Ep 15. The Long Way Around

The Long Way Around is the 15th episode of the third season of the medical drama series, ER. This episode features various plot lines that intertwine and develop, ultimately leading to a climax that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.

The episode opens with Carol Hathaway, the nurse manager, getting ready for work while her boyfriend, Doug Ross, an attending physician, lounges in bed. They have an argument about their future and whether or not they want to get married. At the same time, two sisters are brought into the emergency room after being in a car accident. One sister, Sarah, is severely injured and in need of immediate surgery. Carol is assigned to be her nurse and works closely with Dr. Peter Benton, who is the surgeon in charge of Sarah's case.

Meanwhile, nurse Haleh Adams deals with a patient who was injured in a fight and is suffering from internal bleeding. Dr. Mark Greene treats a young girl who has a broken arm but also exhibits signs of child abuse. He works with social services to investigate the matter, and Dr. Elizabeth Corday, a British surgical resident, assists him.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between Doug and Carol as they continue to argue about their future together. Sarah's surgery is successful, but complications arise when she goes into cardiac arrest. Dr. Benton works tirelessly to save her life, and Carol plays a crucial role in keeping Sarah's sister calm.

The episode reaches its climax when a group of armed robbers enter the hospital, taking hostages and demanding medical attention for their wounded accomplice. Chaos ensues as the ER staff tries to evacuate patients and negotiate with the robbers. Dr. Greene and Dr. Corday are among those taken hostage, and tensions between the robbers and hostages escalate.

The Long Way Around is a gripping episode that showcases the fast-paced and high-stress environment of an emergency room. It also explores the personal relationships and struggles of the medical staff, adding depth and complexity to the characters. With its intense climax and expertly crafted plot, this episode is a standout in the ER series.