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April 26, 2007: Lights Out
“It’s never too late to choose.” The simple, eloquent words of the terminally ill cancer patient seemed to echo the theme tonight — people choosing to take a stand and trying to make things right. As this season winds down and we prepare for the imminent departure of beloved characters, emotions are running high and the writers seem to be upping the ante in terms of character development and story progression.
When I think about characters on ER who haven’t made much of an impression on me, Sam immediately comes to mind. I have often felt that the role was ill-conceived and underdeveloped — a big disappointment since I’ve found Linda Cardellini to be very compelling in other vehicles. The entire detour into “crazy Steve” land that kicked off this season was so distracting and uninteresting to me that the ensuing fallout between Sam and her son Alex generated little more than apathy on my end. However, these episodes with Annabella Sciorra have really allowed the actress to stretch and I think she has risen to the challenge admirably. Hopefully, seeing life through the eyes of someone who is losing their battle to live will allow Sam to go after opportunities rather than waiting to see what life hands her.
Archie, on the other hand, has never been boring. He has been, at times, manipulative, indecisive, cowardly and dim but he has always managed to balance that out with an earnest, self-deprecating sense of humor and irony. (Much of the credit goes to Scott Grimes who brings such charisma to the role and has continued to allow the character to evolve in surprising and unexpected ways). Seeing him put Gates in his place was an awesome thing to behold and I love that Luka gave him props for his decision. That dressing down was a long time coming and Archie nailed it. Gates is a maverick who is flawed on many levels and not nearly as talented or indispensable as he thinks he is. While you do have to feel bad for what the guy has dealt with on a personal level, I still don’t feel like he has become that much more likable or interesting as a character — just slightly more sympathetic. When Sarah stood and watched in horror as Tony kicked the crap out of his deadbeat father, I had to wonder how the heck he is managing to retain custody of that girl with no legally binding relationship to her.
While I found the entire shutting-down-the-ER story to be kind of trite, it was an interesting way for Luka to come to terms with his lack of interest in administrative responsibilities and “BS meetings” (his words, but god, do I know of what he speaks!). It was also such a treat to see County General fixture Dr. Donald Anspaugh (John Aylward). I’ve commented before how I love the nods to the show’s history and he is one of those characters who immediately link the present to the past (along with actors like Deezer D. and Laura Ceron who have been along for the ride almost since day one).
As for Pratt, I’m really not feeling the chemistry between him and the other doctor, and the story with his brother doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. It’s almost like you can hear the writers scrambling to figure out what to do with this story in the absence of Danny Glover as the father who binds them together. I do hope that the writers find an interesting story for Mekhi Phifer next year and allow him to emerge as a leader and a romantic lead.
Next week, don’t forget to heed NBC’s warning and tune in 10 minutes early for "a wedding event." Gee, whatever could that mean?
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Apr 27, 2007 12:10 AM
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Trish....wonderful observations. I would totally have to agree with you about the character of Sam. I have missed the fiesty Sam of her first appearences and saw a bit of that returning in the last couple of episodes. (Hee...still giggling about the defibrillator scene from last week!) Given the emotional 'permission' to see herself doing something other than nursing is going to be interesting. I wonder if she will stick with it or leave the show in search of something else next season?? I also love LOVE love Scott Grimes as Morris. I didn't in the very beginning but his character has become very endearing. The acotr seems to be able to take crappy storylines and turn them into gold. He was especially cute tonight an attending facing down a mere R3 Abby, with her big bad Croat ER bossman standing behind her. LOL Ah.....the stuttering and the posturing and the bravado and the slinking away. Classic Morris. Love Ray's empathy with patients but the character is going no where...faster than a speeding bullet. Sad. And Pratt is running right alongside him. Double sad. Eeeew....Katey's back. Again, kinda tuned out Gates and his homelife. No interest there any more. He's a creep and proved it tonight. Also, did anyone else catch the continuity people sleeping again?? Anspaugh told Luka he'd been overseeing that ER for 20 years. He made his first appearance in a big broohau epi that put him at County from another hospital in the second epi of the 3rd season...what? 11 years ago??
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Apr 27, 2007 12:44 AM
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Sarah's mother killed herself. Sarah's father was killed in action. Sarah's grandparents, while -willing- to take her, probably aren't overjoyed at the prospect of taking care of a 12 year old.
The alternative would be foster care...that certainly would not be any sort of improvement, especially since the two of them have been living under the same roof for some lengthy period of time.
Someone has to raise a ruckus for anyone to question the arrangement. The grandparents won't, and not like social services has time to visit every house in Chicago. Unless Sarah gets picked up by the police for doing something, nothing will change.
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Apr 27, 2007 3:47 AM
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Matuse.....Sarah's grandparents will fight for her. Her grandfather said they weren't going to disrupt her school year in an earlier episode.
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Apr 27, 2007 8:33 AM
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I agree Trish -- Cardellini's story with Sciorra was good, but I don't miss Sam's son.
I'm also not feeling Pratt's situation with the doctor, but I'm glad he's making an effort to bond with his half-brother.
Luka must have been living in a cave. Kerry often complained about the administrative duties, so it shouldn't have surprised him.
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Apr 27, 2007 9:12 AM
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I don't know why everyone has been so down on Sam. I've always liked her (dare I refer to her as "feisty"?)-- although the earlier storyline with her escaped-con husband started to drag things down. I was happy to see her put an end to that.
And her talk last night about having her kid at 14 and how she didn't become a nurse due to any strong desire, but more out of necessity, really made me think. Perhaps without realizing it herself, Sam has become an excellent nurse in the past few years, and I'd certainly trust her with my life if need be. Following her growth at times reminds me of Abby's days as a nurse, when she would diagnose a new patient's problem miles ahead of the ER doctors. They've both had lots of personal baggage (Sam's son is probably the devil incarnate), but have shown themselves to be excellent at what they do. So give the poor girl a break!
I've always found Morris entertaining.
At first he seemed to have the function of providing comic relief (he still does), but his dressing down of Gates did show another side to him.
As for Gates, he's another one who, in my humble opinion, hasn't deserved all of the bashing he's been getting. I do see him as flawed, of course, but let's face it--anyone in that profession must have a compassion and earnest desire to help people through their worst moments (illness, injury, etc.). Yes, doctors can be total jerks, but I just don't see Gates that way.
As I've said here before, I really do like all of the current characters, despite some of their flaws. No one really annoys me to distraction as some have in the past. Too bad they can't all stay for the remainder of the series.
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Apr 27, 2007 9:44 AM
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Yes, Teech!! I noticed. Anspaugh came to County at either the end of Season 2 or beginning of Season 3 when Southside closed bringing their employees to County (him & Maggie Doyle). So 20 years is wrong!!!
Interesting observations, but I can't bring myself to care about anyone but Luka, Abby and at times Neela (who's been relegated to supporting status). Pratt has always bored me to tears, ever since he came on Season 8. Always a pointless character. Morris, I don't buy as an authority figure at all, plus he annoys me!! He's good for comic relief and that's about it! Otherwise, I have no use for him.
I'm not a Sam fan either -- but her scenes with Anabella Sciorra were money! Very well done, well acted and very emotional storyline. I think it resonates among a lot of people who want to change their lives but don't know if they can or how to do it.
Since all my faves are now gone (Kerry, Elizabeth, Susan), this show is all about Luby! I adore my big Croat to the point of distraction! Believe me Luka, I feel your pain about "BS meetings". I've been in plenty of those and good for you. Be a doctor, don't be a paper pusher! I hope they've decided they've made a mistake & re-hire Kerry (of course, Laura Innes would want to come back). Looking forward to the wedding next week! I'll be there at 9:50 (and taping Grey's since it's two hours)!!!
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Apr 27, 2007 10:18 AM
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Did anyone get that the "ER annual dinner" is a cover for Abby & Luka's wedding? They didn't want any fuss, so it appears they're using the dinner as a ruse to get everyone together. Pretty clever.
I would like to see Sam have a bigger storyline next year. (I liked her on Freaks & Geeks.)
The problem with such a large cast is keeping them all interesting. I liked Ray & Neela together, but don't find Gates & Neela compelling. Pratt? eh... Morris was great talking to the woman doc about her research paper. Pratt was astonished that his cool dude come on wasn't well received? Hello, you're 30 - not 17!! (As a catty remark usually directed at women, but Mikhi seems to have put on some weight...)
Annabelle Sciora was wonderful - I had tears in my eyes when she talked about her life and the choices she made. Very beliveable. I see a guest role Emmy nomination for her.
Sort of odd that they'd do a complete set change with only one year left...
I'll keep watching to the end - while not as "must see TV" as the past, I've got a lot of years invested in it.
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Apr 27, 2007 12:49 PM
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Pratt served a very useful role. You had Benson who was the cool-headed surgeon from an upper-middle class background and you had Gallant who was a military officer, but aside from the one nurse, you didn't have any black males with a working class background.
Pratt was brought on the show to demonstrate that all the hood rats don't turn out to be gangsters and thugs. Pratt kept his street credibility while showing that you can be authentically black and smart and hard-working and an authority figure, without either selling out or forgetting where you came from and turning your back on the friends you grew up with.
Unlike Benton, he's accessible. Unlike Gallant, he's a bit of a maverick. He's undergone a tremendous deal of character development and growth. I mean, the idea that the angry young man from his first season would become the dedicated teacher and attending of today, if still a bit awkward in his social skills, to me, is just amazing.
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Apr 27, 2007 1:12 PM
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I love Cardellini's character Sam but have found her rather boring in the past year or so. But the past few shows with Annabella really allowed her to shine like the actress she is.
I don't like Morris at all and never have but I have to agree that last night he actually stood up for himself which had to make Archie and Scott Grimes proud!
Also, I know it's just a t.v show but it made me very sad to watch Sarah watching Gates beat the crap out of his father. I kept wondering how a real 12 year old girl would deal with such a sad event. It's true that Sarah's no ordinary 12 year old with all she's been through but it was still sad to watch. I hope Gates gets custody of her but I agree with another blogger whom said her grandparents will fight for her.
I didn't like the part with the ER closing but have to agree that it was a pretty sneaky way to fit in Luka resigning as chief of medicine. I never saw it coming.
I also like anytime Anspaugh is on and they don't show him nearly enough. If the show doesn't entirely end after Luka and Abby's departures I sure hope they show him a lot more. They have to do something for the show because those two are the main part of it right now. It does seem that the writers were struggling as to what to write for Pratt's character and my fear is that they'll keep struggling more and more with all the characters left after next season.
Oh and gee, I just wonder who's suprise wedding it is...Could it be Abby and Luka?!?!? haha
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Apr 27, 2007 1:31 PM
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I thought turning out the lights as Luka walked out was hokey at the end. For one thing, I was afraid he'd run into something in the dark!!
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Apr 27, 2007 2:14 PM
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As an avid fav on ER for the past twelve years I have one thing to say-- BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING, BORING.
The only part of the show that kept me insterested was Morris. It's about time somebody sent Gates home instead of just yelling at him or whining for him to pay attention. He is never going to get the point if they keep making empty threats. Also- LOVED how Morris was looking for approval from Luka, and others, for his decision.
I really wish they would wrap up the show this season. I have NO idea what the heck I would do with this hour of TV that has kept me entertained for so many years but I am ready to give something else a try.
Oh, one last thought. Last night, I couldn't help thinking about Ray when he first came on. Remember how cocky he was and how fast he was able to discharge his patients thus annoying Abby and Neela. His character has come a long way. Sadly, I do not have the patience to wait around for this to happen to Gates.
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Apr 27, 2007 2:37 PM
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I totally missed the annual ER dinner as a ruse for the wedding. Hello! Really makes sense with them all commenting on being able to bring a date this year.
I really don't like Sara, but the look on her face when Tony was beating up his dad was heartbreaking.
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Apr 27, 2007 2:46 PM
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Sheldon - Don't forget Gant, the poor guy couldn't hack it at the ER with Carter, so he jumped in front of a train!
Teech, et al. - I'm pretty sure Anspaugh said that he'd run the ER 20 yrs AGO, not for the past 20 yrs. I think he meant that he had Luka's job 20 yrs ago and understood what it entailed and what was expected of him. I'm pretty sure when Anspaugh joined the show it mentioned that he'd worked there before....
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Apr 27, 2007 4:33 PM
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If Luca and Abby have that Jewish wedding, is it Luca who is Jewish?
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Apr 29, 2007 2:31 AM
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