New Book Reveals Michael Crichton Hated the Quentin Tarantino-Directed Episode of "ER"

A new book about“ER”is spilling some serious behind-the-scenes tea.“ER: The Oral History”by Lynette Rice reveals that co-creator Michael Crichton was not a fan of“Motherhood,”the Season 1 episode Quentin Tarantino directed. Former writer Neal Baer says Crichton“got all bent out of shape”about it, and nobody ever figured out exactly why. What we do know is that the episode aired May 11, 1995, and drew a whopping 33.3 million viewers.

The wildest part? Tarantino wasn’t hired for the gig. He was such a big fan of the show that he personally asked to direct an episode. Writer Lydia Woodward called him“quite possibly the easiest director to work with in my entire career,”noting he only requested one tiny change involving a clapper device. So while Crichton stewed, the cast and crew were having the time of their lives.

There’s more drama brewing too. Crichton’s estate is currently in a legal battle with Noah Wyle over“The Pitt,”which means the story of“ER”and its legacy is still being written. If you were one of those millions glued to the TV every Thursday night back in the nineties, this one hits close to home.

Were you team Crichton or team Tarantino on this one? Let us know in the comments.