Abby's frustrating day gets worse when she gets a special "Dear John" letter from Carter in the Congo while her fellow nurses threaten a walkout and her opinions are ignored. Romano's mood gets nastier when he is fitted with an antiquated hook for his missing arm. Pratt uneasily meets Chen's old-fashioned parents for dinner. In addition, three new second-year residents join the staff - including Archie Morris and the self-assured Dr. "Coop".