Ep 20. Random Acts

In ER season 3 episode 20 "Random Acts," the staff at Chicago's County General Hospital face a series of unexpected and devastating events. The episode begins with Dr. Carter (played by Noah Wyle) trying to convince a 13-year-old boy to undergo necessary surgery, but the boy refuses and runs away from the hospital. Meanwhile, an elderly woman named Mrs. McGrath (played by Lois Smith) arrives at the emergency room with chest pain, but due to limited resources, the attending physician cannot admit her. Instead, she is sent home with pain medication and instructions to see a cardiologist.

As the day progresses, a group of teens come into the ER with a gunshot victim. Dr. Benton (played by Eriq La Salle) tries to save the young man's life, but he is ultimately pronounced dead. Seeing the teens' grief and helplessness, Dr. Benton decides to take them on a tour of the hospital and show them what happens behind the scenes. The tour culminates in a poignant scene where the teens get to say goodbye to their friend in the hospital's morgue.

As the episode continues, Mrs. McGrath returns to the ER, this time with a massive heart attack. The doctors are unable to save her, and she passes away in the hospital. This tragedy hits Dr. Hathaway (played by Juliana Margulies) particularly hard, as she had developed a special relationship with Mrs. McGrath throughout her various visits to the hospital. In her grief, Dr. Hathaway decides to organize a kind of memorial for the woman, turning to the hospital staff and community to pull off a "random act of kindness" in Mrs. McGrath's honor.

The rest of the episode revolves around these various acts of kindness, each one inspired by Mrs. McGrath and her legacy of selflessness. From elaborate floral arrangements to free car washes, the hospital staff and community come together to remember Mrs. McGrath and make a difference in the lives of others.

Overall, ER season 3 episode 20 "Random Acts" is a poignant and emotional exploration of life, death, and human connection. Through its various subplots and characters, the episode highlights the importance of compassion and empathy in the face of tragedy and loss. It is a true masterpiece of the medical drama genre and a must-watch for fans of the show.