.

Season Seven

1. Homecoming
   IN SEASON OPENER, DR. CARTER BATTLES DRUG DEMONS WHILE EMERGENCY ROOM COPES WITH STRIKE AND RIOT -- In the season premiere, Dr. Carter struggles to overcome his chemical dependency in a detox center while Dr. Greene returns from vacation to find the ER awash in garbage during a custodial strike -- and a riot during a high school football game further clogs the halls with the rival wounded. Meanwhile, Greene finds unexpected complications when he treats the first victim, a likable injured player (guest star Wentworth Miller), and discovers that he must also minister to himself for a rash caused by poison ivy. Abby arrives back from another rotation and tries to help an elderly man (guest star James Callahan) whose wife is dead on arrival; later, she's furious when her ex-husband (guest star Mark Valley) jeopardizes her clerkship when he does not pay her tuition. Dr. Benton grits his teeth when he interviews for an attending -- a lucrative supervisorial position -- with Dr. Romano.
   
2. Sand And Water
   ABBY CARES FOR COUPLE WITH PREMATURE BABY; GREENE AND CORDAY SEARCH FOR DOMESTIC BLISS -- A sympathetic Abby takes pity on a young couple (guest stars Michael Raynor and Lara Harris) whose premature baby was born far too early -- a cold fact of life which the desperate parents struggle to accept -- while Drs. Greene and Corday re-define their relationship in the wake of domestic hassles. Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) engages an equally stubborn Dr. Romano in a war of wills over an obnoxious homeless man (guest star Gerry Black) who once again requires extensive treatment resulting from his chronic disdain for maintaining his dialysis appointments. Dr. Weaver and a caring Dr. Kovac are helpless to assist a severely comatose woman (guest star Nancy Linehan Charles) whose longtime life partner (guest star Rosemary Forsyth) is not legally empowered to cease any heroic means of saving her. Elsewhere, Carter ponders the implications of his future return to the hospital and Dr. Malucci stays out of sight from a candy striper (guest star Roberta Valderrama) who's on a mission to find him
   
3. Mars Attacks
   DR. BENTON SUFFERS ER CHIEF'S WRATH; DR. CARTER RETURNS TO WORK IN LIMITED ROLE -- Dr. Benton learns the sobering price of a previous challenge to the authority of tyrannical chief Dr. Romano while a recovering Dr. Carter chafes under the restrictions imposed on his role during his first day back in the emergency room after his drug treatment. Likewise, obstetrics nurse Abby is peeved when she is beset by nagging hassles and is asked by Dr. Weaver to fill in as an ER nurse until she can re-enroll in medical school. The collapse of an elevated walkway in a sci-fi convention floods the ER with out-of-this world costumed patients while Dr. Corday must talk Dr. Greene through a complicated procedure via an intercom while she too performs surgery. Ambitious desk clerk Frank (guest star Troy Evans) -- a former cop -- causes chaos when he keeps running computer security checks on suspicious patients with surprising results. Another patient (guest star Jamie Marsh) checks in claiming to suffer from spontaneous combustion.
   
4. Benton Backwards
   DR. BENTON IS BENT ON SAVING HIS CAREER -- A frustrated Dr. Benton desperately searches for a new position at any local hospital but soon learns that he has been blackballed by the arrogant Dr. Romano, and he must consider other options out-of-state -- even though he risks losing joint custody of his infant son with the combative mother (guest star Lisa Nicole Carson). Elsewhere, a recovering Dr. Carter is cleared to work on a few trauma patients while Dr. Chen labors to offer a young mother (guest star Cynthia Mann Jamin) some temporary relief as she tries to secure permission to operate on the woman's terminally ill young son. Abby finds herself attracted to Dr. Kovac but their budding relationship is interrupted by tragedy. In addition, Dr. Malucci casts about in a vain search for an extra skilled hockey player for his team's game that night -- even though Dr. Greene is ready and willing to strap on his skates.
   
5. Flight Of Fancy
   DR. GREENE BOARDS CHOPPER TO HELP HEART PATIENT; DR. BENTON UNDER DURESS WHEN HE'S IN CHARGE OF E.R. -- Dr. Greene risks his life when he accompanies a dangerously weak heart patient (guest star John Pyper-Ferguson) in an emergency helicopter that crashes en route to the hospital. While Greene tries to encourage the sick man not to give up hope of a transplant that will enable him to marry his fiancee, Dr. Benton is ordered by Dr. Romano to manage a flood of angry, hurting people as he substitutes for Dr. Weaver on a short-staffed day in the E.R. Elsewhere: Abby is fearful for a distraught Dr. Kovac when he does not show up for work after a personal trauma; and Dr. Carter gambles when he ignores a relative's (guest star Joanna Miles) wishes not to inform her teenaged grandson (guest star Blake Heron) that he carries the HIV virus.
   
6. The Visit
   OSCAR WINNER SALLY FIELD ('NORMA RAE') GUEST-STARS AS ABBY'S MOTHER -- An anguished Abby flinches when she is unexpectedly visited by her unpredictable mother (Oscar-winning guest star Sally Field, 'Norma Rae') while Dr. Benton is shocked to discover details about a severely wounded gunshot victim. Meanwhile, Drs. Greene and Corday pledge to each other that they will escape the ER for a weekend getaway but complications ensue when she must perform surgery on a middle-aged surfer (guest star Alan Dale) with a bad back. Dr. Kovac suspects that a young teenaged patient (guest star Susan Enriquez) -- who proves to be pregnant -- might have been assaulted by her father (guest star Timothy Paul Perez). Dr. Chen finally confronts the unsuspecting father of her baby.
   
7. Rescue Me
   AN EXPLOSION ROCKS THE ER ON THANKSGIVING DAY; OSCAR WINNER SALLY FIELD GUEST-STARS -- A stormy Thanksgiving workday in the ER results in a cornucopia of milestone events as a thunderstruck Dr. Greene receives disturbing news while a woozy Dr. Corday is sued for malpractice -- and Abby tries to send her unstable mother (Oscar-winning guest star Sally Field) off, but the broken woman has no place else to go. Dr. Chen is caught by surprise by her high-tone mother (guest star Nancy Kwan) who does not know about her pregnancy. Elsewhere: Dr. Benton's pay is docked by Dr. Romano; Dr. Carter chases down an impatient patient (guest star Anthony Lee) who needs immediate treatment; and an explosion rocks the ER.
   
8. The Dance We Do
   ABBY'S MANIC MOTHER IS OUT OF CONTROL; OSCAR WINNER SALLY FIELD GUEST-STARS -- Abby's mounting frustration with her bipolar mother (Oscar-winning guest star Sally Field) goes off the charts when the woman causes a major incident at a downtown store. An uneasy Dr. Corday confronts her accusers during a tense, day-long deposition when she and the hospital are sued by a paralyzed former patient. A mourning Dr. Benton meets his nephew's beaten girlfriend (guest star Toy Connor) who informs him about the gangbangers responsible for the murder. Greene is concerned that Dr. Carter isn't maintaining the conditions of his drug treatment program. Abby's relationship with Dr. Kovac heats up but she seeks consolation from her family woes with Carter.
   
9. The Greatest Of Gifts
   DRS. GREENE AND CORDAY TAKE A HOLIDAY VISIT TO MANHATTAN; DR. CHEN GIVES BIRTH -- Christmas is just days away, and Dr. Greene accompanies Dr. Corday to New York on a mission during the holiday season. Dr. Carter fights fatigue as he assists Dr. Chen during the birth of her baby. However, Carter notices that Chen's attitude toward her unwanted baby may be changing even as the adoptive parents wait patiently for their new child. In addition, Carter must fight against temptation to ruin the progress of his drug rehabilitation program. Elsewhere: Dr. Benton receives an ultimatum from Dr. Finch to remove a wayward teenaged girl from her residence; Dr. Weaver treats a boy whose face is badly mauled by a dog. Paul McCrane, Erik Palladino and Maura Tierney also star.
   
10. Piece of Mind
    JAMES BELUSHI ('RETURN TO ME') GUEST-STARS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE -- New Year's Eve falls as Dr. Greene submits to dangerous, experimental brain surgery in New York with a hopeful Dr. Corday by his side while a guilt-ridden father (guest star James Belushi) who is severely injured in a car wreck is only concerned with the safety of his teenaged son (guest star Jared Padalecki) who is also hurt. However, the dad's condition deteriorates as the irascible Dr. Romano is called on to begin desperate heart surgery and Greene's radical procedure soon develops complications.
    
11. Rock, Paper, Scissors
    OSCAR NOMINEE JAMES CROMWELL GUEST-STARS -- Dr. Benton's relationship with Cleo is further strained when the wayward teenaged girl (guest star Toy Connor) whom he's trying to help resists his efforts to move her out of Cleo's residence and into a foster home while a bishop (Oscar-nominated guest star James Cromwell, 'Babe') who's injured in a fall takes an interest in the brooding Dr. Kovac. Elsewhere: Kovac resents having to treat a drunken driver (guest star John Lacy) who's responsible for tearing apart a young family; as Dr. Greene recovers from his surgery, Dr. Corday resents some jolting news about her malpractice suit; Dr. Carter is urged by Abby to confront Dr. Weaver about his recent temptation to take narcotics; Weaver clashes with Dr. Legaspi (guest star Elizabeth Mitchell) over personal as well as professional issues.
    
12. Surrender
    TOM BOSLEY AND TOM POSTON GUEST-STAR -- Dr. Weaver regrets her decision to report a work-related injury in an illegal sweatshop when the corrupt owners panic and try to eliminate the evidence by torching the premises -- with the illegal alien workers trapped inside -- while Dr. Greene returns to work with a curious change in his attitude and personality. Elsewhere, Dr. Benton is sandbagged by the wily Dr. Romano who lures him into a new position without confiding the political implications of the new job. After confessing his temptation to Weaver, Dr. Carter is restricted from issuing controlled narcotics. Abby treats two combative elderly men (guest stars Tom Poston, 'Newhart' and Tom Bosley, 'Happy Days') who are injured while fighting each other. Dr. Corday wavers again during surgery and risks her career.
    
13. Thy Will Be Done
    AUTHOR GEORGE PLIMPTON, OSCAR NOMINEE JAMES CROMWELL GUEST-STAR -- Dr. Carter must attend a charity event hosted by his grandfather (guest star and author George Plimpton) and cajoles Abby into filling in as his date at the last minute while Dr. Kovac treats an ailing Bishop Stewart (James Cromwell, 'Babe') and a 16-year-old (guest star John Peck) in need of a third heart transplant who both insist on treatment that could threaten their lives. Also, Dr. Malucci is surprised by a patient's (guest star Robert Beitzel) reaction to some HIV test results, and most of the staff -- especially Dr. Romano -- takes notice of Dr. Greene's new and aggressive post-surgery attitude
    
14. A Walk In The Woods
    GREENE'S COMPETENCY QUESTIONED WHILE KOVAC SUFFERS FAITH CRISIS -- Dr. Greene is angered when his post-operative competency is challenged by a medical review board that could cost him his career while a tormented Dr. Kovac can no longer ignore his crisis of faith when he accompanies an ailing but stubborn bishop (Oscar-nominated guest star James Cromwell, 'Babe') to a priest's ordination. Elsewhere: Dr. Carter struggles to save the life of a child whose parents refused to immunize him against measles; Dr. Benton chafes in his new added role as director of diversity when he encounters a low-rated African-American applicant (guest star Keith Robinson) who reminds him of himself as a young student; Dr. Weaver recoils when she meets Dr. Legaspi's (guest star Elizabeth Mitchell) fellow lesbian friends; Dr. Chen returns after her maternity leave
    
15. The Crossing (150th Episode)
    DEADLY TRAIN CRASH PUTS DOCTORS AT RISK IN THE FIELD DURING 'ER'S' 150TH EPISODE -- In the classic drama's 150th episode, a multi-car train accident scrambles the ER and Drs. Kovac, Carter and Corday are overwhelmed by the carnage at the site as they work to save an impaled mother, her young son and a trapped firefighter -- until the pregnant Corday begins to suffer painful contractions. Back at County, Dr. Benton tries to salvage a victim with a shredded aorta and even helps Carter with a tricky amputation over the phone, all of which leaves an observing med school applicant wide-eyed. Meanwhile, the bloody mayhem prompts Kovac to recall the harrowing loss of his own family and he confronts his torment with the terminally ill Bishop Stewart
    
16. Witch Hunt
    DR. WEAVER SQUIRMS WHEN HER PARTNER IS INVESTIGATED FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT; ABBY LOOKS FOR STOLEN BABY -- Dr. Weaver's difficult life is further complicated when she fears her intimate relationship with Dr. Legaspi (guest star Elizabeth Mitchell) might be exposed when the suicidal young woman who earlier caused a deadly train derailment claims Legaspi sexually harassed her, while elsewhere, a guilt-stricken Abby launches a desperate search for a stolen baby under her care. In addition: Dr. Carter is dumbfounded when he learns more about his young new romantic partner (guest star Lourdes Benedicto); Dr. Greene awaits word on his medical competency tests; a pregnant Dr. Corday struggles back to work and runs headlong into the obnoxious Dr, Romano, who is on the warpath and intends to marginalize her responsibilities; Dr. Malucci also butts heads with a belligerent father (guest star Mik Scriba); and a newly re-awakened Dr. Kovac re-evaluates his life and relationship with Abby.
    
17. Survival Of The Fittest
    BENTON SUSPECTS BIAS AFTER A SHOOTING IN THE ER - Dr. Benton is a horrified bystander as the elderly black patient (guest star Adrian Ricard) he is treating grabs a cop’s gun with tragic results. Dr. Carter, who is rethinking his relationship with Rena (guest star Lourdes Benedicto), teams up with Abby to treat a class of seventh graders who become sick on their bus from mysterious toxic fumes. Meanwhile Dr. Greene learns the results of his review; and Dr. Corday is determined to prove to Dr. Romano that she can still pull long hours in the O.R.
    
18. April Showers
    ODDS AND FATE ARE STACKED AGAINST DRS. GREENE AND CORDAY AS THEY FIGHT TO GET TO THEIR WEDDING -- On their rainy wedding day, Drs. Greene and Corday must fight fate to get to the altar as he overcomes several roadblocks until he is waylaid in the street by a nasty bleeding pregnant woman (guest star Alex Kapp Horner) -- meanwhile, she contends with last-minute details and her feuding divorced parents (guest stars Judy Parfitt and Paul Freeman). Elsewhere, several ER staff try to free themselves from work to attend the ceremonies, including Dr. Finch and Dr. Benton, ever mindful of the irony that he once dated Corday. However, the uninvited Dr. Weaver heads for an out-of-town medical conference and meets a friendly and appreciative man (guest star Casey Biggs). When a prison van overturns, Dr. Carter tries to save the life of a crushed corrections officer -- and gets some ribbing about his young girlfriend (guest star Lourdes Benedicto) -- while Abby treats a teenaged female prisoner (guest star Mandy Freund). Dr. Chen ministers to a hypothermic boy (guest star Ryan Wilson) found asleep on a frozen field.
    
19. Sailing Away
    OSCAR WINNER SALLY FIELD RETURNS TO GUEST-STAR AS ABBY DRIVES FAR WITH CARTER TO RESCUE HER MOTHER -- A tense Abby drops everything when notified that her mentally unbalanced mother (Oscar-winning guest star Sally Field) is found incapacitated in an Oklahoma motel, and when she insists on driving there, a sympathetic Dr. Carter accompanies her -- risking both of their romantic relationships. In the meantime, the road back is potholed with problems as they try to coax the disconnected woman back to Chicago for more professional help. Elsewhere, the very pregnant Dr. Corday is happily wheeled in for her baby's birth with Dr. Greene at her side. An angry Dr. Benton treats a parade of partying fraternity brothers whose alcohol-related medical problems become increasingly more serious; later, Benton offers special care for his former junior high school teacher (guest star Roger Robinson) who jump-started his interest in science as a youth.
    
20. Fear Of Commitment
    OSCAR WINNER SALLY FIELD GUEST-STARS; CAN ABBY STOP JUDGE FROM RELEASING HER MENTALLY DISTURBED MOTHER? -- Due to a clerical error, a startled Abby discovers that her suicidal mother (Oscar-winning guest star Sally Field) is due in court for a competency hearing and she rushes to testify that she should not be released -- but the older woman musters an alarmingly masterful display of sanity before the judge. Meanwhile, Dr. Weaver gives heartbreaking news to a sassy homeless woman (guest star Bette Ford) who once hosted a children's show that Weaver viewed as a child. Dr. Benton steps in to help a junior high school teacher (guest star Roger Robinson) who was once his mentor and now suffers a cardiac arrest. A busy Benton also injures his hand while helping a fallen biker and learns that an injured Carla (guest star Lisa Nicole Carson, "Ally McBeal") has checked into the ER with his young son Reese (guest star Matthew Watkins). A perplexed Dr. Carter treats a stricken pregnant woman (guest star Kimberly McCullough) and then is angered when her husband (guest star Henri Lubatti) informs him about what prompted her life-threatening episode.
    
21. Where The Heart Is
    DOES ABBY SEE A RAY OF HOPE FOR HER UNBALANCED MOTHER? SALLY FIELD GUEST-STARS -- A distressed Abby sees a ray of hope in the care of her mentally unbalanced mother (Sally Field) when she receives some sage advice from the older woman in a rare moment of clarity while Dr. Benton's old girlfriend Carla (guest star Lisa Nicole Carson, "Ally McBeal") squares off against his new love Cleo. Elsewhere: Dr. Greene's suspicions are aroused when he treats a rebellious 7-year-old boy (guest star Emmett Shoemaker) who bears signs of beatings; Dr. Carter's plans to apply for chief resident are brushed aside by Dr. Weaver while he watches fellow candidate Dr. Chen take her best shot at the position; Weaver suffers pangs of remorse when she meets the new woman in Dr. Legaspi's life and is confronted by a helpless, mentally deficient young woman (guest star Julie Osburn) whose only family member lies in critical condition; and the ER gang enjoys a spirited game of softball.
    
22. Rampage
    DR. GREENE'S NEW FAMILY COULD BE IN DANGER AS SHOOTER GOES ON RAMPAGE THROUGH CHICAGO IN SEASON FINALE -- The ER is overwhelmed with gunshot victims when a distraught father (guest star Ted Marcoux) goes on a murderous spree at a foster care facility -- and a horrified Dr. Greene realizes that his personal connection with the madman may prove fatal for his new wife and their baby. In the midst of the chaos: Dr. Carter is put in the awkward position of helping Dr. Chen apply for the promotion that he himself was denied, Dr. Benton is unexpectedly assaulted by his ex-girlfriend Carla's husband (guest star Victor Williams), and Dr. Finch cuts her hand while treating an HIV-positive patient. Meanwhile, Dr. Romano betrays his prejudice when he tries to force out Dr. Legaspi.

Season Eight

1. Four Corners
   The season premiere offers multiple points-of-view of the same events a la "Rashomon" as Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) ministers to a sobbing young woman (guest star Jessica Townsend) who was injured during a confrontational television talk show melee where she learned bitter family news -- but Greene has to face his own demons when a board of inquiry investigates the case of his serial killer patient. Meanwhile, a stoic Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) must attend a family funeral which reunites him with his detached rich parents (guest stars Mary McDonnell, "Dances with Wolves" and Michael Gross, "Family Ties"). Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) keeps a watchful eye on the recovering Cleo (Michael Michele) while he deals with his grieving sister's (guest star Khandi Alexander) attempts to cope with her teenaged son's death. A nervous Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) returns from her "African" sabbatical and warily waits to see how her colleagues react.
   
2. The Longer You Stay
   Just when Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) thinks he's done for the day, the ER sucks him back in frenetic fashion as he is swamped with problematic patients -- including several heavy metal roadies and musicians after concert accidents -- while Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) is shocked to hear the full report when his young son (guest star Matthew Watkins) is involved in a car accident. Newly appointed chief resident Chen (Ming-Na) panics when she is overwhelmed with patients -- one of whom she misdiagnoses -- while Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) is suddenly AWOL on personal business just as several lives are in the balance. Meanwhile, Abby (Maura Tierney) feels neglected by a distracted Dr. Kovac (Goran Visnjic) on an ugly night out, and she especially resents his flirty relationship with an attractive French waitress (guest star Julie Delpy, "Killing Zoe").
   
3. Blood Sugar Sex Magic
   Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) is surprised when his rebellious teenaged daughter (guest star Hallee Hirsh) suddenly appears at the hospital after running away from his ex-wife (guest star Christine Harnos) while a skirt-chasing Dr. Malucci (Erik Palladino) flirts with disaster and Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) and Abby (Maura Tierney) draw even closer to each other. A hesitant Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) is tested when she struggles to save the life of an abandoned baby -- who some believe has a birthmark resembling a religious icon. A resourceful Malucci does some fast work when he tries to help an ailing patient while stuck together in a hospital elevator. Dr. Romano (Paul McCrane) dresses down Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) when a local newspaper investigates the death of a patient who expired on her watch. Eriq La Salle, Alex Kingston, Michael Michele and Goran Visnjic also star
   
4. Never Say Never
   Former County General alumna Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) returns to Chicago looking for a new job and swings by her old digs to renew friendships -- especially with Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) -- while a nervous Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) is accompanied by Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) to a "risk management" review of her treatment of a deceased patient. Elsewhere, Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) is caught beween a life-saving surgery and the need to pick up his young son before his school locks up. Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) meets Dr. Lewis and struggles with the parents of a young boy with a rare and chronic disease who have grown discouraged with his long-term prognosis. Dr. Kovac (Goran Visjnic) is surprised when a beautiful French waitress (guest star Julie Delpy, "Killing Zoe") shows up in the ER and asks for him
   
5. Start All Over Again
   A wary Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) returns to County General and clashes with Abby (Maura Tierney) and others while her patients include a misunderstood Hispanic woman with seizures -- and Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) treats an injured man (guest star Joseph Whipp) whose frantic daughter mistakenly crushed him with her car. Elsewhere, Lewis ministers to a man who is pretending to be comatose for a very good reason; Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) tries to leave the surgery room when he learns that his young son is missing; Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) is shocked to see his ailing grandmother (guest star Frances Sternhagen) brought to the hospital; Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) must adapt to co-habitating with Greene's teenaged daughter (guest star Hallee Hirsh) and is investigated when another patient dies of infection. Laura Innes, Goran Visnjic and Paul McCrane also star.
   
6. Supplies and Demands
   Dr. Corday's (Alex Kingston) ordeal over the recent infectious deaths of several patients balloons when she is shadowed by a taskmaster (guest star Salli Saffioti) who follows her to check for cleanliness while Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) fields two college patients who are suddenly attacked by a fast and lethal virus. Elsewhere, Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) clashes with his toddler son's "other" father, Roger (guest star Vondie Curtis Hall), over visitation rights; Dr. Kovac (Goran Visnjic) arranges for the ER to hire his friendly French barmaid (guest star Julie Delpy, "Killing Zoe") as a runner with near-disastrous results; Abby (Maura Tierney) flirts with a wounded fireman and Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) must referee between his self-indulgent 14-year-old daughter Rachel (guest star Hallee Hirsh) and his tense, fed-up wife Corday. Noah Wyle and Paul McCrane also star.
   
7. If I Should Fall from Grace
   A brittle Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) desperately searches for a possible "Angel of Death" who's been secretly murdering her elderly patients -- leaving her to shoulder any possible blame -- while a pensive Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) reluctantly agrees to a paternity test to prove he's the real father of his son Reese. Elsewhere, Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) hardly shares a happy home with a stressed-out Corday and his wild teenaged daughter Rachel (Hallee Hirsh) who now also courts trouble at school. Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) shares disappointing news with his ailing but headstrong grandmother (guest star Frances Sternhagen), and he also joins Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) in treating a young, self-abusing woman (guest star Bellamy Young) who's been cutting herself. A bright new and inquisitive first-year student (guest star Sharif Atkins) makes all kinds of impressions on the curious staff. A resentful Abby (Maura Tierney) nonetheless comforts new staffer Nicole (guest star Julie Delpy, "Killing Zoe") after a traumatic event. Goran Visjnic, Paul McCrane and Michael Michele also star; fellow cast member Laura Innes directs.
   
8. Partly Cloudy, Chance of Rain
   When a torrential rainstorm pounds Chicago, patients stack up while Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) speeds to an accident site where a pregnant woman (guest star Nina Landey) lies injured inside a wrecked ambulance while live power lines spark -- until heroic first-year resident Gallant (guest star Sharif Atkins) makes a dangerous leap of faith. Elsewhere: a shaky Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) gets the lab reports that will determine if he is the father of his son Reese; Kovac's (Goran Visnjic) new girlfriend (guest star Julie Delpy, "Killing Zoe") gets in trouble and gives him some unexpected news; Dr. Carter is shocked to see his grandmother (guest star Frances Sternhagen) wheeled in after breaking her hip in a hit-and-run car accident which injures a young woman (guest star Amy Jo Johnson, "Felicity") -- and Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) tends to a guilt-ridden boy (guest star Jack Johnson) who feels responsible for the disappearance of his younger brother after playing in a flooded river. Maura Tierney, Michael Michele, Sherry Stringfield and Paul McCrane also star. Lisa Vidal (NBC's "Third Watch") also guest-stars.
   
9. Quo Vadis?
   Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) and his attorney (guest star Roma Maffia, "Profiler") begin a bare-knuckle fight in court to take custody of his young son from Roger (guest star Vondie Curtis Hall) -- the boy's "other" father -- while Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) waits for a distraught husband to decide if surgeons can remove his terminally injured wife's organs for transplant before time runs out. Elsewhere: Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) and Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) treat a brain-damaged teenaged boxer who was hurt while sparring with his guilt-ridden brother; Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) crosses paths again with a feisty firefighter (guest star Lisa Vidal, NBC's "Third Watch") who once helped her in the field; Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) tries to aid a young woman who complains of a nasty recurring allergic reaction; and Greene suspects the worst when the boyfriend of his rambunctious teenaged daughter Rachel (guest star Hallee Hirsh) tests positive for marijuana. Maura Tierney, Paul McCrane, Michael Michele and Goran Visnjic also star
   
10. I'll Be Home for Christmas
    As December 25 nears, Dr. Benton (original cast member Eriq La Salle, in his final "ER" episode) boils over with rage and frustration as his custody trial for his son Reese hits a critical stage -- and he must choose between his ER job and the child unless the cranky Dr. Romano (Paul McCrane) agrees to custom-tailor his work schedule. Elsewhere, a busy Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) finds romance, receives some jolting news from his father (guest star Michael Gross, "Family Ties") who's visiting for the holidays and then ministers to a boy (guest star Lee Perri) whose fall from a tree causes great concern among his tight-knit family; Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) is perplexed by a pregnant woman (guest star Ananda Banc) who's ready to deliver her baby despite remaining in a coma for a year; a sobbing young mother (guest star Anne Dudek) accidentally shoots her son near the Christmas tree, and a curious Abby (Maura Tierney) spies Dr. Kovac's (Goran Visnjic) elusive French girlfriend (guest star Julie Delpy) sneaking through the hospital. Anthony Edwards, Alex Kingston, Michael Michele and Sherry Stringfield star. Lisa Vidal (NBC's "Third Watch") guest-stars
    
11. Beyond Repair
    An embittered Abby (Maura Tierney) tries to help a crying boy (guest star Matt Weinberg) whose single mother died of a stroke and also tries to keep Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) distracted and away from Paul Sobriki (guest star David Krumholtz) -- the schizophrenic man who once stabbed him and killed a fellow doctor -- who checks into the ER for an injury after being released. Carter also has trouble at home when he clashes with his mother (guest star Mary McDonnell) over the care administered to his grandmother as well as other festering family issues. Elsewhere: Abby is startled by news bulletins from both her ex-husband (guest star Mark Valley) and Dr. Kovac (Goran Visnjic); Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) confronts his rebellious daughter (guest star Hallee Hirsh) when he checks out her room and is later asked by a dying burn victim (guest star Brant Cotton) not to let his family see him in his condition; a wavering Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) comes to a crossroads with her developing relationship with a firefighter (guest star Lisa Vidal); and Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) meets with Carter to discuss recently discovered evidence in the wrongful death case that resulted in her dismissal. Alex Kingston and Sherry Stringfield also star.
    
12. A River in Egypt
    Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) clashes with Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) over the treatment of an injured and condemned murderer (guest star Cyril O'Reilly) who wants to die in the ER rather than wait for his execution while Abby (Maura Tierney) urges her battered next-door neighbor (guest star Christina Hendricks) to seek shelter from her abusive husband (guest star Matthew Settle). Elsewhere, Weaver has a trying day as she is embarrassed in front of her co-workers by her fiery firefighter girlfriend (guest star Lisa Vidal) and she is also forced to re-hire the returning Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) who reveals damaging evidence that could put the blame on Weaver for a patient's accidental death. In addition: a weary Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) must mitigate between his warring parents (guest stars Mary McDonnell and Michael Gross) as they plan their divorce and also diagnoses a wannabe rapper who tests positive for HIV -- but refuses to tell his naive girlfriend; Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) tries to help a guilt- stricken father (guest star Efrain Figueroa) who suffers a heart attack on the day his estranged daughter is to be married, while on the home front, the doctor struggles to find any common ground with his wayward 14-year-old daughter (guest star Hallee Hirsh).
    
13. Damage Is Done
    Drs. Greene (Anthony Edwards) and Corday (Alex Kingston) are gripped with fear when their helpless baby daughter is brought in with an accidental overdose -- while Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) treats a father and daughter who were injured after opening an exploding letter bomb. Meanwhile, Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) seethes when Dr. Romano (Paul McCrane) hands off some of her many duties to Lewis and Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) meets a dying 12- year-old leukemia patient (guest star Colton James) that his charity-minded mother (guest star Mary McDonnell) brought in. Elsewhere: the doctors marvel over a 13-year-old girl (guest star Jeanette Brox) who crashed her car while trying to drive her drunken mother home; Dr. Gallant (new series regular Sharif Atkins) takes pity on a sickly bum (guest star Dana Elcar) and his friendly mutt Stinky; and Abby (Maura Tierney) gets a desperate, late- night visit from her female next-door neighbor (guest star Christina Hendricks). Ming-Na also stars.
    
14. A Simple Twist of Fate
    While their baby daughter continues to fight for her life, Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) has sharp words with his wife, Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston), after she orders Rachel (Hallee Hirsh) out of their home while Abby (Maura Tierney) might regret championing a battered female neighbor (guest star Christina Hendricks) who refuses to press charges against her abusive husband (guest star Matthew Settle). Elsewhere, some bad munchies soon have everyone scurrying for the bathroom as Kovac (Goran Visjnic) returns to help out a short-handed staff. In addition: Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) confronts his mother (guest star Mary McDonnell, "Dances with Wolves") over issues of emotional abandonment and gets a surprise visit from his father (guest star Michael Gross, "Family Ties"); the ER team treats an elderly "polar bear" swimmer with heart problems; a fearful 15-year-old girl with vaginal bleeding, and a recent lottery winner who's unlucky enough to have been stabbed by a falling icicle; a diminutive lap dancer (guest star Debbie Lee Carrington) who accidentally swallows a customer's wedding ring. Laura Innes, Paul McCrane, Ming-Na and Sherry Stringfield also star. 
    
15. It's All In Your Head
    A lonely Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) faces an uphill struggle for survival and his pain is intensified when the angry Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) keeps his recovering infant daughter away from him, so he busies himself in the ER treating a father (guest star Brant Cotton) who severely burned himself while experimenting with illegal drugs. While the victim's life is in immediate jeopardy, Greene is further tormented by the man's request not to let his family see him in his horrific condition. Elsewhere: Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) is confronted with a teenaged comatose patient (guest star Lindsay Hollister) who confounds her mother when it's discovered that she is pregnant and ready to give birth; a little girl (guest star Holliston Coleman) arrives at the ER with her father who suffers from critical gunshot wounds; a teenager (guest star Reiley McClendon) is banged-up when his father gets careless with a careening snowmobile; Abby (Maura Tierney) fumes when the man who beat her is released -- and moves back in next door; the returning Jerry (guest star Abraham Benrubi) clashes with fellow desk jockey Frank (guest star Troy Evans). Noah Wyle, Laura Innes, Goran Visjnic, Paul McCrane, Sherry Stringfield and Sharif Atkins also star
    
16. Secrets and Lies
    In a dramatic change-of-pace episode, after a bout of horseplay following a dominatrix' appearance in the ER, Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) orders Abby (Maura Tierney), Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle), Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield), Dr. Kovac (Goran Visjnic) and Dr. Gallant (Sharif Atkins) into a day-long sexual harassment seminar - - which unleashes a torrent of truth about their mutual relationships. While the class is delayed for a tardy instructor, the five share intimate details while alternately mocking and challenging each other -- especially with the thorny romantic attractions involving Abby and Lewis with Carter. What's more, Carter and Kovac kill time by engaging in a roughhouse round of fencing that speaks volumes about their contending interest in Abby. Ming-Na also stars in a script written by executive producer John Wells. 
    
17. Bygones
    Drs. Corday (Alex Kingston) and Greene (Anthony Edwards) continue to awkwardly bump into each other in the ER while Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) treats victims of a raging inferno -- one that might have cost the life of her intimate firefighter friend (guest star Lisa Vidal). While Corday suspects her husband is romantically involved with Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield), Greene is stumped when he asks the reluctant sister (guest star Megalyn Echikunwoke) of a severely ill woman (guest star Klea Scott) to donate part of her liver that would save her sister's life. In addition: Greene chastises the adoptive parents of an uncommunicative young boy who almost dies after experimental therapy; Dr. Chen (Ming-Na) is shadowed by a disturbed man (guest star Kyle Colerider-Krugh) who is the victim of severe psychological trauma; the doctors react to several college coeds after they are attacked on campus by a madman; a couple of senior citizen adulterers are busted in the ER. Noah Wyle, Goran Visnjic, Maura Tierney, Paul McCrane and Sharif Atkins also star.
    
18. Orion in the Sky
    While Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) tries to immerse himself in his work, he reluctantly discovers that his aggressive illness is hampering his coordination -- and watching other end-stage patients struggle with their treatments has a sobering effect on him. Elsewhere: Greene has a poignant reunion with his ex-wife (guest star Christine Harnos) and later mediates between the staff and a stubborn but deluded homeless man (guest star Paul Benjamin); Dr. Pratt (Mekhi Phifer), a self-confident new intern, gets some advice from Greene about his bedside manner; Abby (Maura Tierney) can move out of Dr. Kovac's (Goran Visnjic) apartment when her abusive neighbor moves away; Greene treats a family man (guest star Ken Lerner) who receives the worst kind of news; an Egyptologist (guest star Blaire Baron) is hospitalized for a rare disease; confusion over an elderly woman's wishes results in heroic measures to resucitate her. Noah Wyle, Laura Innes, Alex Kingston, Ming-Na, Sherry Stringfield and Sharif Atkins also star.
    
19. Brothers and Sisters
    Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) is deeply disturbed when she receives a traumatic call for help from her 6-year-old niece in New York and she rushes east to search for the child and her trouble-prone sister (guest star Kathleen Wilhoite, "Pay it Forward"), enlisting the aid of Officers Yokas (Molly Price) and Bosco (Jason Wiles) from NBC's Peabody Award-winning "Third Watch" to comb the mean streets. Elsewhere: Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston) fears the worst when she is phoned by Dr. Greene's teenaged daughter in Hawaii where the pair are vacationing; arrogant newcomer Dr. Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) causes havoc and clashes with the staff when he tries a dangerous unauthorized procedure on a dying patient; Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) strongly chastises Dr. Kovac (Goran Visnjic) for allowing Abby (Maura Tierney) to slip back into using alcohol as a crutch, and Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) contends with a crushed couple who can't decide if they want to disconnect their brain-dead son's life support. Paul McCrane, Ming-Na and Sharif Atkins also star.
    
20. The Letter
    A letter arrives at the hospital, from Mark. Attatched to it is a note from Elizabeth, Mark died that morning. Frank posts the letter at the hospital for staff to read. Sandy tracks down Carrie who is trying to put on a brave face, but forces her to admit she lost a dear friend. Abby, Luka, Gallant, and Haleh go to the bar with Carrie and Sandy, while Abby and Carter talk all night at Doc Magoos. Abby later goes to an AA meeting, and tells Carter it was for him. As the day draws to a close, Susan learns her sister, Chloe is in rehab.
    
21. One The Beach
    As Greene lives his final days, he takes the reluctant Rachel (recurring guest star HALLEE HIRSH) to his childhood home in Hawaii, along with Corday. There, he indulges in life's simple pleasures and tries to impart memories, some of which are bittersweet, and family history to his distant daughter. But their arguments escalate as Greene's health deteriorates. Finally, Greene and Rachel reconcile before he dies. Greene's colleagues and loved ones attend his funeral in Chicago.
    
22. Lockdown
    In the season finale, Chicago residents become fearful of an epidemic. When Carter and Abby treat two children with ominous symptoms, the emergency room is placed under quarantine until disease experts from the federal government can arrive. As Carter fights to save the youths, the staff is trapped with the suffering patients and a busload of injured and irritable senior citizens. Reporters surround the hospital, and police block the exits, prompting the restless victims to stage a minor riot in an attempt to escape the dangerous and stifling conditions inside. Meanwhile, Pratt (recurring guest star MEKHI PHIFER) and Chen--who may have contracted the disease--ignore their own symptoms as they labor to save the life of a homeless man, Stan the Can (recurring guest star HARRISON PAGE), who is a frequent patient at the hospital.