April 2, 2009 8:01 pm

"ER": My favorite episodes

As previously noted in this space (and elsewhere in popular culture), tonight is the final episode of the groundbreaking medical drama ER after 15 seasons. From the beginning it was a series with a difference, with its frenetic pace, innovative Steadicam shots, and realistic setting (how many people back then knew what “GSW to the head” or “MVA, auto vs. bike” meant?), but what really made it a winner was its great cast and great writing. Here are some of my favorite episodes from over the years, though I had to leave out some good ones to make the list manageable.  And yes, I did watch and enjoy episodes from the later seasons; they just didn’t make the cut.  MAJOR spoiler warning, of course.  –David


• “24 Hours” (season 1 pilot): From the moment the door opened on Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) and he emerged into a frenzy of activity, I was hooked. Julianna Margulies made a strong emotional impact as nurse Carol Hathaway and her character, not according to plan, became a regular.



• “Love’s Labor Lost” (season 1): Still one of the hardest episodes to watch, as Dr. Greene goes through incredible highs and lows, especially involving a troubled pregnancy.



• “Hell and High Water” (season 2): Dr. Ross braves a torrential downpour, and George Clooney becomes a major star.



• “Union Station” (season 3): Dr. Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) says goodbye to Greene.



• “The Long Way Around” (season 3): On suspension, Hathaway finds herself in a hostage situation in a corner drug store. Ewan McGregor guest stars, and the episode takes place almost completely outside of the ER.



• “Ambush” (season 4): The somewhat-overhyped live episode, but still memorable.



• “Storm” (season 5): Ross finally goes too far when treating an ALD-stricken boy, and a tempest strikes Chicago.



• “Be Still My Heart”/”All in the Family” (season 6): Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) and medical student Lucy Knight (Kellie Martin) are stabbed by a patient while the rest of the staff 
  is celebrating Valentine’s Day.



• “Such Sweet Sorrow” (season 6): Hathaway leaves the ER and travels to Seattle.



• “Brothers and Sisters” (season 8): Lewis travels to New York in a crossover with Third Watch.



• “On the Beach” (season 8): Dr. Greene returns to Hawaii with daughter Rachel (Hallee Hirsh). Hard to hear Iz’s “Over the Rainbow” and not recall this episode.



• “Kisangani” (season 9): I wasn’t a huge fan of the “ER in Africa” series, but the first one (and its follow-ups) was quite good.



• “Heal Thyself” (season 15): Dr. Banfield (Angela Bassett) remembers when she brought her child to the ER, and we get to see Anthony Edwards again.



• “Old Times” (season 15): While Carter faces a kidney problem, three old cast members appear.