ER (TV Series) Ambush (1997) User Reviews

Ambush (#4.1)

[ComedyFan2010 · 7/10 · 27 December 2014]

This episode is filmed from a bit different perspective. It is a documentary being filmed in the ER. I can't say I liked it too much, was hard to get into the stories and they were trying to show it from the perspective of those who don't know the ER and doctors yet, felt too distant, but I guess one such episode is not a bad idea.

It had some good moments. Mainly when Doug sees that the kid was bitten by "an immature homo sapiens" and not an animal. As well as Dr. Morgenstein having some obvious camera issues. We also have some emotional moments like the one with Carter during the patient loss and Mark talking about his assault. And we had a quick glimpse into the work life of a guy who cleans up all the gore. Looks like there is also a new doctor, Elizabeth Corday.

One of the best ER episodes.

[m-47826 · 7/10 · 20 December 2022]

If memory serves, it is also one of the first « live » episodes. After that, all dramas did it. As far as ER is concerned, it helped addressing all of season 3 loose ends, and get into season 4 action. I kind of liked season 3, but I admit having a hard time getting into it each time. The first half, is dull. That new pediatric surgeon, dating Carter, is annoying. So are most of the new characters, for that matter. So season 4 get more of my attention. With compelling new characters like Elizabeth Corday. Doug and Carol's annoying « will they won't they » shenanigans, finally stopping. As well as Clooney's presence pushed in every single storylines. Even those that wouldn't normally concern his character. And I admit, I like the Jeanie and Al rekindling of relationship, that was foreshadowed last year. This season premiere took a big risk with the documentary approach. But it really payed off. It made things exciting and new again. And even though Mark's assailant was never arrested, his last minutes confession was a great closure for the premiere. Also, you have a future medical drama star, getting her first big role there. It's a must watch of the series.

Live!

[safenoe · 10/10 · 22 October 2016]

I love live TV scripted drama and Ambush was incredible to watch. It was a live episode of ER, the season 4 opener. It was directed by Thomas Schlamme, who is married to Christine Lahti, who coincidentally was starring in Chicago Hope at the same time, a rival medical drama which some say was better (well the first season at least) than ER (not the 1980s comedy version that featured George Clooney ironically).

All credit to the cast and crew for wanting to go live, and they performed the episode live for the East Coast and West Coast audiences. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering if there would be any bloopers.

This live episode must rank with the Drew Carey live episode.

One of the worst ER episodes

[spunkins · 1/10 · 17 March 2024]

Just boring, chaotic filming that induces motion sickness.

No story line, no character arc nor development - just a pseudo documentary episode, that tries to emulate COPS. Maybe it was part of a failed attempt of a crossover episode that was fashionable at that time.

Totally pointless, and can be easily skipped without losing any background to the rest of the series.

It is just a flood of ER admittances, quickly shot in succession, with little or no time to explain each patients background or history.

At times there are attempts at humour which fall flat on their face.

I have typed this whilst the episode was running, and finally the credits have appeared! Thank god for small mercies.

Just terrible.

A tiring charade of actors acting like bad actors

[polite-45692 · 2/10 · 26 March 2020]

A tiring charade of actors acting like bad actors. It does not seem to make sense that the fourth season's first episode is a filler. A slow-paced, disjointed filler.