Ep 3. Greene with Envy (AKA Lawrence of Northwestern)

In ER season 6 episode 3, titled "Greene with Envy" (AKA Lawrence of Northwestern), we see Dr. Mark Greene going through a midlife crisis as he turns 40. He feels like he hasn't accomplished anything significant and is jealous of his old friend who has just become a famous doctor in the media.

The episode begins with Mark driving to work in his convertible sports car, while listening to classic rock music. He is dressed in a flashy suit and sunglasses, looking far different from his usual attire. A new attending physician, Dr. Ellis West, is introduced to the staff, and he quickly rubs Mark the wrong way with his condescending attitude and lack of bedside manner.

Throughout the episode, we see Mark struggling with his crisis of confidence. He doubts his abilities as a doctor, and feels like he hasn't made a significant impact in his career. He starts to question his choices in life, and wonders if it is too late to make a change. Meanwhile, Dr. West continues to clash with the staff as he takes a more aggressive approach to patient care.

As the day goes on, Mark is called to examine a homeless woman who he diagnoses with ovarian cancer. She begs him to take care of her cat, and he reluctantly agrees. Later, we see him caring for the cat in his office and bonding with it. This moment shows the audience that Mark's midlife crisis may not be just about his career, but also about his personal life and the lack of meaning he feels in it.

While attending to an emergency patient, Mark discovers that Dr. West has lied on the medical chart, causing the patient to be given the wrong medication. This sparks a heated argument between the two doctors, with Mark accusing Dr. West of risking the patient's life. The argument is resolved when Dr. West reveals that he has terminal cancer and doesn't care about losing his job or reputation.

This revelation prompts Mark to confront his own mortality. He realizes that the patient with ovarian cancer needs his expertise, and that he shouldn't give up on his career just because he's turning 40. Mark has an epiphany that helping the homeless woman and her cat has given his life meaning, and that he is grateful for his family and the life he has.

The episode concludes with Mark performing surgery on the woman, successfully removing the tumor, and saving her life. He returns home to his wife and two daughters, feeling a sense of contentment and renewed optimism for his future.

Overall, "Greene with Envy" is a powerful episode that tackles themes of mortality, purpose, and identity. It showcases the struggles that even the most accomplished professionals can face, and how they must navigate their own personal crises in order to find fulfillment. The episode also introduces a new character in Dr. Ellis West, who adds a unique dynamic to the show and sets up future conflicts in the hospital.