In a rare full cast episode, the ER team bind together in what I believe to be the first time in the whole of its fifteen year series in which we really see the bonds between the staff members of County General. It is therefore fitting that the episode title is "All in the Family"
As the maimed characters of Carter and Knight are found in the exam room, stabbed by a psychiatric patient, the ER is thrust into a frenzy and each team member shows their true colours as they run to the aid of their friends. Despite the doctors' efforts, they are not able to save Knight. Even though Kellie Martin's Knight only has one real speaking line, her portrayal of this med student in distress is very touching. Her eyes tell the whole story, we can see exactly how she is feeling about her situation through her body language.
The rest of the staff gather at the one social structure they have found in Doc Magoos and re-tell stories of Carter and Knight's few years as a student/mentor team. They laugh about the stories told and it seems that those telling and those listening are really bonding. They are a family, including Maura Tierney's Abby who only recently joined the cast a few episodes previously. This is cleverly portrayed by Kaplan's beautiful directorial work, the camera acts as one of the team members, at head height, blending in with the team.
Back in the OR, the tension between Romano and Corday in trying to save Knight's life is really exploded on screen. Despite their troubled relationship, when it comes down to it, they put the job first. Paul Mccrane's portrayal of the frustrated Romano is exceptional and we really see his emotional side for the first time.
A special mention must also go to Laura Innes in her playing of ER chief, Kerry Weaver. From the very first line, her acting is magnificent, riding a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the episode, showing her power over the ER staff, the anger she displays when confronting the staff for not knowing of the tragedy, the determination she has to save her student, the reluctance she has to drill open her chest and the total devastation she feels when Knight passes away. Innes has it all. Fantastic episode, fantastic cast!
As the maimed characters of Carter and Knight are found in the exam room, stabbed by a psychiatric patient, the ER is thrust into a frenzy and each team member shows their true colours as they run to the aid of their friends. Despite the doctors' efforts, they are not able to save Knight. Even though Kellie Martin's Knight only has one real speaking line, her portrayal of this med student in distress is very touching. Her eyes tell the whole story, we can see exactly how she is feeling about her situation through her body language.
The rest of the staff gather at the one social structure they have found in Doc Magoos and re-tell stories of Carter and Knight's few years as a student/mentor team. They laugh about the stories told and it seems that those telling and those listening are really bonding. They are a family, including Maura Tierney's Abby who only recently joined the cast a few episodes previously. This is cleverly portrayed by Kaplan's beautiful directorial work, the camera acts as one of the team members, at head height, blending in with the team.
Back in the OR, the tension between Romano and Corday in trying to save Knight's life is really exploded on screen. Despite their troubled relationship, when it comes down to it, they put the job first. Paul Mccrane's portrayal of the frustrated Romano is exceptional and we really see his emotional side for the first time.
A special mention must also go to Laura Innes in her playing of ER chief, Kerry Weaver. From the very first line, her acting is magnificent, riding a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the episode, showing her power over the ER staff, the anger she displays when confronting the staff for not knowing of the tragedy, the determination she has to save her student, the reluctance she has to drill open her chest and the total devastation she feels when Knight passes away. Innes has it all. Fantastic episode, fantastic cast!
