Season 1

Written by Michael Crichton
Directed by Rod Holcomb

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.

Music

Annie Lennox - Precious

Day One

Written by John Wells
Directed by Mimi Leder

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 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 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.

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 and pediatric resident Dr. Douglas Ross 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, 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.

Going Home

Written by Lydia Woodward
Directed by Mark Tinker

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 makes a risky but life-saving decision while treating a heart patient. Without the support of Dr. Greene, 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 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 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 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, 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.

Hit And Run

Written by Paul Manning

Directed by Mimi Leder

Dr. Susan Lewis tries to convince an overstressed salesman to relax more, before his ulcer gets worse. While Drs. Benton and Langworthy (recurring guest star TYRA FERRELL - "Boyz N the Hood") argue over a fatal car crash victim, medical student John Carter 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 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. 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 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).

Into That Good Night

Written by Robert Nathan
Directed by Charles Haid

Dr. Mark Greene 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 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 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 suspects he got herpes from Liz (recurring regular LIZ VASSEY). Dr. Susan Lewis 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.

Chicago Heat

Written by Neal Baer
Teleplay by John Wells
Directed by Elodie Keane

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 brings daughter Rachel (YVONNE ZIMA) to the ER, going in on his day off. There, he and Dr. Douglas Ross treat a 5-year-old girl with heart problems. They discover she accidentally swallowed cocaine.

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

Another Perfect Day

Written by Lydia Woodward

Screenplay by Lance Gentile

Directed by Vern Gillum

Second-year surgical resident Dr. Peter Benton 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 and Nurse Carol Hathaway 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 finally gains confidence after having Dr. Mark Greene 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).

9 1/2 Hours

Written byRobert Nathan
Directed by James Hayman

Dr. Mark Greene 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 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. 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 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 tries to find out why her lover Dr. Cvetic (JOHN TERRY) is so bad-tempered lately. Nurse Carol Hathaway 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.

ER Confidential

Written by Paul Manning

Directed by Daniel Sackheim

On Thanksgiving Day, Dr. Susan Lewis 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 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 invitation to join him for Thanksgiving dinner with Benton's family.

Benton, Carter, Dr. Mark Greene, Dr. Langworthy (TYRA FERRELL) and Nurse Carol Hathaway 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, 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.

Blizzard

Written by Lance Gentille

Screenplay by Neal Baer and Paul Manning

Directed by Mimi Leder

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 must surgically reattach the leg of a young victim, while Dr. Susan Lewis performs a complicated heart surgery that she's never done before. John Carter 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 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 announces her engagement to Dr. Taglieri (RICK ROSSOVICH).

Dr. Mark Greene 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.

The Gift

Written by Neal Baer

Directed by Felix Alcala

It's Christmas Eve, and Dr. Mark Greene is desperately trying to leave the hospital for a few minutes to buy gifts for his wife and daughter. Dr. Susan Lewis agrees to tend to his patients while he's away. Unfortunately, Greene's shopping plans are postponed when a young boy (CURTIS BLANCK) who almost drowned while fishing is wheeled in with his praying father (MICHAEL BOWEN).

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton tries to save Teddy, the victim of a head-on collision. However, when Teddy is diagnosed as brain dead, Benton prematurely calls in expensive organ-salvage teams because Teddy signed an organ donor card. But Benton has neglected to get the required permission from Teddy's wife (CYNTHIA ETTINGER), putting Benton in a precarious situation after she initially refuses his request.

Back again is Madame X (ROSEMARY CLOONEY), a confused patient who wanders the halls singing holiday songs, while John Carter tries to save a sick Santa (JASON EDWARDS). Carter later comforts Dr. Lewis about her romantic problems. Lewis' lover, Dr. Cvetic (JOHN TERRY) is still missing. Lewis also contends with an older patient who is unexpectedly pregnant and learns that her sister, Chloe (KATHLEEN WILHOITE), is pregnant too.

Finally, at Nurse Carol Hathaway and Dr. Taglieri's (RICK ROSSOVICH) formal engagement party, an uninvited Ross shows up and behaves foolishly.

Happy New Year

Written by Lydia Woodward

Directed by Charles Haid

Dr. Susan Lewis 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 finally proves himself to Dr. Peter Benton, who lets him attend a surgery. Unfortunately, Carter comically fouls up. Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene and Nurse Carol Hathaway try to save a young gang member, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds.

A busy Dr. Ross 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.

Luck Of The Draw

Written by Paul Manning

Directed by Ron Holcomb

Dr. Susan Lewis 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 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 tries to help a father whose brain-damaged son has heart problems.
Dr. Peter Benton is called out of surgery to find his senile mother (BEAH RICHARDS), who's wandering the streets of Chicago. John Carter is forced to help Benton's other new intern, Deb (MING-NA WEN - "The Joy Luck Club").

Long Day's Journey

Written by Robert Nathan

Directed by Anita Addison

Dr. Mark Greene 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 hires physical therapist Jeanie Boulet 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 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 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' 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.

Feb 5, '95

Written by John Wells

Directed by James Hayman

Dr. Mark Greene argues with Dr. Susan Lewis 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 argues with Nurse Haleh (YVETTE FREEMAN), who resents Benton's superior attitude. Later, Benton is chastised by Nurse Carol Hathaway and is lectured by the physical therapist 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 and Deb Chen must give presentations along with some other medical students. Carter is upset when Chen impresses Dr. Benton with her brilliant presentation.

Dr. Douglas Ross 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.

Make Of Two Hearts

Written by Lydia Woodward

Directed by Mimi Leder

Dr. Susan Lewis 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 and Nurse Carol Hathaway 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 treats a meat-packer (STEVE EASTIN) with a meat-hook imbedded in his arm, Dr. Peter Benton helps a senile old lady (old-time actress EDA REISS HERIN) who might remind him of his own mother.

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

The Birthday Party

Written by John Wells

Directed by Elodie Keene

Dr. Peter Benton 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 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. 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 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 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 tries to help a patient (JOHN CHANDLER) whose love of cigarettes hasn't abated despite his terminal lung cancer. Dr. Mark Greene 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.

Sleepless In Chicago

Written by Paul Manning

Directed by Chis Chulack

To make up for others taking his rounds so he could look after his senile mother, Dr. Peter Benton 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, 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 has a trauma of his own when he learns that his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), wants a divorce.

Meanwhile, Nurse Carol Hathaway decides to adopt AIDS child Tatiana (MILANA VAYNTRUB), only to learn that her attempted suicide has thwarted the adoption. She allows Dr. Douglas Ross 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 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.

Love's Labor Lost

Written by Mark Gentile

Directed by Mimi Leder

This special episode focuses primarily on one gripping case. A busy Dr. Mark Greene 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 diagnoses a young teenage boy suspected of being a drunk as the victim of pesticide poisoning instead. Dr. Peter Benton 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.

Full Moon, Saturday Night

Written by Neal Baer

Directed by Donna Deitch

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

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

With the help of John Carter and Deb Chen, 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.

Music

Isley Bros - Twist & Shout

House of Cards

Written by Tracey Stern

Directed by Fred Gerber

Dr. Mark Greene 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") who died. Greene admits being at fault, then angrily confronts Swift for making him do the ill-advised presentation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton must commit his mother (BEAH RICHARDS) to a nursing home. After fellow medical student Deb Chen 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 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' relationship with Diane Leeds (LISA ZANE) proceeds nicely.

Men Plan, God Laughs

Written by Robert Nathan

Directed byChris Chulack

Helpless to do anything more for his mother, Dr. Peter Benton intends to heal every patient he sees--from a diabetic young girl to a teenager with a brain tumor.

Meanwhile, Dr. Douglas Ross 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 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 continues to have problems with Swift when Greene opts to make amends with his wife, Jennifer (CHRISTINE HARNOS), instead of meeting with Swift.

Music

Major Lance - Um, Um, Um

Love Among The Ruins

Written by Paul Manning

Directed by Fred Gerber

With their wedding scheduled in two weeks, Nurse Carol Hathaway 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 gains confidence in himself. He impresses the new head of the ER, Dr. Swift (MICHAEL IRONSIDE), and even Dr. Peter Benton. 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, who once took care of his mother.

Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Lewis 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 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 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).

Motherhood

Written by Lydia Woodward

Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Dr. Susan Lewis 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 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. 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' 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, and the two finally share a kiss.

Music

Beatles - Blackbird

Everything Old Is New Again

Written by John Wells

Directed by Mimi Leder

Dr. Peter Benton 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 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 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 helps Dr. Douglas Ross with a 12-year-old cancer patient who develops complications from chemotherapy. Carter must evaluate Dr. Peter Benton, 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 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.

Music

Champs - Tequila