ER (season 4)

ER (season 4)

ER Season 4 DVD cover
Starring
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 22
Release
Original network NBC
Original release September 25, 1997 –
May 14, 1998
For more details on this topic, see List of ER episodes.

The fourth season of the American fictional drama television series ER first aired on September 25, 1997 and concluded on May 14, 1998. The fourth season consists of 22 episodes.

Plot

Season four opens with the live episode "Ambush", performed twice (once for the east coast, once for the west coast). Dr. Morgenstern, head of the ER, has a heart attack, threatening his life. Weaver agrees to temporarily step in until he recovers. Unfortunately, when Morgenstern does come back, he cannot perform surgery like he used to do because he now knows what it is like to be a patient. After a surgical accident that takes a man's life, Morgenstern decides to permanently step down as head of the ER and he leaves the hospital.

Two new physicians join the ER: Dr. Anna Del Amico, played by Maria Bello and a new British surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Corday, played by Alex Kingston. Corday came to America under the fellowship of Dr. Robert "Rocket" Romano (played by Paul McCrane), but their relationship sours towards the end of the season. After she rejects Romano when he asks her out, he decides not to renew her fellowship. She is forced to choose whether she moves back to England or stays in America as an intern.

Meanwhile, as Greene copes with his beating, he and Ross take a vacation to California to bury Ross' dad. While there, Greene visits his own parents, where he finds out that his mother is sick, and his relationship with his dad is estranged, at best. Back in Chicago, he begins to date new ER desk clerk Cynthia Hooper (played by Mariska Hargitay). The relationship is purely physical, and when Greene has to visit his parents again later in the season, she comes along, only to realize that Greene does not love her. After the awkward breakup, Cynthia leaves, but Greene stays to better take care of his ailing mother and begin to mend his relationship with his father.

Ross and Hathaway get more serious when Ross surprises Hathaway and proposes to her in front of the ER staff, which she accepts. She later has commitment issues when she kisses a vulnerable paramedic. She tells Ross, and he reacts angrily. After a short time, Ross forgives her and tells her he will wait until she is ready to be married. In addition, Hathaway is able to open a free clinic in the ER with the help of Carter's grandmother. Ross vies for a pediatric attending position in the ER.

A lonely Corday starts a relationship with Benton, which causes friction with Benton's family because she is white.

Weaver attends a Synergix seminar to see how to better manage the ER. She begins to date a Synergix representative, Ellis West, who advises her to fire a physician's assistant, which happens to be Jeanie Boulet. Jeanie fights for her job, claiming that she was fired because of her HIV status. Facing a lawsuit, Chief of Staff Donald Anspaugh decides to hire her back. Weaver begins to see Synergix's dark side, and breaks up with West because she feels he is using her, effectively cutting off all ties with Synergix. During all of this, Jeanie's ex-husband/current partner Al is forced to reveal his HIV status. This gets him fired and forces him to look to Atlanta for a job, and he asks Jeanie to join him. Jeanie refuses, and Al leaves her. Later in the season, Jeanie cares for Anspaugh's dying son, because she is the only person able to get through to him. After he dies, Anspaugh feels much gratitude and remorse towards Jeanie, given her prior termination.

Carter pretends to be of humble origins in order to impress Anna, which fails when she finds out he actually comes from a wealthy family. Despite this, the two still become good friends, and she helps Carter help his cousin Chase detoxify from a heroin addiction. She had experience in the subject, considering her ex-boyfriend went through a similar experience. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain, because Chase started using again, eventually crippling him for life. At the end of the season, Anna's ex-boyfriend comes to the hospital to see if the ER is in need of a pediatrics attending. Anna is still in love with him, and faces a decision about her future in the ER.

Production

Original executive producers John Wells and Michael Crichton reprised their roles. Lydia Woodward also returned as an executive producer and writer. Carol Flint became a fourth executive producer. Flint was replaced as co-executive producer by Christopher Chulack. Chulack was previously a regular director and a producer for the third season. Paul Manning left his supervising producer role but remained involved with the series as an executive consultant. Long-time crew members Lance Gentile and Neal Baer were promoted to producers for the fourth season. Third season co-producers Wendy Spence Rosato and Penny Adams returned to their positions. Jack Orman and David Mills joined them as new co-producers and writers. Mills left the show mid-way through the season. Following his departure Adams was promoted to producer and Richard Thorpe and Michael Salamunovich joined the production team as co-producers. Thorpe had previously worked on the series as both a cinematographer and director. Salamunovich was the series unit production manager for the first three seasons and continued to fulfill this role as a co-producer. Michael Hissrich continued to serve as an associate producer. Manning, Hissrich, and Gentile all left the crew with the close of the season.

The series executive producers took a back seat to new writers in the fourth season. Wells' writing role was limited to just two episodes. Woodward wrote a single episode. Manning wrote a further episode. Flint wrote two episodes. Baer wrote two episodes while Gentile wrote a single episode and continued to serve as the series medical consultant. New co-producer Jack Orman contributed to four episodes as a writer. Mills wrote two episodes before leaving the series. New writer Walon Green wrote three episodes. Third season regular writer Samantha Howard Corbin became a story editor and wrote three more episodes. She was promoted to executive story editor mid-season. New writer Linda Gase wrote two episodes. Joe Sachs returned as technical adviser and wrote a further episode.

Chulack continued to serve as the series' most prominent director and helmed a further four episodes. Thorpe directed three more episodes. Charles Haid returned to the series for the first time since the first season to helm two episodes. New director Darnell Martin was the season's only other repeat director with two episodes. Other directors making their series debut with the fourth season were executive producer John Wells, Christopher Misiano, T.R. Subramaniam, and Sarah Pia Anderson. Regular directors returning to the series for single episodes include Jonathan Kaplan, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Lesli Linka Glatter, and Thomas Schlamme. Cast member Anthony Edwards moved behind the camera to direct a further episode of the series. Editor Jacque Toberen and producer Lance Gentile each directed a single episode of the fourth season.

Cast

Main cast

Supporting cast

Doctors and Medical students
Nurses
Staff and Paramedics
Family

Notable guest stars

Episodes

No. in
series		 No. in
season		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
701"Ambush"Thomas SchlammeCarol FlintSeptember 25, 1997 (1997-09-25)46635642.7[3]

A PBS camera crew invades the ER to film a documentary. A new British surgeon, Elizabeth Corday, uses unfamiliar medical terms. Morgenstern suffers a heart attack.

First Appearance of Dr. Elizabeth Corday.

Note: There are two versions of this live episode (an "east coast" version and a "west coast" version). Only the "west coast" version appears in the main Season 4 DVD set, though the "east coast" version was bundled free with Season 4 DVD sets sold by Target.[4]
712"Something New"Christopher ChulackLydia WoodwardOctober 2, 1997 (1997-10-02)46635132.6[5]
Still suffering emotionally from his beating, Greene misdiagnoses his cases. Benton and Carla finally name their son, who is recovering from his premature birth. Hathaway and Ross continue their secret affair. Carter deals with the loss of his seniority due to his move from surgery to the ER.
723"Friendly Fire"Félix Enríquez AlcaláWalon GreenOctober 9, 1997 (1997-10-09)46635232.1[6]
Jeanie's ex-husband Al is forced to reveal his HIV-positive status after a workplace accident. Weaver must begin making budget cuts after being named the temporary replacement for Morgenstern. Carter is jealous over Maggie Doyle's rapport with Del Amico. Benton's son is circumcised against his dad's wishes. Greene resumes dating, but the effects of his trauma linger. An attractive female desk clerk with no previous experience is hired by Greene. Jerry is advised to take a long sabbatical after accidentally firing a weapon in the ER.
734"When the Bough Breaks"Richard ThorpeJack OrmanOctober 16, 1997 (1997-10-16)46635332.8[7]
The after-effects of Greene's beating threaten his visitation rights with his daughter. Carter and Del Amico work with new med students. Both Jeanie and Al have job difficulties due to their HIV-positive status. Weaver tells Ross to find a research grant in order to keep his ER fellowship. Friction between Ross and Del Amico nearly leads to a child receiving the wrong treatment. Carol's compassion conflicts with Greene's callousness regarding the prejudiced treatment of a drug-addicted pregnant woman. The staff unites to treat victims of a bus crash, and Carter and Benton come to blows over Carter's switch to emergency medicine.
745"Good Touch, Bad Touch"Jonathan KaplanDavid MillsOctober 30, 1997 (1997-10-30)46635429.2[8]

Hathaway comes up with the idea of a pediatric clinic for the ER, and starts looking for funding. A difficult case involving a young athlete brings a new understanding between Ross and Del Amico. Greene's anger issues flare up when he is deposed in a malpractice suit. Carter succeeds with a difficult diagnosis, affirming his decision to move from surgery to the ER. Benton is having trouble juggling work and parenthood. Jeanie watches Al and his former best friend get in a violent brawl. Benton meets Dr. Corday's sponsor, Dr. Robert "Rocket" Romano.

First Appearance of Dr. Robert Romano.
756"Ground Zero"Darnell MartinSamantha Howard CorbinNovember 6, 1997 (1997-11-06)46635532.0[9]
Benton's rivalry with Corday prompts him to join Romano's team. Greene confides in Cynthia, the new desk clerk, as his life continues to go downhill. After conferring with Synergix, a firm that helps streamline hospital operating costs, Weaver fires Jeanie for financial reasons. Hathaway meets with Carter's rich grandmother, Millicent "Gamma" Carter, about funding her clinic. Carter conceals his rich upbringing to get closer to Del Amico, but it backfires. Ross learns that his father has died.
767"Fathers and Sons"Christopher ChulackJohn WellsNovember 13, 1997 (1997-11-13)46635734.7[10]
Greene and Ross travel to California to claim Ross' deceased father's belongings. Along the way the two visit the home of Greene's parents, and later receive a surprise visitor.
778"Freak Show"Darnell MartinNeal BaerNovember 20, 1997 (1997-11-20)46635833.4[11]
Maggie Doyle helps Jeanie get assistance to get her job back. Romano, Benton, and Corday operate on a unique case involving a boy with reversed organs. Hathaway's clinic is forced to open early when Cynthia sends the advertisement for it too soon. One of Carter's incompetent former students returns to redo his clerkship, and ends up being a patient. Greene meets a lawyer who can end his legal troubles in exchange for spending a day observing the ER.
789"Obstruction of Justice"Richard ThorpeLance GentileDecember 11, 1997 (1997-12-11)46635931.7[12]
Synergix starts setting up shop at County General. Defending a patient he suspects is abused, Carter is arrested for refusing to cooperate with a cop. While Weaver agrees to give Jeanie her job back, Al, her ex-husband whom she's living with, leaves for Atlanta to start over without Jeanie. Cynthia rubs Greene's ex-wife the wrong way concerning Rachel. Greene's lawyer tours the ER and ends up saving a life himself. Corday operates to save the leg of a young woman named Alison Beaumont, and the patient goes into a coma, causing Corday to question her own ambitions.
7910"Do You See What I See?"Sarah Pia AndersonTeleplay by: Jack Orman
Story by: Linda Gase		December 18, 1997 (1997-12-18)46636032.5[13]
On Christmas Eve, Benton and Del Amico develop a weird following after he apparently causes a blind man to see with his touch. Greene deals with an elderly rape victim. Corday continues her soulsearching regarding Alison's coma, but Romano helps her. Greene finds out that Cynthia has a child of her own, and finally puts his trauma in the past. Weaver develops a camaraderie with the Synergix representative, Dr. Ellis West. Gamma Carter tours the clinic with Hathaway and Jeanie, and grants extra funding. Carter discovers that his cousin, Chase, has a heroin problem. Ross and Hathaway reveal their romance to the ER.
8011"Think Warm Thoughts"Charles HaidDavid MillsJanuary 8, 1998 (1998-01-08)46636132.2[14]
On a particularly cold night, the ER is swamped with freezing homeless people. Weaver pushes hard for Synergix to take over ER management. Jeanie works with Anspaugh's son, Scott, who fears his cancer has returned. Corday earns Romano's ire while continuing to work with Alison, who now has a problem with her voice. Benton and Carter make a presentation to med students. Ross and Hathaway consider marriage but Carol's mom is not happy to learn her daughter's dating Doug again.
8112"Sharp Relief"Christopher ChulackSamantha Howard CorbinJanuary 15, 1998 (1998-01-15)46636234.4[15]
Weaver questions Synergix's management practices as Ellis' budget cuts tend to shut down trauma centers. Another elderly rape victim is found by Hathaway during a paramedic ride-along, prompting an alert for a serial rapist. Tension grows between Benton, Corday, and Romano. Jeanie lifts Scott's spirits as he faces a new battle against cancer. Carter and Del Amico work together to deal with Chase's withdrawal from heroin. Hathaway and a vulnerable paramedic relate their experiences regarding suicide (the medic's mother hanged herself), and kiss. Hathaway confesses to Ross, who storms out.
8213"Carter's Choice"John WellsJohn WellsJanuary 29, 1998 (1998-01-29)46636332.8[16]
The serial rapist is finally caught but needs treatment. A mentally challenged woman gives birth. Benton's son may be placed in day care, and he comes to terms with it with Corday's help. Ross and Hathaway, and Greene and Cynthia have relationship problems. Carter's actions in treating the serial rapist cause tension between himself and Del Amico.
8314"Family Practice"Charles HaidCarol FlintFebruary 5, 1998 (1998-02-05)46636431.9[17]
Greene returns to San Diego to help when his mother is injured, prompting Cynthia to follow him. When his father gets ill as well, Greene finds himself assisting in a military hospital ER after a helicopter crash. Greene and Cynthia are forced to re-evaluate their fading relationship, while Greene and his father become closer.
8415"Exodus"Christopher ChulackWalon Green & Joe SachsFebruary 26, 1998 (1998-02-26)46636532.8[18]
While Greene is gone, a nearby chemical spill sends the ER into chaos. With Weaver out of action, Carter has to take charge. As the ER is evacuated, Ross and Hathaway take risks to save a sick girl while Corday risks her own life to save a man trapped in a collapsed warehouse. Mickey Rooney has a cameo role.
8516"My Brother's Keeper"Jaque ToberenJack OrmanMarch 5, 1998 (1998-03-05)46636630.4[19]
Weaver accuses Ross of presenting a flawed research study. Greene searches for Cynthia. Carter's drug addict cousin Chase overdoses. Corday receives her first performance review from Romano and becomes closer to Benton. Scott and Jeanie continue their friendship.
8617"A Bloody Mess"Richard ThorpeLinda GaseApril 9, 1998 (1998-04-09)46636730.9[20]
Benton, Corday, and Reese are involved in a car accident. Scott's cancer worsens, bringing him back to Jeanie's care. Morgenstern returns, but is having difficulties on the job after his heart attack. Chase is left with severe brain damage after his overdose, and Carter watches over him. Hathaway works on animal rights activists after a protest gone awry. Benton surprises Corday by showing up at her apartment.
8718"Gut Reaction"T.R. Babu SubramaniamNeal BaerApril 16, 1998 (1998-04-16)46636830.3[21]
Benton and Morgenstern clash after a surgery is botched. Scott, with Jeanie's help, makes a choice about his cancer treatment. Carter helps Del Amico when she is found to be a potential bone marrow donor for a patient. Ross protects an ill child. Greene organizes the ramshackle but fun annual ER banquet. Gamma Carter may cut funding to Hathaway's clinic, forcing Carter to make a difficult decision.
8819"Shades of Grey"Lance GentileSamantha Howard CorbinApril 23, 1998 (1998-04-23)46636932.4[22]

Benton is forced to take the blame for the botched surgery until Morgenstern makes a shocking revelation. Alison Beaumont is back after being injured in a fire. Carter deals with life without his family's financial support. Jeanie helps Anspaugh through a difficult day. Ross counsels a family about their injured, pregnant daughter's treatment and their shunning of her boyfriend.

Final Regular Appearance of Dr. David Morgenstern.
8920"Of Past Regret and Future Fear"Anthony EdwardsJack OrmanApril 30, 1998 (1998-04-30)46637030.2[23]
Romano makes an offer that Corday refuses. Reese Benton is baptised. Ross deals with a baby addicted to methadone. Carter and Del Amico treat a man who cannot speak clearly. Hathaway treats a man who is going to die from chemical burns and comes to a decision about herself and Ross.
9021"Suffer the Little Children"Christopher MisianoWalon GreenMay 7, 1998 (1998-05-07)46637133.8[24]
Del Amico's old boyfriend conducts a study at the hospital. A televangelist uses the ER to obtain money. Ross and Hathaway risk their jobs to do an unorthodox treatment on the methadone-addicted baby. Jeanie turns to Weaver for help with some personal problems.
9122"A Hole in the Heart"Lesli Linka GlatterLydia WoodwardMay 14, 1998 (1998-05-14)46637247.8[25]

As Josh, the methadone-addicted baby, recovers from an ultra-rapid detox, Ross' personal and professional relationships suffer. Hathaway has suspicions about a patient that attempted suicide. Corday's problems with Romano become critical. Carter's jealousy over Del Amico and her ex-boyfriend reaches a breaking point. Something is wrong with Benton's son.

Final appearance of Dr. Anna Del Amico.

References

  1. ↑ Episode 15.
  2. ↑ Episode 11. Also, Seasons 1 and 8.
  3. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: September 22-28, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  4. ↑ Retailer Has Exclusive Bonus w/Alternate Ep Version, a December 2005 article from TVShowsOnDVD.com
  5. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: September 29-October 5, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: October 6-12, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: October 13-19, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: October 27-November 2, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: November 3-9, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: November 10-16, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: November 17-23, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: December 8-14, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: December 15-21, 1997" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: January 5-11, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: January 12-18, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  16. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: January 26-February 1, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  17. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: February 2-8, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  18. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: February 23-March 1, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: March 2-8, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: April 6-12, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: April 13-19, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: April 20-26, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: April 27-May 3, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: May 4-10, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Nielsen Ratings: May 11-17, 1998" (PDF). USA Today. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
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