Jacob Shipper is brought in covered in blood and unconscious. When he comes to, he refuses treatment, despite his pain. Mike and Zoe are convinced that he is suffering the effects of a steroid induced rage. Mike asks for Cate to get involved but Dale doesn't take too kindly to her questioning, leaving Mike to patch up Cate and then some... When they eventually break through with Dale, they find out why he has been refusing treatment, and why he's hell bent on abusing steroids...

On first appearances, Dale Caulder is a happy-go-lucky guy with an eye for a good time and Steve can't help liking him. However, as Dale's pattern of neglect re his own health becomes clearer and as Steve's hangover worsens, Steve aggressively confronts Dale about his self-destructive streak in an effort to prove to Gabrielle once and for all that he is definitely not on the same path.

Jack's recent past catches up with him as domestic violence victim Mercedes Ponti is brought in and he is forced to face some nasty home truths.

Bart accepts Mike's offer of a job in surgery...albeit with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.