Ep 6. One Can Only Hope (AKA The Lottery)

ER season 9 episode 6, titled "One Can Only Hope (AKA The Lottery)," follows the staff of County General Hospital as they navigate a variety of patient cases and personal struggles.

The episode opens with Nurse Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) announcing to her colleagues that she has decided to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner. Her announcement is met with a mix of support and skepticism, as some of her colleagues feel that she is making a mistake by leaving the ER.

Meanwhile, Dr. Weaver (Laura Innes) is dealing with an increasingly difficult patient, a man who refuses to be discharged from the hospital even though he is medically stable. Weaver struggles to find a way to convince the patient to leave, while also dealing with her own personal issues.

Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) is also facing challenges, as he must decide whether to continue his relationship with Abby (Maura Tierney) while also dealing with the demands of his job.

As the episode unfolds, the staff must also contend with a wide range of patient cases, including a man suffering from severe burns, a woman who has been shot, and a young child with a mysterious illness.

Throughout the episode, the characters grapple with a range of emotions, from frustration and anger to hope and joy. Ultimately, they all come together to support each other in the face of the many challenges they must overcome.

Overall, ER season 9 episode 6 is a gripping and emotional installment of the long-running medical drama, featuring compelling performances from its talented cast.