ER
Lockdown
TV Flash files “Lockdown” as the last listed hour of season 8 — ER (1994–2009) on NBC, season 8, episode 22, aired 2002-05-16, 60 min.
From the desk
How this hour is filed
This leaf is S08E22: listed hour 179 of 331 in the ER guide, last listed hour of season 8. It aired 2002-05-16 (60 min). The listed hour before it is “On the Beach” (S08E21). Next is “Chaos Theory” (S09E01).
Catalog log
Broadcast listing — not a TV Flash recap.
The day begins slowly as Weaver calls to say she'll be late, and Chen thinks she's developing a fever. Then multiple MVAs come in, quickly followed by two children suffering what appears to be smallpox. The staff panics, but not as bad as the patients, when a lockdown is ordered for the ER. The feverish Chen is quarantined with homeless Stan. Lewis takes charge as Weaver arrives and the police won't let her in. The girl infected by smallpox dies and Pratt embarasses Carter in front of her parents. Carter notices Pratt is sick as well, and sends him to Chen's room. Jerry phones the news, and the patients riot, nearly using a gurney to break open the emergency bay doors. Control of the ER is relieved from Weaver by an infection specialist. The staff prepares to stay, still not having a confirmation on whether it is smallpox or not, and the lockdown continuing as a result. Carter and Abby kiss after being quarantined together.
Viewer FAQ
Where does Lockdown sit in the ER guide?
S08E22 is listed hour 179 of 331 — last listed hour of season 8, season 8 episode 22.
When did ER S08E22 air?
Lockdown aired 2002-05-16 and is listed at 60 minutes.
Do I need all fifteen seasons?
No. The first five (1994–99) are the contract and the star-factory peak. Seasons 6–8 still pay debts, including Greene's exit. After that, graze by cast you care about. The 2009 closer works as a building farewell even if you skipped late innings.
In the series
Why this series still plays
For the handheld contract that still governs medical TV: overlapping trauma, a camera that cannot leave, and a star factory that — in the hours that matter — pays a human bill instead of shipping a trailer. Velocity first; the famous exits are footnotes.
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Filed against
- Anthony Edwards as Dr. Mark Greene
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- George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross
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- Julianna Margulies as Nurse Carol Hathaway
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- Noah Wyle as John Carter
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- Gloria Reuben as Jeanie Boulet
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