21 reviews
Breataking
This is one of the truly powerful episodes of ER and one I will never forget. Ray Liotta is absolutely superb in the role of Charlie Metcalf and brings the role extraordinary humanity, depth, and emotion. In the course of an hour, the last hour of Charlie's life, we learn his story and come to understand what has led to this moment in the emergency room. An alcoholic who is dying of liver failure and who's system is shutting down faces death alone except for the doctors and nurses who attend him. He is put on an alcohol drip to lessen his suffering as he not only sadly dies but suffers the agony of withdrawal. The look of his eyes as that alcohol is devastating as it has been made clear during these last minutes how the last years have been desolate for him and drink has become the only thing to numb the pain of existence. Liotta would win an Emmy Award for this beautiful performance and it is indeed worthy of every accolade. An utterly amazing and deeply moving performance that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
- dianerpessler-46164
- Aug 2, 2015
- Permalink
ER, and television, at its best
There isn't much to add after seeing the other superlative reviews. This is one of the greatest episodes of one of the greatest series that has ever been. "Time of Death" revolves completely around "Charlie" (Ray Liotta), a man whose life unraveled only partly through his own fault. He in the ER with multiple problems, and near death. He has to make hard decisions about his own fate. The ER characters working on him are all ultimately sympathetic and even emotionally involved, more than they normally would be. Liotta is brilliant--a great performance and probably one of the best ever seen on major network TV. He goes from gruff and resistant to brokenhearted, and it's all completely believable. It's the kind of performance, and program, that seems real. Charlie's fantasies and memories are interwoven throughout--something we've seen before on this great show, but never with quite as much poetic power as we see here. Mr. Liotta certainly deserved any award he may have been considered for. Also a standout is Mekhi Pfiifer (Dr. Pratt) who also goes through an emotional arc in this episode and it's a moving thing to watch. The probably rare TV episode you don't forget, once you've seen it.
One of the best TV-episodes ever made
So I don't really watch ER but luck would have it that I started to watch this episode, I don't know why but probably because Ray was in it.
It left me speechless, I was in a trans the entire episode, it was so strong and like nothing you've ever seen before, TV have never felt so real to me and it made an impact, I rarely get teary eyed but this really got to me.
The script is one of the best ever written for anything and Ray goes beyond acting, this episode should be the 101 on acting for classes.
Probably one if not the best episode ever aired on TV, not just for ER but for TV as a whole.
It left me speechless, I was in a trans the entire episode, it was so strong and like nothing you've ever seen before, TV have never felt so real to me and it made an impact, I rarely get teary eyed but this really got to me.
The script is one of the best ever written for anything and Ray goes beyond acting, this episode should be the 101 on acting for classes.
Probably one if not the best episode ever aired on TV, not just for ER but for TV as a whole.
Beautiful, touching episode
Normally, name guest stars have now become a joke on television. However, Ray Liotta bucked that trend, brought a heart-wrenching, heart-breaking performance, and won himself a well-deserved Emmy for it.
It also didn't hurt that there was brilliant acting all around (regardless of Dr. Pratt acting more like Dr. Prick, more so than usual, I think) and the cinematography and art direction were simply beautiful.
Just a thought: anyone familiar with the half-hour film from the 60s that was featured in "The Twilight Zone" based off of Ambrose Bierce's short story "Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge"? The episode eerily reminded me of it, this time with sound and dialogue, but still kind of trippy, heavily symbolic, escapist, and ultimately tragic. If you like this episode, look up that film. It's in the public domain, so free downloads can be found across the net with no legal worries.
It also didn't hurt that there was brilliant acting all around (regardless of Dr. Pratt acting more like Dr. Prick, more so than usual, I think) and the cinematography and art direction were simply beautiful.
Just a thought: anyone familiar with the half-hour film from the 60s that was featured in "The Twilight Zone" based off of Ambrose Bierce's short story "Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge"? The episode eerily reminded me of it, this time with sound and dialogue, but still kind of trippy, heavily symbolic, escapist, and ultimately tragic. If you like this episode, look up that film. It's in the public domain, so free downloads can be found across the net with no legal worries.
- yippeeskippy2002
- Jul 20, 2006
- Permalink
Liotta's finest hour.
Best episode of television ever made
I have been watching reruns of ER as I didn't watch it when it was first broadcast. So I wasn't prepared for what I just witnessed in this episode. It wasn't television. It was one of the most compelling chamber dramas I've ever witnessed - on film, on television, or on stage.
When I first glimpsed at Charlie in the waiting room scene I thought, "Isn't that Ray Liotta?" I consider him a major screen actor and not one for a guest appearance on a television series. But then I remembered the Sally Fields story arc which was fabulous so I thought that maybe they were pulling off another major coup. And they did - times ten.
Liotta is a giant of an actor and his he exploded the screen with the most intimate, emotional, and intricate portrayal I have ever seen on television. The script was spare and cut right to the bone. It was brilliantly shot entirely in close up, in real time, and the audio design was spectacular.
I have never seen an hour of television like this one. I feel privileged to have been able to witness it.
When I first glimpsed at Charlie in the waiting room scene I thought, "Isn't that Ray Liotta?" I consider him a major screen actor and not one for a guest appearance on a television series. But then I remembered the Sally Fields story arc which was fabulous so I thought that maybe they were pulling off another major coup. And they did - times ten.
Liotta is a giant of an actor and his he exploded the screen with the most intimate, emotional, and intricate portrayal I have ever seen on television. The script was spare and cut right to the bone. It was brilliantly shot entirely in close up, in real time, and the audio design was spectacular.
I have never seen an hour of television like this one. I feel privileged to have been able to witness it.
Wow...
Let me start off by noticing the obvious - Ray Liotta is still one of the most underrated actors there is. His each and every performance was really mad nice, going from stellar to above average, but never seeming to cross the borderline of boredom. Now...in mid and late 90's his career was kinda stagnating but he reinvented himself in Narc (one of my favorites...not so much as a movie in whole, but for the way it was shot, cinematic photography and Liotta's portrayal of Lt. Oak) and kept doing smaller independent movies really choosing his roles more carefully this time around...And I guess i was genuinely surprised to see him in ER. I don't even watch ER, but i saw his name on opening credits so I decided to sit through it...and i was stunned. That role itself should earn him each and every accolade he can possibly get. That was pretty much "acting in a nutshell", an Acting 101, really. I'm actually pretty calm and don't tend to get emotional...more of a cynical humor kind of guy...but this just left me staring good couple of minutes after the show was finally done. There wasn't even the usual sappy ER writing, even the script was remarkable and perfectly tailored for guest star(s). Maybe I'm not the most objective person to comment on it since I really like those complicated, layered, troubled-but-good-at-heart characters, yet, this one was amazing...it's just a shame that this gem will probably be slept on since it isn't any kind of blockbuster or even an indie movie that could shake some spirits. Just glad that Emmy "judges" didn't sleep on this one. Kudos for the episode, and for Liotta's stellar performance.
Time of Death (#11.6)
- ComedyFan2010
- Apr 22, 2015
- Permalink
Liotta stole the show
I am one of those who quit watching ER back when it was airing because of all the stars who left. I have been watching the reruns, tho, and today this episode aired. Halfway through the show I realized this wasn't the first time I had seen this one. It was Ray Liotta's performance that jogged my memory. I now recall that I tuned into ER to watch this episode because of previews including clips of Liotta. I was impressed by his acting even in the short clips included in the promos. I was not disappointed then and I was not disappointed today. If this did not warrant an Emmy nod, I can't imagine who won it that year. I am not really a fan of Liotta but this reminded me perhaps I should be.
Liotta's Star Turn Vibrates With Authenticity
The only mistake in regard to this performance is that Ray Liotta did not receive any nods or awards for his performance as Charlie Metcalf. His portrayal of a terminal and morally damaged patient, in search of - and finally receiving - absolution, was flawlessly painful and poignant. This episode is now in my cache for use in class, to illustrate just how perfect a portrayal of an imperfect character can be. As a reviewer and writer, it is often difficult to hold to the suspension of disbelief, an angle is wrong, the lighting is off, a cameraman's shadow is cast in a scene . . . Rarely is this student of film moved to emotional demonstrations during television dramas, but in this case, Mr. Liotta, thanks for the tears; they came from the depth of my soul. -Maura Coghlan Richardson
- alittleirish457
- Aug 8, 2006
- Permalink
A masterpiece of TV writing, acting and filming
I grew up watching ER and as cringe as it sounds, the hyperrealism of this show (aside from a few wonky plot lines) made me want to become a doctor. I never gave up on it and I ended up changing careers in my 30s, and as I started my residency as a new physician, I decided to watch the series again. Just got to this episode and it hit me like a ton of bricks. In my experience working in medicine, I am astounded by this incredibly realistic portrayal of a patient facing regrets, missed opportunities and loss in their final moments. I have seen far too many patients experience this in real life. Liotta's performance gives multitudes to this character's complexity that warrant empathy towards a human who made mistakes. I always knew ER was ahead of its time -- the political points it makes throughout the series were hardly mainstream back when the show was on, but are commonplace today. This episode in particular remains timeless. Liotta gave me chills as his character reminded me all too much of broken souls too sick beyond repair, who my colleagues and I strived to at least offer a sense of dignity in their final moments. As our country remains in the midst of several epidemics of illnesses associated with recreational and prescription drugs, I urge anyone, regardless if they work in healthcare, to watch this episode. I'm so glad Ray Liotta got to give this phenomenal performance. While his name and image often conjure up memories from Goodfellas, I think this portrayal of Charlie in ER should be as highly regarded by all.
- fanfanfan999
- Nov 2, 2023
- Permalink
So touching....
If you have ever been near or with someone who is in a traumatized situation, or dying, this episode will break your heart. It is one of the most moving hours of entertainment ever produced! It should be required viewing for all theater, TV & film/video students, as well as directors . Although Ray Liotta was the soul of the episode, everyone who participated in the filming of this unforgettable dramatic gem, shares the credit for its hauntingly beautiful, reaffirming message about humanity.
- adelaidetaylor
- Nov 28, 2017
- Permalink
Slow episode sad but not high paced action that usual er provides
- AppaloniaR
- Feb 1, 2019
- Permalink
What a filler
An incredibly boring and pointless episode. In ten seasons, there wasn't an episode I wouldn't have enjoyed at least in some measure, until this one. It was irrelevant to the characters, didn't add anything to the overall narrative and was mostly about nothing. I couldn't wait for that guy to finally kick the bucket, hoping there might be some semblance of a plot in the end, but nope, it took him the whole episode, punctuated by annoying noises. I just fast forwarded the last five minutes of because I couldn't take it anymore. This season needed to have one episode less. I cannot believe it scored so high here.
This episode is a complete drama in its own right
- felicia-57294
- Apr 23, 2018
- Permalink
Rest in peace, Ray Liotta...
I just thought you all might want to know that Ray Liotta passed away in his sleep today. He was in the Dominican Republic, shooting a movie. Liotta was just 67 years young. If you want more information, check out your favorite entertainment website.
- storyofcory3927
- May 25, 2022
- Permalink
If you are an alcoholic, watch this. Lost someone to alcoholism? Your heart will break.
A Superb ER Episode and One of the Most Powerful and Unforgettable Hours of Television Ever Filmed
Ray Liotta gives nothing less than the performance of a lifetime in this powerful and moving episode of ER. A uniquely done and beautifully produced presentation with an excellent script and stunning direction. The acting is uniformly superb but it is Liotta who stands out, deservedly winning an Emmy for as guest performer. This is one of the finest hours of television ever filmed and certainly one that the viewer will never forget thanks largely to the overwhelmingly haunting and profoundly touching work of Ray Liotta.
- jlthornb51
- Jul 10, 2018
- Permalink
Ray Liotta on ER
This performance by Ray was so moving it comes back to me ever once in a while,hard to believe it aired 14 years ago,I've known people in the situation he portrayed and was headed there myself,a powerful portrayal that brings you to tears.
- randyschneider-44302
- Nov 24, 2021
- Permalink
9 for The Goodfella
Too Shaky!
It was hard for me to watch due to the filming style. Very shaky and made me dizzy. I ended up having to fast forward through it. It was interesting to see a younger Ray Liotta.
- penelopepitstop-81640
- Oct 25, 2021
- Permalink