In this first episode of a two-part story, Ross' (
George Clooney) maverick behavior catches up with him when his unauthorized treatment of ALD patient Ricky Abbott (Kyle Chambers) has fatal consequences. This tragedy has long-reaching consequences for others in the ER, beginning with the closing of Carol's (
Julianna Margulies) free clinic. Elsewhere, former antagonists Carter (
Noah Wyle) and Lucy (
Kellie Martin) grow quite fond of one another; Benton (
Eriq La Salle) all but depletes his bank account to pay for a sign-language tutor (
Marlee Matlin) so that he can communicate with his son, Reese; and Nigerian janitor Mobelage (
Djimon Hounsou) balks at telling his wife the real reason that he suffers from severe back pains and impotence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide