Abby, Pratt and Morris try to figure out how to handle Dr. Morretti's strict new ER procedures. As the injured arrive at the ER from the anti-war rally, Gates frantically tries to find out what happened to Neela. Later, Gates takes matters into his own hands and he finds out that a patient was responsible for the explosion at the rally.
Dr. Morretti continues to institute new measures that cause many of the ER doctors to despise him. When a teacher and student come into the ER with after a car crash, Morris and Sam are shocked when they find out why they were together. Abby treats a patient with a simple stomachache only to find that he has a much bigger problem on his hands. Meanwhile, Neela can't wait to get released from the hospital.
A teen wrestler comes in the ER with severe vomiting. Pratt finds out that the cause is much more serious. While working in the ICU, Gates tries to help a young kid with a deadly disease. Meanwhile, Abby and Morris jump in to save two volunteer cops brought in with gunshot wounds.
County General is turned into a beauty parlor for the day when a gracious former patient decides to provide free beauty treatments. Abby is distraught when baby Joe is brought in after taking a serious fall off the jungle gym. Dr. Gates makes a baseball dream come true for a young boy with a terminal illness. Meanwhile, Dr. Pratt is trying to stick up for his brother but finds he is just making matters worse.
Moretti decides that Gates has done an impressive job in the ICU and is now ready to return to the ER. Neela learns how to manage people when she is assigned to mentor Harold, a young genius intern. With Hope away, Morris is having a hard time resisting the ladies. Meanwhile, Abby struggles to keep her life together with Kovac gone to Croatia.
Morris and Pratt are able to cram for their medical boards when Morretti brings in a new attending to help out with the load. Sam and Abby work on an attention hungry young woman that comes into the ER with elusive symptoms. Meanwhile, Harold tries to get tips on how to please the ladies from Neela.
In an effort to go green, Morris buys an energy efficient smart car. Abby and Pratt try and treat a fussy baby, but disagree on the diagnosis. Meanwhile, Abby falls back into old habits and gives into temptation while Kovac is in Croatia.
Gates and Julia nurture their newly found romance but are quickly interrupted by a troubled phone call from Sarah. Abby continues to be off her game and the other doctors are starting to take notice. Harold saves the day in a critical situation and still makes his date. Kovac surprises Abby by returning a day earlier.
Kovac's brother comes for a visit from Croatia causing Abby to feel crowded in her own home. Gates starts to feel the pressure of fatherhood when Sarah decides to have a sleepover with her friends. Meanwhile, Pratt is upset when a new temporary ER chief is named.
Kovac, Abby and baby Joe quickly make plans to go to Croatia after Luka's father unexpectedly passes away. A husband rushes to the ER when he hears about his wife's car accident, but is shocked to meet someone from his past. Meanwhile, Julia decides to hold a service to bless the ER and the patients that have been lost.
When a young woman comes in with a badly hurt ankle, Sam is shocked when she finds out how much they have in common. Jeanie Boulet rushes into the ER after her son Carlos takes a fall during gym class. Meanwhile, Pratt finds himself wanting to quit his job when the higher-ups at the hospital don't take him seriously.
Abby checks out of rehab and finds her way back to the ER but finds herself being questioned by the other doctors. Harold finds new confidence after a big night with Neela's cousin. Multiple victims of a fire come into the ER and Abby thinks that one of the little girls is suffering from LCA, a degenerative eye disorder.
Pratt gets cold feet when Bettina tries to take their relationship to the next level. Neela joins the Ortho's hockey team and is shocked to see who they are playing in the first game.
Dr. Pratt and Dr. Brenner get off to a rocky start when Brenner refuses to teach the interns. Gates treats a young transplant patient with major heart trouble. Abby contemplates telling Kovac the truth about her affair as she heads for Croatia. Meanwhile, Sam finds out that Gates and Julia have broken up.
Neela has a strange daydream during work after she pulls an all-night shift. Sarah's grandfather is rushed to the ER after collapsing during a game of air hockey. Gates tries to let Sam know that he is serious by sending her flowers. Neela makes a quick decision about a patient with torn aorta.
Neela is upset after she finds out the aorta surgery on Sheryl Hawkins has caused an infection. While treating a severely beaten Korean teen, Abby discovers an even more serious condition. Kovac struggles to forgive Abby for her indiscretion. Dr. Brenner continues to ruffle feathers in the ER.
Pratt decides to fight for his relationship with Bettina despite her reluctance. Neela treats a young injured couple but quickly finds out about their criminal status. Abby is scared her relationship with Kovac is over when he shows signs of giving up.
Morris is debriefed by the hospital psychologist after his traumatic run in with the jewelry thieves. Neela is frustrated when Sheryl must go in for a fourth surgery to fix the infection. Abby struggles to make a decision after she is offered a new job.
Gate's worries that his relationship with Sam may not be as serious as he thought. A drunk and very mysterious patient comes into the ER and threatens the safety of everyone at County General. Pratt feels confident about his interview for the position as chief. Meanwhile, Kovac is shocked when Moretti pays him a visit at the hospice.