Ep 2. Let the Games Begin

In the episode Let the Games Begin, the staff of County General is plunged into chaos as the annual Emergency Medicine Games rolls into town. Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) organizes the staff in a series of games and competitions designed to test their medical skills and knowledge. The staff members, including Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield), Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle), and Nurse Hathaway (Julianna Margulies), are excited to compete in the various challenges.

The first challenge involves a mock trauma patient being rushed into the hospital with a gunshot wound. Dr. Carter is chosen to lead the team, and he quickly discovers that the patient is actually a man looking for drugs. Meanwhile, Dr. Greene's daughter Rachel (Yvonne Zima) sneaks into the hospital to watch the games and causes havoc by stealing supplies.

As the competition continues, tensions rise between Dr. Lewis and Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) over their different approaches to medicine. Dr. Benton is convinced that surgery is the only option for a patient with a ruptured spleen, while Dr. Lewis believes that a non-surgical approach is best. This disagreement leads to a heated argument, causing Dr. Benton to walk out of the competition.

At the same time, Nurse Hathaway is struggling with her own personal problems as she prepares for her upcoming wedding to Dr. Ross (George Clooney). She confides in Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes), who offers some sage advice and a new outfit to boost her confidence.

Throughout the episode, the staff is faced with a variety of medical emergencies, including a patient who has overdosed on amphetamines and a man who has been bitten by a rattlesnake. Through teamwork and their collective medical knowledge, the staff is able to save each patient and come out on top in the final challenge.

The episode ends with the staff celebrating their victory, but also realizing the importance of their work and the necessity of working together to save lives. Let the Games Begin is a thrilling and action-packed episode filled with heartwarming moments between the characters. It showcases the immense talent and dedication of the staff at County General, and exemplifies the incredible work they do every day.