I just watched one of my fave episodes "A Shift in the Night" on TNT. I just love the last scene with Mark and Carter. They were coming off a long and hectic shift where they finally had to deal with the overflowing waiting room by treating people out in the chairs. Carter comes out all happy and says that's the way he thought it would be when he went to med school, and Mark says that's the way it should be. They're standing just outside the entrance in the rain. Mark says to him "What are you going to do today?" and Carter says "I don't know, what are YOU going to do today?" and then they both run off into the rain... their shift all done and the whole day before them, knowing they gave it all they had and did their best... glad to be out of the hectic ER but still not able to think of anything half as fulfilling as what they just did all night.

I LOVE THIS SCENE! To me it's everything that ER has been missing lately... the joy of working in the ER and satisfaction of helping people. Maybe it's just because I really rather hate my current job, but watching Mark and Carter run off in the end, who WOULDN'T want to be them? What a life and career to envy...

-- debbie (riccardoiii@aol.com), May 16, 2000

Answers

I love that scene!! I love how, at the end as everything is winding down, Doug returns saying how rough his night was trying to sleep with a neckbrace on. It's so funny how Carol & Mark laugh about his shoes, and lightly mention that *their* night was a bit tougher, before going off. Anyhow, it's terrific how inventive Mark is, when he remembers why he became a doctor.

-- Arianne (CarolRossSusanGreene@yahoo.com), May 16, 2000.

That scene was great! I really enjoy that I haven't seen some of these episodes yet, because it's like a new show. I loved that last scene, and it just contributes to my need to see Mark help Carter. I think that the reason Mark's father died 2 weeks ago was to give him a chance to also be a part of Carter's problems for the finale. Although I *do* miss David Greene! Anyways, Mark was always a big help to Carter, so let's please bring on the concern for Carter in 2 days!

Since we're on the topic of reruns, I really wanted to comment on "Fevers of Unknown Origins"...it was hysterical how Doug took on Carter as a peds student...very casual, trusting him, but assuring him he would need his help. The thing about Doug is that he is the doctor who always treated the nurses almost as equals. He sat down to watch soaps with them (funny!) and he talks to them like they're his friends. Chuney, Haleh, Conni, etc....he was great! They need that back too.

-- Elaine (mrsclooney78@hotmail.com), May 16, 2000.

Elaine, I agree. I have been pushing for a Mark/Carter discussion on the present-day ER and that scene last night was so awesome, it really seemed to show how close they can be. I think that episode goes down as one of my favorites, if just for how well everyone can work together. That last scene though, that was great.

-- Joanne (bucklind@hotmail.com), May 17, 2000.