A Long, Strange Trip

Season 15, Episode 14, Aired

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EPISODE RATING: Superb
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Gates and Morris tend to an elderly man who was assaulted on the street. Sam's sister shows up unexpectedly. Brenner and Dubenko clash while treating a mother thought to have late stage cancer. Dr. Morgenstern returns to the ER to assist a former mentor who is seriously ill.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (10)

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  • A very touching episode.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By XooKey, May 26, 2009
    A very touching episode centered mainly around a once great doctor named Oliver Kostin, who has dementia. He stumbles to the ER apparently the victim of an attack of some sorts. Gates and Morris are treating him when the former Dr. David Morgenstern enters the hospital. He has them put Oliver in a room and commences to tell stories of his Oliver's greatness. Dr. Morgenstern has medical POA over Oliver, who also has a DNR order. Sadly Dr. Oliver Kostin passes away.

    A woman is admitted to the ER with supposed cancer and is on the brink of death. Dr. Oliver Kostin is next to her and starts pointing and grabs something from one of the doctors to write on and writes TB. As it turns out the woman has TB and not cancer and should make a full recovery barring complications from a drug resistant strain.

    A man is admitted who relies on an Iron Lung because of polio. It is determined that he has an appendicitis and needs surgery. Since he uses his stomach muscles to breath it could cause a problem. Neela wants to call in a specialist doctor that can extract it through his mouth. Dr. Dubenko has reservations about performing an experimental surgery on the man but agrees. The surgery is performed and goes very well.

    A woman with diabetes is admitted but has also stole lipstick from a store so the police are waiting for her to be discharged so they can arrest her. The doctor's put is of as long as they can. The woman's daughter who is about to have a baby, is furious with her for what she had done, until Sam points out that she steals to by insulin and to by her baby a crib. One of the best episodes of the season.moreless

  • An episode demonstrating what ER is all about

    10
    "Perfect"
    By dunlambert, Apr 10, 2009
    I tuned in expecting a very good episode (in keeping with the rest of season 15 so far) and found myself watching a SUPERB one. As well as the wonderful story of the woman forced to shoplift to make ends meet there was the usual pleasure of spending an hour with characters I have come to enjoy..everyone from Frank to Dubenko without exception.

    Then there was the storyline with Oliver, the Doctor
    who was responsible for the whole thing and the view
    of 'our' ER as it would have looked in the sixties.
    This was wonderful - and it particularly affected me because my Grandfather is currently suffering those same conditions including dementia. The message that shines from this episode is the respect we owe to all those who came before us and paved the way - and just because someone is elderly and ill that doesn't mean they can't make some contribution to society. I also have to mention one of the greatet actors alive today - William H Macy. He elevated this episode in just a few scenes as only those of his calibre can.

    One of teh best - if not THE best episode of ER that I have seen. Gonna miss this show.moreless

  • Through the eyes of Oliver, we see how the ER used to be.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By vicky24c, Mar 30, 2009
    In this episode of ER, the following happens. Sam's sister, Kelly turns up at the ER to see Sam. An old man, named Oliver is brought into the ER after being mugged. When they track down the man who attacked him, they find a retired watch from County among his belongings. He used to work at County. We learn that Kelly has signed over her designs to Billabong for about $2million. Kelly tells Sam that since she is going to be travelling she wants to move their mother to Chicago so that Sam can visit her whilst she is away. It is here that we learn that Sam hasn't spoken to her mother since she was 15 years old. Oliver manages to diagnose a woman with T.B., whilst every other test showed she had terminal cancer. When further tests are run, it is confirmed that she has T.B. We also learn that Oliver has dementia. Sam learns that her mother stopped all contact between her and her sister. Sam sent letters, phoned, but their mother won't let her speak to her sister and she didn't pass on the letters. Oliver was the Chief of the ER back over 40 years ago. They move him into Trauma 1, and every gathers round whilst he breathes his last breathe. Throughout the episode, through the eyes of Oliver, we see how things would have happened in this episode of ER, if it was 40 years ago.moreless

  • At a certain age, people will start to think of their contribution to society. This episode inspires and touches the hearts of those people.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By superperez, Mar 26, 2009
    Any decent doctor has an inner desire to change the world or at least, make a difference. Searching for your niche and doing well in it is a constant inner longing. This episode gives a glimpse of the rewards of a lifetime of good decisions and a job well done. It inspires people (or doctors like me in particular) to do well in our chosen field because in the end, we can only do so much but each choice we make may benefit someone or even many. Kudos to Dr. Sachs for writing this. If others get inspired to do better in making the world better because of this, Dr. Sachs gets credits for the afterlife. Yes, it is that good.moreless

  • people helping people thats what this episode was about.

    10
    "Perfect"
    By surfguy17, Feb 09, 2009
    I had a good amount of tears in my eyes from watching this episode. This is what ER is about, these types of episodes. one of the best episodes this season by far. im glad some of the older cast is coming back. It shows that they really care about the show to make an appearance such as morganstern, jerry and upcoming dr ross. The flashbacks were amazing as well like the technology they had back then and now was so cool loved the way they did that. I just wish it wasnt ending so soon. Long live ER :)moreless
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