Setting the Tone: An ER Retrospective

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Join Elizabeth, Lauren, and Daniel as we recap our favorite medical drama! We're taking a weekly look back at each episode of the hit TV series "ER". We'll break down every episode, as well as look at how each episode impacts the overall story of the iconic 15 season show. Theme music provided by A…

Setting The Tone


    • Jun 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
    • 321 EPISODES
    • 6 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Setting the Tone: An ER Retrospective podcast is a delightful find for fans of the iconic medical drama series. With a light-hearted and humorous approach, the hosts provide insightful observations and analysis of each episode, making it an enjoyable experience for both long-time viewers and those new to the show. The podcast not only transports listeners back in time to when ER first aired but also immerses them in the week that was, creating a nostalgic trip through 90s pop culture.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the chemistry among the hosts. Their witty banter and obvious passion for ER shine through in every episode, making it feel like you're listening to friends discuss their favorite show. The hosts' deep knowledge and research about ER add depth to their discussions, providing interesting behind-the-scenes facts and trivia. It's evident that they genuinely enjoy what they are doing, which enhances the listener's experience.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its ability to capture the essence of each episode. From dissecting character interactions to analyzing medical cases, the hosts offer unique perspectives that shed new light on familiar scenes. They delve into storylines with enthusiasm, examining both the serious and comedic moments with equal attention. Whether discussing heart-wrenching patient scenarios or lighthearted exchanges between characters, their insights offer a fresh take on well-loved episodes.

    However, there are moments when the hosts might take certain interactions too seriously or pick them apart excessively. While their attention to detail is commendable, it can sometimes detract from the overall enjoyment of an episode discussion. A little more lightheartedness in these instances would be welcomed by listeners who may view those interactions as jokes or simply less significant.

    In conclusion, The Setting the Tone: An ER Retrospective podcast is a must-listen for fans of ER and 90s pop culture enthusiasts alike. With its humorous and insightful commentary, it provides a deep dive into the groundbreaking medical drama series. The hosts' chemistry, knowledge, and enthusiasm for ER shine through in every episode, making it an entertaining and informative experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering ER for the first time, this podcast is sure to enhance your appreciation for the iconic show.



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    Latest episodes from Setting the Tone: An ER Retrospective

    S13E3 "Somebody To Love"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 91:00


    How do you do fellow gays?   Support a real life LGBTQIA+ non profit by buying a piece of our STT Pride merch! 100% of all proceeds go to the Howard Brown Health Center! https://www.bonfire.com/store/setting-the-tone-store/

    S8E16 "Secrets & Lies" REUPLOAD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 90:50


    This week: It's a bottle episode! After rummaging through a sex worker's personal belongings, Abby, Carter, Gallant, Luka, and Susan all have to take a class about proper workplace conduct. Sword fights, Shakespeare performances, sex talks, and deep conversations ensue. *Reuploaded because a certain podcast service removed it for copyright*

    S8E8 "Partly Cloudy, Chance Of Rain" REUPLOAD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 80:59


    This week: A massive rain storm messes up everything in Chicago, Mark fights to save a little boy who drowned, Cleo is leaving County, Benton is NOT the father, Gamma does a hit and run on the Pink Ranger, Nicole is a thief, Carter and Susan continue to flirt, and Kerry and Gallant battle the elements and risk electrocution to try and save a stabbing victim and her baby. *Reuploaded because a certain podcast service took it down for licensed music*

    S13E2 "Graduation Day"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 95:23


    Sally Field's in this one, what more do you need to know?

    S13E1 "Bloodline"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 108:44


    CW: Sexual assault of a main character.   This week: Steve's kidnapping plan takes some major turns for the worse, Jerry undergoes open heart surgery to repair his wounds, Abby is stubborn as ever as her condition threatens the life of her unborn child, Luka does what he can from the sidelines for both Jerry and Abby, and Neela makes a great save from the surgical observation room.  

    PAtreon Preview: Season 12 Wrap-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 62:06


    It's that time again!    Join the STT hosts and special guest Jake from The Popular Court as we recap all the good and bad that was season 12. Hear our opinions on the season as a whole, what we loved and what we hated the most, as well as some thoughts from your fellow listeners.    Want to hear the full episode, including the semi-annual “Tone-y” awards? Support us at the $5 level over at patreon.com/settingthetonepodcast to enjoy that plus over 75 additional hours of bonus audio and video content.  

    S12E22 "Twenty One Guns"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 96:30


    This week: Sam and Luka get caught up in Steve's attempt to escape prison, Kerry is under fire for hiring Clemente in the first place, Pratt helps Neela get the closure she needs at Gallant's funeral, Morris is very picky with his patients on his last day at County, Abby consider's Luka's sudden proposal, and a shootout erupts in the ER that leaves everyone's favorite desk clerk in critical condition.  

    S12E21 "The Gallant Hero and The Tragic Victor"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 98:50


    This week: The ER staff are devastated after Gallant is killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, Neela has to be forced to stop working, Jane has a perfect Jane moment with Abby, Ray tries his best to help Neela, and Clemente's mental health issues finally hit the breaking point.

    S12E20 "There Are No Angels Here"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 76:28


    We're done with the Africa episodes.

    S12E19 "No Place To Hide"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 82:47


    This week: Abby helps a child and her grandmother after they're involved in a car accident, Albright's feelings for Morris become apparent, Clemente's justified paranoia continues to escalate, Sam and Luka are surprised to see Steve in the ER and actually sick, and Pratt makes his way to Darfur where problems arise almost immediately.

    S12E18 "Strange Bedfellows"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 89:31


    This week: Sam's new boss proves to be incredibly stubborn, Neela finally meets Gallant's parents, Pratt ruins his relationship with Olivia, Abby is frustrated as Luka contemplates returning to Africa, and Ray and Morris treat a young deaf black man beaten by the cops after getting into a car accident while trying to get his girlfriend help when she overdoses.

    S12E17 "Lost In America"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 82:14


    This week: Clemente returns to County and receives a less than warm welcome, Neela is stressed about a presentation she's giving at a conference, Abby and Luka debate the merits of baptism, Morris gets a surprise set of visitors, Sam has money troubles, Ray works with a man who claims to be suicidal, and a young woman's complex family issues are brought to the surface after she's stabbed in the neck multiple times.

    S12E16 "Out On A Limb"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 102:20


    This week: Kerry delayed her hip replacement surgery for a 3rd time as she weighs the potential consequences, Neela lets her leftist flag fly, Abby worries about her pregnancy after she's exposed to a form of meningitis, Pratt finally falls on his sword, and Sam gets an intriguing offer from a wealthy patient.

    S12E15 "Darfur"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 66:10


    "Wonder what Carter's up to?"- Nobody

    S12E14 "Quintessence of Dust"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 66:57


    This week: Clemente's paranoia about Jodie's husband turns out to be well founded, The ER staff does some bigotry after a date with Pratt is auctioned off for charity, Abby is nervous for some early pregnancy test results, Morris and Albright continue to duke it out over which residents should be doing procedures, and Ray cares for a homeless man who turns out to be familiar to him.   

    S12E13 "Body and Soul"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 73:43


    This week: James Woods guest stars as a man dying due to ALS. The episode takes us through the last 6 years of his life from his initial diagnosis to his last day in the hospital, and shows the lasting mark he's leaving on various doctors at County.

    S12E12 "Split Decisions"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 97:10


    This week: Ray has to help Zoe flee the city after she was beaten by her father, Morris needs advice on dating black women, Dubenko is pressed into running the ER for the day after Clemente is a no-show, Pratt does some light crime to help KJ's dad, Abby and Luka begin to prepare for their baby, and Neela is stunned after Gallant makes a huge decision without consulting her.   

    S12E11 "If Not Now"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 83:15


    This week: Kerry takes a tumble, Clemente's world begins to crumble, and Abby makes a big decision for her and Luka's future.

    S12E10 "All About Christmas Eve"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 67:23


    This week: Eve has a disagreement with a bigoted Santa, Luka is really feeling the Christmas spirit, Sam visits Steve in his new, and much closer, prison, Clemente has a surprise guest, Pratt does his best to treat a six year old girl with a gunshot wound, Morris has a surprisingly angelic voice, and Abby has some huge news.

    S12E9 "I Do"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 89:36


    This week: Neela and Gallant have a surprise and mostly improvised wedding, Pratt tries to help KJ after KJ is falsely accused of stealing a camera, Luka is your new ER chief, Abby goes the extra mile to save a patient's life, Clemente is furious after an HIV+ mom refuses to treat her young boy for AIDS, Dubenko ups his recruiting game, and a long dormant relationship is suddenly reignited.

    S12E8 "Two Ships"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 77:33


    This week: The ER descends into chaos as two planes collide midair and crash into the city below, Ray does his best to avoid Zoe, Abby and Luka aren't quite sure how to move forward with their relationship, Neela picked the best day to do her paramedic ride-along, Pratt does all he can for a conscious man whose heart won't start up again, and Clemente disagrees with the staff on how best to handle a mass casualty situation as his past begins to slowly catch up to him.  

    S12E7 "The Human Shield"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 77:14


    This week: Tensions rise as Luka and Clemente butt heads over how best to treat a young kidnapping victim, the kidnapper injures multiple members of the ER staff, Gallant's return home gets delayed, Dubkeno and Neela do an ex-lap in the ER, Ray gets the everloving crap beat out of him (much to Daniel's delight), Gates makes his debut and nearly gets his head blown off in the process, and Eve tries, but fails, to bring the ER staff together.   

    S12E6 "Dream House"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 80:59


    It's a chimp in a diaper, what more do you need to know? Just kidding, this episode sucks.

    S12E5 "Wake Up"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 77:38


    I'm running out of clever episode descriptions.

    S12E4 "Blame It On The Rain"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 79:40


    The fuck did the rain do?

    S12E3 "Man With No Name"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 70:55


    Episode with no description

    S12E2 "Nobody's Baby"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 77:45


    This week: Pratt meets his father's new family, that's as far as Lizzie got and I'm tired

    S12E1 "Cañon City"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 76:59


    This week: Luka and Sam chase after Alex from Chicago all the way to Colorado, Susan and Pratt have some harsh criticism for the new R2s, Neela has to correct several mistakes for a new intern, and Morris just needs a nap.  

    Patreon Preview: Season 11 Wrap-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 59:39


    It's that time again!    Join the STT hosts and special guest Jake from The Popular Court as we recap all the good and bad that was season 11. Hear our opinions on the season as a whole, what we loved and what we hated the most, as well as some thoughts from your fellow listeners.    Want to hear the full episode, including the semi-annual “Tone-y” awards? Support us at the $5 level over at patreon.com/settingthetonepodcast to enjoy that plus over 75 additional hours of bonus audio and video content.  Reminder that following this episode, STT will be on hiatus until November 14th!

    S11E22 "The Show Must Go On"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 131:54


    This week: Carter says farewell to County after 11 years, Morris tries his best to socialize, Pratt makes a visit to a stranger (or is he?), Alex runs away, and Abby, Ray, and Neela are forced to step up after a porch collapse sends multiple critical patients to an understaffed ER.  Special thanks to Aaron Burgin of FullTimeHoops for joining us!

    S11E21 - "Carter Est Amoureux"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 91:51


    This week: Sam and Luka start couples therapy, the ER has a new volunteer, Ray accidentally kills a stabbing victim, Birdie and Rebecca are back after a home incident, Morris is drunk with power, Jake ponders his future, Pratt is REALLY pissed at Neela, and Carter flies to Paris after Kem's mom becomes ill.  Special thanks to Marge of In A Snit: A Mad Men Retrospective for joining us!

    S11E20 - "You Are Here"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 101:54


    This week: Ray has to decide whether to prioritize a gig or a patient, Carter gets an early tenure position, Sam and Luka continue to be toxic, Jake introduces Abby to his entire family, Morris gets a promotion, Susan has some choice words for Kerry, Pratt visits his old neighborhood, and the ER is flooded with patients from an explosion at an apartment building.  

    S11E19 "Ruby Redux"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 99:57


    This week: Lizzie wrote 7 episode descriptions in less than two weeks but forgot this one for some reason. Also, Diana Goodman of the Laser Time network is joining us again. She's rad.

    redux laser time diana goodman
    S11E18 - "Refusal of Care"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 77:26


    This week: A woman on a hunger strike is brought in but refuses treatment, Morris keeps screwing up an article him and Susan are publishing, Carter reveals just how big of a donation he's going to make, Jake and Abby continue to try and be “a thing”, and Ray and Pratt try to help a woman with breast cancer who is scared of of the treatment options.  Special thanks to Francis of In A Snit: A Mad Men Retrospective for joining us!  

    S11E17 - "Back In The World"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 76:28


    This week: Gallant makes his grand (but short) return to County General, Neela is super confused by her feelings, Pratt continues to smooth talk every pretty woman he sees, Carter is planning a major addition to the hospital, Steve 2.0 debuts and Sam gives him money, Alex gets pissed at Luka, and Ray helps a young kid who accidentally shot himself.   

    S11E16 - "Here and There"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 68:47


    This week: we get a parallel day in the life of Neela and Gallant as they connect with each other through letters. Neela helps a woman who had both arms amputated and Gallant treats his fellow soldiers and a young girl caught in an explosion near his base.

    S11E15 - "Alone in a Crowd"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 63:32


    This week: Cynthia Nixon guest stars as a woman who suffered a stroke but is still fully conscious and aware of her surroundings, Sam and Luka consider more children, Morris is a huge racist POS, Neela helps a young boy with a suspicious home life, Pratt looks more like a leader, Dubenko tries to get a date with Abby, Carter and Wendell finally break up, and Susan considers her options for Chief Resident.

    S11E14 - "Just As I Am"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 81:02


    This week: Pratt takes a turn at teaching Jane, Susan thinks she has a relief day from her chief duties, Abby and Jake's “romance” is apparently heating up, Carter, Neela, and Ray have a brawl with a drug addict and her husband, Dubenko and Kerry disagree on patient care, and a strange woman with vague symptoms holds a secret that will change Kerry's world.   

    S11E13 - "Middleman"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2024 63:16


    This week: Pratt is caught in the middle as Dubenko and Luka square off over how best to care for a man who was shot by his boss, Wendell is shaken after a boy she tried to help comes back severely beaten, Susan is on a grant application blitz, and Jake, who is definitely not not a serial killer, clears the way so he can finally get together with Abby.

    S11E12 - "The Providers"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 71:25


    CW: discussion of a suicide and audio of a character right before they do it   This week: Neela has the hots for Luka, Abby may have the hots for Jake, Susan and Kerry have to put their management pants on, Carter does a heckin' slander on the internet AND tv, and an old, familiar face returns to the ER after one of his patients' transplanted kidney fails due to a brand new anti-seizure medication.  

    S11E11 - "Only Connect"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2024 65:06


    This week: Pratt does his best to prove he's an asshole, Abby has a rocky return to work after her kidnapping, Luka and Sam give us a clear example of a toxic relationship, the staff deals with a case of mistaken identity, Neela makes some missteps when dealing with an injured girl in foster care, Kerry keeps bringing up patient satisfaction scores, and everyone's favorite sleazy lawyer makes his presence known both inside and outside the ER. 

    S11E10 - "Skin"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 80:38


    This week: Susan keeps going on about survey results, Luka tries to teach Neela a lesson in patient connection, Ray completely messes up the treatment of a transgender patient, and Abby desperately tries to save the life of a young man after she's kidnapped by gang members.

    S11E9 - "Twas the Night"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2024 74:34


    This week: Pratt helps Chen technically murder her father, Ray continues to be a human dumpster fire, Abby has to work extra hard to help a man in need of dialysis, a new semi-notable med student appears, Carter and Wendell continue to be one of the most awkward couples on the show, and Neela helps a homeless family after a young boy gets hit by a car. 

    S11E8 - "A Shot in the Dark"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 74:08


    This week: a cop who was accidentally shot by another cop fights for his life, Abby works to get the best care for a little girl whose parents want her transferred, Luka tries to play dad again as Alex gets suspended from school, Chen is looking very exhausted, Carter tries rock climbing, and Neela lays into Ray after he lets down a teenage boy who needed his help.

    S11E7 - "White Guy, Dark Hair"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 61:20


    Content warning: discussion of sexual assault   This week: Abby helps a teenage girl who denies she just gave birth, Sam and Luka disagree on how best to care for a woman who was beaten and raped, Carter and Wendell get a little closer, and the ER descends into more chaos than normal as the staff is surprised with a mass casualty response drill.

    S11E6 - "Time of Death"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 85:20


    This week: Ray Liotta guest stars as a dying alcoholic. The show follows his final hours while Sam, Luka, and Pratt try to find some way to save him, make him comfortable, and help him reconnect with his estranged son.

    S11E5 - "An Intern's Guide to the Galaxy"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 64:33


    This week: An anxious Neela makes her return to County, Ray sucks at dealing with grieving family members, Carter claims he's ok (but is he though?), Abby isn't being assertive enough, Dubenko tries to teach some physics in the middle of a trauma, and Pratt “encourages” the interns with a contest. 

    S11E4 - "Fear"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 80:35


    This week: Susan gets promoted, Howard has a complete meltdown, Neela gets a job offer, Sam and Alex ponder moving in with Luka, Abby ditches a paramedic ride-along, Kerry gives a great example of constructive dismissal, Corday has a completely unsatisfying goodbye, and the whole ER tries their best to care for two young girls after their mom all but throws them out a window.

    S11E3 - "Try Carter"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 81:57


    This week: Neela goes on a job hunt, Abby goes behind Ray's back and drug tests a patient, Carter is very much not ok, Chuck breastfeeds his kid, a nerdy new surgeon makes his debut, Corday breaks the law to save an HIV+ patient's life, Howard shows some troubling signs of a mental illness, and a tired Luka tries his best to be a dad. 

    S11E2 - "Damaged"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 76:22


    This week: Carter falls off the wagon after treating an Iraq War veteran, Luka make an offer to Sam, Neela's parents make a surprise visit, Ray brings out the rocker look we all know and love, Abby does does her best to help a young woman who is a victim of human trafficking, and a gay couple is brought in after being attacked in Grant Park.

    S11E1 - "One for the Road"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 91:15


    On this week's season premiere: Pratt, Chen, and Elgin continue to fight for their lives after their car ends up in the Chicago River, Neela makes a surprise return to Chicago, Abby has her last nursing shift ever, a new group of interns have their first day, with a bit of help from Alex, Luka finds Sam, and Kerry's legal troubles come to a sudden end.            

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