The 5 Best Noah Wyle ‘ER’ Episodes of the '90s, Ranked
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pNBC began airing ER in 1994, and the show quickly became one of the most believable medical dramas of all time. A reason behind this is the beloved character Dr. John Carter, portrayed by Noah Wyle. Noah's character became one of the best television doctors, and critics noticed his uniqueness by the end of Season 1.
Noah received a string of Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his portrayal, along with four consecutive Actor Awards. He starred on the show for 11 seasons and returned for other story arcs from start to finish, yet his performances were not enough for award recognition after 1999. Here's a list of Dr. Carter's best ER episodes of the '90s, with stories that made this beloved character prove he belongs in an emergency room.
5 "Post Mortem" (Season 3, Episode 12)
Every County General employee needs a close friend, and for a short time, Carter's was fellow surgical intern Dr. Dennis Gant (Omar Epps). The pair were prepared to become the best surgeons they could be, and stuck by each other when doing so. Their behavior toward one another began to change as time went on, and it made Carter unable to see the signs Gant was struggling. It wasn't until Gant was struck and killed by a train in the episode prior that Carter realized he didn't see what was right in front of him.
Gant's death was one of the most tension-filled times in Carter's life as he couldn't help but wonder if his late friend jumped in front of the train. The survivor's guilt was eating at Carter, and the lack of care he had when expressing his anger toward co-workers was surprising to see so early in his career. The police ultimately ruled Gant's death an accident, and it made doctors a little bit at ease. The cause of death didn't change what Carter felt, and it was stunning to see him question his behavior as a friend, and not as a fellow intern.
4 "My Brother's Keeper" Season 4, Episode 16
The family lives of doctors have been woven into plot lines before, with Carter's being known for their intensity and privileged background. He did maintain positive relationships with some of his relatives, including his cousin, Chase (Jonathan Scarfe). Carter was shocked to learn his cousin was a heroin addict, but he believed that as a doctor and close relative, he could help him get clean. He put in the time and effort with Dr. Anna Del Amico (Maria Bellow), and thought it worked. Carter's plan backfired, and Chase landed in the hospital from a heroin overdose.
Despite Chase's history, Carter's shock was felt throughout the entire hospital room as he tried to resuscitate his cousin. That shock turned into fear while admitting to his grandparents that he was aware of Chase's addiction, and did not tell them about it. Carter had longed for unconditional love from many family members, yet he always had it from Chase. Chase suffered permanent brain damage from his overdose, but Carter sleeping next to his bedside was enough to know that neurological issues would not make him love his cousin any less.
3 "Exodus" Season 4, Episode 15
A normal day at County General turned into chaos following a chemical spill. Employees and patients were unsure of what to do, and Dr. Kerry Weaver (Laura Innes) being exposed to the fumes only made things crazier. Carter put his panic aside, and took charge of the ER without hesitation. He directed staff and patients to rooms based on health status while conducting research and communicating with emergency officials.
Carter brought intensity to a whole new level after he was put in charge, and it showed how much he'd grown as a medical professional. He gained more self-confidence just by doing his job, and didn't even realize it until he knew everyone was safe. Carter's work and determination saved hundreds of lives, but he did take a short pause from his leadership duties after finding out his elderly patient had died. Carter snapped out of commander mode when Weaver recovered from her fume exposure and smiled at the employees praising him, realizing that County General's ER was his home.
2 "One More for the Road" Season 3, Episode 22
It's hard to imagine Carter practicing something other than emergency medicine. After figuring that out himself, Carter fought tooth and nail to convince his superior, Dr. Donald Anspaugh (John Aylward) of the same thing. Anspaugh initially refused due to budgetary reasons and Carter signed a contract to complete the County General's surgical program. He changed his mind once Carter explained why he would never be a great surgeon.
It was tough to predict Anspaugh's final decision. He and Carter's reasons behind their opinions of a specialty change were understandable. Carter obviously wasn't backing down, and even if it meant leaving his surgical mentor, Dr. Peter Benton (Eriq La Salle), he couldn't stop fighting for what was right for him. Carter's fight was inspirational for anyone brave enough to follow their hearts, and it led to him becoming one of the best emergency medicine doctors at County General.
1 "24 Hours" Season 1, Episode 1
Carter was a third-year medical student anxious to become a surgeon on the first episode of ER. He walked in wearing a "tailored white coat," looking nervous and terrified. Carter was eager to begin treating patients, even though he never learned how to start an IV. Something he wasn't afraid of doing when he walked in was interacting with patients, and threw up outside after doing so.
Carter walked back into the ER with his head held high after talking with Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards). He continued to be imperfect, but he didn't let that get into his head. It was beautiful to see a young student believing in himself on the first day working in a Chicago hospital ER. That beauty is what helped him become a phenomenal doctor who saved millions of lives worldwide.
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