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Emily Beck against Aaron's judgement |
Story: Ian Biederman
Teleplay:
Directed By: James Bagdonas
Doctors gather on the terrace outside Watter's office, where Watters has installed several heat lamps. The next day, Watters receives a telephone call from a store clerk, who informs Watters that his check for the lamps bounced. Watters is informed by his attorney that his accountant drained his bank accounts dry. Watters realizes he is penniless.
Wilkes is arrested for drunk driving. He tells Hancock about his run-in with police — and the potential to lose his driver's license. Hancock offers to make a call to a friend at the State Attorney's office on Wilkes' behalf. A grateful Wilkes accepts the offer.
Catera and Shutt confer about a patient, Emily Beck, who was diagnosed with Von Hippel-Lindau disease. The illness causes tumors to grow throughout the body. Emily is less than pleased when she learns that Shutt is no longer able to operate (and will no longer be her physician). Though Shutt promises that Catera is an excellent neurosurgeon, Emily, who has come to trust Shutt with her life, is less than reassured. Later, Shutt and Catera examine an MRI of Emily's brain, which reveals a mass on the brain stem. Shutt reluctantly concludes that the tumor is inoperable. Catera counters that if it is left untreated, Emily will die. Emily tells a surprised Catera that she and Shutt already discussed the tumor... and that she has decided it's time to stop fighting and accept her fate.
Wilkes and his attorney meet with Doris Harper, who works for the State Attorney's office. Harper offers a deal: a plea of reckless driving with six months of community service. Wilkes' lawyer immediately jumps at the offer, and Wilkes is flooded with relief — until Harper reveals he is to report to Hancock's clinic.
Grad searches high and low for someone to play Santa Claus at the hospital's upcoming Christmas party. Surprisingly, McNeil volunteers his services. Even more surprisingly, McNeil demonstrates a rapport with the children at the party.
Catera again meets with Emily. This time, however, Emily reveals she's had a change of heart. Though she doesn't want to undergo the procedure, she realizes it represents her only chance of seeing her niece perform in an upcoming Spring play.
McNeil approaches Watters, check in hand. He explains that the money is a repayment for all the money Watters fronted him for his gambling debts over the years. But a proud Watters refuses the generosity and storms off. Later, McNeil tells Watters he is incapable of taking his own advice — to overcome one's setbacks and get on with life.
Wilkes travels to Hancock's clinic. He is immediately repulsed by his first patient, an incontinent African American man named Earle. Wilkes tells Hancock that he has been fighting to separate himself from people like Earle — whom he considers a stereotype of the black man — his entire life. Hancock reminds him he is no different from anyone at the clinic — and that when he left his old neighborhood, he ran away — and is still running. Hancock's words hit home. Later, Wilkes asks Hancock for a second chance.
During a surgical meeting, Austin instructs Shutt to not interfere with Catera's decision-making. An angry Shutt accuses Austin of megalomania and storms from the room. Catera confronts Austin for the way she embarrassed Shutt in front of his peers. The conversation shifts to the incident at the cabin (see "Cabin Fever"). Though Austin was exonerated of wrongdoing, and her action ruled as self-defense, Catera accuses her of being out of control, of "projecting" her emotions onto Shutt. Austin defends her actions.
Catera performs the operation on Emily. During the procedure, a brain monitor suddenly goes flat. The signal returns, but Catera fears brain damage resulted. After the operation, Emily goes into a coma. Catera speaks with her, hoping her words of encouragement register. But the outlook is bleak. Later, Shutt summons Catera to the Intensive Care Unit, where a conscious Emily extends her hand in gratitude.
During the hospital Christmas party, Shutt tells a depressed Grad she should sit on Santa's lap. Grad reluctantly complies. To her great surprise, Kronk pulls off his Santa Claus beard... and wishes his wife a Merry Christmas.
Song performed: Merry Christmas Baby by Bruce Springsteen
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