ER

The Human Shield

Season 12, Episode 7, Aired 11/10/05

Episode Summary

A young girl is used as a "human shield" by her kidnapper, and both are wounded during a shoot-out with police. While Abby treats the girl, she is caught in the middle of a dispute between Clemente and Luka over the girl's care. Neela assists Luka, then Dubenko, with the kidnapper. Later, Luka and Clemente argue over style and practice, leading Luka to put his name in as a candidate for Chief of Emergency Medicine. Abby takes her anger, and need for comfort, to Luka. Gallant's leave is delayed, to Neela's dismay, and Ray gets his comeuppance from Zoe's father.moreless

8.7

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Cast & Crew

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Maura Tierney

Dr. Abby Lockhart
Mekhi Phifer

Dr. Greg Pratt
Linda Cardellini

Nurse Sam Taggart

Fan Episode Reviews (20)

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ER proves there still life in this old dog with an episode that reminds one of the show's glory years.

9.1

"Superb"

By jekyll, Nov 26, 2011 Report Abuse

A strong episode, filled with emotion and action, that reminds me of why I started watching this show a decade ago. Centering around a young kidnapping victim wounded during a pre-credits shootout with police in which her abducter used her as a shield, the episode layers another dramatic plot, as Kovac and Clemente argue over her treatment, a continuation of their clashing in the workplace.
The situation with Ray and his underage sex partner comes to a boil, as her enraged father demands to know why she has a prescription written from the hospital, and ends in a physical confrontation that leaves unclear if the situation is completely resolved.
At the end, Abby is left drained by the day's events and finds herself at Luka's door, and apparently a night of passion.
Sadly, the episode continues the trend of minor appearances by Laura Innes, who makes just a token appearance at the show's end.moreless

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snoopyloverke

9.7

"Superb"

By snoopyloverke, Jun 21, 2010 Report Abuse

hey! i really like this episode especially when luka and abby kiss . i just love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it , i love it ... i hope that they get a baby !!!moreless

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0 1
A little girl who has been kidnapped and missing for months is brought in to the ER after being shot.

9.7

"Superb"

By LIW1867, Apr 01, 2008 Report Abuse

I loved this episode! The little girl who played Sydney was amazing. I don\'t get emotional very often but when Abby places the dog on Sydney after she dies I was tearing up. Like I put on the top this is exactly why I watch this show, for episodes like this. Also, I thought Maura Tierney\'s acting in this episode was phenomenal. You could really see how upset Abby was about what Sydney had gone through and how she could not save her when she went to Luka\'s apartment. And I have to add how surprised I was by Abby and Luka\'s kiss at the end.moreless

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Hard day for everyone...

9.0

"Superb"

By Parricida, Mar 08, 2008 Report Abuse

This is one of those episodes, that really reminds the old good level - there is the story on the center and the story really moves the viewrs, gets into the heart. Also, there was some tension between chars and like Abby said in the end - it does not matter who was right - a little girl died. They again, showed the irony - the bad man survived, that little girl died. And why? Because Clemente needed to prove he is right and take a risk? Or just without any reason? And. oh.. Eve.. I am so sick of that char ... she and Clemente.. they are really ruining this.moreless

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I like TPTB make a current notice useful in the show as a storyline. LUBY IS BACK MY DEARS!!!!!

9.2

"Superb"

By viviclooney, Feb 03, 2007 Report Abuse

The idea to come up with a real and current story at the moment has been incredible smart. This is the escense of the show since the beginning, I like how TPTB manage the drama, of course they make mistakes like anyone else but, in this specific case they done really great.

Of course as a huge fan of Maura Tierney, I love the last scene with Goran. IT'S OFFICLA, LUBY IS BACK!!!!!! Abby was looking for someone to blame for the little girl's death and in the moment she looked into Luka's eyes she was pleading for him to comfort her. Awwwwwwww. So romantic...

I'm more interested in the show since those character got back together.

Vivianamoreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- Goof: When Sidney arrives at the hospital, the medic says she is 8 years old, but later in the episode they say that she is 10 years old. Edit
- Lukaism: Kovac tells Weaver to put his name "into the mixture" (mix) as a candidate for the position of Chief of Emergency Medicine. Edit
Notes
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- In this episode, John Stamos makes his first appearance as Tony Gates. He would join the main cast as a series regular in the Season 13 episode "Graduation Day." Edit
- Although in the opening credits, Scott Grimes does not appear in this episode. Edit
Quotes
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- Ray: Hey, can I come by the house tonight, pick up my amp? Neela: Whatever, I really don't feel like sticking around for this dumb thing. I ditch if you do, I've got dinner reservations at Gibsons if you want a drink or five? Ray: Wow, I like the way you think, roomie. Your treat right? Neela: As long as you stop calling me that. Edit
- Neela: How much trouble do you think we'll get in for not showing up? Ray: Well, I'm not working again until Saturday so hopefully thing's will blown over by then. Neela: Are you kidding me? I'm working tomorrow. That's great Ray, now I'll get punished for the both of us. Edit
- Ray: What do you think, Kovac versus Clemente in a street fight. Kovac has size but I feel like Clemente's kinda squirrelly. Sam: I think you need help. Edit
Allusions
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- This episode was drawn from two recent real-life cases. Sydney's shooting was based on a July 10, 2005, incident in Los Angeles where a 19-month-old girl was used as a "human shield" by her father and was shot and killed by police. The father also died in the shooting. The other incident occurred on July 2, 2005, when an alleged kidnapper was spotted in a Denny's in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, with a girl who had been missing for 6 weeks. A customer recognized the suspect and called the police. The staff at Denny's stalled the suspect until he was arrested. Edit