Saw some more "Carter classic" in last night's TNT episode... Carter is always so kind and caring with the elderly patients isn't he? Even the annoying ones. Meanwhile one recalls Cleo's comment in one of the episodes this season when she was confronted by the elderly lady with dementia... "I hated my geriatric rotation, that's why I went into pediatrics..." Gee, no wonder we hate her so much :-) but it is a lot easier to be kindly toward cute little children, much harder with annoying, elderly adults!

Anyhow I thought it was interesting how the writers did not play up the "kibble" thing for obvious laughs at the poor patient's expense. Instead they had Carter very seriously relating the story to Carol and having the laugh be at HIS expense (that is, Carol laughing at him and making fun of him because he was being so serious about it). I think the writers were trying to foreshadow that eventually Carter would leave the surgery speciality and return to the ER in season 4.

-- debbie (riccardoiii@aol.com), May 26, 2000

Answers

I haven't seen this episode, what was the kibble thing about?

-- Felicity (felicity08@juno.com), May 26, 2000.

There was an old man brought into the ER who kept yelling for someone named Thomas. He went into arrest and Carter did CPR on him and got him back (broke his ribs though). The guy kept grabbing Carter and saying "Thomas it's time to come in now!" Finally Carter let the guy whisper in his ear, something we don't hear but it makes Carter laugh. Later when he's talking to Carol he reveals that what the guy said was "Kibble kibble kibble" and so probably, Thomas was the guy's dog.

-- debbie (riccardoiii@aol.com), May 26, 2000.

I always thought Carter would've made a great geriatrics doctor. I am surprised TPTB never followed up or explored that possiblity after he left surgery.

I don't recall one senior citizen that he was not compassionate, or caring toward. He always took the time to talk with them too. Right up to Mrs. Conway in "Be Still My Heart".

-- AmyE (roamyn@aol.com), May 26, 2000.

Thanks, that is kind of funny. Thomas doesn't sound much like a dog's name to me; then again, I have a cat named Deborah :-)

-- Felicity (felicity08@juno.com), May 26, 2000.

Yeah, I think I could watch Carter even if it was just him and a bunch of old folks in a nursing home... Seriously though: I've said it before, will say it again. I think carter's affinity for old people is one of the nicest details of his character. He just treats them with such respect and gentleness. And like you said he is still doing it. Also there was an elderly couple in "The Fastest Year" he was trying to help stay in the same hospital.

-- debbie (riccardoiii@aol.com), May 26, 2000.

Carter's probably so good with the elderly because he had a good relationship with Gamma. You have to spend time with people--in any kind of group--to respect them as human beings and not lump them into being "them." Cleo's reaction to her geriatric rotation being the exception. Of course sick old people can be hard to take if you don't have any other relationship with them. As we've mentioned before she's kind of a detached person. TPTB need to either develop her character or "Bob" her.

-- Claudia (claudia1624@yahoo.com), May 26, 2000.

It's good to keep in mind, too, that Carter's just good with people in general. He's respectful of just about everybody. (Case in point: Fazio, the MU patient.) He has had some good scenes with children, as well as the elderly.

Good catch by whoever said it about the foreshadowing of Carter switching to emergency medicine. I had never thought about it before, but now I think that TPTB were always planning on Carter leaving surgery. Even in season 1, Deb told him she couldn't see him as a surgeon.

-- Avan (notgivingit@carterrules.net), May 26, 2000.

Susan was just shocked to learn that Carter's first choice was a surgical internship. She didn't see him as one of "them." (I always picture Dale as one of "them.")

-- maryann (map5860@aol.com), May 26, 2000.

I think Carter has an affinity towards patients who are not normally heard by others, but are crying for help, or just need someone to listen. That very often includes children and the elderly. Seems like Carter became one of those people and maybe always has been. He was big brother to a brother who died, parents in abstentia, and no romantic relationships that last long enough to give him any emotional stability.

-- Deb (KHege@AOL.com), May 27, 2000.

I just saw this episode again, and it was great! Carter was adorable; he got so excited when he saved the old man and I love how he is so relaxed with patients...he was great with a young girl a couple weeks ago, and tonight he was wonderful with the old guy. He laughed like he really cared at the guy whispering in his ear. This is the Carter I want to see again next season, definetly. We see it once and awhile, but his usual, excited giddiness would be wonderful to see again.

I remember after A Match Made in Heaven, people were discussing Carter and Carol's friendship, and I definetly think that they work well together, and their scenes are great. (the scene with the old man's nurse...Carol: what do you want to do, doctor? Carter: Oh, I don't want to waste any time!) I think that they are definetly good friends.

-- Elaine (mrsclooney78@hotmail.com), May 29, 2000.