OK, let me start by stating I really like NBC. I enjoy Jay Leno, the Today show, Saturday Night Live, and many other shows on NBC. However, there is one show that drives me nuts!

ER

I have to admit, I occasionally watch this show. I watched it a lot more when it first came out. Now I can't stand it. WHY? Let me tell you.

Unrealistic Medical Situations

I've worked in hospitals in Reno, Las Vegas, Anamosa (rural Iowa), and Cedar Rapids (some as a physician, some as a medical student, and some as a pre-med student), so I have a lot of experience in hospitals. The ER does not look like this.

On this show, every person has some sort of life threatening or life changing event happening. In real life the life threatening problems are rare. They do happen, but much more of what is seen in the ER is colds, runny noses, small lacerations, small fractures, bladder infections, etc. We NEVER see Noah Wylie or Anthony Edwards dealing with this sort of stuff!

Also, what was with the episode where Carol Hathaway delivered her baby in the ER? In the ER departments I've worked in and been around, any one who is pregnant (whether or not they are laboring) is sent to Labor and Deliver to be evaluated. At Labor and Delivery you have personnel immediately available to deal with the problems of having a baby!

What is with this soap opera drama?

First there was George Clooney and Julianna Margolois, then Anthony Edwards gets a brain tumor. Now, Carrie Weaver (I forget the actresses name) is battling with her as yet unannounced lesbianism. Who can keep track of who Noah Wylie is dating?

OK, I admit that hospital romance occurs. In fact, I met my wife at the hospital. However, this is ridiculous!

I often have people ask me if ER is like real life. I must answer an emphatic NO! I know some of my collegues and most people reading this probably like it, however, I must disagree!

OK, I guess I'll step down off my soapbox.

Thanks for reading.


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Update:If you read this, please read the comments, there are some good points that I should have mentioned in this review!

Recommended: No

Average Program Rating: TV MA -- mature audiences only