I agree with you guys about the storyline with the girl with mental
retardation.  It was really interesting, especially when juxtaposed with the
portrayal of Carter struggling with his disabilities from the accident (in
the episode from two weeks ago).  They had a few very realistic scenes with
him struggling to maneuver his chair and carry on his normal duties with
reduced balance and one hand.  The scene that really sticks out in my mind
was him leaning one crutch up against his locker to open it, watching it
fall over, and then struggling to pick it up without falling over himself.
I think the show is really trying to confront stereotypes about disability -
portraying both Carter and Carrie as effective doctors.  In my opinion, the
girl was used as a tool to get people to think about how to treat people
with disabilities.  She was portrayed sympathetically, which made Romano's
writing her off seem obviously wrong... maybe this got people to rethink
their positions.  Sorry if this makes no sense.  I just finished taking the
SATs, and my brain is fried beyond recognition.

~Joy~
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http://www.geocities.com/joy0823
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."