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Episode Recap: 300 Patients
As we celebrated the landmark 300th outing of ER tonight with a rare episode directed by series executive producer John Wells, I was thrilled to see the powerhouse acting of Maura Tierney and Goran Visnjic as the centerpiece of the episode. For those of us who have been fans since that very first episode 14 years ago (is that even possible?), it is gratifying to see this show still telling compelling, heartfelt stories about characters that we care about. I haven’t always liked where the story went, but I’ve certainly enjoyed the ride.
Thank God Abby finally came clean to Luka. I honestly didn’t think I was going to be able to take much more of “relapse Abby” and I was so relieved that all the secrets and lies were out on the table. There are a million things I could say about the unfortunate timing of Abby’s disclosure in the wake of Luka’s loss, but my complaint would be mostly about the acrobatics that the writers have had to perform to work around the compressed work schedule of Goran Visnjic. As this season has progressed, my true feelings have become clear to me—this series should have ended with the wedding of Luka and Abby last May. There is lots of room to debate that theory, but it still feels to me like Abby’s crash-and-burn in Luka’s absence was an unnatural diversion in the growth of this complicated character. Having lived through so much sadness and disappointment, Abby’s journey really felt complete to me last year as she faced her demons and fears and allowed happiness into her life. Kudos to Maura Tierney for consistently delivering a heartbreaking and spot-on performance that manages to inspire both frustration with and sympathy for her character.
I am a sucker for maudlin stories and those critically-despised montages set to music, and tonight’s episodes had tear-jerking moments galore, though I was not a fan of the set up to get there. I am losing patience with Gate’s gal pal, Julia. To borrow a phrase from 30 Rocks’ Jack Donaghy earlier this evening, her “hippity dippity” approach feels jarringly out of place in the fast-paced ER environment. But I will be the first to admit that watching each of the staffers think back to a patient that changed them had me in tears as I remembered some of the amazing performances we’ve witnessed from guest actors like Ray Liotta, Forest Whitaker and James Woods. (I just wish Neela would have thought of anyone besides that kid featured in the Blue Angel storyline last year.)
On top of everything else that was going on tonight, we were treated to an understated performance by Peter Fonda as a husband who was losing his wife and learning about a son he never knew at the same time. The scenes when the young man was talking to his mother about her wishes to avoid resuscitation were beautifully written and acted. How amazing to be holding the hands of the people you love most in the world as you pass from it, knowing that your last act is to bring them together. Geez, I’m getting weepy again just writing about it.
So, from the looks of things, tonight's episode was the last we will see until sometime in 2008. With the writers' strike still in full swing, it is hard to say what that means. I am anxious to hear what you all thought of tonight's events and what you are looking forward to when we come back to County General. We leave with Abby on her way to rehab and Luka and Joe off to Croatia. Here's hoping that the new year brings peace and joy to the Kovac family. And I hope that all of you enjoy happy and healthy holidays. As the old joke goes, see you next year!
Can't stand the thought of no ER? Here are two options to explore. Check out the latest book from TV Guide featuring essays about your favorite shows (including one for ER written by a blogger you all know). Or, check out the Online Video Guide for interviews and clips
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Dec 7, 2007 12:36 AM
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the last episode I saw was the one with Joe's accident when Abby started drinking again. since then I've cringingly read your blogs and all the comments, so upset about Abby's downward spiral and glad I didn't actually watch it. GarryB must've been losing his mind! just like Pinkie never wants to watch Mark Green's last episode, I never want to see Abby waking up in Moretti'd bed. hi Pinkie!
so tonight's ep was a gratifying place to pick up the show again. Luka and Abby blew me away. I really didn't want her to confess to her indiscretion with Moretti but the way it came out seemed OK, like they will get past it. even though I agree that the writers never should have forced more tragedy and difficulty on these characters, I think they'll be happy in the end.
btw, how hot is Luka!!! I'm dying.
didn't like Archie smashing Frank's hand to make him #300. lame. I did like the Peter Fonda storyline, great acting. and holy crap, when the driver in the car accident got his head kicked in I thought I was going to hurl.
now I'll miss ER until next year!
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Dec 7, 2007 2:48 AM
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Hi wheezy! Yes, be very very glad you didn't see the Abby/Moretti scene. It was unnecessary and gag worthy.
I agree with your recap, Trish, and I've been saying since last May that that should have been the end of the wonderful series we all love. Not many agreed with me then, and I don't expect to hear much agreement now.
As for this episode, it was very much more interesting than usual. I'll agree with Wheezy that the head-kicking scene was stomach-churning! It made me gasp.
Don't you all just love to remember Luka as a doctor in the ER? Not this guy who wanders into a scene and maybe tries to help Abby and that's all there is to it. Let's hope the writers make Abby go straight to rehab and NOT stop along the way at a bar. Who would send a loved one off on her own to rehab? Yep, I realize she asked to do it alone, but so what!
When the announcer said there would be all new shows in the new year, I had to wonder if there are some ready or did he mean when and if the strike is settled at some unknown future date?
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Dec 7, 2007 4:49 AM
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Please end the show after this season. The high points are getting fewer and farther between.
Skye as the ER Chief/free lover. Introduced last week, AWOL this week. Guess she didn't fit in an episode partially celebrating ERs long history, but still didn't seem to have any consistancy.
Lets get to the end of this season. Make Pratt the Chief, let Abby decide to live out her days with Luka in Croatia, have Neela get in a stable relationship with someone (and only one). Let Gates survive this year and turn into a good doctor that flies by the seat of his pants, a la Doug Ross. Morris? I don't know. I think tonight's ep showed him the importance of family. Maybe he'll find one.
Oh, by the way, Archie, Frank will get his revenge...
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Dec 7, 2007 7:59 AM
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FINALLY! Abby spoke up!
Yes, I was also getting very impatient waiting to see this storyline reach some sort of climax. Abby was becoming unbearable--mostly due to her stubborn refusal to open up to anyone about her problem (there was some question about whether or not Neela had already known that Abby is an alcoholic--I guess she did, based on her reaction when she found Abby drunk in her flat). So, despite the fact that Luka is in mourning for his father, I really wouldn't have wanted to see one more episode go by without Abby admitting that she has started drinking again.
I never really gave much thought to the idea that her and Luka's wedding perhaps should have been the final episode of the series. True, the two of them had already struggled through enough personal crises to last them a lifetime, and their wedding would have been a nice way to go out (but then we would have never known of Ray's fate, would we?) But I love the show too much--I just keep wanting to see more of it. The cast is great, and I really do like all of the characters, despite their weaknesses (but I'm so glad Moretti is out of there. His character served virtually no purpose).
I'll say it again: Maura Tierney is the most compelling, under-rated actress on TV today.
I also think the writers are doing the best they can to work around Goran Visnjic's limited appearances, although his schlepping back and forth to Croatia has been awkward (no disrespect intended to Luka's late dad).
I also liked the way Julia asked each doctor to remember a past patient. It was a subtle, classy way to look back on some memorable moments from the first 300 episodes without resorting to a tired clip job with each character saying "remember the time...?"
Now I want to see Abby back in the ER saving lives and running rings around her colleagues! If "ER" continues next year without her (not a sure thing), I will still watch it, but I will always miss her.
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Dec 7, 2007 8:21 AM
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Well, let me say that I'm glad Abby came clean about the drinking because her attitude was getting a bit ridiculous and irritating.
Regarding Julia, yeah maybe she has a "hippity dippity" attitude about life, but my wife said she's seen plenty of "Julias" in her job at a hospital.
The Peter Fonda appearance was good -- and I felt bad for his son.
As for your question about next year, it would be nice to see Nela have a steady, stable relationship; Pratt becoming chief of staff; and definitely Abby leaving the ER with Luka for Crotia. I'd hate to see Luka leave, but if it means Abby's departure, I'm all for it.
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Dec 7, 2007 9:04 AM
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I loved tonights episode, but somehow I missed when Abby told Luka about her indiscretion - did she come right out and tell him?
Also, no one has mentioned yet the little flirting between Gates and Sam. Did anyone else pick up on that? Mark my words, they'll be sparks flying soon.
I'll be missing my ER though - no, I can't believe it's been 14 years!! I have been there (mostly) for the entire run. I'm still missing Doug Ross!
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Dec 7, 2007 9:08 AM
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I caught the flirting between Sam and Gates, too. But I thought he and Julia were on their way to becoming a real item.
I'd also like to see Sam decide to become a full-fledged doctor (not that nurses aren't indespensible). She could probably never afford it--although I do remember that gangster type guy who really liked her, and would probably foot the bill.
And Pratt should be made chief of the ER (but Skye is easier on the eyes, so I'd like her to stick around, too).
Abby didn't tell Luka about Moretti--she didn't want to get into it at that moment. He probably suspects she did what she did, although not necessarily with Moretti.
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Dec 7, 2007 9:16 AM
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Could someone please tell me why everyone on the show blames Neela for Ray losing his legs?? I didn't see her getting him drunk or driving the truck that ran him down. Lets make the guy be responsible for his own choices.
I never saw Abby confess to sleeping with Moretti. I think this still has to be addressed. Is Moretti really not coming back? What a waste of Stanley Tucci's talent!!! I have loved him since Wise Guy oh, so many years ago. When they do end this show, I hope they do a series finale that brings back all of the old stars for a wrap up. I know those kind of shows don't serve a big purpose, but I still remember where I was when I watched the premiere (in the ER at my local hospital as my then 1-year-old son, now 14, got stitches) and I would love to remember with all of the original stars.
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Dec 7, 2007 9:25 AM
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I guess in the minority of people who still think ER rocks. More tissues please. Even just thinking about the Down Syndrome son trying to understand his mother's passing and meeting his father brings tears to my eyes. And I agree Maura Tierney is one of the most underrated actresses on TV today. I know what alcoholism does to a person (having lived with an alcoholic for several years) and I think the writers did a good job not glossing over her addictions. They made it painful to watch and when Abby finally came clean, they still didn't make it all neat and tidy...just like in real life. Kudos! Only complaint, please quit making Archie so darn silly.
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Dec 7, 2007 10:01 AM
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I tried watching the first episode of ER this season, and found that I completely did not care about any of the characters or their storylines anymore, and I had been a faithful viewer since the start. So it hurt to take "ER" off my TV watching schedule, but from some of the comments on today's blog and others I've read (I still occasionally read the recaps), maybe I'm not missing that much after all.
Maybe the start of the end for me was John Stamos coming to the show - I've never liked him and I didn't enjoy his character or storyline.
Anyway, I've switched to "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" at 10:00 - very good substitute!
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Dec 7, 2007 10:58 AM
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I agree with you andy. ER is still appointment TV for me and I look forward to it. Last night's episode just moved me. When the credits were shown I just sat for a moment thinking how great the episode was. ER isn't always a barrel of laughs, but it isn't dubbed as one either. It is great acting and great stories told in a realistic manner that draws you in.
And I agree that I had to look away and cringe when the head kicking occurred, but I could also see it happening.
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Dec 7, 2007 11:08 AM
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I'm still a loyal ER viewer after all these years, and it rarely disappoints. I don't believe I've ever missed an episode. I might be wrong, but when Abby and Luka were arguing in front of the hospital, was that the first time we'd ever seen that exact location? I don't remember seeing it before, with the signs for "Ambulance Exit and Entrance". People usually have conversations in the ambulance bay or walking to Doc Magoos (now Jumbo Mart) or to and from the El, but I don't remember that setting before. Anyway...
I agree with those of you who have praised Maura Tierney's acting chops. She's fantastic, and it's ashame she doesn't get recognized because ER is below the critics' radar screen now.
I, too, got a little weepy during the Peter Fonda storyline, and during the memorial service Julia conducted.
This show is still very well written and acted, and I will miss it when it's gone.
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Dec 7, 2007 12:11 PM
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I see what you guys mean about ending the show after Luka and Abby's wedding. To be honest though, as much as this season has pained me, I'm glad its still on just because I really like the show. I hated Moretti and did think it was odd how he just left (same with Hope - what the heck was up with that?????? Do you think she'll show back up before the show ends? I think we should have some sort of closure...) BUT that said, the intense feelings that caused in many of us is a sign that the writers have done their job... But it still broke my heart.
Along with all of you I'm sure, I am SO glad Abby and Luka finally talked. And no, she may not have said exactly what happened with Moretti but Luka knew the direction she was going in so that should soften the blow when she does tell him. And I don't think the writers would have her stop at a bar or not make it to rehab, they know she doesn't have much time left on the show and in an interview Maura Tierney said her and Luka would end on an upswing or something. So I think she'll go to rehab. We may not ever see her there though on the show. And hopefully little Joe wont remember that the first year of his life.
Oh and I liked how the characters were given a chance to look back on past patients, that was a really creative way of doing it and loved the little trip down memory lane (though it didn't go back very far... and I agree with the person who wished Neela would've picked a different patient! That story line was lame..)
AND one more thing; I'm not entirely opposed to Sam and Gates getting together as long as they STAY together. It'd be good for them I think.
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Dec 7, 2007 12:27 PM
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I have loved this show for many years but I do agree it's time to "call it". I think more so w/ Goran Visnjic and Maura Tierney leaving at the end of the season.
Just please a Laura Innes cameo before the show wraps. I miss Kerry Weaver!
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Dec 7, 2007 12:30 PM
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