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May 17, 2007: The Honeymoon Is Over
I say what I am about to say as a huge fan of television and, in particular, ER. I am ready for a break. I am actually relieved that this television season is coming to an end, because I really don't think I can take any more. I am officially emotionally spent. Tonight alone, I endured the highs of Jim asking Pam out for a real date on The Office and the lows of Burke breaking Christina's impenetrable heart on Grey’s Anatomy. By the time 10 pm rolled around, I was primed and ready. Or so I thought. The shock of seeing Ray roll back in that wheelchair was naturally mitigated by the relentless promos that had shown him… rolling back in a wheelchair. But, what I was not prepared for was a bitter, angry double amputee. In a million years it never occurred to me that he had sustained that sort of life-altering injury. When I tell you that I literally gasped in disbelief, well, my friends, that is the understatement of the year.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic capper to a wonderful season that helped me remember why I love ER. Much was made early in the season about the “resurgence” of this long-running series. Apparently shocked that a 13-year-old show could eat into James Woods' fan base, a lot of people gave credit to the star power of John Stamos. (Needless to say, those people must have missed Jake in Progress.) Me? I am not one to blindly follow network promotional tactics. I am not easily lured by guest stars (something that the show leveraged heavily this season) or by big “event” episodes. My feeling is that the diehards came back because we always do. And the latecomers probably dropped by to see what all the Stamos-inspired fuss was about, and stuck around for the solid storytelling. This year, we didn’t take any trips to Africa or endure any protracted adventure arcs like the kidnapping at the end of last year. Instead, ER attempted something really interesting — it reinvented itself by looking back. It worked. Bravo.
I was surprised that they dispensed with Luka’s departure so early in the episode, but actually, it felt appropriate. Getting that out of the way early enabled me to fully focus on the other stories. However, the look on Luka’s face as he drove away, without once looking back at his family, gave me pause. It seems to me that there is more to the story than he has divulged. (Side note: Was it just me or did they manage to find a baby who really looks like Goran Visnjic?)
The scenes with Tony and Sarah were pretty tough to watch, even though we had to know that a custody fight with her grandparents was a foregone conclusion. While I’ve not been a fan of that entire story line, in the past few weeks, they’ve gone a long way toward making that character more sympathetic. Tonight, I really felt the connection between them, due in large part to the excellent work of the actors.
Back at the hospital, the new chief, Dr. Moretti, certainly made his presence felt. I am glad that they are giving this guy some dimension. He doesn’t appear to be a one-note villain, the way Romano was, but he certainly has an edge. That was clear in the staff meeting for sure. At first, I was hoping that he and Abby were going to play nice, but the comment he made to her about not getting to sleep with the chief anymore definitely packed a punch. Yes, it will indeed take a while to get used to his “management style.”
Getting back to Ray and Neela, the awkwardness of those hospital scenes was jarring. With this story, it appears that they are leaving the door open for Shane West to make his exit or to possibly return later next season. (It has been widely reported that the actor is committed to a fall pilot.) You really never know with those things, but I do hope for fans of "Reela" (including me) that tonight’s episode is not the last we get to see of those two together. While the final scenes at the rally made for some compelling TV in the traditional cliff-hanger sense, the stories that they have begun to craft for next season are really what are going to bring me back.
Can you believe we are done for the summer? Where did this season go? I have had the best time writing about this show and reading all of your comments. It is reassuring to know that there are other passionate fans out there who invest themselves in these characters and enjoy going along for the ride with them as much as I do. I'm already looking forward to September, but if any interesting news pops up between now and then, I will post away. In the meantime, I am also blogging Entourage and the upcoming season of Big Love. I'd love to hear from you if you are fans of those shows. Have an amazing summer!
For video of ER, visit our Online Video Guide.
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May 18, 2007 12:38 AM
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ah why did you have to talk about GA in your er post. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet and now I know what happens in the burke/christina story
other than that, I did exactly what you did when they showed Ray. I certainly didn't see that coming.
and it looked like a big rally, how did Gates find Neela so quickly??
Speaking of Neela, she can't catch a break, poor thing!
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May 18, 2007 1:21 AM
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Trish, what an excellent blog. I, too, am emotionally exhausted by the season finales I watched tonight. Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, and E.R.
Stanley Tucci is absolutely what E.R. needs in a new chief. The E.R. needs be be shaken up and Moretti is certainly up to the task. He made everybody uncomfortable and as we could see from Tucci's little smiles, he meant all of it. It was great.
Ray ... what can I say. I was shocked down to the core when we saw that he had no legs and the bitterness so at odds with the Ray we had come to know. And the look on his face as he was being driven away with his mother. Juxtaposed against Neela in the taxi. And Tony and Sarah ... more heart wrenching and so very well played. Neela getting trampled.
Just a very tough night. And I think in and amongst all of this, they foreshadowed how they were going to be getting rid of Luka permanently. At the beginning of the night the thick manuals with catastrophe procedures where passed out and we learned that there was a terrorist threat. And we heard about that again, almost as a whisper that Abby discarded, when she told them that Luka was on a plane to Croatia. So I think that his plane is going to get blown up.
E.R. had a pretty good season ... particularly at the end of the season. It got better and better and ended on a high note.
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May 18, 2007 1:43 AM
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GREAT season finale!! Say what you will, but ER season 12 or season 1 consistently remains a complex, nuanced drama with gripping characters and keep-you-guessing story lines.
ER has once again shown us that the writer/producers, along with the actors, know how to assemble and deliver a tour de force of believable storytelling.
I'm invested. I care. And I'll be back in the fall!
This is a show that cares about and appreciates its audience (unlike some shows on a different network (cough-CW-cough)) by consistently providing good, watercooler TV. And for that, I'm only too happy to keep watching!
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May 18, 2007 2:24 AM
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I gasped out loud too when they showed Ray. Wow, how surprising and shocking!!
But the biggest surprise of all was that NBC didn't give it away in previews and promos.
This show was much more to my liking, with the medical storylines and the personal dramas being well-balanced.
Bravo!
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May 18, 2007 3:26 AM
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I don't think everything will be peachy for Kovac but I do think we'll see him again. MAybe Abby will have to go to Croatia to find him or something. Those two have to get their happy ending. or at least mostly happy.
Ray and Katie sure let Neela have it, huh? I was glad to see her get called on her selfishness for once. I don't hate Neela at all but this season she bugged so hard. when she was talking to that poor army translator about Gallant, that was the first time in ages that I felt any sympathy for her because her character has been so grating. And the end with her getting trampled was not much of a cliffhanger to me. who cares?
Dr Moretti drew some lines tonight- next season should be awesome! Thanks Trish and everyone else (pinkie, Daesey4, ERSVUluvr, etc) for great dialog. what will we do over the summer?
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May 18, 2007 3:27 AM
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My DVR was full and this episode didn't record! I have been so glad to see ER look more like its old self this year, too.
The only gripe I've had this season is the fact that Tony served in Desert Storm was never addressed. (I'm saying Desert Storm because the picture that was shown early in the season of him and Sarah's dad had them in the DCUs (desert uniforms)that were used then. Those are the uniforms you see the Iraqi Army in now. Surplus!) I'm hoping I missed a conversation about how Neela lost her husband. Have Tony and Neela ever discussed it? It just seems that Gallant's death was skimmed over this season. Then again, I thought Neela moved on pretty swiftly! Remember watching Elizabeth grieve for a while after Mark died? Because I didn't see tonight's episode, I don't know what prompted Neela to go to the rally-whether it was one thing or the combination of several things. Her attending the rally is not uncommon in wives who are newly wed and/or not part of a military community on a daily basis. The support and experience is just not there for them to draw on and there is no release. I live on an Army post so I'm surrounded everyday! BTW, yes, Reveille is played every morning at 6:30am over a loud speaker, but there is nothing more moving than watching children stop playing everyday at 5pm to put their hands on their hearts when the colors are retired for the day (Retreat). Don't get me wrong, this war is wearing on all of us, but I wouldn't trade this Army life for anything! Just my two cents!
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May 18, 2007 3:38 AM
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I agree with the whole more to the story with Luka - why didn't he look back, it was a really bad feeling.
Then with Ray - the whole room here gasped and I felt sick all over, I will admit with the commercials on I figured maybe he was injured badly, very badly with his legs but I never expected to see his legs gone. It was too much to take in but thats how ER season enders always are.
I can't wait for next season - but will happily take the break.
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May 18, 2007 3:45 AM
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Hi all, I wasn't surprised by Ray at all, maybe a comment by Michael Ausiello? something like, Ray, you look like you got hit by a truck.
I too find Neela very selfish, esp with someone as great as Ray pining for her!! The accident was her fault.
Tony is a mess, a major mess, the writing has been schizo for that character.
As for Shane West, is he leaving the show I wonder? I read that his pilot for Fox did not get picked up..would love for him to come back though.
Love Dr. Moretti, not a villian at all, he is just sick of the laziness and imcompetance..Tony is that you?
Stanley Tucci..revitalizing a show..whoda thunk it?
I wonder if other fresh blood will be hired? John Stamos looks weathered to me....and his character is too arrogant for my liking.
I hope Sara Gilbert pops up more next season, quirky to say the least (but she is having a baby in real life I read so who knows eh).
just my thoughts
cheers
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May 18, 2007 4:15 AM
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Trish! I also haven't watched GA yet. But I can forgive. Just be a little more careful with spoilers for other shows.
ER started out really strongly this season and I feel got a bit weaker toward the end, but this was quite a good one. Ray wheeling out in the room definitely shocked me, and I too have a bad feeling about Luka...Something else is going on there (well, obviously, since Goran isn't a regular next year, but you know what I mean).
Also, "Hallelujah" at the end? Really? Exactly how many shows have done the "Hallelujah" show-ending montage at this point, 50?
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May 18, 2007 4:25 AM
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wheezy:
Happy Summer to you. Hopefully we'll all be watching something during the summer that is being blogged about.
My guilty pleasure (shhh) is Big Brother. I think there will be a blog for that.
I'll miss everyone also.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A word about John Stamos.
I've hated his character all season, though he seems to be redeemable at this point. As for his looking weathered, I saw him on Conan O'Brien this week, and he looked dang good, so I guess the way we see him on ER is the look they want for him. If they don't make the character clean up his act, both professionally and personally, I won't be very sympathetic to Gates.
Neela.....I didn't care either about her treatment. I thought it was about time she got her comeuppance. I suppose we'll have to watch her recovery next season, and see all of her many love interests buzzing around her. So unrealistic.
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May 18, 2007 6:27 AM
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Can anyone help me???? I missed the part on how Neela found out where Ray was. Can someone tell me that? I couldn't believe about his legs. My husband wasn't even watching it but saw that moment when Ray turned around in his wheelchair and he goes "oh my god"..... WOWWWWWW! I felt horrible for him! Neela.. well, I dunno about her. Everyone's in love with her right?????? Dubenko, Tony & Ray. What a life! But please just tell me how Neela knew Ray was at that hospital.
And how did Tony find Neela so fast? She's in the midst of probably like 100,000 people and he finds her by her?
I just love this show and I truly hope Ray comes back and also Luka!
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May 18, 2007 6:45 AM
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Trish:
You took the words right out of my mouth (and keyboard) about EVERYTHING!
This was a tough episode to take. I did not watch the promos for it (I make it a point to turn the channel instantly when they come on), so I had no clue that we'd see Ray without his legs. I haven't gasped that loud in a long time. I'm also with you in that I was hoping Moretti might have a kinder word for Abby after everyone left the meeting room, considering how he has already seen how good she is in the ER. But that last remark from him was really nasty and unnecessary, and it crushed my hopes that he might actually be more human than that awful Romano. So I've got to disagree with you about him, unfortunately. My worst fear is being realized--he is likely to become another sarcastic, insulting boss who stirs up resentment in everyone else, because he has no respect for them. I'm NOT looking forward to that. And I was hoping Abby would have a great comeback for him, but such luck.
I'm one of the few who has always been more sympathetic towards Gates, even when he was being a major screw-up. But his love of Sarah redeems him in my eyes. So it was very difficult to see her torn away from him (her grandparents apparently don't give a damn how miserable she'll be without him). She has been the one person in his life who loves him, and who gave him motivation to be a better person.
By the time we got to the protest scene in the park, I was already on emotional life-support. But then a riot breaks out and Neela gets trampled on by the crowd, with Gates screaming for her? Perhaps that was a case of throwing in everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink, when we really didn't need it.
And did I read (by accident) a comment by Maura Tierney in a recent interview about Neela and her fate? I HATE spoilers, but if someone can confirm that she has signed on for next season, I'd appreciate it--but please hold back any additional info!
All in all, this was the best ER season I can remember--yes, even going back to the early years. I hope it gets a chance to be issued on dvd someday! It's a keeper!
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May 18, 2007 8:23 AM
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One of the better episodes of the ER season....
I liked Dr. Moretti, especially when he basically told the others that it's BS to be sloppy with their work. Four hours in the waiting room? Missed diagnosis because the doctors didn't ask the patient questions? Pratt, Abby and the others should embrace it -- not put up brick walls.
Cusi
, Neela got a telephone call from someone using Ray's cell phone (his name was seen on her cell phone). We don't know if he spoke to her or if it was a doctor. The "funny" part was here she was worried about him, yet she hesitated to answer the call. Almost as if she didn't want to answer it.
Ray should be p-o'ed with Neela. The look on his face was priceless. Now isn't the time to write Ray out of the show. The producers/writers need to have Neela and Ray together since that was her intentions before the accident.
And I respectively disagree with NSGAL about the accident was Neela's fault. Yeah, he felt slighted by her, but she didn't put the alcohol in his hand nor make him groggy enough to not pay attention to his surroundings (standing in the middle of the road). If he wants to get drunk, do it at home. Better yet, have the bartender call a cab.
As for Luka, I also noticed immediately that he didn't look back and wave from the cab. He'll be missed.
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May 18, 2007 8:36 AM
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...I was so shocked and sad about Ray, and I feel bad for admitting this,but when Katie told Neela to "shut up", I agreed with her...yet, when Ray's mom acted warmly towards Katie telling her to visit when she had time(or something like that), I felt bad for Neela...I don't think Luka will be back next season; the fact that he didn't look back while in the taxi and waved goodbye was, to me, like he knew he wouldn't see his family again...and I also thought that Dr. Moretti's comment to Abby, that she had to get used to "not sleeping with the Chief" was totally unnecesary...
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May 18, 2007 9:06 AM
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