Ep 3. Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In ER season 3 episode 3, titled "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the doctors at County General Hospital are faced with a variety of difficult cases that test their medical skills and their ability to connect with patients on a personal level.

The episode opens with Dr. Susan Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) treating a young woman named Tina (Sarah Trigger), who has been experiencing severe headaches and vision problems. As Susan works to diagnose Tina's condition, she also discovers that Tina is a lesbian and has been keeping her sexuality a secret from her family and friends due to fear of rejection and discrimination. Susan struggles with how to best support Tina while also respecting her privacy.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) helps a homeless man named Rufus (Ralph Waite), who has been experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing. Despite Rufus' initial reluctance to seek medical treatment, Mark is able to earn his trust and diagnose him with a serious lung infection. As Rufus receives treatment, Mark also works with hospital social workers to try and find him a more permanent housing situation.

In another part of the hospital, Nurse Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) and Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) are caring for a young girl named Tatiana (Bianca Lawson), who has been severely physically abused. As the doctors work to stabilize Tatiana and tend to her injuries, they also become embroiled in a legal battle to try and prevent her abusive father from gaining custody.

Throughout the episode, the doctors also deal with a number of other medical emergencies, including a young boy who accidentally shoots himself, a man who has been struck by lightning, and a woman who is experiencing complications from a late-term pregnancy.

As the doctors work tirelessly to care for their patients, they must also confront their own personal struggles and biases. Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) finds herself clashing with a nurse due to her military background, while Dr. Benton (Eriq La Salle) struggles to balance his professional responsibilities with his desire to spend time with his son.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of ER that explores a range of complex issues, from healthcare disparities to LGBTQ rights to child abuse. Through the eyes of the dedicated doctors and nurses at County General, viewers are given a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of working in one of the busiest and most high-pressure medical facilities in the world.