last night's episode was the most realistic and disturbing scenes that i have ever viewed. too realistic, psychologically, and graphic for your general audience; i've spoken with a few people that watched. we're all pretty open, out-of the-box thinking - we all agreed. it went a bit too far.

-- ******** (e-singer@excite.com), February 11, 2000

Answers

OMG!!! I could not believe how that episode affected me!! Between bawling my eyes out over the poor children losing their parents and then the last scene. It was much more graphic and haunting than I can remember watching on prime time tv. I had a bad feeling in my stomach for hours and had trouble sleeping. Okay, maybe I take the show a little too seriously, but sheesh - it was one that I was still thinking about this morning!! YIKES!!!!

-- Shannon Johnson (HolidayMom2You@email.com), February 11, 2000.

That was the most sick thing that I have seen since the Exorcist and I am beyond angry that ER would betray everyone's trust by airing something as shocking as that. I still feel sick!

A

-- Annie Esposito (anncan@home.com), February 11, 2000.

man , i had a knot in my stomach all nite long after the episode.it was so shocking.carter no!!!!!!!!!!!!! dont die kerry go save them. mark , elizebeth, get out of that resturant and go help them!!!!!!!!!

-- rachel (thehilfigergirl@aol.com), February 11, 2000.

I too was somewhat surprised by the death of the kids parents. And was very disturbed to see both kids being allowed to view their bodies. I was relieved when the little girl turned and ran. However, all my thoughts about that situation were completely blocked out of my mind when Carter was stabbed. It was all TOO realistic. The way John struggled to remain conscious, speak and get up. His helplessness was over-whelming to me. After he hit the floor I just knew he was going to look over and see Lucy. But I never expected her to be a open-eyed, bloody mess! That is the very reason I dont watch Horror Films and Slasher Movies. Thats a totally different kind of blood and gore than the usual medical kind we witness on er. I didnt like it one bit. I actually feel like I was tricked into seeing it.

-- Danielle (danielle@daradirect.com), February 11, 2000.

I don't think the episode was actually THAT graphic. It was the acting skills that left us haunted. The looks on their faces brought the situation very close to home. It was very realistic.

-- Abby (secretwhisper@themail.com), February 11, 2000.

I only saw the last few seconds of the ep... but what I saw wasn't too bloody or gory imo. And I hate slasher type pics... come on, they didn't actually show the guy stab Lucy... and my attention was totally centered on their eyes and the way Carter said her name. It was incredibly realistic (one reason I watch the show, btw). And quite intense. Sounds like the best ep they've had in a long time.

-- l. (bearcatiscool@yahoo.com), February 11, 2000.

I have to admit that I'm surprised by some of the responses to this comment.

I thought that the final scene was wonderful. It was so excellently portrayed by Noah, and the direction was perfect. From the music to the dimly lit room interior, it was done beautifully.

Yes, it was graphic, but I don't think it was in bad taste. I've seen a *lot* worse on Law and Order. I talked to my co-workers this morning (who obviously aren't as addicted as me) and they all loved the episode.

-- Paula (diggers4@worldnet.att.net), February 11, 2000.

I was really affected by the violent scene at the end and also felt betrayed by the show I have watched regularly for a long time. I have decided not to watch the show anymore. Unfortunately, they went too far and lost at least one viewer - and I suspect a lot more. I guess I should really say thanks: since ER was the only show I really enjoyed watching each week. I now will have a lot more time to read all the books I've been wanting to read. My time will be spent learning as opposed to passively sitting in front of the tube getting depressed by episodes like the one I saw last night.

-- Sandra (SandraZ1@prodigy.net), February 11, 2000.

The eppy was PERFECT!!! It was the set up of the room and the wonderful acting of Wylie and Martin that left us all haunted. The man vomiting blood last week was much more graphic and gross. Did anyone have a dry eye when the children's parents died? Wow! Every cast member was at their best last night. I laughed-I cried-I was delighted-I was shocked. I will be watching next week!!

-- Bev (bev.burris@eer-h.com), February 11, 2000.

Not only do I not think the last scene was too gory,I would like to appluad everyone involved.The acting and makeup were supperb also Hitchcock himself could'nt have done better camera direction.KUDDOS TO ALL THE STAFF.

-- shannon ferry (jferry1@bellsouth.com), February 11, 2000.

I agree with most responses I've seen -- the show was AWESOME! I'm sure they have secured a much larger portion of their veiwing audience than they managed to alienate. Those of you who feel betrayed and tricked should remember why it was you always watched in the first place -- the show's ability to take you in and leave you breathless. It wasn't too graphic -- the acting was too good!

-- Kristin (callctr@erols.com), February 11, 2000.

phenomenal use of music & editing... couldn't sleep at all and it was the first thing on my mind this morning! So good that I am at the website talking about it! I don't think it went to far, it was one of the most amazing 5 minutes on tv that I've ever seen.

-- Tanya McGarry (tmcgarry@seattleweekly.com), February 11, 2000.

It was the ultimate testimony of what I like to call "psychological horror," something that cinema taskmasters like Hitchcock, John Frankenheimer, and Arthur Penn do extremely well. It WAS realistic...I think that's why it registered with so many viewers. Much of what can unnerve a person is based on what they DON'T see as much as what they do see. In this case, we didn't see an actual stabbing; Carter was attacked from behind, we saw his body contract, then we saw blood on his hand as he fell to the floor. We also saw phenominal RE-acting from Wyle, then a very disturbing visual in Carter and Lucy eyeing each other from an alnost dying point of view. I don't think anyone was ready for that. A spectacular presentation from directress Laura Innes.

-- Chris A. (movibuf@juno.com), February 11, 2000.

I was so freaked out by the episode! i loved it! it totally surprised me and took my breath away! I am still thinking about it ! I just did not expect this at all! I don't think it went to far, it wasn't that graphic! the expressions on Carter and Lucy's faces are what I remember the most! What a great job of acting! Great job to all involved! Lisa

-- Lisa Hunter (fivehunters@hotmail.com), February 11, 2000.

I think what disturbed everyone that watched ER last night is two of the main characters (who we have come to love and had great sexual tension between them) were hurt so violently and in a way that we would not even wish on our worst enemy. When I say violently, I do not mean they show to much. We took it that far in our own minds because we saw great acting and facial expressions. Yes Lucy will die, I do not want her to die that way, but can you imagine the story lines that will come to follow after this. Are we ready for this kind of things for our main characters. I know I am not because this has bothered me all day. I feel like a family member has been killed. I will grieve for her when she dies. I am in reality, This episode just made me think of how anyone at anytime in my own life could be snatched away.

-- My2gs (dougie@mo-net.com), February 11, 2000.

That's the most poignant (sp?) ER I've ever seen; and the most poignant tv show I've ever seen at that. I didn't think it was too much at all. I thought it was perfect. It left a lasting impression in my mind; it's been there all day and I know it will stick there all through next week until the 2/17 show, and probably a little bit afterwards. I was totally stunned like the rest of you, and am still going through a bit of shock at the moment. I'm glad that I'd heard about it on the radio yesterday afternoon, but I'm also a little bummed that I'd heard about it early. I would have liked to have been caught completely off guard; but if I had I would have definitely taken last night's episode a lot harder than I'm taking it now - and that's pretty hard. I just wish that Lucy and Carter had been able to hook up - they would have made the cutest couple!! I also wish that she hadn't had to fall victim to such a terrible tragedy after having a bad day. I'm really glad that Carter was there with her though, it sort of made up for their shortness to one another. I'll miss her so much!!!

-- Erin MacDonald (gem_52@hotmail.com), February 11, 2000.

WOW!! I wish it was next thursday already so i can find out what happens next. What a shocker!

-- Susan (pegasus2112@eartlink.net), February 11, 2000.

I loved the show. I do not feel it was to violent. The stabbing only lasted a moment and was shaded by the lighting. And we did not see Lucy get stabbed, only her afterwards. The blood and faces looked very real. Two people who are quite afraid they are going to die in that room. I liked the look of shock, horror, and regret that Carter had when he looked at Lucy. He seemed to be thinking he could have done something to prevent this. The episode had a death tone from the beginning. From the tragic death of the parents, to the timely and peaceful death of the old women. I cannot wait until next week. It is the only thing that keeps me up past my 10:00 bedtime.

-- CBK (c_krogh@hotmail.com), February 11, 2000.

I thought the episode was excellent. However, I can't help but wonder why the patient was not restrained.

-- lisa smith (lsmith2233@aol.com), February 11, 2000.

Patients cannot be restrained unless they are physically violent, and at that point he just appeared confused and wandering. I want to know if they are going to find a dead or injured wife back at his apartment, remember Lucy kept trying to call her and didn't get an answer. Great show!!!

-- Sally (sea3668@yahoo.com), February 11, 2000.

I couldn't sleep at all last night after watching that episode. I was so creeped out that I just couldn't doze off. I really hope Lucy doesn't die, I just love her character, plus she's a cutie!! I still can't believe what happened.....I'm speechless!

-- Shane Bucher (buchers@clark.cc.oh.us), February 11, 2000.

Shocked. Utterly. Finally--the actual show lived up to the hype of the commercials. This is first time I've replied to any sort of "chat room." I cannot believe I have to wait a week to find out what happens. Would they really kill Carter off? Acting was superb--as for all those books some of you will be reading because this was too graphic . . . are you guys living on the planet or what? Big difference between gratuitous violence and incredibly well-acted and gripping storylines. ER is back!

-- Leigh Foreman (dsforeman@gateway.net), February 11, 2000.

The only true objection I have to the ep was the loud loud music that was being played while the other characters danced. I can envision a "Valentine's Party" of sorts, but I really can't buy the overly loud music. No hospital in the world is going to allow that kind of commotion, and when you had Carter trying to call out for help, that was one of the reason's why. For crying out loud, people get arrested for DRIVING too loudly past a hospital. Yes, I know this is television, but ER has always tried to be as realistic as possible, so this little bit of poetic license just doesn't work for me. I know it was necessary to make the episode 'work', but....

-- Sue Meyer (smeyer2@esu8.org), February 12, 2000.

the ending did not go too far. why can we not see something terrible like this happen? we've dealt with what happens after violent crimes on this show...even more violent than this. why can these terrible things not happen to characters we love? Sometimes it happens in real life. psychologically is it disturbing? sure. Hell I cried a bit and said no no. I love these two characters. But I totally disagree with the notion that it was sensationalized and out of character for the show. It just leaves us hanging, worried about the characters. And we should be because that's the natural human reaction.

-- chris (cdbragg@hotmail.com), February 12, 2000.

My roommate and I were watching this ep from different rooms. We both yelled at the same time not Carter. This was one of the best ep in a long time. Wyle and Martin's last look at each other was heartwrenching. Way to go...

-- Red (redst0914@email.com), February 14, 2000.