I am – Hercules!!

Kovac goes boom! I wouldn’t mind hearing more about Luka’s run-in with Abby this week, but “Mr. Zambano” only mentions that Carter has skipped town without his girl. Guess we'll have to wait till tonight.

24 2.7 FAQ

What does TV Guide say?

Kovac (Goran Visnjic) spins out of control – literally - in a gutsy episode that's over before it's begun. Opening with a late-night car accident involving the increasingly self-destructive doc and med student Harkins (Leslie Bibb), the hour unfolds backwards to recount the troubling events leading up to the crash. A boozy holiday party, rumors of an illicit tryst and a run-in with his ex, Abby (Maura Tierney), all plague Kovac, but it's his tragic misdiagnosis of a patient that ultimately sends him (and his hapless passenger) racing off on a reckless ride. Meanwhile, the ER is awash in Christmas casualties, including two feisty elves and the victims of a living Nativity brawl.

What is TV Guide not telling us?

The episode really is over before it's begun. It's told in a "Memento" style way. One scene fades into something that happened just previously. The whole thing revolves around the fact that Luka has dug himself even deeper into isolation and by the end of the episode, he's caused an accident, misdiagnosed a patient, and has further alienated himself with some of the staff. This is certainly Kovac's episode.

What's up with Carter and Abby this week?

Carter gives Abby a warm goodbye as he leaves work to go spend Christmas in Boston with his father. He wants Abby to join him later.

Any news on Kerry's pregnancy?

There is no mention of Kerry's pregnancy. Kerry is in a foul mood and tells a hungover Luka he has to work.

Does the Memento style of storytelling work?

It's unusual and sometimes distracting. One of the best scenes in the episode is between Kovac and Lewis; two single docs working during the holidays.

How does it end?

Like it began. Harkins is in critical condition. Weaver: "Call the OR and tell them we're coming up . . . "

Mr Zambano's rating for "ER" 9.10?

***

The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:

• ***** better than we deserve
• **** better than most motion pictures
• *** actually worth your valuable time
• ** as horrible as most stuff on TV
• * makes you quietly pray for bulletins

I am – Hercules!!

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