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December 7, 2006: City of Mercy
We’re getting ready for winter break, folks, but this episode was the perfect finale to what has been a fantastic fall for our beloved ER.
I have always enjoyed the holiday-themed episodes, and tonight was no exception. While this one probably wouldn’t rank up there with some of the classic Christmases in the ER in my book (remember the one where Jeannie Boulet put her star on top of the ER Christmas tree?), it did have the distinction of featuring Goran Visnjic dressed as a reindeer. Just when I thought Luka couldn’t get any more adorable, I am proven wrong.
Despite a healthy dose of romances old and new, it wasn’t all mistletoe and merriment. Luka and Abby learned that Ames filed a restraining order after their confrontation. The conversation that Luka and Abby had in the apartment was very telling. When Abby talked about being afraid of losing what they have, she encapsulated, in just a few words, the concerns of all the viewers who care so much about the happiness of these two characters. I suspect this story line is not over, so I’d say she has cause for concern.
There is no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to put it out there: I like Ray and Neela together. I think they have chemistry, and I have enjoyed Shane West since his days on Once and Again. But the moustache absolutely has to go. He looks like a porn star. I was so distracted by his facial hair that I could barely take him seriously when he was sparring with Tony and valiantly trying to help with the homeless kids. Please — either stick with the goatee or just shave and go for the youthful, clean-cut look. But lose the ‘stache!
And to be truthful, I am beginning to think that Neela has more chemistry with Dubenko than anyone else. I adore Leland Orser’s portrayal of the soft-spoken surgeon, and I also think the writers have done a great job of slowly building a story around this guy. It seems like we are always learning new and interesting things about him. I, for one, have become almost imperceptibly invested in this character over the course of the past few seasons. As we all know, we don’t always see that kind of subtle character development on this show. When he gave the gift to Neela, I did get a little nervous that he was also going to confess an attraction to her. I’m sorry, but no woman should have that much luck in the romance department. I don’t care how soulful and exotic she is. (If you are interested in hearing Parminder Nagra’s take on Neela’s love life, check out her interview with TV Guide.com's Angel Cohn here.)
The story with the homeless kids was heartfelt, but really served no other purpose than to bring Tony and Ray together on a tense mission. I was glad that they were able to help these children, who appear to be refugees from Thunderdome, but even more interesting was the glimpse into Tony’s character. Aren’t we supposed to like this guy? I’m sorry, but his blatantly lying to the kid to achieve his end goal did not sit well with me. Yes, it all worked out, but it just seems like he has an uncanny knack for being deceitful and shady.
Meanwhile, on a happier note, Archie Morris made a perfectly wonderful Santa Claus. While I find these sperm-donor children of his a bit of a stretch, I feel like Scott Grimes is able to pull off even the oddest story lines with panache. I did find that ending to be a little contrived, but I liked that Archie is beginning to care about Hope, and their burgeoning relationship is bringing out the good in him. I also think that they have noticeably softened the harsh fervor of her character, and that is a good development. Once again, Morris had the quote of the evening when he was fighting his corporeal demons: “It’s like some dorky angel has taken control of my mouth.”
I know that many television critics and viewers alike find the closing montage with musical interlude to be a cheap storytelling shortcut, but I have to admit it gets me every time. That gorgeous song that they used at the end of the episode was Sarah McLachlan’s version of Joni Mitchell’s River, which can be found on her fabulous new CD of holiday music, Wintersong. I have to admit that when the homeless woman got dropped on her parents' doorstep, I lost it. Not sure if it was the story or the music, but it really got to me.
So as we get ready for a short break, I present to you my ER wish list for the New Year:
— Please let Ben turn out to be a really nice guy who helps Sam find some happiness.
— Please let Luka, Abby and Joe be happy.
— Please let Neela be alone for a while, and let the boys fight it out among themselves. (Oh, and please bring some razors, especially for Ray.)
— Please let Archie continue to amuse and surprise us.
— And how about no repeats between January and May?
Enjoy the holidays, keep the comments coming, and I’ll see you next year!
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Dec 7, 2006 11:59 PM
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wow, I'm first 'cause I haven't gone to bed yet. Another cheesy Christmas episode! I kept hoping they really weren't going there at the end with the 'real' Santa thing. But they did. Although I like the change with Archie and actually making him a likable character, I'm glad they didn't go too far into making him a saint. And I also liked that they changed Hope into less of a caricature, but I wish they had started her out that way, because now it just feels like the character's inconsistent.
And do you ever notice, before they're about to hook up a female character with someone, they change their hair and makeup? Hello, Sam! Of course, I'll take Maura Tierney in a sexy Mrs. Claus outfit any day.
Oh and my wife couldn't get over the porn 'stache either.
Are they trying to make us NOT like Gates? Ray definitely called him on the 'seal the deal' thing. I was surprised they did the switch there, because I thought Ray would be calling DCS and Gates defending them. At first I liked the Gates character, now I just find him annoying and sleazy.
Finally, you're not alone in digging Dubenko. I've always liked his character and he's the only person who I actually like doing scenes with Neela. Not that I'm a shipper, I'm just not a fan of her lack of chemistry with everyone.
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Dec 8, 2006 12:23 AM
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It wasn't Ray's facial hair that bummed me out, it was Tony's! His character has really deteriorated, along with his looks. Frankly, I thought he looked like hell in tonight's episode!
I love Dubenko also.....along with the actor who portrays him, Leland Orser. Big fan here.
This year is the best in a couple of years. I just hope they don't do anything to break up Abby and Luka.
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Dec 8, 2006 1:07 AM
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Was Hope offering up her virginity to Morris? Or was she trying to tell him that she's not as uptight as she seems?
I loved the shot of Neela when she tried on Dubenko's gift. That was a sweet scene.
But really, all I cared about tonight was Luka/Abby/Joe. Even though it wasn't all levity, it was great to see them being romantic & affectionate. Maybe someday we'll even hear them specifically say "I love you" to each other. Yeah yeah, they've acknowledged that they love each other, but I want to hear them say it! I have no problem professing my love to Luka right now in front of all of you.
Happy holidays y'all. Can't wait for new episodes!
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Dec 8, 2006 2:38 AM
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McCreamy? Seriously? As a fan of both Grey's Anatomy and ER, I was very disappointed that they copied Grey's "Mc" prefix. They should be more original than that.
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Dec 8, 2006 2:42 AM
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I'm sorry to ask...seems everyone is avoiding saying what it was...but
What did Dubenko give Neela? I didn't get to see the episode tonight.
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Dec 8, 2006 4:49 AM
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trish i also lost with that homeless woman returning to her parents house. and i also thought that dubenko was going to tell neela that he had feelings for her. but i think he really does have feelings for her.
as for ray and his porn stache.....total distraction. and its totally ugly. bring back the gottee for crying out loud.
and finally the mccreamy refrence. i wasnt upset that they were coping ga....but i was more upset of the name. yuck.
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Dec 8, 2006 5:08 AM
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They weren't COPYING with the McCreamy name, they were poking fun at Grey's Anatomy intentionally.
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Dec 8, 2006 7:48 AM
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I lost it when the homeless woman was hugging her parents with tears in her eyes.
Dubenko gave Neela some kind of surgeon's glasses that had been his first pair, so it was a very personal gift. I think he just really thinks she's going to make a great surgeon, I don't think he has a crush on her. But I could be wrong.
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Dec 8, 2006 8:21 AM
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I've been watching ER since (nearly) the beginning, but I don't remember enjoying it so consistently as I am now. I can't wait for Thursdays--I don't even think I'll mind watching the reruns this season.
I'm with everyone else: I really hope Abby and Luka (and the baby) can stay happy and continue to provide the real, solid foundation for the show. It almost seems like yesterday that Luka and Sam were a hot & heavy item, but he and Abby are great together. I don't think they should do much more, if anything, with the Ames storyline.
I really felt bad for Hope when Morris reluctantly turned down her suggestion that they hook up, in more ways than one. Perhaps she got swept up with the emotions of the holiday season, as well as feeling attracted by seeing a very caring side to him. But when he forced himself to put on the brakes--maybe because he doesn't want to blow a new, potentially happy relationship by doing too much too soon--she looked so heartbroken!
I've always liked Dubenko too. I don't recall ever seeing him lose his patience with any of his subordinates (at least not without good reason). He provides a real calming effect on the show.
But I really dislike those street urchin kids, though. That boy looks oddly feminine, is way too intense, and really gives me the creeps. I hope we've seen the last of them.
By the way, I love Sam's bangs! Gates is looking way too scruffy, and I like Ray's goatee better than the 'stache.
All around, it was a satisfying episode, and left a few unresolved storylines for us to savor.
One last note...it stikes me as just a little odd that there doesn't seem to be one Jewish doctor in the whole hospital! I'm Jewish, and yes, many of us do tend to notice such things when we watch TV, especially during Christmas episodes. I'm not on any kind of crusade or anything like that, and I'm not keeping count, but it's just nice to see a show acknowledge once in a while that not everyone celebrates Christmas (although I did see a Star of David on the wall in the hallway). Again, no biggie.
I'm very happy with ER these days.
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Dec 8, 2006 8:33 AM
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Please, please, please leave Abby, Luka and the baby alone. I agree with the poster who said that the Ames storyline needs to be done. Just once let them by happy and get on with life. It will be hard enough for them juggling child care with two full time careers. They have each had enough hard times in their lives. They need to be happy!!
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Dec 8, 2006 8:57 AM
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Wow, Trish, I feel like you channeled me as you wrote your blog. You wrote exactly what I was thinking! John Stamos' "beard" looks like part of a hobo Halloween costume. Please, for the love of all that is decent and holy, shave that off. And yes, that goes for Shane West, too. Pornstache! BLECH. Seriously, what is it with the facial hair on this show? Even Morris, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters, is now sporting a full-on beard. The only guy who should have any sort of stubble is Goran Visnjic.
As for the actual episode, I also lost it when the homeless woman reunited with her parents. Very touching, and I loved McLachlan's rendition of "River". It's such a beautiful and sad song.
Gates is a latter day version of Doug Ross, with, in my opinion, half the charm. I know he's supposed to be charming, but I don't find his character appealing at all. I hope Neela eventually sees through his BS. And I do agree, please, can that be the last we see of the street urchins? I feel like I'm going to catch some disease just by looking at them.
I'm loving Kip Pardue's character. All I can think of when I see him is SUNSHINE! Anyone who's seen "Remember the Titans" will get that.
Another solid episode. I hope we don't have to wait too long for a new one!
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Dec 8, 2006 9:17 AM
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I liked last nights show. It wasnt great but it was enjoyable.
I am so gald someone else beside me thought Rays facial hair had to go! It was driving me nuts! He did not look good at all!
Archie is so much fun to watch. And I agree I liked seeing Luka in the outfit! To cute!
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Dec 8, 2006 9:45 AM
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Just agreeing with all the facial hair, needs to go. Archie is winning me over every week.
Yeah I thought the writers were making fun at Greys with the McCreamy...
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Dec 8, 2006 10:19 AM
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But the moustache absolutely has to go.
Word to Ray's mother! I couldn't concentrate on what he was saying because I was trying to figure out what was giving him a slightly goofy vibe. That being said, I'm glad he gave his little speech to Gates. (A razor for everyone, please.)
I, for one, love a good cheesy Christmas episode! Great montage at the end with all the Christmas love going on. Please, TV Gods, let Luka and family be happy! They deserve it!
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Dec 8, 2006 10:37 AM
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