The Nuisance

Randy Mantooth directed 2 episodes from the 1976 season of Emergency! In this episode, he's struck by a hit-&-run driver, and has to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks. He's being replaced by Bryson, a no-nonsense paramedic, who becomes a nuisance to Roy. Johnny has a no-nonsense nurse, played by Carole Cook, and a sympathetic physical therapist, played by Gretchen Corbett, who also appeared in a previous episode, The Stewardess. Ms. Corbett also appeared as a regular cast member on Rockford Files, also on NBC. The music score has a more noticeable funky rhythm, which started from 1975-1977.

This episode is, in my opinion, one of the best in the series. It was great as a Season Finale because it closed the year on an emotional yet funny high note that was riveting to watch in the dramatic scenes and fun to watch in the comic ones as well. I could truly see something like this playing out in real life, as quirky as life can be! We see Randolph Mantooth portraying the injured John Gage, in a very believable way. The way he portrays the suffering John goes through makes you sympathize with his pain, as he becomes the patient. The way Roy deals with John's temporary replacement after his telling Roy smugly that he is sure "his" way was right, was another example of how you could feel the tension in the situation. We also see John's Physical Therapist change her perception of him as she witnesses the concern he bears as they watch the news report of the trapped firemen, during the final rescue. The expressions on her face as she quietly observed him, was perfectly done. It was good to see Johnny win the day on this one! Lastly, the final segment with Carole Cook as the tough but flirty floor nurse was played to comic perfection! As she retrieves John from Roy and Marco's room and then informs Roy of her soon return for him, not only her dialogue, but the final look on Roy's face, not to mention Marco's, was pure., classic comedy! It makes you wonder if Marco was victim number three. All in all, if someone wanted to see the various elements that make this series great, they could see all of them in this episode. The segment itself deserves watching again!