Ep 18. Gut Reaction

ER season 4 episode 18, "Gut Reaction," follows the staff at County General Hospital as they face both medical and personal challenges. The episode begins with Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) treating a man who has overdosed on a combination of drugs. Despite Mark's best efforts, the man dies, leaving Mark feeling guilty and questioning his competency as a doctor.

Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (Eriq La Salle) is dealing with his young son, Reese (Matthew Watkins), who is having difficulty adjusting to life with a new stepmother. Benton's wife, Carla (Lisa Nicole Carson), asks him to take Reese to the hospital for a routine check-up, but Benton is hesitant to do so, as he doesn't want the hospital staff to know about his personal life.

Elsewhere in the hospital, nurse Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) is dealing with a difficult patient, Mrs. Jones (Diana Bellamy), who is refusing to eat. Carol tries to convince Mrs. Jones to eat, but her health continues to decline.

As the day goes on, the staff at County General is faced with a series of medical emergencies, including a man who falls from a roof and a pregnant woman who goes into early labor. Through it all, the doctors, nurses, and staff work tirelessly to save their patients, despite their own personal struggles and emotional baggage.

In the end, the staff at County General comes together to support one another, both in their professional and personal lives. "Gut Reaction" is a moving and emotional episode that explores the complex and nuanced lives of these dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff.