Ames v. Kovac (19 Oct. 2006)

Curtis Ames, a carpenter who suffered a stroke under Kovac's care, sues him for malpractice. Kovac and Ames square off in court as each man's recollections of Ames' treatment are recounted ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Thorpe

Writers:

Michael Crichton (creator), Joe Sachs

Stars:

Goran Visnjic, Maura Tierney, Mekhi Phifer

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Goran Visnjic	...	Dr. Luka Kovac
Maura Tierney	...	Dr. Abby Lockhart
Mekhi Phifer	...	Dr. Gregory Pratt
Parminder Nagra	...	Dr. Neela Rasgotra
John Stamos	...	Dr. Tony Gates
Linda Cardellini	...	Nurse Samantha Taggart
Shane West	...	Dr. Ray Barnett
Scott Grimes	...	Dr. Archie Morris (credit only)
Laura Innes	...	Dr. Kerry Weaver (credit only)
Forest Whitaker	...	Curtis Ames
Sam Jones III	...	Chaz Pratt
J.P. Manoux	...	Dr. Dustin Crenshaw
Glenn Plummer	...	Timmy Rawlins
Charlayne Woodard	...	Angela Gilliam
Laura Cerón	...	Nurse Chuny Marquez

Storyline

Curtis Ames, a carpenter who suffered a stroke under Kovac's care, sues him for malpractice. Kovac and Ames square off in court as each man's recollections of Ames' treatment are recounted via testimony and flashbacks. Meanwhile, Abby returns to work and must adjust to the dramatic changes in her life, and Pratt's early morning trip to the barbershop results in a new awareness of community need. Also, Abby and Pratt try an unconventional method for treating a heart patient and Neela tries a risky procedure which doesn't sit well with her chief.

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 October 2006 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Stage 1, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Dr. Crenshaw is preparing to operate on the elderly patient he has taken from the ER, the nurse putting on his gloves fails to put his left glove on properly - his fingers don't go into the gloves' fingers. The actor briefly tries to fix it but can't (without being seen by the camera), so he keeps his hand at his side throughout the scene. When he moves to the patient's side and takes the scalpel (with his right hand) to begin operating, you can see his left hand never enters the frame to keep the problem hidden.

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Quotes

[Pratt has told a group of elderly men that they need to have their prostates checked]
Smitty: I wouldn't let Halle Berry stick a finger up my ass, and I sure as hell ain't gonna let you!

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Connections

References American Idol (2002)

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Soundtracks

"Should I Stay or Should I Go"
Written by Mick Jones
Performed by Maura Tierney

User Reviews

Well done as always!

Great action and storyline, the portrayal of what happened to Curtis Ames was amazing. Seeing the interaction from the two vantage points made it very realistic. It was great to see Abby back in action and paired up with Pratt's problem child in Dr. Gates. I'm a little disappointed in Neela's defection to the OR but maybe she will come around to returning to the ER much as Dr. Carter did. I did like the way Abby stood up to the stuffy surgeon who is the attending. She is proving herself capable of being a great doctor with each passing episode. The writing, acting, and action that is put forth every week guarantees that ER is continually successful because it appeals to a huge population base. Every week leaves the audience begging for more and left on the edge of their seats as they wait for the coming weeks episode!!