Ep 18. The Birthday Party

In "The Birthday Party," the eighteenth episode of ER's first season, it is Mark Greene's birthday, and although he doesn't feel much like celebrating, he agrees to have a small party at his home with his wife and daughter, his father, and several of his work colleagues.

At the hospital, a man named Charlie is brought in with a broken leg and a head injury. He insists that someone is trying to kill him, and although Dr. Ross and Dr. Carter believe he is just paranoid, they soon realize that he is right and that someone is after him. Meanwhile, Dr. Lewis treats a man named Lou who has had a bad reaction to medication and is experiencing terrifying hallucinations. Dr. Lewis tries to help Lou through his hallucinations, but it soon becomes clear that she can't do it alone.

Back at Mark's birthday party, tensions are high between Mark and his father, who has been staying with them for a while. Mark's father is struggling to find a job and a place to live, and Mark is resentful of the way his father has treated him in the past. Mark's wife, Jennifer, tries to keep the peace, but by the end of the party, Mark and his father have had a major argument.

In the hospital, Dr. Greene treats a young girl named Michelle who has been brought in after being hit by a car. Michelle's mother is distraught and insists that her daughter is going to die, but Dr. Greene remains optimistic. However, when Michelle's condition starts to deteriorate, Dr. Greene realizes that the situation is much more serious than he thought.

Finally, Dr. Benton treats a famous cellist named Joanna who has a broken wrist. Joanna is nervous about playing her upcoming concert, but Dr. Benton assures her that she will be able to play as long as she follows his instructions. However, when Joanna's wrist proves more difficult to heal than expected, Dr. Benton must come up with a new plan.

"The Birthday Party" is a tense and emotional episode of ER that explores the personal struggles of the show's main characters while also showcasing the drama and intensity of life in the emergency room. With its complex characters and realistic portrayal of medicine, ER continues to be one of the most beloved and iconic shows in television history.