attempt. She gets a heartfelt welcome from the other nurses and doctors in the ER, particularly Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY), who used to date her. Ross asks her to lunch, but she is already going with romantic interest Dr. John Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH - "Roxanne," "Top Gun"), an ex-football player turned orthopedic surgeon
   

4. Into That Good Night
   Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) tries to find a heart donor for Sam Gasner (ALAN ROSENBERG - "L.A. Law," "Civil Wars"), a good-natured family man whose heart will not survive until morning. Gasner dies with his wife and daughter near his bedside, causing Dr. Greene to think of his own family. Dr. Greene must decide whether to leave Chicago, Illinois, and follow his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), to her new job, clerking for a federal judge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

   Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) counsels an asthmatic girl's mother, who cannot afford the necessary medication. He also treats a pregnant woman who was in a car accident and went into premature labor. Later, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) operates on the female gang member who caused the accident.

   Benton again meets his former patient, liquor store owner Ivan Gregor (JOHN LA MOTTA), who has now shot his own toe off. John Carter (NOAH WYLE) suspects he got herpes from Liz (recurring regular LIZ VASSEY). Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) tends to a college fraternity brother, who drank himself into unconsciousness, and contends with many poorly timed calls from her mother, frantic to have Susan help Susan's sister get a job.
   

5. Hit And Run
   Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) tries to convince an overstressed salesman to relax more, before his ulcer gets worse. While Drs. Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) and Langworthy (recurring guest star TYRA FERRELL - "Boyz N the Hood") argue over a fatal car crash victim, medical student John Carter (NOAH WYLE) accidentally contacts the wrong parents to inform them of their loss. Benton is competing with Langworthy for chief surgical resident and later disappoints his brother-in-law, Walter (VING RHAMES), by forgetting an important family obligation.

   Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) watches over a young boy (ANDREW J. FERCHLAND) whose schizophrenic mother (ANNABELLA PRICE) is admitted to the hospital after she brings her son in to have his hearing checked. She complains that her son cannot hear the same voices that she can hear.

   Ross is still romantically attracted to Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES). Unfortunately, she is already romantically involved with surgeon Dr. John Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH). She makes it clear to Ross that she does not want a relationship with him because of his lack of commitment when they were together before.

   Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) contends with a woman whose pacemaker is reacting strangely, causing her to convulse every time the telephone rings. Dr. Greene's wife has a job interview in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

   A married man who suffers a mild heart attack checks into the hospital--handcuffed to his girlfriend (PATRICIA HEALY)
   

6. Chicago Heat
   Despite the extreme heat, resulting from a broken air conditioner, the dedicated physicians of County General Hospital contend with a variety of emergencies.

   With his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), in Milwaukee looking for an apartment to start her legal clerkship, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) brings daughter Rachel (YVONNE ZIMA) to the ER, going in on his day off. There, he and Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) treat a 5-year-old girl with heart problems. They discover she accidentally swallowed cocaine.

   Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) continues his one-upmanship game with Dr. Langworthy (TYRA FERRELL), but neither of them can save a young hoodlum shot by liquor store owner Ivan Gregor (JOHN LA MOTTA), who is not injured this time.

   Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) is concerned that her lazy sister Chloe's (KATHLEEN WILHOITE) mental problems are worsening, and now Chloe wants to stay with her.
   

7. Another Perfect Day
   Second-year surgical resident Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) is a candidate for the Starzl Fellowship, which normally goes only to third-year residents. On the day of his interview for the Fellowship, he does a remarkable job of saving a stab wound victim--only to learn that his rival for the Fellowship is Langworthy (TYRA FERRELL).

   Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) and Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) heroically save a 12-year-old boy, the victim of a boating accident. They celebrate the victory with a kiss even though Hathaway is moving in with Dr. John Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH).

   Meanwhile, John Carter (NOAH WYLE) finally gains confidence after having Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) supervise his first spinal tap. Greene's problems increase when Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS) worries that they are not together enough.

   Finally, Chloe (KATHLEEN WILHOITE) returns on Dr. Susan Lewis' birthday and disrupts her romantic plans with Dr. Cvetic (JOHN TERRY)
   

8. 9 1/2 Hours
   Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) claims to have the flu and misses work, but he's really taking time off to make love to his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), while Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) reluctantly substitutes for him as chief resident. In the process, he realizes how difficult Greene's job really is.

   Ross treats a boy with a blocked breathing passage and argues with Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE). Benton is particularly headstrong and stubborn these days because not only did he lose the Starzl Fellowship to Langworthy (TYRA FERRELL), but his family situation is upsetting him. The reappearance of his brother, Walter (VING RHAMES), and his mother, Mae (BEAH RICHARDS), make him realize that his family has problems. Third-year medical student John Carter (NOAH WYLE) helps Benton with a diagnosis for a young high school wrestler (KEVIN CONNOLLY) who has starved himself to stay in his weight class.

   Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) tries to find out why her lover Dr. Cvetic (JOHN TERRY) is so bad-tempered lately. Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) helps a young rape victim (BRIGID WALSH) who is afraid to cooperate fully with the police, especially when she must submit to humiliating procedures to collect evidence. Carter becomes infatuated with Lewis
   

9. ER Confidential
   On Thanksgiving Day, Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) becomes increasingly worried after seeing dangerous signs of depression in her lover, psychiatrist Dr. Cvetic (JOHN TERRY). As she prepares Thanksgiving dinner with her sister and her sister's boyfriend, she wonders where Cvetic is. Unbeknownst to her, Cvetic is having a breakdown and is deliberately standing in the middle of a crowded roadway as cars swerve around him.

   Meanwhile, John Carter (NOAH WYLE) is uncomfortable treating a transvestite (VONDIE CURTIS-HALL), who tries to commit suicide, first by driving into a bridge, then by jumping off the hospital roof. The latter attempt is successful. Devastated by the suicide, Carter reluctantly accepts Dr. Benton's (ERIQ LA SALLE) invitation to join him for Thanksgiving dinner with Benton's family.

   Benton, Carter, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS), Dr. Langworthy (TYRA FERRELL) and Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) try to save two teenage boys who, while driving recklessly, killed a girl. One boy dies, and the other confesses to Hathaway that he was really the driver, not the dead boy as everyone thinks. She debates whether or not to let the truth be known.

   Hathaway also considers her feelings for Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH) and Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY), who is having an ongoing affair with medical supply saleswoman Linda Farrell (ANDREA PARKER). Finally, Hathaway decides to tell Taglieri the truth about some past romantic encounters she had with Ross while she was seeing Taglieri. Unfortunately, Taglieri would have preferred that she didn't confide this to him.

   As Thanksgiving day in the ER continues, Ross tends to an animal rights activist who had to kill a turkey he rescued when the bird began pecking him relentlessly
   

10. Blizzard
    The first major snowstorm of the season hits Chicago, but just as the ER staff is celebrating the lack of patients during the holiday season, victims of a 32 car accident on an expressway are rushed in. Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) must surgically reattach the leg of a young victim, while Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) performs a complicated heart surgery that she's never done before. John Carter (NOAH WYLE) preps an Asian woman who actually came to the hospital just to pick up her husband.

    During the frantic activity, Bob (MALGOSCHA GEBEL - "Schlindler's List"), an immigrant janitor, helps out to everyone's surprise. She was a doctor in Poland and exhibits fine skills as a surgeon. However, she is fearful that her actions will prevent her from gaining certification as a medical doctor in this country.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) misdiagnoses a Hispanic man (who dies) and clashes with a new attending ER physician, Angela Hicks (CCH POUNDER - "Robocop 3," "Postcards from the Edge"). After just returning from a romantic vacation in the Bahamas with Ross, pharmaceutical saleswoman Linda Farrell (ANDREA PARKER) assumes command of the ER reception desk when a temporary employee proves incapable. Ross is upset when Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) announces her engagement to Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH).

    Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) is forced to instruct a man via telephone on how to deliver a baby when a pregnant woman insists on giving birth while watching the falling snow from the comfort of her own home rather than coming to the ER.
    

11. The Gift
    The first major snowstorm of the season hits Chicago, but just as the ER staff is celebrating the lack of patients during the holiday season, victims of a 32 car accident on an expressway are rushed in. Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) must surgically reattach the leg of a young victim, while Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) performs a complicated heart surgery that she's never done before. John Carter (NOAH WYLE) preps an Asian woman who actually came to the hospital just to pick up her husband.

    During the frantic activity, Bob (MALGOSCHA GEBEL - "Schlindler's List"), an immigrant janitor, helps out to everyone's surprise. She was a doctor in Poland and exhibits fine skills as a surgeon. However, she is fearful that her actions will prevent her from gaining certification as a medical doctor in this country.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) misdiagnoses a Hispanic man (who dies) and clashes with a new attending ER physician, Angela Hicks (CCH POUNDER - "Robocop 3," "Postcards from the Edge"). After just returning from a romantic vacation in the Bahamas with Ross, pharmaceutical saleswoman Linda Farrell (ANDREA PARKER) assumes command of the ER reception desk when a temporary employee proves incapable. Ross is upset when Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) announces her engagement to Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH).

    Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) is forced to instruct a man via telephone on how to deliver a baby when a pregnant woman insists on giving birth while watching the falling snow from the comfort of her own home rather than coming to the ER.
    

12. Happy New Year
    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) further alienates chief cardiologist Dr. Kayson (recurring character SAM ANDERSON) after she releases a patient who later dies of a heart attack. This could result in a major lawsuit. Adding to Lewis' strife is her sister Chloe's (KATHLEEN WILHOITE) announcement that she's going to move to Texas with her boyfriend and have her baby.

    John Carter (NOAH WYLE) finally proves himself to Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE), who lets him attend a surgery. Unfortunately, Carter comically fouls up. Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) and Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) try to save a young gang member, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds.

    A busy Dr. Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) helps a 14-year-old mother (AMY FAITH CHANCE) learn how to nurse her newborn baby. He finishes the day by pondering his romance with shallow pharmaceutical saleswoman Linda Farrell (ANDREA PARKER).

    Benton's family problems escalate with the appearance of his sister (KHANDI ALEXANDER), who insists that they should put their mother (BEAH RICHARDS) in a nursing home, although Benton disagrees
    

13. Luck Of The Draw
    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) is told she must meet with Dr. Morgenstern (WILLIAM H. MACY) because Dr. Kayson (SAM ANDERSON) has accused her of negligently treating a patient who subsequently died. She is further upset when Dr. Morgenstern tells Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) to supervise her work, co-sign her charts and watch out for her patients.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Greene contends with a patient who has cocaine packed in condoms in his intestines. Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) tries to help a father whose brain-damaged son has heart problems.

    Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) is called out of surgery to find his senile mother (BEAH RICHARDS), who's wandering the streets of Chicago. John Carter (NOAH WYLE) is forced to help Benton's other new intern, Deb (MING-NA WEN - "The Joy Luck Club").
    

14. Long Day's Journey
    Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) probes to discern the cause of a female patient's extensive, possibly fatal, injuries and discovers that she was physically abused by her teenage daughter. Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) hires physical therapist Jeanie Boulet (GLORIA REUBEN) to stay with his senile mother several days a week, without consulting his sister, who wants their mom put in a nursing home.

    Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) becomes depressed about the number of children who are sick with incurable diseases and his inability to help them, particularly Zack Meeker (TRENTON KNIGHT), who has cancer. Dr. Ross argues with Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH) about Zack's treatment, while Zack's mother chastises Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) for telling her son the truth about his illness.

    John Carter is upset when the new intern, Deb (MING-NA WEN), is continually praised by the residents, especially Dr. Benton.

    Finally, Dr. Susan Lewis' (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) problems subside when Dr. Morgenstern (WILLIAM H. MACY) chastises Dr. Kayson (SAM ANDERSON), not Lewis, after Dr. Morgenstern evaluates the case of a patient who died. Dr. Morgenstern tells Kayson that Lewis acted properly but because she is only a resident, it was Kayson's responsibility to supervise the case more thoroughly. Ironically, Kayson unexpectedly suffers a heart attack, and Lewis is the only one he really trusts to care for him
    

15. Feb 5, '95
    Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) argues with Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) about a diagnosis for a patient. However, Greene's conclusion of a pulmonary embolism impresses Dr. Morgenstern (WILLIAM H. MACY), who offers Greene an attending position next year upon completion of his residency. This does not please Dr. Greene's wife, an attorney practicing out of town. In addition, a terminally ill breast cancer patient (LINDA KELSEY - "Lou Grant") begs Dr. Greene to help her die.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) argues with Nurse Haleh (YVETTE FREEMAN), who resents Benton's superior attitude. Later, Benton is chastised by Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) and is lectured by the physical therapist (GLORIA REUBEN) who cares for his mother. Benton also treats a fatally wounded 12-year-old gang member, the victim of a shooting. The boy's young assailant visits the ER, wielding a gun, then leaves when he discovers the victim is dead.

    John Carter (NOAH WYLE) and Deb Chen (MING-NA WEN) must give presentations along with some other medical students. Carter is upset when Chen impresses Dr. Benton with her brilliant presentation.

    Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) treats a boy who was bitten by his pet viper, while hospital personnel search for the snake, now missing in the er. Dr. Ross becomes increasingly interested in Diane Leeds (recurring guest star LISA ZANE - "L.A. Law"), a hospital employee whose son he befriended. But Diane knows Ross' reputation with women and isn't interested in him.

    Elsewhere, Dr. Lewis treats a stricken hockey referee; comedian BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT briefly guest stars (as a patient hiding under a sheet); and Hathaway congratulates herself on securing new crash carts--until they are stolen by other hospital staff
    

16. Make Of Two Hearts
    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) is uncomfortable when former enemy Dr. Kayson (SAM ANDERSON), a married man, becomes overly interested in her and suggests they have dinner together.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) and Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) try to help a young Russian girl, Tatiana (MILANA VAYNTRUB), who speaks no English. They discover that she has AIDS. Unable to cope with her daughter's illness any longer, the girl's adoptive mother (MEG FOSTER - "Cagney & Lacey") abandons her at the hospital.

    A humane policeman, Grabarsky (MICHAEL GENOVESE - "Falcon Crest," "The Flash"), hauls in a dog he struck with his car and pleads with the doctors to save the poor animal. They do, and Tatiana befriends the dog.

    The boy (ZACHARY BROWNE) whom Ross befriended while playing basketball fakes an appendicitis attack in order to help get his single mother, Diana (LISA ZANE), and Dr. Ross together romantically. But his plan fails when Ross and Diana discover his intentions.

    Finally, two prostitutes bring in a client who collapsed in a hot tub. While Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) treats a meat-packer (STEVE EASTIN) with a meat-hook imbedded in his arm, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) helps a senile old lady (old-time actress EDA REISS HERIN) who might remind him of his own mother.

    John Carter (NOAH WYLE) treats three high school cheerleaders who ate Valentine's Day chocolates soaked in LSD. Deb (MING-NA WEN) unknowingly eats a piece of the candy and botches a cast she puts on a patient
    

17. The Birthday Party
    Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) desperately searches for someone to take over his work shift so he can attend his mother's birthday party. He's getting pressure not only from attending surgical doctor Hicks (CCH POUNDER) but from his sister and brother-in-law as well. John Carter (NOAH WYLE) mistakenly believes it's Benton's birthday and hastily organizes a surprise bash. Carter is anxious to ask Benton to have him return next year since Benton already asked Deb (MING-NA WEN). Later, Benton misses his mother's birthday party because he has to work overtime to remove a knife from a skinhead who hates Blacks.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) risks his career when he loses his temper with the abusive parent (CHRISTOPHER DARGA) of a baby girl. Ross also helps a curious boy who got stuck between the sharp teeth of a stuffed Siberian tiger. Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) and Ross are sad to see the young Russian AIDS victim, Tatiana (MILANA VAYNTRUB), leave the hospital to enter a pediatric AIDS hospice. Hathaway wants to adopt the girl, but her fianci disapproves. Ross continues to have relationship problems when he sleeps with a woman whose name he doesn't even remember.

    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) tries to help a patient (JOHN CHANDLER) whose love of cigarettes hasn't abated despite his terminal lung cancer. Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) saves the life of a teenage drug-overdose victim who's being abused by her boyfriend. Greene's marriage problems worsen when his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), announces that she'll continue to clerk in Milwaukee next year
    

18. Sleepless In Chicago
    To make up for others taking his rounds so he could look after his senile mother, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) is on duty for 48 hours. The staff worries about him, particularly attending surgeon Hicks (CCH POUNDER), who orders him to rest. As a result, Benton is even more cantankerous, particularly with John Carter (NOAH WYLE), who expresses concern about Klein (legendary acting teacher SANFORD MEISNER, 93 years old), a dying older patient.

    Unfortunately, Benton and his colleagues have more work ahead of them due to a double trauma accident that occurred when a young boy shot a cop and the cop shot back. Benton's stresses worsen after he falls asleep while watching his mother, only to have her fall down the stairs. She's rushed to County General as Benton anxiously waits to learn the extent of her injuries.

    After assisting with the intense double trauma, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) has a trauma of his own when he learns that his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), wants a divorce.

    Meanwhile, Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) decides to adopt AIDS child Tatiana (MILANA VAYNTRUB), only to learn that her attempted suicide has thwarted the adoption. She allows Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) to comfort her (though nothing sexual happens...this time). When Ross treats a young girl whom he suspects of being abused, the girl's mother (NANCY YOUNGBLUT) accosts him, scratching his face before the police can arrest her. Later, Ross hopes his romantic luck will change with hospital risk management executive Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE).

    Finally, Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) is fascinated by an MIT efficiency doctor, Koch (ROBERT CARRADINE - "Revenge of the Nerds," "The Player"), who is building a hospital of the future. However, she later learns that he is actually an unrestrained mental patient from upstairs. Also, a con man (DANNY DAYTON) scams his way through the ER
    

19. Love's Labor Lost
    This special episode focuses primarily on one gripping case. A busy Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) solves his patients' problems all day--until a pregnant woman, Jodi (COLLEEN FLYNN), checks into the ER eight weeks prior to her due date. Thinking she just has an upset stomach, Dr. Greene releases her in the care of her husband (BRADLEY WHITFORD - "Scent of a Woman").

    However, Jodi's problems escalate, and Dr. Greene must race to save her life as well as the life of her unborn baby. Another more experienced doctor arrives to take over, blaming Greene for not dealing well with the complications. In the end, the baby is saved, but the mother dies. Feeling responsible, Greene becomes extremely depressed.

    Also in the ER, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) diagnoses a young teenage boy suspected of being a drunk as the victim of pesticide poisoning instead. Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) deals with his mother who needs surgery on her hip, which she broke in a fall. Dr. Benton wants Dr. Nelson, the head orthopedist, to perform the procedure on his mother while Benton watches. Nelson refuses Benton's requests but promises to watch the surgery himself
    

20. Full Moon, Saturday Night
    On a full moon Saturday night, the ER is filled with patients who are especially strange. With Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) still depressed due the loss of a pregnant woman (in a previous episode), Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) runs the ER single-handedly.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) goes out on a date with Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE), and Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) hovers around his sick mother (BEAH RICHARDS).

    With the help of John Carter (NOAH WYLE) and Deb Chen (MING-NA WEN), Dr. Lewis saves an 18-year-old man hit by a car. While in the ER, the driver who hit him has a heart attack, and Carter gets a rare opportunity to do heart massage. Carter also treats a pregnant astrologer (KIMMY ROBERTSON), who insists on predicting Carter's future.

    Dr. Lewis is so competent that she greatly impresses Dr. Willie Swift (recurring role - MICHAEL IRONSIDE - "Top Gun"), the new chairman of the ER. Dr. Greene, however, makes a terrible impression on Swift.

    Finally, Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH) gets specific about his wedding plans with his fiancie, Nurse Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES)
    

21. House of Cards
    Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) continues to be harassed by new ER chairman Dr. Swift (MICHAEL IRONSIDE). Before an auditorium of his peers, Greene is forced to present the case of a pregnant woman (from "Love's Labor Lost" - episode #456618) who died. Greene admits being at fault, then angrily confronts Swift for making him do the ill-advised presentation.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) must commit his mother (BEAH RICHARDS) to a nursing home. After fellow medical student Deb Chen (MING-NA WEN) makes a grave error in judgment, John Carter begins to look more competent. Chen decides to quit medicine.

    Finally, Dr. Greene lets Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) know that his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), is divorcing him. However, Lewis is too preoccupied with her own personal problems to be interested in Greene. Her sister, Chloe (KATHLEEN WILHOITE), still pregnant, with no money, is sleeping on her doorstep. Dr. Douglas Ross' (GEORGE CLOONEY) relationship with Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE) proceeds nicely
    

22. Men Plan, God Laughs
    Helpless to do anything more for his mother, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) intends to heal every patient he sees--from a diabetic young girl to a teenager with a brain tumor.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) makes plans with his new girlfriend, Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE), and her son, Jake (ZACHARY BROWN). He agrees to participate in Jake's Saturday softball practices.

    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) tries to help her sister, Chloe (KATHLEEN WILHOITE), who is pregnant with a baby girl and has no place to live.

    John Carter impresses ER chairman Dr. Swift (MICHAEL IRONSIDE). However, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) continues to have problems with Swift when Greene opts to make amends with his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), instead of meeting with Swift
    

23. Love Among The Ruins
    With their wedding scheduled in two weeks, Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) and Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH) bicker over small details. Hathaway also postpones writing her wedding vows, claiming she has no time.

    As he displays more competence in his work, John Carter (NOAH WYLE) gains confidence in himself. He impresses the new head of the ER, Dr. Swift (MICHAEL IRONSIDE), and even Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE). But Benton behaves coolly towards Carter when he learns, along with the rest of the ER, that Carter's family is well-to-do. Benton tries to hide his attraction to the married Jeanie Boulet (GLORIA REUBEN), who once took care of his mother.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) saves a young male suicide victim, who crashed his car intentionally when his girlfriend stopped dating him. Lewis also struggles to help her pregnant sister, Chloe (KATHLEEN WILHOITE), who is not taking good care of herself.

    After moving to Milwaukee, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) tries to reconcile with his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS). Unfortunately, he continues to antagonize Dr. Swift and further jeopardizes his attending job in the ER for next year.

    Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) must perform an embarrassing test on a dozen Catholic school girls whom he suspects have bacterial meningitis. Later, he coaches Jake's (ZACHARY BROWN) Little League baseball team, bringing him closer to Jake's mother, Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE).
    

24. Motherhood
    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) ends up delivering her sister's baby girl. Despite Chloe's (KATHLEEN WILHOITE) abuse of her body during her pregnancy, the baby seems healthy. Lewis is relieved that Chloe and the baby will go live with Chloe and Lewis' parents. Unfortunately, their mother, Cookie (VALERIE PERRINE - "Superman"), decides that this is not a good idea and insists that Lewis make other arrangements.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) treats a young girl, Joanie, who shows early signs of heart trouble that may require open heart surgery. Greene offers a sub-I internship in the ER to Carter, who declines the offer in favor of a sub-I in surgery with Dr. Peter Benton (ERIC LA SALLE). Unfortunately, Carter later learns that Benton accepted another candidate for surgery instead. Carter considers telling Greene that he's changed his mind, only to discover that Greene found someone else.

    While Taglieri and Hathaway's bickering about their wedding worsens, Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE) and Dr. Douglas Ross' (GEORGE CLOONEY) relationship becomes increasingly serious. However, when Diane asks Ross to move in with her and Jake, Ross gets scared and retreats to his former lover, Linda Farrell (ANDREA PARKER). Diane finds the two of them coming out of his apartment together. She leaves angrily after Ross apologizes, admitting the truth.

    Finally, Benton tries to save a teenage boy impaled by an iron bar and later operates on two feuding female gang members. In the midst of this busy day, he learns that his mother has died. He finds solace with the married Jeanie Boulet (GLORIA REUBEN), and the two finally share a kiss
    

25. Everything Old Is New Again
    Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) treats a young homosexual in the final stages of AIDS. The man's mother decides to make her son comfortable but not to perform surgery on him that could sustain his life.

    Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) is sued for malpractice regarding the death of Jodi O'Brien (from "Love's Labor Lost" episode). Greene learns that Dr. Swift (MICHAEL IRONSIDE) and the hospital will support him in the suit, claiming he is not at fault. Swift finally offers Greene an attending job in the ER for the next year.

    Dr. Susan Lewis (SHERRY STRINGFIELD) deals with her difficult sister, Chloe (KATHLEEN WILHOITE), who still lives with her. Chloe's baby complicates the situation.

    On his last day in the ER, John Carter (NOAH WYLE) helps Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) with a 12-year-old cancer patient who develops complications from chemotherapy. Carter must evaluate Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE), his resident in the ER. After he gives Benton a low evaluation, he learns that Benton gave him an excellent evaluation. Benton offers Carter a sub-I internship in surgery since the original candidate refused the offer. Elated, Carter's confidence continues to grow as a doctor.

    Finally, the ER group gathers at church for the wedding of Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) and Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH). After learning that she doesn't love him as much as he loves her, Taglieri walks away from Hathaway. The ER group supports Hathaway and has a party anyway without the wedding

Season Two

1. Welcome Back Carter
   Fourth-year medical student John Carter's (series star NOAH WYLE) first day as Dr. Peter Benton's (series star ERIQ LA SALLE) new sub-I surgical intern at Chicago's County General Hospital begins badly. First, Carter's flight is delayed and he gets stuck in traffic, making him very late for work. After Benton chastises him, Carter proves to be unprepared for the day's surgeries.

   While Dr. Mark Greene (series star ANTHONY EDWARDS) becomes accustomed to his new responsibilities as the attending emergency room doctor, he greets the new group of medical students, including attractive, sensitive Harper Tracy (recurring guest star CHRISTINE ELISE). Carter and Tracy become interested in dating each other.

   Dr. Susan Lewis (series star SHERRY STRINGFIELD) feels betrayed when Greene appoints the difficult but competent Kerry Weaver (recurring guest star LAURA INNES), who walks with a metal cane, to work under him as chief resident instead of Susan's friend, Kathy Pratt (guest star TAYLOR YOUNG). Greene tries to give Dr. Douglas Ross (series star GEORGE CLOONEY) extra hours because Ross needs the money. But Greene is thwarted by Dr. Neal Bernstein (recurring guest star DAVID SPIELBERG), the man who oversees Ross' pediatric fellowship. Bernstein thinks Ross has an attitude problem.

   Nurse Carol Hathaway (series star JULIANNA MARGULIES) must ride with the paramedics in order to qualify for recertification. Later, she confronts the alcoholic father (guest star TIM DE ZARN) of a young boy (guest star JESSE LITTLEJOHN) about caring for him.

   Among the victims of a gang shooting is a pregnant woman (guest star MARIA HURTADO) who begins premature labor. Ross tries to save her. Later, the perpetrator is brought in dead on arrival from a close-range shotgun blast.

   Finally, Benton and married physical therapist Jeanie Boulet (series star GLORIA REUBEN) become intimately involved. At the end of his day, Greene barely catches the last train home to Milwaukee
   

2. Summer Run
   Lewis clashes with new chief resident Kerry Weaver, who antagonizes everyone with her toughness. Lewis then must remove her infant niece, Susie, from hospital day care to treat her for a fever. She is surprised to learn that her sister Chloe (recurring guest star KATHLEEN WILHOITE), the child's mother, secretly terminated her computer studies.

   While caring for a young bank robber who got hit by a car while fleeing the crime scene, Lewis opens a bag of stolen money which is rigged to explode green dye all over.

   Ross treats a 9-year-old pyromaniac, Byron (JAMESON BALTES), for burns, leaving him to be psychologically evaluated. But the boy sets the hospital bed on fire, angering Weaver, who feels Ross should have let the boy leave with his mother instead.

   Carter struggles to regain Benton's good will and impress Harper. Benton accidentally meets Jeanie's husband and later tells her that she should inform him of their love affair. Greene laments over his long commute home to Milwaukee.

   While Hathaway rides with paramedics to qualify for certification, she meets a paramedic with a bad attitude, "Shep" Shepherd (recurring guest star RON ELDARD), but soon gets to know and like him
   

3. Do One, Teach One, Kill One
   Ross confronts the mother, Mei-Sun (recurring guest star LUCY ALEXIS LIU), of a 4-year-old AIDS patient, Chia-Chia (recurring guest star JOSHUA HOON CHO), after the child overdoses on medication. Then he finds out a pediatric clinic resident is responsible and ends up in an argument with his supervisor, head of pediatrics Dr. Neal Bernstein.

   Benton allows Carter to do his first unsupervised surgery on an alcoholic, Ed (JOHN FINNEGAN). Trying to impress Harper, Carter accidentally perforates Ed's liver, necessitating emergency surgery by attending physician Angela Hicks (recurring guest star CCH POUNDER). The patient dies of heart failure, Carter's first loss.

   In her last run with the paramedics, Hathaway helps Shep haul in an obese mentally ill man (JOE COSTANZA), who dies of a stroke. Later, Shep struggles to bring in a man on illicit drugs. Hathaway distracts the patient while Shep sneaks up and injects him with a sedative. At the end of the day, Hathaway and Shep kiss and plan a date.

   Lewis and Weaver continue to argue, calling upon Greene to mediate when they disagree on a medical procedure. Greene supports Weaver. Chloe, high on drugs or alcohol, leaves town without baby Susie.

   Benton still wants Jeanie to tell her husband about their love affair, but Jeanie avoids Benton. Rather than tell her husband, she feels that she must end the affair.

   Nurse Goldman (recurring guest star VANESSA MARQUEZ) interviews Greene and the other doctors for the nursing newsletter. Greene tells his wife, Jennifer (recurring guest star CHRISTINE HARNOS), that he wants to stay at Ross' home a few nights a week because the commute from Chicago to Milwaukee is too long. On Greene's first night at Ross', he meets a stewardess, Hulda (recurring guest star NICOLE NAGEL), who is romantically involved with Ross
   

4. What Life?
   Frustrated by Jeanie's decision to end their love affair, Benton punches an obnoxious salesman and dislocates his own finger. Hicks chooses Carter to replace Benton in surgery. Even worse, Hicks tells Benton to consult with Jeanie about his finger.

   Ross continues to allow Greene to use his apartment during the week because of Greene's long commute. Greene gets asked to accompany Ross and two of his dates for a night out on the town when Ross accidentally brings home medical supply salesperson Linda Farrell (recurring guest star ANDREA PARKER) while his stewardess date, Hulda, is still there. Ross personally attends to 4-year-old AIDS patient Chia-Chia when the child returns to the emergency room.

   Lewis treats a glutton (DENNIS BURKLEY) for gastritis, but his voracious appetite gets him in even greater trouble. She also helps a 14-year-old pregnant girl (SHAY ASTAR). Lewis's work performance suffers while she cares for baby Susie. But she becomes defensive when Weaver gives her some of the easier patient cases to handle. Since her sister Chloe left town, Lewis begins to realize that she may have to give Susie up for adoption.

   While he cares for an abandoned elderly woman (CELIA KUSHNER), Greene tries to keep peace between Lewis and Weaver, but neither woman appreciates it. Ross is also displeased with Weaver's decisions, but Greene continues to support her.

   Hathaway becomes more involved with Shep and worries about his safety after he chases a gun-wielding robber. Shep is pleased that she cares about him.

   Carter and Harper kiss
   

5. And Baby Makes Two
   Everyone is relieved that it is Weaver's day off. While Benton's injured finger heals, Carter continues to dazzle the hospital staff, including Harper, with his surgical expertise.

   Young AIDS patient Chia-Chia comes back, feverish and vomiting. Ross diagnoses him with meningitis and recommends a painful treatment. But Greene tells his mother, Mei-Sun, that the boy only has a few days to live no matter what. This seriously angers Ross. Mei-Sun brings Chia-Chia home to live his last days in peace.

   Benton treats a battered wife who refuses to have her husband arrested for his repeated beatings, saying she just fell down and hurt herself. The hospital reports the beating. Unfortunately, the police officer who responds is the victim's husband. Benton reports the situation to another cop, who later brings in the husband badly beaten up. The cop tells Benton a story about how the husband just fell down and hurt himself.

   Benton and Hathaway treat a motorcycle accident victim whose arm was severed at the elbow. After getting caught stealing morphine and injecting it, the victim's wife reveals that they purposefully chopped his arm off with an ax to collect insurance money. To her dismay, the skilled surgeons reattach the arm and ruin the plan.

   Lewis agonizes over what to do with baby Susie. She consults an attorney about putting her up for adoption, checks with Greene about possibly working part time and makes a futile attempt to get help from her parents, Henry (recurring guest star PAUL DOOLEY) and Cookie (recurring guest star VALERIE PERRINE). Finally, Lewis decides to adopt the baby herself.

   Carter is ecstatic to discover his first malignant cancer in a patient. The patient is not as excited.
   

6. Days Like This
   Greene sees Ross and Harper coming out of the shower in Ross' apartment and angrily berates him. Later, Harper confesses to Carter about having sex with Ross and says she is not interested in Ross romantically. Ross tries to convince Carter to forgive Harper, but Carter ignores them both.

   A huge gang fight lands several nasty characters in the emergency room. A police officer brings in a suspect, Jorge (GUILLERMO DIAZ), who was bitten by a police dog. While Jeanie and Weaver try to treat him, Jorge becomes violent and the new admissions clerk, Randi (recurring guest star KRISTIN MINTER), smashes him over the head with Weaver's metal cane. Later, the staff places bets on why Randi once served time in prison.

   Jeanie transfers to the emergency room as a physician assistant. When Weaver's earlobe gets cut in the fight with Jorge, Benton is displeased to have to show Jeanie the stitching procedure.

   Lewis gets upset with Benton for bringing in a domineering heart specialist, Dr. Vucelich (recurring guest star RON RIFKIN), on one of her cases. An unidentified girl is brought in suffering from epileptic seizures. Weaver discovers she is deaf and communicates via sign language.

   Hathaway buys a house, and a notary public, Abraham Zimble (ROBERT PICARDO), brings the paperwork to the hospital for her to sign. Zimble loses consciousness, and Hathaway gets him to stamp the documents moments before he dies.

   Ross wants to keep a 10-year-old boy under 24-hour observation for a concussion, but Bernstein orders the boy sent home. Ross angrily disobeys and admits the boy, angering Bernstein so much that he informs Ross that his fellowship is over at the end of the year. Greene confronts Ross about his recent reckless personal behavior and professional misconduct. Ross has no explanation and doesn't seem to care that he lost the fellowship
   

7. Hell And High Water
   Ross takes a job in a private pediatric office. While driving home one night, he stops because of a flat tire. A panicked child runs up to Ross and leads him to where his brother (ERIK VON DETTEN) is trapped in a rural storm drain that is rapidly filling with rainwater.

   Ross frees the seriously injured boy, but there's no way to get him to a hospital except to ride to County General in a passing news helicopter. A reporter rides along broadcasting the incident and making Ross famous. The boy lives.

   An 8-year-old girl (J. MADISON WRIGHT), a victim of a hit-and-run driver, is brought into the emergency room unconscious. Although her parents are estranged, they comfort each other when the girl dies.

   An elderly patient comes in complaining that she feels light-headed. Greene discovers the cause: She's been smoking marijuana to alleviate her glaucoma.

   Jeanie publicly contradicts Benton, and he retaliates by assigning a lot of paperwork to her
   

8. The Secret Sharer
   Ross, now a media hero for saving a boy's life, is honored at a black tie banquet. Still angry at County General, he prepares a bitter acceptance speech but becomes gracious when he hears the wonderful things that Greene says about him. At Bernstein's reluctant request, Ross agrees to remain on duty at County General, but he clashes with Greene over which of two accident victims is more in need of help. Later, Ross falsifies a patient's report because he disagrees with the actions of the patient's health maintenance organization.

   Meanwhile, Lewis is desperate to find a baby-sitter for her baby niece. She considers asking an anemic patient (ANGELA PATON), who has experience as a nanny, to care for her during the day. Unfortunately, the woman is too sick. Lewis' father agrees to care for the baby at Lewis' home on the nights Lewis works. His wife disapproves.

   Carter reconsiders his diagnosis of a young man (JONATHAN HERNANDEZ) with facial paralysis and must find him quickly to redo the examination--or risk the boy's life. Overcompensating on his next patient, Carter orders an extensive battery of tests, which reveal something that impresses Vucelich.

   Ross, Greene and Hathaway are astounded to learn the reason why a teenaged girl (MIRIAM REICHMEISTER) tried to commit suicide: When her mother died, the girl became pregnant after seeking solace with her brother. Shep accidentally offends Hathaway, a suicide survivor, with a comment about it.

   Greene treats a man (CHARLES CYPHERS) who was injured reenacting the American Civil War and claims he was hit by a cannon during a mock battle.

   Jeanie gets assigned to work with Benton--and he learns that she filed for a divorce from her husband. Carter and Harper renew their relationship
   

9. Home
   When Lewis saves a patient who was misdiagnosed by another hospital, Weaver strongly urges her to deliver a speech on the incident at a conference in Miami, Florida. Lewis refuses the career-enhancing opportunity in favor of caring for baby Susie.

   Greene treats an accident victim. He learns from a policeman that the victim's wife hit him with her car. Suddenly realizing that it may not have been an accident, Greene hurries to the patient's room and stops the wife from using a pillow to smother her unfaithful husband.

   Hathaway pities a paranoid schizophrenic architect who refuses to take his medication and leaves his residential care facility. When she finds him living on the streets, she brings him pencils and blanket.

   A man whose wife admitted him for detoxification escapes through a bathroom ceiling.

   Hathaway doesn't know what to do with all of her childhood belongings when her mother sells the family house. Shep thinks she should keep everything.

   Carter and Harper try unsuccessfully to find time alone with each other. Greene asks Ross to work a night shift, but Ross refuses, citing an important personal obligation--later revealed to be dinner with his mother. Carter and Benton find a strong supporter in Vucelich.

   Greene rushes to his wife, Jennifer (recurring guest star CHRISTINE HARNOS), when he hears that she was in a car accident. She's okay--and so is her lover, Craig (BRUCE NOZICK).
   

10. A Miracle Happens Here
    Greene's estranged wife, Jennifer, asks to take their daughter away for the holidays. Meanwhile, Greene consults with the hospital attorney about a wrongful death suit in the case of a pregnant woman who died under his care last winter. The attorney advises him to settle the matter out of court, which would look better on his record than a monetary judgement against him in a failed court case. Greene insists on battling it in court and trying to win.

    Young members of a Christmas ice skating show come to the emergency room after getting injured by an ice-cleaning machine driven by a drunk. Then a man (BRANDON MAGGART) who strongly resembles Santa Claus comes in with a hand injury from making toys. He is glad the toys are all done so that he won't disappoint any children.

    Benton is surprised to be invited by Vucelich to consult with his patient about undergoing Vucelich's new clamp-and-run surgical procedure--until Benton sees that the patient is black. He is further dismayed when Carter is able to convince the patient's wife that her husband should consent to the procedure, and Vucelich invites Carter to watch.

    A survivor of Nazi atrocities (JOAN COPELAND) is treated in the emergency room after being the victim of a carjacking. Her baby granddaughter was accidentally taken with the car. The woman's faith in God is restored when the baby is found.

    Meanwhile, a group of gang members brings in their beloved priest (TONY PLANA), who has been shot. Although the priest denies it before dying, the gang members believe he was shot by a rival gang and vow revenge.

    Ross treats a boy (SEAN MURRAY) who was accidentally shot in the shoulder by his father (DANNY GOLDRING). Carter buys an expensive gift for Harper. Weaver receives a surprise visit from a former boyfriend from Zimbabwe. Hathaway volunteers the reluctant emergency room staff to sing Christmas carols. The staff holds the party at Hathaway's house, which is slowly falling apart.
    

11. Dead Of Winter
    Twenty-two children, ranging in age from six months to nine years, are found in a single apartment. The emergency room doctors find that one of them has cerebral palsy and all suffer from abuse, malnutrition, lice and a variety of other maladies. Later, a child welfare representative explains that they are from a number of different families whose parents are crack abusers.

    Jeanie reminds Benton not to express his frustration by mistreating one of the young patients. Greene won't let any of the children go until he is sure they are okay. Shep makes another inadvertently offensive comment, bothering Benton.

    Carter struggles to solve a dilemma posed by Vucelich, who wants a patient's cardiac output to increase so she can be transferred to a long-term care facility. Finally, Carter realizes that there is no solution. He befriends the woman's husband, Mr. Rubadoux (recurring guest star RED BUTTONS), known as Ruby, which is disturbing because he can't help Ruby's wife.

    Jennifer serves Greene with divorce papers at the hospital.

    Jeanie thinks that Benton gave her a bad evaluation, but it's actually Hathaway who thinks that she's not aggressive enough for the emergency room. Jeanie rebuffs her conciliatory husband, Al (recurring guest star MICHAEL BEACH).

    Vucelich promotes Benton to research associate, with his own office and a substantial raise in pay.

    A grossly obese 51-year-old woman thinks she has food poisoning, but her abdominal pains are caused by being pregnant with twins
    

12. True Lies
    Both Greene and his young daughter, Rachel (recurring guest star YVONNE ZIMA), are unhappy about the shared custody arrangement with Jennifer. Rachel wants her dad to come home.

    After being unable to save an elderly cardiac patient referred to him by Vucelich, Carter is relieved not to have to tell her husband, Ruby, whom Carter had befriended. But when Ruby hears the bad news from the neurology department, he berates Carter for not being forthright.

    When the victim of a terrible car accident is brought into the emergency room, Benton convinces Hicks that he is capable of operating on him in Vucelich's absence. But complications arise, and Vucelich has to come in and save the patient, humiliating Benton. Later, Benton and Jeanie go to a dinner party at Vucelich's house, both insisting that it is not a date.

    Ross refuses to speak with his estranged father, who telephones repeatedly. Later, Ross reveals his anger at his father when he confronts a negligent father whose children were injured playing in traffic. Hathaway subdues Ross.

    A drunken woman comes in severely ill, but the doctors cannot save her because she signed an order not to be resuscitated. This distresses her estranged daughter
    

13. It's Not Easy Being Greene
    Jennifer sues Greene for full custody of Rachel. Also, the hospital wants to settle out of court with the family of the pregnant woman who died under Greene's care. Greene wants to prove his innocence in court, but he soon questions his abilities. On closer examination of the deceased patient's medical charts, Greene thinks that he did make a mistake.

    With her house needing expensive repairs, Hathaway's work hours get reduced, and she becomes desperate. When a worm farmer comes in for treatment, she gives Hathaway some worms to start her own worm farm.

    Weaver pressures Lewis to consider accepting the position of chief resident next year. Besides seeing less of Susie, Lewis would have to see more of Weaver. When Lewis finally becomes exasperated with Weaver's condescension, she yells at her. Weaver remarks that she's glad to see Lewis acting like a chief resident.

    Benton is flattered that Vucelich wants to send him to Paris to present the clamp-and-run study they are working on. Meanwhile, Vucelich offers a large sum of money to anyone who can find him an aneurism for his study. Harper shows Carter an x-ray that she thinks displays one, but he says that it does not. However, Lewis tells Carter that it does, and when he shows it to Vucelich, Carter is unable to refuse the credit for finding the aneurism. Predictably, Harper is very mad when she finds out, and Carter tries to rectify the situation. Benton worries that Vucelich is unethically manipulating the data in his study by ignoring certain subjects.

    Ross refers a depressed homosexual boy to the psychiatric department, but they never meet with the boy. Instead, the boy's father arrives, and the boy reverts to his macho behavior.
    

14. The Right Thing
    Benton confronts Vucelich with data showing that Vucelich's clamp-and-run surgical technique is not as effective as he reported. Vucelich defends himself and orders Benton taken off all of the day's surgeries. Later, Benton further argues with Vucelich that it is morally wrong and dangerous to manipulate the results in his favor. Vucelich removes Benton from his surgical team and tells the others that Benton quit. Finally, Benton attempts to report Vucelich, but while waiting to speak to an administrator, he loses his confidence and goes home, cursing his cowardice.

    The doctors attend to an elderly woman who slipped on a patch of ice. It's the latest in a series of accidents she's had since she moved in with her daughter and her daughter's husband. The son-in-law, who is studying to be a psychotherapist, thinks that he may be subconsciously laying traps for the woman.

    Also, a teenager loses control of his motorcycle, crashing it into the emergency room. Greene buys the damaged motorcycle and makes up a story that the kid can tell to avoid trouble with his father. T-Ball (THOM BARRY), a patient who frequently comes in faking illness so he can get drugs, claims that he has stomach pain. Despite Hathaway's warning, Jeanie does a blood test and finds out that T-Ball actually does have lead poisoning. And a drunken man, Nathan Conley (MARK PELLEGRINO), is brought into the emergency room. Later, his drunken girlfriend arrives. She refuses to tell Nathan that she has AIDS, so Lewis illegally reveals the news to him. Lewis berates Carter for not caring enough about the case.

    Recently, Carter angered a patient's husband, Ruby, by not informing him that his wife was about to die. Now Ruby invites Jeanie to his wife's funeral, and Jeanie asks Carter to join her. Carter finally decides to go to the service and apologize to Ruby.

    Carter finds Greene and Lewis acting especially friendly on the morning train, and soon everyone at the hospital thinks that they're dating each other. On Ross' birthday, his father, Ray Ross (recurring guest star JAMES FARENTINO - "Blue Thunder," "Jesus of Nazareth"), tries unsuccessfully to reconcile with him.
    

15. Baby Shower
    When a sprinkler system malfunctions, eight women who are giving birth are transferred to the emergency room. One of the pregnant women is a crack addict who claims to have recovered. Jeanie doubts it until the woman refuses some crack her friends bring to her. Another pregnant patient is a 13-year-old girl whose baby will be adopted by a couple who brought her in. But when the teenager sees how cute the infant is, she decides to keep it.

    After another doctor rudely commandeers Greene's delivery of a baby, Greene notices that there is a surprise twin coming out. Then another patient, a doctor who is limiting her own cancer treatment to protect her unborn child, requests that Greene deliver her baby. Three-time mother Monica Ford (MYRA TURLEY) confidently refused prenatal care early in her pregnancy. Ross notices that her latest baby has dangerously low blood sugar and saves it. And patient Leslie Cameron (CECILE CALLAN) reveals that she is actually a lesbian whose "perfect husband," a homosexual man, impregnated her so that she and her female lover could have a child together.

    Benton is not given as many patients. He's angry because he knows it has to do with his disagreement with Vucelich. When Benton gets a patient who threw himself in front of a subway train, he goes to extremes to prove his worth and save the patient's life. Social workers visit Lewis' home to evaluate her to adopt Susie. It's a bad time for Lewis, and her home is a mess. After worrying and feeling intimidated by his competition, Carter has a great interview to progress academically and learns that Benton wrote a very complimentary letter of recommendation. Harper tests herself for pregnancy and discovers that she is not pregnant. Professional basketball player SCOTTIE PIPPEN (himself) visits the hospital.

    After observing a proud father with his newborn child, Ross decides to visit his own father, Ray, at a hotel. Ross is surprised that not only is it a nice establishment, but Ray actually owns it. Ray blames himself for not being involved while Ross was growing up

        

16. The Healers
    While illegally preparing methamphetamine, a mother of four causes an explosion and a huge apartment building fire. She rushes from the building holding her youngest child. Shep and another paramedic, Raul (CARLOS GOMEZ), enter the burning building unprotected to try to save the other kids. When Hathaway finds out that Shep and Raul were the ones involved in the rescue, she anxiously checks every ambulance that comes in.

    Finally, Shep is brought in with broken bones and assorted injuries. He and Raul saved the other children, but Raul fell through the floor and was burned over 90 percent of his body. Shep apologizes to his heroic dying friend.

    Later, Carter questions his ability to be a surgeon because he became nauseous and was unable to operate on Raul's disfigured body. Benton tells him that he did as well as could be expected for his level of experience.

    During all of the chaos in the emergency room, Lewis does not respond to her pager because she is attending her final interview to determine if she can adopt Susie. The interview is a success. Later, Chloe returns and surprises Lewis in the hospital nursery.

    Meanwhile, Ross plans to meet his father, Ray, at a basketball game, but Ray does not come. When Ross finds him having dinner with an attractive woman, Karen Hines (recurring guest star MARG HELGENBERGER), who Ray claims is his boss, Ross gives up trying to reconcile with him
    

17. The Match Game
    Lewis saves the life of Freddie Robinson (RODNEY EASTMAN), a drugged and drunk driver. She must inform Robinson's unbelieving mother that he killed a young girl and hospitalized three others. Benton and Ross perform tests on one of Robinson's victims, Brett Bowman (RASHAAN NALL), who was treated three months earlier. They discover that he has a cancerous tumor, which Ross did not notice before. The hospital lawyers tell Ross to withhold this information from Brett and remove himself from the case. But Benton defies Greene's orders and notifies Brett's grandfather. Greene angrily tells Benton that he is overcompensating for his guilt about not exposing Vucelich's clamp-and-run deception.

    Meanwhile, Chloe thinks that since she has not been drunk in five months and has a new fianci, she should be allowed to care for her child, Susie, again. Lewis refuses and warns the hospital child-care staff not to let Chloe have the baby.

    When Carter finds out that he is accepted into the residency program at County General, he celebrates by taking Harper to a deluxe hotel for lunch and champagne. He fails to finish treating an asthmatic patient, who is later diagnosed with leukemia. Hicks berates Carter for drinking alcohol during his work shift.

    With two nurses out sick, a temporary nursing agency sends a replacement--Hathaway. A disgusting but friendly homeless man (MICHAEL McSHANE - "Brotherly Love") is endangered by Hathaway and Jeanie because of a continuing conflict between the nurses and the physician assistants.

    After Greene buys colored contact lenses and grows a small beard, he gets cast in a program-length commercial by Iris (recurring guest star JOANNA GLEASON), one of his patients. Unfortunately, he learns that the commercial is for a baldness product.

    Feeling responsible for Raul's death, Shep thinks he is being punished when a clumsy rookie is assigned to him as his new partner
    

18. A Shift In The Night
    It's the busiest night ever in the emergency room. Ross is out sick, and Greene must work overnight for the fourth night in a row. With dozens of patients and only a few doctors, Morgenstern refuses to allow the exhausted Greene to stop working.

    Lewis cannot help because she must meet with her lawyer to plan the fight against Chloe for custody of Susie. Later, Lewis terminates her weak-willed attorney. Chloe tries to visit Susie but finds only Carter and Greene, who tell her that the baby is fine.

    Greene gets upset when a hospital official discharges a woman with symptoms of an impending stroke because her health insurance doesn't provide for treatment of a stroke. Then he witnesses a terrible accident and assists in the rescue. When Greene is unable to get a mangled car door open to free a little girl, Shep uses a powerful tool to open it.

    A patient, Louis Etheridge (JOHN APICELLA), is incoherent and experiencing heart pain. Later it is revealed that Louis' wife has been secretly putting a drug in his coffee that causes a potentially fatal reaction when mixed with alcohol. Greene is mystified that Louis' wife would knowingly risk her husband's life until he finds out that Louis is an alcoholic who becomes extremely violent when drunk. Greene reports the wife abuse, to her relief.

    Carter's punishment for drinking alcohol while on duty is to be taken off surgery and assigned night shifts. He's glad not to be suspended from the residency program.

    Greene gets angry at Benton, who failed to respond quickly to Greene's page. Finally, Greene clears out the crowded emergency room by grabbing medical supplies and charging into the waiting room to treat all of the remaining patients.

    JOSE FELIPE PADRON and LAURA INNES guest star
    

19. Fire In The Belly
    Rumors spread about Benton's bad working relationship with Ross. After carelessly misdiagnosing a patient, Benton admits his responsibility, which inspires him to officially report Vucelich's fraudulent clamp-and-run findings.

    Iris, a commercial director and former patient of Greene's, returns. Morgenstern asks her to record the emergency room activity for efficiency evaluations. Later, Greene, whose ex-wife is the only woman he has ever made love to, has sex with Iris.

    Carter competes with new surgical intern Dale Edson (MATTHEW GLAVE), from Harvard University. Not only has Dale performed many small surgical operations that Carter has not, Dale is also Harper's former lover. Carter manipulates Benton and Hicks to let him perform surgeries, but one patient is already dead, and the other only needs a toothpick removed. Finally, Carter aggressively replaces Dale and solves a mysterious problem with a young beating victim. Disgusted with Carter's behavior, Harper ends their relationship.

    When Ross' father learns about Ross' offer of financial assistance to a boy whose cancer he did not notice, he sends Ross a large amount of cash. At first, Ross wants to send it back, but he has trouble getting his own money out of the bank and reconsiders. Then he goes to visit his father at the hotel. Instead, he finds his father's attractive business associate, Karen, and has a few drinks with her.

    Lewis goes to court to gain custody of Susie, and the judge informs her that there is no chance of her succeeding now that Chloe is behaving responsibly again. Lewis must allow Chloe to visit the baby three nights a week. Reluctantly, she brings Susie to Chloe, who is living with their parents.

    Hathaway worries when Shep's anger over Raul's death manifests itself in disturbing ways. Shep wants to avoid coming to work at all. He also remarks that he doesn't want his own children to live in the city and responds to two situations with excessive violence
    

20. Fevers Of Unknown Origin
    After Chloe takes Susie away, Lewis deals with her loneliness by focusing intently on her job, which impresses Weaver. Weaver and Greene recommend aborting a pregnant woman's fetus because of her extremely high blood pressure, until Lewis discovers that the cause is a tumor in the patient's adrenal gland, which can safely be removed. Lewis also learns the reason that a man almost overdosed on his medication--he can't read.

    When Ross and Benton work together to save a little girl who was hurt in a water heater explosion, Ross begrudgingly admits his respect for Benton's skill. Benton finds out that his efforts to expose Vucelich's fraudulent clamp-and-run study apparently had an effect. An addendum is added mentioning the deviant results, but Benton is told that it was always intended. Weaver is disappointed when Benton is named resident of the year instead of her. She's also surprised to learn that Vucelich nominated Benton.

    Greene gets upset at an oncologist for mistreating an ex-prostitute, Loretta (recurring guest star MARY MARA). Diagnosed with cervical cancer, she underwent a radical hysterectomy recently and is suffering from radiation burns and numerous other complaints. While making final divorce arrangements, Greene and Jennifer have sex but still plan on getting divorced.

    Still angry about Raul's death, Shep gets into trouble when he fights with the brother of a gunshot victim. After Hathaway helps a blind woman who bit off the fingertip of a would-be mugger, the robber comes in to the emergency room, and Hathaway matches the incriminating fingertip to him.

    Carter is depressed to learn that he must forgo a plastic surgery elective and work extra time with Ross in pediatrics in order to graduate with his class. He mistakenly thinks that it will be easy work. Ross' father, Ray, disappears with a lot of money belonging to Karen, Ray's attractive business associate. Ross has sex with her
    

21. Take These Broken Wings
    Ross tries to repay his father's business associate, Karen, after his father leaves with a lot of her money. Ross asks his mother, Sarah Ross (PIPER LAURIE - "Carrie," "Twin Peaks"), for help with the situation.

    Weaver tells Greene that she will consider supporting Lewis for a position as chief resident if Greene will help Weaver become an emergency room attending physician. Later, Greene agrees to care for the children of a reformed prostitute, Loretta, for one night while she undergoes more cancer surgery. Iris and Greene continue their relationship.

    When Shep is investigated for getting into a fight with the brother of a gunshot victim, Hathaway reluctantly lies to protect Shep because she did not witness the entire incident. She worries about Shep's mental state.

    Carter learns some new basketball trivia from a 10-year-old female basketball player who needs a liver transplant, which prevents her from playing in a tournament.

    Jeanie's estranged husband, Al, thinks he has influenza, but Jeanie must give him worse news: He contracted HIV. Jeanie must also undergo an HIV test herself.

    Lewis, who is consulting a therapist because she misses Susie, overreacts when a young mother brings her obviously abused child to the emergency room. Weaver must subdue Lewis.

    Police officer Al Grabarsky (recurring guest star MIKE GENOVESE) and nurse Lydia Wright (recurring guest star ELLEN CRAWFORD), who have been dating for some time, get engaged to be married.

    Series star ANTHONY EDWARDS directed the episode.
    

22. John Carter, M.D.
    When Carter is scheduled to receive his medical doctor's degree at the graduation ceremony, he is instead comforting a critically ill 10-year-old girl (GABRIELLE BONI) in need of a liver transplant.

    Hardly anyone on the e.r. staff approves of Greene and Weaver's selections of Lewis as chief resident and Weaver as an attending physician for next year. Greene realizes that he must now work with Weaver every day. He's further upset when he learns that Lewis refused the offer. Jennifer informs Greene that she is getting married next year. Loretta asks Greene to become her children's guardian, but Greene doesn't want the responsibility.

    After learning that her husband, Al, contracted HIV, Jeanie tests herself for the virus and awaits the results. She advises Benton to test himself as well.

    A pharmacy calls Ross with a question about a prescription for Karen. Ross thinks that he did not write the prescription for as large a quantity of pills as the pharmacy claims. Karen gets mad and leaves abruptly when Ross questions her.

    Although he initially chooses another supervising resident for his work next year, Carter reconsiders and chooses Benton to supervise him. Benton and Vucelich meet in the elevator and have a final discussion about Vucelich's study.

    Hathaway becomes angry with health insurance providers after treating several patients who were victimized by cost-cutting measures, including a newborn who was sent home before a congenital heart condition could be detected and an injured child (RAEVEN LARRYMOORE KELLY) in great pain who was transferred to another hospital because of insurance restrictions. She also makes an appointment for Shep to consult a therapist about his violent behavior, but he refuses to go. Finally, Hathaway quits her job in exasperation and tells Shep that she will leave him if he doesn't get counseling.

    An elderly patient (JUDITH MALINA) runs around the hospital nude.

ER Episode Synopsis up to 5.21 Are Courtesy Of The Warner Bros. ER Site. The rest are courtesy of NBC