ER

It was beautiful episode - all the craziness at the beginning of the episode and then Eric who really felt why Abby does all this. It was really dynamic episode and the way it was also emotional - really great one.



And all the walkout and the way Gallant decided to stay with him and the way Carter later decided help to clear the broad. He is not just a rebel. He knows his limitations and that was it - Mark first, then he and Lucy and now Abby and Chen. It just - it was enough.



And Lewis and her patient and the way his mother acted. It was really well written.

What I find amusing is the way Luka asks Carter if he has a plan. It is such a crucial part of treatment in the ER to have a plan. But Carter has to admit he doesn't. Luckily the staff stand firm and eventually Kerry gives in to the metal detectors, but Carter has to name 3 senior nurses who will be sacked to pay for the improvements.

When they get back into the ER, Romano is back and very angry.



Susan treats a Huntingdon's patient. Whilst she is out in the ambulance bay talking to Carter, the Mother turns off the vent. When Susan returns she says nothing, but turns it back on, the man is already dead. Susan organises for the death certificate to be signed by his primary, so there is no need for an autopsy. There is a moving and unspoken understanding between the Mother and Susan.



It was important that Carter succeeded, as otherwise his character would have been significantly reduced in stature. The support he gets from the rest of the staff gives credance to his demands, and the hospital board wisely step down. Before the end of Carter's shift the metal detectors are being installed.

This episode sometimes gets forgotten coming after Dr Greene's death and the Smallpox scare, but it's a great episode. Every so often there is an episode of ER that really makes you think, and this is one of them. What should Carter do, should he stand up for the safety of the staff, and jeopardize patient care? I'm personally not sure if he did the right thing or not, but I understand why he did it. He has already been attacked and seen Lucy killed, and also saw Mark attacked. This episode shows some of the problems with the healthcare system and how underfunded it is. I like the way the episode dramatizes it.