Meanwhile, Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE) argues with Nurse Haleh (YVETTE FREEMAN), who resents Benton's superior attitude. Later, Benton is chastised by Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) and is lectured by the physical therapist (GLORIA REUBEN) who cares for his mother. Benton also treats a fatally wounded 12-year-old gang member, the victim of a shooting. The boy's young assailant visits the ER, wielding a gun, then leaves when he discovers the victim is dead.

John Carter (NOAH WYLE) and Deb Chen (MING-NA WEN) must give presentations along with some other medical students. Carter is upset when Chen impresses Dr. Benton with her brilliant presentation.

Dr. Douglas Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) treats a boy who was bitten by his pet viper, while hospital personnel search for the snake, now missing in the er. Dr. Ross becomes increasingly interested in Diane Leeds (recurring guest star LISA ZANE - "L.A. Law"), a hospital employee whose son he befriended. But Diane knows Ross' reputation with women and isn't interested in him.

Elsewhere, Dr. Lewis treats a stricken hockey referee; comedian BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT briefly guest stars (as a patient hiding under a sheet); and Hathaway congratulates herself on securing new crash carts--until they are stolen by other hospital staff.