Many fans consider Dr. Robert Romano’s (Paul McCrane) death the most dramatic on ER, but a storyline from season 9 diminished its impact. He appears on the show from seasons 4 to 10, and unlike the more compassionate doctors, he is arrogant and harsh.
However, when compared to other deaths on ER, Romano’s passing stands out as particularly shocking. It is challenging to eliminate a major character in a way that aligns with the season’s overall narrative without feeling abrupt, yet this was not the right approach.
ER Had Many Surprising Deaths, But Dr. Romano’s Is Still The Wildest One
Many viewers regard Dr. Robert Romano’s death as the most extravagant on ER. In season 10, episode 8, “Freefall,” a helicopter kills him when it crashes down from the hospital roof.
While it is expected for tragedy to occur at various points in any high-stakes television drama, a helicopter falling off a building is difficult to comprehend. Yes, errors can occur, and pilots may lose control, but it all felt too convenient.
The entire scene appears both melodramatic and excessively violent. Although ER has its cheesy moments, partly due to its airing from 1994 to 2009, many storylines remain raw and emotionally charged, which is why ER continues to be cherished.
You always invest in the characters and accompany them through their journeys. Despite Romano’s arrogance, witnessing a helicopter crash onto him feels unwarranted. This absurd moment seems unnecessary, and if the writers intended for him to exit, he could have simply moved away.
This moment in “Freefall” feels particularly jarring when considering the somber nature of many episodes of ER. For example, a pregnant woman dies after arriving at the hospital for treatment. How can such a storyline coexist with Romano’s death on the same show?
Dr. Romano’s Death Is Hurt By His Helicopter Injury A Season Earlier
The primary issue with Dr. Romano’s death is that the rotor of a helicopter severs his arm in season 9, episode 1, “Chaos Theory.” It becomes increasingly difficult to take his helicopter-related demise seriously after this prior storyline, making both instances among the weakest plots throughout every season of ER.
The season 10 episode even includes a flashback to this moment from season 9. When Romano sees the helicopter, he recalls losing his arm and appears frightened and anxious. While this would be amusing enough, if the episode had progressed beyond that point without him dying in such an absurd manner, it would have made more sense.
If the season 9 scene had not occurred, Romano’s death would still be ridiculous but not as egregious. It seems as if the helicopter is mocking him. Even losing his arm feels excessive, especially when compared to how delicately Grey’s Anatomy portrayed Arizona Robbins’ (Jessica Capshaw) emotional journey after losing her leg following a plane crash.
We are also expected to suspend our disbelief and accept that the same character could be injured by a helicopter twice, which is challenging. It feels as though ER is trivializing tragedy, which is not something fans typically claim.
The medical drama excels because it explores the universal experience of facing a serious illness or losing a loved one. If you watch a show that frequently features outlandish plotlines, you might anticipate something like the conclusion of Romano’s arc without it standing out so much.
Even ER’s Most Unlikable Character Deserved A Better Death Than He Got
When comparing Dr. Romano’s death to others on the show, it becomes even more disheartening. Consider Dr. Mark Greene’s (Anthony Edwards), for instance. His final storyline is poignant and emotional as it revolves around his connection with Rachel (Hallee Hirsch), his daughter. Given his prolonged illness, his character arc underscores life’s unfairness.
The conclusion of Romano’s arc could have been significantly more impactful. Although Dr. Romano may not be endearing, it seems odd to eliminate a main character in such an intense yet ridiculous manner. Any alternative storylines would have been more fitting, whether he succumbed to injuries from a car accident or received a terminal diagnosis.
While it might have been too cliché for him to learn a lesson and become kinder before his demise, it is disappointing that he lacks substantial growth by the time the helicopter crashes onto him.
An additional issue with Romano’s death is how abrupt and arbitrary it feels. Since he appears throughout several seasons of this medical drama, he becomes an integral part of the hospital’s fabric, yet his exit feels so sudden that it’s hard to achieve any sense of closure.
Even Derek Shepherd’s (Patrick Dempsey) controversial death in Grey’s Anatomy makes more sense than Romano’s demise. While some fans might argue that doctors were accountable for his death due to their failure to order a CT scan, it remains plausible that mistakes occur and he could not be saved.
Nonetheless, Derek’s death carries the emotional weight it deserves, with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) experiencing an appropriate arc as she navigates through stages of grief. Losing her soulmate proves challenging for her, but even after his passing, Derek and Meredith’s love story remains significant and beautiful.
In contrast, Romano’s death distracts from the narrative, leading viewers to question if they just witnessed an absurd moment. After following Romano for so long, one should feel heartbroken by his death rather than bewildered. He required a powerful and poignant farewell scene.
No matter if you encounter this moment during a rewatch or it’s your first time watching through the series, you may wonder if you are witnessing a dream sequence where it will be revealed that Romano experienced a nightmare instead. Ultimately, his death stands out as one of the least believable moments on ER, leaving viewers wishing it had been avoided entirely.
