Ep 5. Under The Influence

In "Under The Influence," the fifth episode of season 14 of ER, doctors and nurses at County General Hospital find themselves struggling to save lives as a result of the ongoing opioid epidemic. The episode begins with a young woman who is brought into the ER after overdosing on heroin. As the doctors and nurses work to save her life, they also try to identify who she is and where she came from.

Meanwhile, Gates (John Stamos) is dealing with his own addiction issues. After being injured on the job, he has been taking prescription painkillers and is struggling to keep his addiction a secret from his coworkers. When his girlfriend, Sam (Linda Cardellini), confronts him about his problem, Gates insists that he can handle it on his own and refuses to seek help.

As the episode progresses, the hospital continues to see more and more patients coming in as a result of drug overdoses. Some are able to be saved, while others are not so lucky. The doctors and nurses are forced to confront the harsh reality of the opioid epidemic and the devastating toll it is taking on their community.

At the same time, the staff at County General are dealing with their own personal struggles. Morris (Scott Grimes) is trying to balance his work at the hospital with caring for his newborn daughter, while Abby (Maura Tierney) is dealing with the aftermath of her breakup with Luka (Goran Visnjic).

In the end, "Under The Influence" is a powerful and emotional exploration of addiction and its consequences. Through the experiences of the characters at County General, viewers are given a glimpse into the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals and communities alike. Despite the challenges they face, the doctors and nurses of ER continue to work tirelessly to save lives and help those in need.