This episode features Dr.Greene's last day working at the ER and finally coming to terms with the fact he is going to die and he wants to die the way he lived his life. Fans of the show will notice many heartbreaking moments in this episode. Like when he tells the patient that he too knows what it is like to be dying. The 2 most painful moments are when he is leaving for the last time. When he is walking toward the door he makes eye contact for the last time with his longtime crush, Dr.Lewis, and as he walks to the door he responds to Abby's goodnight with a crushing "goodbye". The final scene between Greene and Carter passes the torch from one to the other, but in doing so leaves a huge void the show has never filled. Dr. Greene set the tone.
4 Reviews
Full Circle
slak96u1 March 2022
Lots and lots of callbacks in this episode, from shooting hoops, a Top Gun salute, and "You set the tone". This episode is Marks last shift, his accepting his fate and the show passing the ball/ER from Green to Carter. Mekhi Phifers introduction was handled well, it enhanced Greens exit.
Anthony Edwards not getting at least a nomination for an Emmy this season, for a number of episodes, is a crime.
Anthony Edwards not getting at least a nomination for an Emmy this season, for a number of episodes, is a crime.
Respecting Choices
spasek9 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Dr. Greene has always been one of my favorite doctors on TV. Dr. House still gets my #1 vote because I loved how he spoke his mind, especially when it involved stupid people.
Anthony Edwards was nothing short of masterful on the show, and during the show's run, he was glue that kept everything going.
Dr. Greene realizes that the quality of life is more important than the quantity. Loved ones often fail to realize this, as they selfishly want the person to be around for as long as possible without thinking about what it must be like. This is a lesson most people still haven't learned yet, as it's even criminal to allow a person to choose to move on and end their suffering.
Life is always about choice, and too often, we don't respect those choices enough. We don't necessarily have to agree with them. Just respect them.
The episode follows Dr. Greene around for his final shift. He even gets the chance to break in newcomer, Dr. Pratt. Unlike Carter in the pilot episode, Pratt already thinks he knows it all. Greene is able to teach him that he needs to learn to listen and also to be a bit more humble.
There's a tender moment toward the end in which Dr. Greene helps a young girl. The scene always chokes me up when Greene says, "Thank you, Katie. You're my very last patient." Dr. Greene leaves with the knowledge of a job well done, even if it's not said, it's understood.
This was one of the most powerful and tender episodes of the season, and also of the series up to this point. It also serves as reminder to respect the choices that our loved ones make.
Anthony Edwards was nothing short of masterful on the show, and during the show's run, he was glue that kept everything going.
Dr. Greene realizes that the quality of life is more important than the quantity. Loved ones often fail to realize this, as they selfishly want the person to be around for as long as possible without thinking about what it must be like. This is a lesson most people still haven't learned yet, as it's even criminal to allow a person to choose to move on and end their suffering.
Life is always about choice, and too often, we don't respect those choices enough. We don't necessarily have to agree with them. Just respect them.
The episode follows Dr. Greene around for his final shift. He even gets the chance to break in newcomer, Dr. Pratt. Unlike Carter in the pilot episode, Pratt already thinks he knows it all. Greene is able to teach him that he needs to learn to listen and also to be a bit more humble.
There's a tender moment toward the end in which Dr. Greene helps a young girl. The scene always chokes me up when Greene says, "Thank you, Katie. You're my very last patient." Dr. Greene leaves with the knowledge of a job well done, even if it's not said, it's understood.
This was one of the most powerful and tender episodes of the season, and also of the series up to this point. It also serves as reminder to respect the choices that our loved ones make.
Orion in the Sky (#8.18)
ComedyFan20106 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
And now Dr. Greene left the Emergency Room to try to live his final months or days outside of work.
I must saw I was bawling my eyes out. Mark Greene is one of my favorites in the show. I always liked him as the doctor he portrayed as well as the person. Always smart and kind. I still have to accept that he will be gone. But it is nice to see him accept his fate in this episode and try to make the best out of the end instead of fighting something that he cannot change.
So many moments in this episode....We get to see him still worrying about being pitied and not wanting to give up his work. And then we see him making his final big decision and telling Kerry not to let her work become her life.
I hope we still get to see him before he dies. But this episode was the real end of Dr. Greene. And I don't think it will be the same without him.
I must saw I was bawling my eyes out. Mark Greene is one of my favorites in the show. I always liked him as the doctor he portrayed as well as the person. Always smart and kind. I still have to accept that he will be gone. But it is nice to see him accept his fate in this episode and try to make the best out of the end instead of fighting something that he cannot change.
So many moments in this episode....We get to see him still worrying about being pitied and not wanting to give up his work. And then we see him making his final big decision and telling Kerry not to let her work become her life.
I hope we still get to see him before he dies. But this episode was the real end of Dr. Greene. And I don't think it will be the same without him.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
