Crossing Jordan s01e20 Episode Script
The Gift of Life
Hey, Lily.
Hi.
Oh, my God.
Awesome bag.
Oh, you should see the matching shoes.
Love! You know, you look different lately.
Really? Yeah, like you're glowing or something.
Oh.
You're not, uh Oh, that's unlikely.
It could be this new face cream I got.
The active ingredient is human foreskin.
And you put this on your face? Smoothes out your fine lines.
Just be careful not to rub too hard, know what I'm saying? Yeah, I got all the complexion-erection jokes from the gal at the cosmetics counter.
Morning, Jordan.
Hey.
Lily.
Ooh, sudden chill in here.
Drop it.
Fine.
Look, I need a raise.
My accountant says I'm worth $1.
50, after taxes.
Be sure to stick that in an IRA.
No, I'm serious.
Bernie says if I don't start saving now, my heirs won't get a dime.
You don't have any heirs.
I know.
He still wants me to draw up a will.
You don't have a will? You're an M.
E.
, for God's sake.
I'm a young M.
E.
There'll be plenty of time to think about that stuff when I'm your age.
You know, you really ought to see someone about having that nasty little patch of denial removed.
Dr.
Macy, you've got a priority call from Boston University Hospital.
Everything's a priority over there.
Tell them we'll pick up their patient ASAP.
Thing is, it's not a patient.
One of their CT surgeons dropped dead in the middle of performing open heart surgery.
This place brings back memories.
Got your tonsils out here as a young lass, huh? Well, actually, yeah.
Also did a surgical residency back in '95.
Mercy.
You must have been head of your class.
That was a long time ago.
Hi.
What happened? He was doing a quadruple bypass.
He seemed fine, then he mentioned feeling dizzy and the next second he collapsed.
You tried CPR? He was already gone.
You know this guy? Yeah.
How long ago did she collapse? I don't know, What'd she take? She's got a prescription for Seconal.
She uses it when she can't sleep.
Has she been drinking? Yeah.
You gotta take care of her.
Jordan.
Can you hear me? Damn it, don't you die on me, Jordan.
Jordan! Jordan.
Jordan.
You okay, love? Yeah, I'm fine.
So, who is he? Dr.
Elliot McCafferty.
He's one of the top heart surgeons in the country.
Friend of yours? Not really.
He just saved my life once.
You mind riding back with the body? It's what I live for.
Patient was admitted to the E.
R.
Complaining of shortness of breath and radiating chest pains.
Mr.
Siegel's echocardiogram revealed severe aortic damage.
What's the best way to avoid post-op stroke? No-clamp fibrillatory arrest strategy? What if there's mid-ascending aortic involvement? Anyone? Replace the ascending aorta under hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Oh, at last.
Signs of intelligent life.
Okay, Cavanaugh.
Let's go for the gold.
Under what other conditions would you induce hypothermic arrest? If the patient has multiple or circumferentially involved areas.
I'd remind the rest of you I'm not asking these questions for my own amusement.
They're questions of life and death.
And the day you hold someone's heart in your hands, if any of you make it that far, you damn well better know the answers.
That's it.
Dr.
Cavanaugh.
Yes, sir? I've got a bypass scheduled at 6:30.
Feel like scrubbing in? Absolutely.
Thank you.
Don't thank me yet.
Just want to see if you move your hands half as well as you move your mouth.
Take it easy.
He is not a damn popsicle.
Arnold Hummer, chief cryo-technician, LifeXpand Incorporated.
This is my client, Mr.
Reims.
I need your intake manager, stat.
Are you some kind of lawyer? Lawyers suck the life out of people.
At LifeXpand, we're about sealing life in.
This isn't one of our gurneys.
You bet your Union Jack it's not, Churchill.
This is the Pork 5000 Portable Rescue Cart.
It's my own design.
This is going to revolutionize the business.
And exactly what business is that? Cryo-transport.
I'm here to save Mr.
Reims.
No offense, but I think you might be a hair late on that.
You're way too hot to be a cryo-baby, honey.
Death is over.
It's strictly second millennium.
Let it go.
Why is he on cardiopulmonary support? And what's with the IV? Nimodipine, heparin, some free radical inhibitors.
The exact formula is classified.
LifeXpand personnel only, patent pending.
Mr.
Reims needs an autopsy, which you have made infinitely more difficult by polluting him with a river of chemicals.
What autopsy? He was adjusting his satellite dish and fell off the roof.
Now, let's get him signed out, so we can get him vatted.
Cryogenic suspension.
Mr.
Reims will be preserved until his condition is reversible.
But his condition is dead.
Man, you people are like a broken record.
Enough.
What the hell are you doing? If the family agrees, you can have the body when I'm through.
You cannot dissect this man like a frog.
You are ruining his chances at future life.
Superficial contusion near the left temple, a probable impact injury from the fall.
No other obvious signs of trauma.
Is it really McCafferty? Yeah.
He always seemed the type Who'd never die? Yeah.
Guess I figured he'd just ascend to the heavens in a golden chariot or something.
Seeing him on the O.
R.
Floor this morning, he God, he seemed almost human.
Yeah.
Hell of a surgeon.
Oh, come on, Garret.
You hated the guy.
He wouldn't have gotten my vote for Mr.
Congeniality, but if my ticker ever blew, he sure as hell is the guy I'd want holding the knife.
Must be weird for you.
Just another body.
And this is Mr.
Busch.
He's heading for Potter's Field.
Oh, no one claimed him? Been three months.
Dr.
Macy said we need the space.
Hey He was an organ donor and no one ever claimed him? That's kind of unusual.
Isaac Busch, 25.
Died in a motorcycle accident.
Parents are dead, no siblings.
Pretty sad.
You know what? I think I'll handle this one myself, Emmy.
Cool.
Sorry I'm late.
Why is Mr.
Reims still on the Porkmobile? The only way I could get rid of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Hummer's not that bad.
He actually believes he can extend people's lives.
What, by pumping them full of chemicals and freezing them like TV dinners? Well, there's more to cryonics than that, Buggles.
I cruised the LifeXpand website.
It was a tad out there, but what's wrong with offering a bit of hope to those facing the great unknown? What's wrong is, it's a bloody scam.
I can't imagine what these hustlers charge.
$120,000 for full body suspension.
Sweet Nancy.
Hummer slipped it to me on the way out.
It's a bit pricey, but there's an economy plan.
For $50,000, they'll put your brain on ice.
Yeah, I bet you could get half price.
Why so cynical? My uncle Sanjay fell prey to these body snatchers in London.
Bought a life insurance policy, 85 grand.
Named them beneficiaries.
Well, they've got to keep these bodies fresh till science solves the mysteries of death.
juice every 10 years? Someone is getting very rich.
Drop the blade, butcher boy.
I'm calling security.
Call a lawyer instead.
This court order enjoins you from mutilating my client.
Fine, but this gives you no claim over Mr.
Reims's body.
He's not leaving this morgue.
Now, now, lads.
I'm sure we can work something out.
Or not.
McCAFFERTY: Where you from, Cavanaugh? I grew up in South Boston.
Oh, a local girl.
Mrs.
Levin here is your neighbor.
Adjust the side-biting clamp.
You want to be a heart surgeon, you're gonna have to touch a few hearts.
Run your finger along the pulmonary artery.
Pretty cool, huh? Amazing.
Should we run a Doppler probe, Doctor? Not worth the time.
Here's the fun part.
Proximal anastomosis joining the vein graft to the aorta.
Her aorta's in pretty bad shape.
Oh, I've seen worse.
Will the graft hold with that much atherosclerosis? Check out the rookie slinging the lingo.
I didn't mean to suggest Ready to sew.
Move the clamp, Cavanaugh.
Loosen and pull.
Nice and easy.
Damn.
What's wrong? She's hemorrhaging around the aorta.
Pressure's dropping.
Did I do something? Uh-oh.
I need a 4l0 Proline, now.
Cross-clamp.
We're losing her.
Come on, Mrs.
Levin.
Work with me.
Don't bail on me.
Time of death, Dr.
McCafferty, did I No.
She'd already had two heart attacks.
Her aorta was extremely fragile.
But she was Lesson one, patients die.
Go home, Dr.
Cavanaugh.
How is she, Doctor? There was too much damage.
I'm sorry.
But you said Jan would be fine.
I'm sorry.
I did all I could.
You arrogant son of a bitch.
You killed her.
Why don't you try sucking on the tailpipe of a Buick? It's faster.
Tried it once.
Smeared my lipstick.
Who the hell are you? Garret Macy, M.
E.
's Office.
Oh, a coroner.
Wow, I didn't know they let you guys out of the crypt to walk among the living.
It's a new policy, but we have to wear sun block.
Examined the body of Mrs.
Jan Levin last night.
McCafferty's op report said you were in the O.
R.
When she died.
And? Was hoping you could fill in some holes for me.
Talk to McCafferty.
I'm just a resident.
I was observing.
Which led me to think maybe you saw something.
I mean, why did he choose such a damaged portion of the aorta? You ask me, I think he put the graft in the wrong place.
I didn't ask.
I gotta get back to work.
Anybody ever tell you you got a lousy attitude? Anybody ever tell you you dress like a coroner? My wife and daughter, every morning.
Well, they're right.
Not even a surgeon yet and you're already convinced God talks to you through this thing, aren't you? Actually, I listen to patients' beating hearts with this, but knowing your line of work, I can see why a guy like you wouldn't recognize it.
Exactly what do you have against M.
E.
's? You mean besides the fact that they're complacent bottom ten-percenters who act more like vultures than doctors? Yeah, besides that.
Seconal? And here I was thinking you sleep the sleep of the righteous.
Try working 36-hour shifts three times a week.
Messes with your internal clock.
Why are you afraid to talk about what happened in that O.
R.
Yesterday? I got a ward full of patients waiting.
Any one of them kicks, I'll send them your way.
You are killing Mr.
Reims! He's already dead, you moron! All right, hold on, hold on.
Okay Listen, all right, calm down, calm down.
Now, I appreciate your position, Mr Hummer.
Right.
But the problem is this He's nutty as a loon.
What is your baggage, Kashmir? Do you have stock in Kübler-Ross? All right, take it easy.
As I was saying, Mr.
Hummer.
Mmm.
I appreciate your group's interest in preserving the decedent, but the fact is that Have you people even read our literature? Uh-huh.
It's rubbish.
You feed off the irrational fear of death.
A fear you ghouls perpetuate every time you slice up an innocent corpse.
I mean, who signs your paychecks, the Grim Reaper? Charlatan.
Undertaker! Everybody knock it off! That's great.
I just gave myself a headache.
Might I suggest that we boil this imbroglio down to its essence? By all means.
Mr.
Reims requires an autopsy, but Mr.
Hummer fears that it will imperil Mr.
Reims's future.
My proposal is, we operate.
What, as if he were a live patient? Yeah.
That's preposterous, even for you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, the limey might have something.
Mr.
Reims's cells are breaking down by the second.
I have to get him vitrified and suspended pronto or he's toast.
Bring on the marmalade.
He's already toast.
You promise to put everything back where you found it? Sure.
Oh, please.
Don't make me do this.
It's my only way out of this nightmare.
You're just gonna have to take one for the team.
I do respect your policy, but this man has no family.
He's gonna be buried in a city plot off of the Mass Pike.
I think the people whose lives he saved would want to know.
Uh No, that's all right, I'll call you back.
That's not a happy face.
I'm fighting with the Northeastern Organ Bank.
What do you need? The names of Mr.
Busch's organ recipients.
They took his kidneys, his liver and a lung.
And all he got was a lousy t-shirt.
He's just a kid.
And they're gonna bury him in some grave in the middle of nowhere.
That blows.
Big time.
Mr.
Reims falls off the roof of his house fixing his TV and no Everybody's fighting over his body.
While my guy has saved who knows how many lives and nobody gives a damn.
The thing is, there are good reasons for keeping donor information confidential.
It's a very emotional process.
I get that, but what about Mr.
Busch? He died at 25, alone.
I don't see anybody getting emotional about that.
Except you.
Maybe you should let it go.
I'll find these people if I have to track every transplant on the East Coast over the last three months.
You might want to tread lightly, Lily.
I tried that.
Now I'm strapping on the stilettos.
What's your problem, man? Missed you, too.
Chief of Surgery called me into his office, ordered me to see you.
Your boss plays golf with my boss.
Small world, huh? Smaller every time I see you.
Let me show you something.
Mrs.
Levin's heart.
McCafferty's report said it was too weak to sustain the graft.
He would know.
But her aorta wasn't completely shot.
Just the portion McCafferty chose for the anastomosis.
Did he do a Doppler probe? It wasn't in the report.
If he had, there's a good chance Mrs.
Levin would be alive right now.
Look, if you're so sure about this, what do you need me for? Because you were there.
Without a statement from you saying McCafferty botched the surgery, I don't have the juice I need to rule this death what it really was.
Accidental, not natural.
I am not qualified.
That's a bunch of crap.
I got my ass out on a limb here, too.
My boss isn't exactly overjoyed I'm pursuing this, and I need you to come clean.
So who's covering his ass now? Sorry to interrupt, but Mrs.
Levin's husband's here to claim the body.
Okay.
The truth is the truth, Dr.
Cavanaugh.
Only question is whether or not you have the balls to say it out loud.
I'm so sorry about this.
I did all I could.
"Moron's Handbook For Writing Your Will.
"Had your name written all over it.
Love, Garret.
" Funny guy.
McCAFFERTY: Come in.
Hey, Cavanaugh.
You wanted to see me, sir? You did a good job in the O.
R.
The other day.
Sticking your hands inside a live chest for the first time, it's no picnic.
Thanks.
I just wish The outcome had been different? Well, unfortunately, it comes with the territory.
Mmm, tea? Yeah, thanks.
There's gonna be an M-and-M conference tomorrow to review Mrs.
Levin's surgery.
Apparently, some corpse jockey in the M.
E.
's Office has a little too much time on his hands.
You ever been to one? No.
Morbidity and Mortality.
Ask me, they should add a third M for "Masturbatory.
" We present the case, a panel of colleagues discusses the outcome.
That she died on the table.
As a result of normal operative risk.
Is that what really happened? To literally hold patients' lives in your hands every day, to accept that responsibility, to thrive on it, requires a truckload of talent and a damn healthy ego.
And the ability to climb back on the horse when things don't go your way.
Those are the doctors that make my team, the doctors that I turn into the best heart surgeons in the country, present company excluded.
My gut tells me you may have what it takes, Cavanaugh.
I'm flattered.
Well, you should be.
And when it works, the team has the power of life and death.
When we bring somebody back from the brink, defy death with nothing but a knife and a needle, there's no better feeling in the world.
Want to know how that feels, Dr.
Cavanaugh? Yes.
Good.
The sooner we get this M- and-M out of the way, the sooner we can see about making you part of the team.
Oh, Cavanaugh.
What the hell, Macy? You're like something I stepped in.
I heard you guys are holding one of your secret little buddy club meetings.
It's called an M- and-M conference.
Limited to faculty and residents, off the record, to encourage candor and improve patient care Not to mention eliminating a little thing called liability.
Look, I didn't invent the thing, okay? What do you expect from me? I expect you to have some integrity.
Call McCafferty on his mistake.
Don't be complicit in a damn cover-up.
Man, you are the most self-righteous, stubborn What's it like living in your black and white world, Macy? It sucks.
But at least it's real and it's honest.
Let me ask you a question.
What are you gonna say when they ask you what happened in that O.
R? I don't know yet, but they're gonna be my words, not yours.
Fine.
Just ask yourself one question.
Who's gonna speak for Mrs.
Levin? The operation report seems pretty straightforward.
Anything to add, Elliot? I think we've covered everything.
Obviously, this case had a disappointing outcome, but given the patient's cardiac history, it wasn't terribly surprising.
Dr.
Cavanaugh.
Yes.
You were present during Mrs.
Levin's bypass.
Anything you'd like to say? No.
I concur with Dr.
McCafferty's account of the surgery.
Okay.
Looks like we're done here.
You wanted to see me, Dr.
Macy? Yeah, come on in.
Damn thing was wobbling.
It was driving me crazy.
Anyway, Lily, I got a call from Sharon Kreitzer at the Northeastern Organ Bank.
Seems someone from this office was trying to breach transplant protocol.
Right.
The thing is, is that there's a decedent named Isaac Busch, and I know all about Mr.
Busch.
I signed him out to Potter's Field two days ago, but for some reason, his body is still here.
Uh, yeah.
Uh, the thing is, I was just trying to Lily, I get it, but the NEOB has a really tough job.
I don't want any more inquiries made.
What I do want is Mr.
Busch in a van by the end of business tomorrow.
If you would just listen for a second I really don't like to pull rank, but this meeting's over.
You can't just dismiss me like a child, Garret! Listen, this isn't personal.
The organ distribution system's not perfect, but it's my job to work within it, and if you intend to work here, I expect you to do the same.
Is that clear? Fine.
Can I go now? Yeah.
Vitals are strong.
Blood pressure's zero over zero.
Come on, luv.
Just having a bit of fun.
It's not often we get to put them back together.
Cause of death, massive internal trauma related to fall from a great height.
Somebody call Ripley's.
One more word and I will filet his brain like a flounder and then I will start on you.
Gentlemen, we have a patient on the table! Remember our motto, "First do no harm.
" He's dead! Well, do no more harm.
A new professional low, performing surgery on a corpse.
My parents would be so proud.
Heard Macy read you the riot act.
Let's just say he made his opinion known in no uncertain terms.
You know, you did everything you could for this guy.
I'm sure he'd thank you for going the extra mile.
I'm not giving up.
I'll pay for Mr.
Busch's burial myself if I have to.
Lily, you don't have that kind of money.
Besides, Macy said about Screw Dr.
Macy, okay? Mr.
Busch is not going to Potter's Field.
I'm gonna find the people who he helped and explain what's happening to him.
But I do need your help.
What can I do? The NEOB lists all the transplants in its computer.
The names and addresses of all of Mr.
Busch's organ recipients are in there.
Hang on.
You want me to break into the confidential NEOB database? Come on, Bug.
You and Nigel have hacked into dozens of systems.
Yeah, and Macy has threatened to fire us every time.
You're right.
It's not fair of me to ask you.
I'm sorry.
I'll do it myself.
Hey, Macy, wait up.
What the hell do you want? Look, I'm sorry.
I wanted to help you So you decided to help yourself instead.
Just 'cause nothing came out in the M- and-M doesn't mean you have to give up.
Actually, it does.
My boss got the skinny on your little powwow.
No evidence of medical misjudgment.
Mrs.
Levin's death will be recorded as natural.
Which means her widower has no claim against McCafferty or the hospital and no way to know what really happened to his wife.
I really am sorry.
Are you? If you're looking for absolution, go find a priest.
All right, what's wrong? I know the face.
Spill it.
You ever work a case with an M.
E.
Named Macy? Wiry, kind of serious, got a mouth on him? Yeah.
That's the guy.
He's been all over me.
About the woman who died on the table yesterday? Mrs.
Levin.
He wants my take on what happened.
He's a coroner, Jordan.
That's his job.
Just tell him what you saw.
That's the problem.
I'm a lowly resident.
McCafferty is a great surgeon.
I'm not really sure what happened.
But you think he might have screwed up.
No, don't smoke those cancer sticks in here.
In fact, don't smoke them at all.
Ever heard of the Surgeon General? Yeah, and I'd rather take him on than McCafferty.
Dad, this guy can make my career.
Or break it.
You've been dreaming about being a heart surgeon since you were 13.
Yeah, but the thing is, this woman's aorta was a train wreck.
I tried to tell him, but, you know, hey, what the hell do I know? She probably would have died anyway.
But you're not sure.
You arrogant, naive little prima donna.
I'm sorry, but I think you made a mistake on Mrs.
Levin's bypass.
You think? Do you have any idea who you are, Dr.
Cavanaugh, in the grand scheme of the universe? Do you think by contradicting my op report, you've somehow scored points for yourself? No.
I I had to come forward.
I felt the truth Oh, oh, oh, I see.
You're the protector of truth.
Must have been wearing your superhero costume under your scrubs.
That's why I missed it.
You have to hear me out.
I've heard enough.
Your pal Macy switched Mrs.
Levin's cause of death to accidental.
An hour later, I had a malpractice attorney on the phone.
Mrs.
Levin's husband intends to sue the hell out of me and this hospital.
I am really sorry.
Not yet.
But you will be.
You have to understand.
I Needless to say, any shot you had at making my team is history.
I also had a conversation with the Chief of Surgery.
It seems the resident program is over budget.
They have to eliminate a position, and since you were the last one hired And I wouldn't waste time applying to the other top CT programs.
They'll call me for a recommendation, and I can't imagine my opinion furthering your cause.
Good luck, Dr.
Cavanaugh.
It's called a glass.
Look into it.
Sorry.
Didn't mean to wake you.
Well, you did.
You okay? Yeah, I was just sick of not sleeping at my place.
Thought I wouldn't sleep here a few hours.
McCafferty dying bring back some memories? When the hell did you get so smart? I know my daughter.
Yeah.
Thought I'd put all that stuff behind me, you know? Take it from me, you never leave anything behind you.
Not completely.
You want to talk about it? My career is completely screwed.
Everything I've worked for.
Now, it's not the end of the world, Jordan.
It's the end of my world.
McCafferty blacklisted me.
If I want to be a heart surgeon, I've got to train in Bolivia! Look, I've been through a few crises in my life.
Always seems hopeless at first.
Now, I can't promise you everything'll be okay, but one thing's for sure.
We need more scotch.
You know, doesn't help you haven't slept in a week.
Yeah.
Feels like I'll never sleep again.
I know this may not mean much right now, but I'm proud of you.
No, no, you did the right thing.
And I'll be paying for it for the rest of my life.
Well, yes, maybe it feels that way, but you'll pick up and go on, just like always.
I guess.
You okay? Yeah, fine.
Excuse me, I've got to I think you've had enough.
Jordan? Jordan! Talk to me, honey.
Coming through.
How long ago did she collapse? I don't know, What'd she take? She's got a prescription for Seconal, she uses it when she can't sleep.
Has she been drinking? Yeah.
You gotta take care of her.
Jordan, can you hear me? Damn it, don't you die on me.
Jordan! One, two, three.
What's the story? Possible barbiturate overdose compounded by alcohol.
Vitals? Pulse is thready.
BP's 70 over 40.
You're McCafferty.
Pupils are dilated.
Who are you? Lieutenant Cavanaugh, and this is my daughter.
Get her into number four now.
I'll do everything I can.
You damn well better save her, or you and I are gonna have a problem.
Got this line going.
Open it.
She's not responding to the fluids.
Defib.
Clear.
Clear.
Come on, where's that spunk I hate so much? Crank it to the top.
Charged to 360.
Clear.
Got a pulse.
It's weak.
She's back.
I'm Lily Lebowski.
Can I help you? My name is Dick Robbins.
I was told to see you.
Can I ask what this is regarding? I understand you have the body of Isaac Busch here.
That's right.
Well, three months ago, I got a new liver.
Tried to find out where it came from, but the organ people wouldn't tell me.
You have Mr.
Busch's liver? Yeah.
You should have seen me before the surgery.
Another week and I would have been dead.
I I've been trying to find you.
Well, I'm grateful you did.
My family's got a plot up in Lynnfield.
If it's okay, I'd like to bury Mr.
Busch up there.
Oh I think that's wonderful.
Well, it's the least I can do.
I'm planning a simple funeral for Thursday, my wife and kids and a few friends.
I'd really like for you to come.
I'd be honored.
Good.
Mr.
Robbins, how did you know I was looking for you? Well, I got a call from a doctor named Macy.
Real nice guy.
Anyway, I'll see you Thursday.
Okay.
Awake, I see.
I feel like hell.
You almost died.
You know, I spent good money putting you through medical school.
Were you absent the day they taught you never to mix sleeping pills and alcohol? Dad, my head is killing me.
You pull a stunt like that again, I'll break your neck.
Nice to see you back among the living.
Mind if I have a word with your daughter, Lieutenant? Dad, it's okay.
Nurse tells me I should thank you for saving my life.
Forgive me if I'm not feeling very grateful.
Well, you fought like hell to live.
I was impressed.
That was my primary goal.
Not dying was just an added benefit.
I was angry yesterday.
It's been a while since I was challenged.
Legal fees notwithstanding, maybe it's not such a bad thing every once in a while.
Probably not.
Point is, you've got courage, a quality I value.
So hurry the hell up and get well.
Surgery schedule's full all week.
You telling me I'm not fired? You're smarter than most OD's we get in here.
You know, it's funny.
I Last night, while I was on that table, dying, I wasn't thinking about being a great heart surgeon.
I was remembering all the things I love about living.
My dad and windy days on the Cape, the Stones in concert, you know? All the things that make me happy.
At least as happy as I can get.
Over these past few months living my dream, I forgot all about those things.
Fact is I've been completely miserable.
Let me see if I have this right.
You're turning me down? Yeah, guess I am.
Do you have any idea what you're giving up? Probably the biggest mistake of my life.
Truth is, I just suddenly realized, man, I do not want to be you.
So maybe I need to figure out what the hell it means to be me.
What the hell is going on here? Can it, Gandhi.
We're working.
Uh, Mr.
Reims was a trifle fragile post-autopsy, so Arnold asked if he might perform the cryo-transport here.
And you said yes? Don't get your sari in a bunch.
We're almost done.
What's his body temp? Minus 286 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wouldn't want to be a brass monkey.
Excellent.
I'm closing him off.
We're ready to vat him.
Vat him? Here? Bring it in.
What the hell is that? That, my young Luddite, is Mr.
Reims's cryovat.
His private jet to a boundless future.
Yeah? What do you got in there? Liquid nitrogen.
The only way to fly.
Shall we pop him in then? In a moment.
First, the LifeXpand Creed.
"Do not go gentle into that good night.
" Dylan Thomas? Even the creed's a fraud.
"Rage, rage, "against the dying of the light!" LifeXpand! Gotta admit, you've never seen anything like this before.
Dr.
Macy.
Hey, Lily.
I wanted to thank you for what you did for Mr.
Busch.
I didn't do it for him.
I was way out of line before.
I know you were just following your heart.
I really don't need an apology from you.
I just I need you to understand why I did what I did.
Okay.
See, when a person gives a piece of themselves to someone, like Mr.
Busch did, something that helps that person, that makes a difference in their life, that gift needs to be acknowledged and appreciated.
Can you understand that? Yes.
So when you get a gift like that, you should treasure it, because it doesn't come along very often.
So I guess what I'm saying is, if you have a problem with that, then maybe I should find another place to work, because I'm not gonna change, not for you or anyone else.
Well, you never let up, do you? Didn't think I'd see you again.
Well, I kind of miss that morgue smell.
You know, I came by the hospital to thank you and they said you'd quit.
Something like that, yeah.
You look different.
What? Different how? Better.
You got a little color in your face, you're not so damned thin.
That's good.
Oh, I quit smoking.
Get outta here.
Yeah.
Decided to take your advice, suck on a Buick instead.
Changed my whole outlook on life.
So what's next for you? Oh, who knows? Maybe I'll take a trip around the world, chill out.
Can you afford to do that? No.
Why are you here? I was thinking about Mr.
Levin.
The husband of the woman.
Yeah, yeah.
I know who he is.
What about him? That day you dragged me down here, I saw you comforting him.
I would be terrified to talk to someone who was in that much pain.
You get used to it.
You know, it helps if you've had a little personal experience in that area.
Truth is that not many people understand what it is that we do here.
I mean, we're obviously here for the dead.
We're also here for the living, you know? Right.
I'm I gotta go.
Cavanaugh, not that you'd be interested, but we've got an associate coroner position open.
I mean, I know we're all complacent vultures, but it's honest work.
You Okay, you're offering me a job? Think about it.
Something tells me you might liven up the joint.
Where the hell have you been all day? Decided to take your advice.
I finally made out my will.
When have you ever listened to me? I always listen to you.
I just rarely do what you say.
Oh.
Yeah.
Your inheritance.
You made my will.
I don't mean to rain on your funeral, but you know it's customary to actually die before you start bequeathing your estate.
Come on, that's no fun.
Just open it up.
What's in here? This brings back memories.
Yeah.
You still talk to God through this thing? No, we e-mail now.
Always thought it was McCafferty who saved my life seven years ago.
I finally realized it was you.
You showed me what I was supposed to do with my life.
I owe you one.
Hi.
Oh, my God.
Awesome bag.
Oh, you should see the matching shoes.
Love! You know, you look different lately.
Really? Yeah, like you're glowing or something.
Oh.
You're not, uh Oh, that's unlikely.
It could be this new face cream I got.
The active ingredient is human foreskin.
And you put this on your face? Smoothes out your fine lines.
Just be careful not to rub too hard, know what I'm saying? Yeah, I got all the complexion-erection jokes from the gal at the cosmetics counter.
Morning, Jordan.
Hey.
Lily.
Ooh, sudden chill in here.
Drop it.
Fine.
Look, I need a raise.
My accountant says I'm worth $1.
50, after taxes.
Be sure to stick that in an IRA.
No, I'm serious.
Bernie says if I don't start saving now, my heirs won't get a dime.
You don't have any heirs.
I know.
He still wants me to draw up a will.
You don't have a will? You're an M.
E.
, for God's sake.
I'm a young M.
E.
There'll be plenty of time to think about that stuff when I'm your age.
You know, you really ought to see someone about having that nasty little patch of denial removed.
Dr.
Macy, you've got a priority call from Boston University Hospital.
Everything's a priority over there.
Tell them we'll pick up their patient ASAP.
Thing is, it's not a patient.
One of their CT surgeons dropped dead in the middle of performing open heart surgery.
This place brings back memories.
Got your tonsils out here as a young lass, huh? Well, actually, yeah.
Also did a surgical residency back in '95.
Mercy.
You must have been head of your class.
That was a long time ago.
Hi.
What happened? He was doing a quadruple bypass.
He seemed fine, then he mentioned feeling dizzy and the next second he collapsed.
You tried CPR? He was already gone.
You know this guy? Yeah.
How long ago did she collapse? I don't know, What'd she take? She's got a prescription for Seconal.
She uses it when she can't sleep.
Has she been drinking? Yeah.
You gotta take care of her.
Jordan.
Can you hear me? Damn it, don't you die on me, Jordan.
Jordan! Jordan.
Jordan.
You okay, love? Yeah, I'm fine.
So, who is he? Dr.
Elliot McCafferty.
He's one of the top heart surgeons in the country.
Friend of yours? Not really.
He just saved my life once.
You mind riding back with the body? It's what I live for.
Patient was admitted to the E.
R.
Complaining of shortness of breath and radiating chest pains.
Mr.
Siegel's echocardiogram revealed severe aortic damage.
What's the best way to avoid post-op stroke? No-clamp fibrillatory arrest strategy? What if there's mid-ascending aortic involvement? Anyone? Replace the ascending aorta under hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Oh, at last.
Signs of intelligent life.
Okay, Cavanaugh.
Let's go for the gold.
Under what other conditions would you induce hypothermic arrest? If the patient has multiple or circumferentially involved areas.
I'd remind the rest of you I'm not asking these questions for my own amusement.
They're questions of life and death.
And the day you hold someone's heart in your hands, if any of you make it that far, you damn well better know the answers.
That's it.
Dr.
Cavanaugh.
Yes, sir? I've got a bypass scheduled at 6:30.
Feel like scrubbing in? Absolutely.
Thank you.
Don't thank me yet.
Just want to see if you move your hands half as well as you move your mouth.
Take it easy.
He is not a damn popsicle.
Arnold Hummer, chief cryo-technician, LifeXpand Incorporated.
This is my client, Mr.
Reims.
I need your intake manager, stat.
Are you some kind of lawyer? Lawyers suck the life out of people.
At LifeXpand, we're about sealing life in.
This isn't one of our gurneys.
You bet your Union Jack it's not, Churchill.
This is the Pork 5000 Portable Rescue Cart.
It's my own design.
This is going to revolutionize the business.
And exactly what business is that? Cryo-transport.
I'm here to save Mr.
Reims.
No offense, but I think you might be a hair late on that.
You're way too hot to be a cryo-baby, honey.
Death is over.
It's strictly second millennium.
Let it go.
Why is he on cardiopulmonary support? And what's with the IV? Nimodipine, heparin, some free radical inhibitors.
The exact formula is classified.
LifeXpand personnel only, patent pending.
Mr.
Reims needs an autopsy, which you have made infinitely more difficult by polluting him with a river of chemicals.
What autopsy? He was adjusting his satellite dish and fell off the roof.
Now, let's get him signed out, so we can get him vatted.
Cryogenic suspension.
Mr.
Reims will be preserved until his condition is reversible.
But his condition is dead.
Man, you people are like a broken record.
Enough.
What the hell are you doing? If the family agrees, you can have the body when I'm through.
You cannot dissect this man like a frog.
You are ruining his chances at future life.
Superficial contusion near the left temple, a probable impact injury from the fall.
No other obvious signs of trauma.
Is it really McCafferty? Yeah.
He always seemed the type Who'd never die? Yeah.
Guess I figured he'd just ascend to the heavens in a golden chariot or something.
Seeing him on the O.
R.
Floor this morning, he God, he seemed almost human.
Yeah.
Hell of a surgeon.
Oh, come on, Garret.
You hated the guy.
He wouldn't have gotten my vote for Mr.
Congeniality, but if my ticker ever blew, he sure as hell is the guy I'd want holding the knife.
Must be weird for you.
Just another body.
And this is Mr.
Busch.
He's heading for Potter's Field.
Oh, no one claimed him? Been three months.
Dr.
Macy said we need the space.
Hey He was an organ donor and no one ever claimed him? That's kind of unusual.
Isaac Busch, 25.
Died in a motorcycle accident.
Parents are dead, no siblings.
Pretty sad.
You know what? I think I'll handle this one myself, Emmy.
Cool.
Sorry I'm late.
Why is Mr.
Reims still on the Porkmobile? The only way I could get rid of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
Hummer's not that bad.
He actually believes he can extend people's lives.
What, by pumping them full of chemicals and freezing them like TV dinners? Well, there's more to cryonics than that, Buggles.
I cruised the LifeXpand website.
It was a tad out there, but what's wrong with offering a bit of hope to those facing the great unknown? What's wrong is, it's a bloody scam.
I can't imagine what these hustlers charge.
$120,000 for full body suspension.
Sweet Nancy.
Hummer slipped it to me on the way out.
It's a bit pricey, but there's an economy plan.
For $50,000, they'll put your brain on ice.
Yeah, I bet you could get half price.
Why so cynical? My uncle Sanjay fell prey to these body snatchers in London.
Bought a life insurance policy, 85 grand.
Named them beneficiaries.
Well, they've got to keep these bodies fresh till science solves the mysteries of death.
juice every 10 years? Someone is getting very rich.
Drop the blade, butcher boy.
I'm calling security.
Call a lawyer instead.
This court order enjoins you from mutilating my client.
Fine, but this gives you no claim over Mr.
Reims's body.
He's not leaving this morgue.
Now, now, lads.
I'm sure we can work something out.
Or not.
McCAFFERTY: Where you from, Cavanaugh? I grew up in South Boston.
Oh, a local girl.
Mrs.
Levin here is your neighbor.
Adjust the side-biting clamp.
You want to be a heart surgeon, you're gonna have to touch a few hearts.
Run your finger along the pulmonary artery.
Pretty cool, huh? Amazing.
Should we run a Doppler probe, Doctor? Not worth the time.
Here's the fun part.
Proximal anastomosis joining the vein graft to the aorta.
Her aorta's in pretty bad shape.
Oh, I've seen worse.
Will the graft hold with that much atherosclerosis? Check out the rookie slinging the lingo.
I didn't mean to suggest Ready to sew.
Move the clamp, Cavanaugh.
Loosen and pull.
Nice and easy.
Damn.
What's wrong? She's hemorrhaging around the aorta.
Pressure's dropping.
Did I do something? Uh-oh.
I need a 4l0 Proline, now.
Cross-clamp.
We're losing her.
Come on, Mrs.
Levin.
Work with me.
Don't bail on me.
Time of death, Dr.
McCafferty, did I No.
She'd already had two heart attacks.
Her aorta was extremely fragile.
But she was Lesson one, patients die.
Go home, Dr.
Cavanaugh.
How is she, Doctor? There was too much damage.
I'm sorry.
But you said Jan would be fine.
I'm sorry.
I did all I could.
You arrogant son of a bitch.
You killed her.
Why don't you try sucking on the tailpipe of a Buick? It's faster.
Tried it once.
Smeared my lipstick.
Who the hell are you? Garret Macy, M.
E.
's Office.
Oh, a coroner.
Wow, I didn't know they let you guys out of the crypt to walk among the living.
It's a new policy, but we have to wear sun block.
Examined the body of Mrs.
Jan Levin last night.
McCafferty's op report said you were in the O.
R.
When she died.
And? Was hoping you could fill in some holes for me.
Talk to McCafferty.
I'm just a resident.
I was observing.
Which led me to think maybe you saw something.
I mean, why did he choose such a damaged portion of the aorta? You ask me, I think he put the graft in the wrong place.
I didn't ask.
I gotta get back to work.
Anybody ever tell you you got a lousy attitude? Anybody ever tell you you dress like a coroner? My wife and daughter, every morning.
Well, they're right.
Not even a surgeon yet and you're already convinced God talks to you through this thing, aren't you? Actually, I listen to patients' beating hearts with this, but knowing your line of work, I can see why a guy like you wouldn't recognize it.
Exactly what do you have against M.
E.
's? You mean besides the fact that they're complacent bottom ten-percenters who act more like vultures than doctors? Yeah, besides that.
Seconal? And here I was thinking you sleep the sleep of the righteous.
Try working 36-hour shifts three times a week.
Messes with your internal clock.
Why are you afraid to talk about what happened in that O.
R.
Yesterday? I got a ward full of patients waiting.
Any one of them kicks, I'll send them your way.
You are killing Mr.
Reims! He's already dead, you moron! All right, hold on, hold on.
Okay Listen, all right, calm down, calm down.
Now, I appreciate your position, Mr Hummer.
Right.
But the problem is this He's nutty as a loon.
What is your baggage, Kashmir? Do you have stock in Kübler-Ross? All right, take it easy.
As I was saying, Mr.
Hummer.
Mmm.
I appreciate your group's interest in preserving the decedent, but the fact is that Have you people even read our literature? Uh-huh.
It's rubbish.
You feed off the irrational fear of death.
A fear you ghouls perpetuate every time you slice up an innocent corpse.
I mean, who signs your paychecks, the Grim Reaper? Charlatan.
Undertaker! Everybody knock it off! That's great.
I just gave myself a headache.
Might I suggest that we boil this imbroglio down to its essence? By all means.
Mr.
Reims requires an autopsy, but Mr.
Hummer fears that it will imperil Mr.
Reims's future.
My proposal is, we operate.
What, as if he were a live patient? Yeah.
That's preposterous, even for you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, the limey might have something.
Mr.
Reims's cells are breaking down by the second.
I have to get him vitrified and suspended pronto or he's toast.
Bring on the marmalade.
He's already toast.
You promise to put everything back where you found it? Sure.
Oh, please.
Don't make me do this.
It's my only way out of this nightmare.
You're just gonna have to take one for the team.
I do respect your policy, but this man has no family.
He's gonna be buried in a city plot off of the Mass Pike.
I think the people whose lives he saved would want to know.
Uh No, that's all right, I'll call you back.
That's not a happy face.
I'm fighting with the Northeastern Organ Bank.
What do you need? The names of Mr.
Busch's organ recipients.
They took his kidneys, his liver and a lung.
And all he got was a lousy t-shirt.
He's just a kid.
And they're gonna bury him in some grave in the middle of nowhere.
That blows.
Big time.
Mr.
Reims falls off the roof of his house fixing his TV and no Everybody's fighting over his body.
While my guy has saved who knows how many lives and nobody gives a damn.
The thing is, there are good reasons for keeping donor information confidential.
It's a very emotional process.
I get that, but what about Mr.
Busch? He died at 25, alone.
I don't see anybody getting emotional about that.
Except you.
Maybe you should let it go.
I'll find these people if I have to track every transplant on the East Coast over the last three months.
You might want to tread lightly, Lily.
I tried that.
Now I'm strapping on the stilettos.
What's your problem, man? Missed you, too.
Chief of Surgery called me into his office, ordered me to see you.
Your boss plays golf with my boss.
Small world, huh? Smaller every time I see you.
Let me show you something.
Mrs.
Levin's heart.
McCafferty's report said it was too weak to sustain the graft.
He would know.
But her aorta wasn't completely shot.
Just the portion McCafferty chose for the anastomosis.
Did he do a Doppler probe? It wasn't in the report.
If he had, there's a good chance Mrs.
Levin would be alive right now.
Look, if you're so sure about this, what do you need me for? Because you were there.
Without a statement from you saying McCafferty botched the surgery, I don't have the juice I need to rule this death what it really was.
Accidental, not natural.
I am not qualified.
That's a bunch of crap.
I got my ass out on a limb here, too.
My boss isn't exactly overjoyed I'm pursuing this, and I need you to come clean.
So who's covering his ass now? Sorry to interrupt, but Mrs.
Levin's husband's here to claim the body.
Okay.
The truth is the truth, Dr.
Cavanaugh.
Only question is whether or not you have the balls to say it out loud.
I'm so sorry about this.
I did all I could.
"Moron's Handbook For Writing Your Will.
"Had your name written all over it.
Love, Garret.
" Funny guy.
McCAFFERTY: Come in.
Hey, Cavanaugh.
You wanted to see me, sir? You did a good job in the O.
R.
The other day.
Sticking your hands inside a live chest for the first time, it's no picnic.
Thanks.
I just wish The outcome had been different? Well, unfortunately, it comes with the territory.
Mmm, tea? Yeah, thanks.
There's gonna be an M-and-M conference tomorrow to review Mrs.
Levin's surgery.
Apparently, some corpse jockey in the M.
E.
's Office has a little too much time on his hands.
You ever been to one? No.
Morbidity and Mortality.
Ask me, they should add a third M for "Masturbatory.
" We present the case, a panel of colleagues discusses the outcome.
That she died on the table.
As a result of normal operative risk.
Is that what really happened? To literally hold patients' lives in your hands every day, to accept that responsibility, to thrive on it, requires a truckload of talent and a damn healthy ego.
And the ability to climb back on the horse when things don't go your way.
Those are the doctors that make my team, the doctors that I turn into the best heart surgeons in the country, present company excluded.
My gut tells me you may have what it takes, Cavanaugh.
I'm flattered.
Well, you should be.
And when it works, the team has the power of life and death.
When we bring somebody back from the brink, defy death with nothing but a knife and a needle, there's no better feeling in the world.
Want to know how that feels, Dr.
Cavanaugh? Yes.
Good.
The sooner we get this M- and-M out of the way, the sooner we can see about making you part of the team.
Oh, Cavanaugh.
What the hell, Macy? You're like something I stepped in.
I heard you guys are holding one of your secret little buddy club meetings.
It's called an M- and-M conference.
Limited to faculty and residents, off the record, to encourage candor and improve patient care Not to mention eliminating a little thing called liability.
Look, I didn't invent the thing, okay? What do you expect from me? I expect you to have some integrity.
Call McCafferty on his mistake.
Don't be complicit in a damn cover-up.
Man, you are the most self-righteous, stubborn What's it like living in your black and white world, Macy? It sucks.
But at least it's real and it's honest.
Let me ask you a question.
What are you gonna say when they ask you what happened in that O.
R? I don't know yet, but they're gonna be my words, not yours.
Fine.
Just ask yourself one question.
Who's gonna speak for Mrs.
Levin? The operation report seems pretty straightforward.
Anything to add, Elliot? I think we've covered everything.
Obviously, this case had a disappointing outcome, but given the patient's cardiac history, it wasn't terribly surprising.
Dr.
Cavanaugh.
Yes.
You were present during Mrs.
Levin's bypass.
Anything you'd like to say? No.
I concur with Dr.
McCafferty's account of the surgery.
Okay.
Looks like we're done here.
You wanted to see me, Dr.
Macy? Yeah, come on in.
Damn thing was wobbling.
It was driving me crazy.
Anyway, Lily, I got a call from Sharon Kreitzer at the Northeastern Organ Bank.
Seems someone from this office was trying to breach transplant protocol.
Right.
The thing is, is that there's a decedent named Isaac Busch, and I know all about Mr.
Busch.
I signed him out to Potter's Field two days ago, but for some reason, his body is still here.
Uh, yeah.
Uh, the thing is, I was just trying to Lily, I get it, but the NEOB has a really tough job.
I don't want any more inquiries made.
What I do want is Mr.
Busch in a van by the end of business tomorrow.
If you would just listen for a second I really don't like to pull rank, but this meeting's over.
You can't just dismiss me like a child, Garret! Listen, this isn't personal.
The organ distribution system's not perfect, but it's my job to work within it, and if you intend to work here, I expect you to do the same.
Is that clear? Fine.
Can I go now? Yeah.
Vitals are strong.
Blood pressure's zero over zero.
Come on, luv.
Just having a bit of fun.
It's not often we get to put them back together.
Cause of death, massive internal trauma related to fall from a great height.
Somebody call Ripley's.
One more word and I will filet his brain like a flounder and then I will start on you.
Gentlemen, we have a patient on the table! Remember our motto, "First do no harm.
" He's dead! Well, do no more harm.
A new professional low, performing surgery on a corpse.
My parents would be so proud.
Heard Macy read you the riot act.
Let's just say he made his opinion known in no uncertain terms.
You know, you did everything you could for this guy.
I'm sure he'd thank you for going the extra mile.
I'm not giving up.
I'll pay for Mr.
Busch's burial myself if I have to.
Lily, you don't have that kind of money.
Besides, Macy said about Screw Dr.
Macy, okay? Mr.
Busch is not going to Potter's Field.
I'm gonna find the people who he helped and explain what's happening to him.
But I do need your help.
What can I do? The NEOB lists all the transplants in its computer.
The names and addresses of all of Mr.
Busch's organ recipients are in there.
Hang on.
You want me to break into the confidential NEOB database? Come on, Bug.
You and Nigel have hacked into dozens of systems.
Yeah, and Macy has threatened to fire us every time.
You're right.
It's not fair of me to ask you.
I'm sorry.
I'll do it myself.
Hey, Macy, wait up.
What the hell do you want? Look, I'm sorry.
I wanted to help you So you decided to help yourself instead.
Just 'cause nothing came out in the M- and-M doesn't mean you have to give up.
Actually, it does.
My boss got the skinny on your little powwow.
No evidence of medical misjudgment.
Mrs.
Levin's death will be recorded as natural.
Which means her widower has no claim against McCafferty or the hospital and no way to know what really happened to his wife.
I really am sorry.
Are you? If you're looking for absolution, go find a priest.
All right, what's wrong? I know the face.
Spill it.
You ever work a case with an M.
E.
Named Macy? Wiry, kind of serious, got a mouth on him? Yeah.
That's the guy.
He's been all over me.
About the woman who died on the table yesterday? Mrs.
Levin.
He wants my take on what happened.
He's a coroner, Jordan.
That's his job.
Just tell him what you saw.
That's the problem.
I'm a lowly resident.
McCafferty is a great surgeon.
I'm not really sure what happened.
But you think he might have screwed up.
No, don't smoke those cancer sticks in here.
In fact, don't smoke them at all.
Ever heard of the Surgeon General? Yeah, and I'd rather take him on than McCafferty.
Dad, this guy can make my career.
Or break it.
You've been dreaming about being a heart surgeon since you were 13.
Yeah, but the thing is, this woman's aorta was a train wreck.
I tried to tell him, but, you know, hey, what the hell do I know? She probably would have died anyway.
But you're not sure.
You arrogant, naive little prima donna.
I'm sorry, but I think you made a mistake on Mrs.
Levin's bypass.
You think? Do you have any idea who you are, Dr.
Cavanaugh, in the grand scheme of the universe? Do you think by contradicting my op report, you've somehow scored points for yourself? No.
I I had to come forward.
I felt the truth Oh, oh, oh, I see.
You're the protector of truth.
Must have been wearing your superhero costume under your scrubs.
That's why I missed it.
You have to hear me out.
I've heard enough.
Your pal Macy switched Mrs.
Levin's cause of death to accidental.
An hour later, I had a malpractice attorney on the phone.
Mrs.
Levin's husband intends to sue the hell out of me and this hospital.
I am really sorry.
Not yet.
But you will be.
You have to understand.
I Needless to say, any shot you had at making my team is history.
I also had a conversation with the Chief of Surgery.
It seems the resident program is over budget.
They have to eliminate a position, and since you were the last one hired And I wouldn't waste time applying to the other top CT programs.
They'll call me for a recommendation, and I can't imagine my opinion furthering your cause.
Good luck, Dr.
Cavanaugh.
It's called a glass.
Look into it.
Sorry.
Didn't mean to wake you.
Well, you did.
You okay? Yeah, I was just sick of not sleeping at my place.
Thought I wouldn't sleep here a few hours.
McCafferty dying bring back some memories? When the hell did you get so smart? I know my daughter.
Yeah.
Thought I'd put all that stuff behind me, you know? Take it from me, you never leave anything behind you.
Not completely.
You want to talk about it? My career is completely screwed.
Everything I've worked for.
Now, it's not the end of the world, Jordan.
It's the end of my world.
McCafferty blacklisted me.
If I want to be a heart surgeon, I've got to train in Bolivia! Look, I've been through a few crises in my life.
Always seems hopeless at first.
Now, I can't promise you everything'll be okay, but one thing's for sure.
We need more scotch.
You know, doesn't help you haven't slept in a week.
Yeah.
Feels like I'll never sleep again.
I know this may not mean much right now, but I'm proud of you.
No, no, you did the right thing.
And I'll be paying for it for the rest of my life.
Well, yes, maybe it feels that way, but you'll pick up and go on, just like always.
I guess.
You okay? Yeah, fine.
Excuse me, I've got to I think you've had enough.
Jordan? Jordan! Talk to me, honey.
Coming through.
How long ago did she collapse? I don't know, What'd she take? She's got a prescription for Seconal, she uses it when she can't sleep.
Has she been drinking? Yeah.
You gotta take care of her.
Jordan, can you hear me? Damn it, don't you die on me.
Jordan! One, two, three.
What's the story? Possible barbiturate overdose compounded by alcohol.
Vitals? Pulse is thready.
BP's 70 over 40.
You're McCafferty.
Pupils are dilated.
Who are you? Lieutenant Cavanaugh, and this is my daughter.
Get her into number four now.
I'll do everything I can.
You damn well better save her, or you and I are gonna have a problem.
Got this line going.
Open it.
She's not responding to the fluids.
Defib.
Clear.
Clear.
Come on, where's that spunk I hate so much? Crank it to the top.
Charged to 360.
Clear.
Got a pulse.
It's weak.
She's back.
I'm Lily Lebowski.
Can I help you? My name is Dick Robbins.
I was told to see you.
Can I ask what this is regarding? I understand you have the body of Isaac Busch here.
That's right.
Well, three months ago, I got a new liver.
Tried to find out where it came from, but the organ people wouldn't tell me.
You have Mr.
Busch's liver? Yeah.
You should have seen me before the surgery.
Another week and I would have been dead.
I I've been trying to find you.
Well, I'm grateful you did.
My family's got a plot up in Lynnfield.
If it's okay, I'd like to bury Mr.
Busch up there.
Oh I think that's wonderful.
Well, it's the least I can do.
I'm planning a simple funeral for Thursday, my wife and kids and a few friends.
I'd really like for you to come.
I'd be honored.
Good.
Mr.
Robbins, how did you know I was looking for you? Well, I got a call from a doctor named Macy.
Real nice guy.
Anyway, I'll see you Thursday.
Okay.
Awake, I see.
I feel like hell.
You almost died.
You know, I spent good money putting you through medical school.
Were you absent the day they taught you never to mix sleeping pills and alcohol? Dad, my head is killing me.
You pull a stunt like that again, I'll break your neck.
Nice to see you back among the living.
Mind if I have a word with your daughter, Lieutenant? Dad, it's okay.
Nurse tells me I should thank you for saving my life.
Forgive me if I'm not feeling very grateful.
Well, you fought like hell to live.
I was impressed.
That was my primary goal.
Not dying was just an added benefit.
I was angry yesterday.
It's been a while since I was challenged.
Legal fees notwithstanding, maybe it's not such a bad thing every once in a while.
Probably not.
Point is, you've got courage, a quality I value.
So hurry the hell up and get well.
Surgery schedule's full all week.
You telling me I'm not fired? You're smarter than most OD's we get in here.
You know, it's funny.
I Last night, while I was on that table, dying, I wasn't thinking about being a great heart surgeon.
I was remembering all the things I love about living.
My dad and windy days on the Cape, the Stones in concert, you know? All the things that make me happy.
At least as happy as I can get.
Over these past few months living my dream, I forgot all about those things.
Fact is I've been completely miserable.
Let me see if I have this right.
You're turning me down? Yeah, guess I am.
Do you have any idea what you're giving up? Probably the biggest mistake of my life.
Truth is, I just suddenly realized, man, I do not want to be you.
So maybe I need to figure out what the hell it means to be me.
What the hell is going on here? Can it, Gandhi.
We're working.
Uh, Mr.
Reims was a trifle fragile post-autopsy, so Arnold asked if he might perform the cryo-transport here.
And you said yes? Don't get your sari in a bunch.
We're almost done.
What's his body temp? Minus 286 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wouldn't want to be a brass monkey.
Excellent.
I'm closing him off.
We're ready to vat him.
Vat him? Here? Bring it in.
What the hell is that? That, my young Luddite, is Mr.
Reims's cryovat.
His private jet to a boundless future.
Yeah? What do you got in there? Liquid nitrogen.
The only way to fly.
Shall we pop him in then? In a moment.
First, the LifeXpand Creed.
"Do not go gentle into that good night.
" Dylan Thomas? Even the creed's a fraud.
"Rage, rage, "against the dying of the light!" LifeXpand! Gotta admit, you've never seen anything like this before.
Dr.
Macy.
Hey, Lily.
I wanted to thank you for what you did for Mr.
Busch.
I didn't do it for him.
I was way out of line before.
I know you were just following your heart.
I really don't need an apology from you.
I just I need you to understand why I did what I did.
Okay.
See, when a person gives a piece of themselves to someone, like Mr.
Busch did, something that helps that person, that makes a difference in their life, that gift needs to be acknowledged and appreciated.
Can you understand that? Yes.
So when you get a gift like that, you should treasure it, because it doesn't come along very often.
So I guess what I'm saying is, if you have a problem with that, then maybe I should find another place to work, because I'm not gonna change, not for you or anyone else.
Well, you never let up, do you? Didn't think I'd see you again.
Well, I kind of miss that morgue smell.
You know, I came by the hospital to thank you and they said you'd quit.
Something like that, yeah.
You look different.
What? Different how? Better.
You got a little color in your face, you're not so damned thin.
That's good.
Oh, I quit smoking.
Get outta here.
Yeah.
Decided to take your advice, suck on a Buick instead.
Changed my whole outlook on life.
So what's next for you? Oh, who knows? Maybe I'll take a trip around the world, chill out.
Can you afford to do that? No.
Why are you here? I was thinking about Mr.
Levin.
The husband of the woman.
Yeah, yeah.
I know who he is.
What about him? That day you dragged me down here, I saw you comforting him.
I would be terrified to talk to someone who was in that much pain.
You get used to it.
You know, it helps if you've had a little personal experience in that area.
Truth is that not many people understand what it is that we do here.
I mean, we're obviously here for the dead.
We're also here for the living, you know? Right.
I'm I gotta go.
Cavanaugh, not that you'd be interested, but we've got an associate coroner position open.
I mean, I know we're all complacent vultures, but it's honest work.
You Okay, you're offering me a job? Think about it.
Something tells me you might liven up the joint.
Where the hell have you been all day? Decided to take your advice.
I finally made out my will.
When have you ever listened to me? I always listen to you.
I just rarely do what you say.
Oh.
Yeah.
Your inheritance.
You made my will.
I don't mean to rain on your funeral, but you know it's customary to actually die before you start bequeathing your estate.
Come on, that's no fun.
Just open it up.
What's in here? This brings back memories.
Yeah.
You still talk to God through this thing? No, we e-mail now.
Always thought it was McCafferty who saved my life seven years ago.
I finally realized it was you.
You showed me what I was supposed to do with my life.
I owe you one.