Ep 11. If Not Now

The twelfth season of the medical drama series ER aired on NBC from September 2005 to May 2006. Episode eleven of the season, titled "If Not Now," is a gripping tale that revolves around the personal and professional lives of the doctors and nurses at the County General Hospital in Chicago.

The episode opens with Dr. Archie Morris (Scott Grimes) rushing off to break the news to Nurse Chuny Marquez (Laura Cerón) that her nephew has been killed in Iraq. Chuny is devastated, and Morris tries his best to console her. Meanwhile, Dr. Luka Kovac (Goran Visnjic) checks on a pregnant woman who has been brought in with severe complications. It's a tricky situation, and Kovac has to act fast to save the mother and child.

As the episode progresses, we see Dr. Abby Lockhart (Maura Tierney) dealing with a patient who has a rare genetic disorder. The patient, a young woman named Sarah, has a tenuous grasp on reality and has been living in her own world for years. Abby takes a keen interest in Sarah's case and tries to connect with her, hoping to break through the mental barriers that have kept her isolated from the outside world.

Elsewhere in the hospital, Dr. Tony Gates (John Stamos) is busy treating a young boy who has been brought in with a head injury. The boy's mother is anxious and overbearing, which makes Gates' job even more challenging. However, he rises to the occasion and manages to calm the mother down while treating the child.

The day takes a dramatic turn when a shooting occurs in the hospital. Dr. Gregory Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) and Dr. Morris are on the scene and are forced to work together to treat the victims. The two doctors have a rocky history, and tensions are high as they try to save the wounded patients. However, they manage to put their differences aside and work as a team to save lives.

As the day comes to a close, we see the doctors and nurses of County General coming to terms with the events that have transpired. Many of them are emotionally drained, but they know that they have made a difference in the lives of their patients. The episode ends on a hopeful note as they look forward to another day of saving lives and making a positive impact in the world.

Overall, "If Not Now" is a powerful episode that explores the human side of medicine. It shows the struggles that doctors and nurses face on a daily basis and highlights their unwavering dedication to their patients. Through its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, the episode has become a fan favorite and is considered one of the best of the twelfth season of ER.