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« ER
May 10, 2007: Sea Change
Man, there was a lot of action to keep up with tonight — challenging cases of couples in turmoil, pseudo-stalkers and missing doctors. (And let’s not forget Luka in a robe. As if we could.) But first thing’s first: let me say for the record that I have renewed hope for next season, and it arrived tonight in the guise of Stanley Tucci. I am intrigued by Dr. Kevin Moretti and what he promises to bring to the table as ER chief. Yes, I am a little prejudiced because I think Stanley Tucci is an amazing actor (I’ve loved him in more movies that I can count, most recently in The Devil Wears Prada). But as he emerges from the long, gorgeous shadow cast by Goran Visnjic, I can still see this formidable actor bringing a grace, maturity and gravity reminiscent of Anthony Edwards. Remember, longtime fans, that Dr. Mark Greene was not beloved because of his dashing good looks or romantic plotlines, but rather because he was utterly believable as a beleaguered, jaded doctor who, at the end of the day, still felt that his work had purpose. I saw that again tonight, and I am in for the long haul. (And, if you caught Ask Ausiello this week, it sounds like Stanley Tucci is as well.)
Some other things surprised me tonight. I think Archie and Hope make a great couple. I’m so glad that they have taken the edge off her abrasive fundamentalism and allowed her to start becoming less of a one-note character. Also, I thought that Tony had every right to give Neela a hard time about her reaction to his all-work approach and, I enjoyed that last scene that he shared with Sarah. My hope for next season is that the writers find a nice groove for John Stamos to settle into with this character. I feel like part of the problem with him this season is that he’s been all over the map — angry, whiny, lovelorn and conflicted. It seems like the writers have been throwing out possible story lines just to see what would stick. For better or worse, let’s commit to something with this guy.
While we’re on the subject of how to improve characters, let’s give Pratt something to do other than be hen-pecked by his higher-ups. I know that Mekhi Phifer is a solid actor, but only because I’ve seen him in other things. If I was relying on his ER gig to gauge his abilities as an actor, I would only know that he plays agitated and defiant exceptionally well. How about letting the actor exhibit some range? And for goodness’ sake, can we find him a love interest that lasts for longer than two weeks?
Finally, as soon as that phone rang, my heart sank. On the literal eve of their honeymoon, the newlyweds (you know, Luby?) will have to cope with a long-term separation. It's definitely a bummer for those of us who have invested ourselves in that relationship, but as I said before, if these other characters can step up, we might just be OK. Stanley Tucci, we are counting on you. Don't let us down.
Next week, we have the big season finale. Those spoiler-filled previews (Ray, you look like you got hit by a truck!) promise lots of action and, we hope, an exciting and fulfilling denouement to a wild roller-coaster ride of a season.
Until then, find video from ER in our Online Video Guide.
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May 11, 2007 12:24 AM
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HEY, SPOILER TRISH!!!! I do watch the previews but for those who don't, that was a pretty big spoiler in the scenes for next week that you just blurted out! we like to employ a little thing we call SPOILER ALERT for those situations.
That said- I totally agree with you tonight, from my steadfast admiration of Luka in a bathrobe (and kissing Abby's stomach and speaking in Croatian and...) to really liking Stanley Tucci. he does remind a bit of Mark Greene. Hope and Morris were cute, Tony more palatable, Neela finally called on her sh*t a little.
Loved that MyLei (sp?) tried to kiss Dr Moby at the wedding too and all the other sordid details about the wedding just now coming to light. Dubenko and the bidet? what?!
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May 11, 2007 2:25 AM
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Gotta say I'm with wheezy here, Trish. That should have been "spoilerized".
But speaking of those previews, all I will say is BOO to NBC for ruining the surprise. Why in heck would you show that?????
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May 11, 2007 4:07 AM
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...Good morning...SPOILER ALERT!!! I, for one, was relieved to see Ray's face in the promos for next week...I just love ER, even when most of the people I know are surprised that I'm still watching it...Dubenko, offering to replace the bidet? Priceless....Trish, I'm surprised you did not mention how hot Luka looked arriving to the ER, with those cool shades...
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May 11, 2007 8:29 AM
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You can second me for being relieved to see Ray's face in the promos for next week. I really like Ray and although I've heard from several people that he is leaving the show at least we get to see him next week.
I also really like Hope and Archie as a couple which by the way is good considering I didn't like either one of them until they were paired together.
Man, did Luka look good in that robe (as if he wouldn't) and the shades! He's so sexy. I wanted to cry at the end when he got the phone call where he was speaking Croatian. I just knew that it meant the end for him. I'm thinking someone died, he's going to go to Croatia, decide to move there and eventually (at the end of next season) Abby and Joe will follow. Very sad to see them go but I too liked Dr. Moretti and he does remind me of Mark Greene so I'm hoping that he brings a lot to the table with these other veteran actors/actresses leaving.
On a final note, I hope Gates gets Sarah and her grandparents don't even bother fighting for her because I would really like to see John Stamos in a different light!It seems to me that Sarah brings out the best in him. I also liked that Gates bashed Neela. Although I like Neela she really did deserve it.She was acting like a flighty teenager who doesn't know what she wants.
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May 11, 2007 8:48 AM
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I'm glad I didn't watch the promo for next week or accidently read any spoilers (so far). I like to be surprised by story developments, rather than wait for them, knowing they'll be coming--although there was no avoiding the news that Luka will be gone, and Abby will follow after next year. I'll miss them both--especially my beloved Abby!
This was another top-notch episode. I agree that Morris and Hope are a fun couple to watch, so I wish them well!
And I chuckled at all of the vague references to the unseen incidents at the wedding reception. Very funny.
I was really afraid that Stanley Tucci's character was going to be just another infuriating jerk like Romano, who loved to insult his co-workers just because he was a miserable wretch.
But it looks as though the writers seem to want Dr. Moretti to be more of a caring guy who gets on everyone else's back because he knows they're capable of doing better for the patients--tough love, if you will. I really hope they give him more humanity than they gave Romano.
By the way, I heard that Tucci's wife separated and/or divorced him because he kept getting too carried away with an actress in a nude scene every night for a play he was doing a few years ago. Kind of creepy to think about it.
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May 11, 2007 9:03 AM
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I loved this episode! Everything about it was great and it gave me renewed hope for next season, even without Luka. I just posted on the Grey's Anatomy blog that one of the reasons ER has stayed on as long as it has, is because they know how to balance the personal stories with the medicine (unlike Greys). Last night was another great example with the woman pushed down the stairs (I was with Abby, I didn't think she pushed her!) and the physicist with her regular and work husbands at her side.
Like I have every year since the beginning, I'm sticking with ER- I may be disappointed with story lines at times but it always comes back around to the great show that it has been since the start.
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May 11, 2007 9:26 AM
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While I was relieved to see the previews for next week, at the same time, I was bummed that they showed what they did. I think I am going to stop watching the previews for my favorite shows - they just show too much.
Regarding this epi, I loved Luka and Abby together - and baby Joe is just adorable.
I thought the scene with Neela on the elevator with Dubenko and the girl intern was funny and awkward.
Last week, I was wondering who it was that Sam was making out with - I'm glad they addressed that this time. What a weirdo - I wonder how long it will take Sam to get rid of him. And what happened to the cop from a few episodes ago - I thought he made a nice match for Sam.
Was pleased with Stanley Tucci's character. At first I thought they were going to make him into a Romano too, but I'm glad that he will be a bit more complex and good at heart. I think he will bring a lot to the show.
Well, that's enough for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
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May 11, 2007 9:32 AM
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I agree with Trish's take on the episode. Stanley Tucci's character gives me renewed hope for the quality of the upcomming season. Although I was never one to wish for ER to end with this S13, I believe Dr. Moretti will lend a very nice touch next year. I really enjoyed this episode. Whenever Laura Innes directs, the pace is always just right. It was great seeing Morris and Hope interact, I agreed with Tony's little speech to Neela even though I'm not a Gates fan, Abby and Luka interacting is always a treat -- overall it was just a great episode and I'm looking forward to seeing how they wrap it up for the season next week.
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May 11, 2007 11:09 AM
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Oh man, my girl Laura Innes directed the ep?? Ugh! I missed that part! When Laura directs it's always a damn good ep!! One of the BEST eps EVER, "NICU" was directed by her. But I digress!
How cute is Luby?!?!? They must've caught on the fact that has been their nicknames for quite a while now! LOL! LOVE IT! LUka & Joe watching soccer was priceless and Abby coming home to her boys was just as cute! Luka in a bathrobe, Luka in a loin cloth, Luka in a suit, I'll take them all! Wowee!
Loved the medical storylines -- both the physicist and the couple! Very compelling both and well acted too! I was with Abby (on the couple case) until the end when she said "sorry I pushed you". I was like "oh no you didn't"!
I still can't get into Hope & Archie. Archie is his shorts just ain't right! Ugh!!! But they're more tolerable right now.
Loved Dubenko's line about replacing the bidet! LOL! Abby's face was just as priceless!
RAY'S ALIVE!! YEEAAAAYYYY!!!! And Neela better make up her mind. Jeez! She does enjoy the pining from both sides a wee bit too much!
Surprisingly, I liked Stanley Tucci's character a whole lot. At first when he was ripping into Pratt, he had that Romano-like quality to him, which I have to say, I liked! But them Mark Green started to emerge. So this guy has the potential to be a combo of Romano & Mark (who knew!). Now all we need is Dr. Corday back in the fold  Oh when Dr. Moretti said that "Kovac was the old guard", it made me very sad. In more ways than one, the ER of Mark, Doug, Carol, Kerry, Elizabeth, Susan & Peter is all gone! 
Was I the only one annoyed with Katie (she's either a med student or an intern). She's acting all smug & I'm like "you've been there for 5 minutes, SHUT UP". LOL!
I still love Gates, but I think his scenes with Sarah are so great! We all know Stamos acts well w/ kids (hello Uncle Jesse) but I really like his character.
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May 11, 2007 11:34 AM
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SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT!
Does anyone know if Shane West's pilot got picked up because if it didn't, maybe we have a chance that Ray will return next year, despite his injuries. At least they will give him something more dramatic to play. And hopefully they will be able to talk Goran Visjnic into the same deal Wyle did a few years back and come for a handful of eps to tie up loose ends.
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May 11, 2007 12:29 PM
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I am going to miss Luka sooooo much! Not to mention Luby! I love my Luby scenes, and now we're not going to get to see them together, which is the main reason I watch the show. They are the heart and soul of the show, and it is going to suck without Luka. I hope that Maura gets the attention and stories she deserves. I would hate to see them fade her into the background behind Neela next season. That would be such a waste of Maura's talent and final year on the show. They better make use of her while she is still there.
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May 11, 2007 12:45 PM
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I wonder if Archie still has three nipples. Does anyone else remember that episode where he went out with a girl with an extra toe?
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May 11, 2007 12:52 PM
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When Stanley Tucci was walking out of the ER, leaving a message for Anspaugh, he looked at Hope & Morris as they walked by and gave a slight smile. It was that moment I felt my heart lift a little and I realized what I felt... RENEWAL.
They needed to re-vamp a bit. Things were getting out of control. While I don't agree that Dr. Moretti should have been talking like that in front of the patient or her husband(s), he WAS right! Someone needs to take control. They've all become too "comfortably miserable."
This show is going to rock next year!
oh and PS to GarryB - I believe the "actress" Stanley Tucci was caught in flagrante delicto was Edie Falco (Carmela on The Sopranos)
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May 11, 2007 12:55 PM
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Mahalo:
I agree with you 100%. I don't think most viewers or critics really appreciate what Maura Tierney has brought to this show. I loved Abby from the start, even when she was in her go-nowhere relationship with Carter and her battle with the bottle (I must ask again: how can she spend so much time in the neighborhood bar and still stay on the wagon?).
And her brilliant diagnosis of the woman who tumbled down the stairs was just like her--often miles ahead of the other doctors. I have also enjoyed her relationship with Luka (remember when he was a womanizing swine?), and I'll really miss seeing them as a couple! Too bad their storyline is taking place so late in the show's history, or else it would be getting more attention.
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May 11, 2007 1:05 PM
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