At County, Peter "Blaxploitation" Benton is dressed for surgery and giving instructions to a nurse, who's trailing him. Robert "Rocket" Romano rolls up, calling out that he gave the procedure in question to a "Henderson." He calls Benton to follow him for a "little chore." Benton protests that he's "a little busy," but Romano insists that he follow, and then leads the witness, asking how the "per-diem" situation is working out. Benton diffidently replies that it "could be better." Romano asks whether a $10,000-a-year raise and a limited benefit package would help. Benton grunts, "What?" Romano immediately offers $20,000, but insists that his final offer, and adds that Benton will have to take on some administrative duties, as well. I assume Romano is in the process of forcing Elizabeth out of her job. Benton wisely intuits that there has to be some catch, and asks what's in it for Romano if Benton does accept the position. Romano pauses for a beat, and then makes to take his ball and go home, stomping off and pouting at Benton to "go back to surgery." Benton drawls that he's "just asking." Romano screeches, "Do you want the bump, or don't you?" Benton considers for a second, and says that he does. Romano asks, "So, we have a deal?" Benton agrees that they do, and they shake on it. The camera focuses on their hands; as Benton tries to let go the handshake, Romano hangs on and drags Benton along the hall and into...

...the men's room, where they commence making out. Just kidding. Really, they go into a meeting room crammed with reporters. As soon as Benton and Romano appear, the flashes start going off, and Benton looks justifiably confused. Romano makes for the podium and apologizes to the room at large for the delay; the reporters milling about take their seats. Romano declares, "Okay, now, as you are all aware, we at the County level are very concerned about the declining numbers of minority medical-school students and faculty positions -- not only here in Chicago, but nationwide. The medical school is committed to addressing this issue, and as part of that commitment, I am appointing a Director of Diversity for the medical centre: Dr. Peter Benton." Finally realizing that this is no average dog-and-pony show -- and realizing exactly what he's committed to do -- Benton rapidly shakes his head at Romano, who ignores him and says, "Dr. Benton's bio and résumé can be found in your handout materials. So! He's all yours." Romano moves away from the podium; Benton remains rooted in place. A female reporter asks Benton whether his appointment is the direct result of a report in the Tribune about the declining numbers of African-Americans being admitted to medical school. Benton half-smiles, and reluctantly steps over to the podium, leaning over in order to reach the microphones that had been set at Romano's height; he stammers out an answer that basically adds up to "maybe." Another reporter asks how Benton can assure minority representation in a post-affirmative action era. Benton glares at Romano, who smirks. Credits.