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Episode Recap: "Blackout"
“I still remember when Mark Greene and Doug Ross were running the place.” Me too, Chuny. Me too. What a nice shout-out to the long and storied history of our beloved ER. I do love the episodes that allow the cast to interact outside the workplace. Not only did we learn that Chuny’s real name is Ethyl (who would have guessed), but we also got to see the chemistry between Dubenko and Neela on full display, Pratt exercising his newly legit attending muscles and, sadly, Abby falling even further into the abyss of her alcoholism while still proving what excellent instincts she has as a doctor.
Witnessing Abby’s disintegration was really painful, especially for those of us who have seen this character turn her life around over the past few years. I know that the writers had to work around the absence of Goran Visnjic in some way, but I really wish Abby’s character hadn’t taken such a hit. It is most certainly a credit to Maura Tierney that my reaction to tonight’s breakdown was practically visceral—Abby’s pain was that palpable. I was most surprised and disappointed in regard to her indiscretion with Dr. Moretti. While I was struggling to remember who exactly would even know about Abby’s alcoholism, I was also disgusted that Moretti, obviously aware of Abby’s fragile state, took advantage of her in a weak moment. How awful was it to watch her wake up in a blur, stumble over her embarrassment, totally blow it with the sitter and then drag a frightened Joe to the airport in the middle of the night. I can certainly understand her instinct to get herself and Joe to Luka, to reclaim her center, but it was obvious that she was lacking the clarity to be making life-altering decisions at that particular moment.
Despite her inability to handle her own problems, Abby’s instincts were right on about the crying baby. Thank goodness she went against Pratt’s orders and decided to probe further. It just goes to show passing a test does not make you infallible. Meanwhile poor Archie, who was on fire with his diagnosis of the man from the nursing home, was too embarrassed to tell his co-workers that he failed. Poor guy—first his girlfriend dumps him, then he fails his boards.
Not too much else to say tonight except I continue to like Tony more and more. It almost seems like John Stamos has settled into the character and is trying to stretch a little less with all the darkness and anger. A little flirting has done wonders for him.
Not to give too much away, but I was thrilled after watching the preview for next week. Let’s hope things start to look up!
Need more ER, STAT? Check out the Online Video Guide for interviews and clips.
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Nov 8, 2007 11:57 PM
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I couldn't believe what pondscum Moretti was with regard to Abby. He KNOWS she's married. He KNOWS she's plastered. And anyone with about a tenth of a functioning brain could tell that she was teetering on the edge in the bar when she started accusing him of hitting on her....and then he goes and sleeps with her.
Wow.
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Nov 9, 2007 2:28 AM
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I totally changed my opinion of Moretti after the Abby thing. Yuck!!
And we thought Abby's drinking would be the worst of her problems.
Hated watching little baby Joe cry. (Not to mention the baby with the heart attack).Just hate when they make those little "actors" (like they have a choice!) cry endlessly for a scene or a storyline. They're only crying because something is making them unhappy in real life. I know sometimes it only looks like the babies cry and we're really hearing a recording from off camera, but that wasn't the case with Joe. Nope, don't like it.
Those previews give such promise to a wonderful show next week. I can't wait.
Oh, I missed the interaction between Neela and Dubenko. What happened?
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Nov 9, 2007 3:32 AM
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I also missed the interaction between Neela and Dubenko...however I was doing my homework while the show was on. Oh well.
Doug and Mark those were the days of ER.
Total yuck fest with Abby and Moretti. At first I was thinking Moretti took Abby back to his place cause she passed out on him or something. Boy was I wrong.
Chuny's real name Ethy....who would of thunk it..not me.
And by the way I couldnt stop laughing at those folk singer or whatever you wanna call them. They reminded me of the Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer skit on SNL(i forgot the name of their characters on that skit). And yeah they would be very annoying to listen to in the er. I wouldnt want them around me.
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Nov 9, 2007 3:57 AM
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I knew the way they were looking at each other they would end up in bed. I told my husband by next commercial you will see her dazed and confused at his place. I hated to be right. I also hate poor Archie failed his boards. I am liking Tony more too. Ethyl...who would have thought. A nice shout out to Dr.'s Greene and Ross.
I can't wait for next week!
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Nov 9, 2007 7:35 AM
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I must be too emotionally invested in this show--especially in Abby--because I was genuinely disturbed by the events in this episode. I think most of us, at the beginning of the season, were happy to see her settle into her role as the emotional center of the show, handling the stress of the ER and coming up with brilliant diagnoses as a matter of routine. She clearly has gained the respect of her co-workers. And to see her now is just heartbreaking. I agree that the ever-smirking Moretti is a scumbag for taking advantage of her. I didn't see that coming (I make it a point not to watch previews or seek out spoilers). The shot of them sitting at the bar before the commercial break did hint at some kind of tension--sexual or otherwise--but she was plastered! So the flashback she had of her and Moretti rolling around in bed really caught me off guard.
I was sure at least some of the people in the ER have known that she was an alcoholic, but apparently they're all in the dark (pun intended). I'm surprised those that have known her the longest, like Sam or Pratt, are still unaware. They could have given her a lot of support!
And if Maura Tierney doesn't win an Emmy for this season--and she should have a half-dozen by now--there is no justice. I know in my heart her odds are slim and none, but she absolutely deserves it.
Lastly, I appreciate the mention of the Mark Greene-Doug Ross era on the show, but I've been enjoying this cast every bit as much as those from the "old days."
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Nov 9, 2007 8:53 AM
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I hate what they're doing to poor Abby, although the story is helped by Maura Tierney's always perfect portrayal. I never felt bad for someone for cheating on her husband before, but my heart broke for Abby.
Moretti's a bastard, although I do have to say that Stanley Tucci with no shirt was a welcome surprise 
I thought more characters knew about Abby's alcoholism though. They were all encouraging her to join in.
Lazy writing for Hope to long-distance break up with Archie; she brought out a new side of him, and they let that show for the last few episode (i.e. when he turned down the twins), so why undo all that tonight?
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Nov 9, 2007 9:10 AM
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Oh man..... I couldn't sleep last night I was so saddened for and by Abby and so ANGRY and Moretti! I cannot believe it... I didn't see previews for next week, but by the comments here it sounds like things will start to get better..I really hope so. Is she going to tell Luka?
And I've been re-watching all the seasons this past year (4-11 so far) and I really don't think anyone knows about her alcoholism really. Susan Lewis would've been the last one, and maybe weaver, though I can't recall weaver knowing really.
Loved the shout out to mark and doug as well. Are Chuny and Haleh the only 2 really around still from way back then? Anyone else?
I love this show..
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Nov 9, 2007 9:23 AM
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We could all see when Moretti arrived that he had a thing for Abby. That is about all we could really see besides that he was a "tyrant" in the ER. Tonight his wife called about his son. Maybe his wife was calling to confirm their son's diagnosis. So we really don't know what's going on with him. Maybe he couldn't see the wrong in what he was doing because he wanted to be close to someone or hurt someone. I don't know. But I hated what happened between him and Abby. I'm trying to give the guy the benefit of doubt, but I was so sad that this happened.
I started watching ER 3 or 4 seasons ago, so I too kept wondering why didn't anyone know Abby was an alcoholic.
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Nov 9, 2007 9:39 AM
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The scene when Abby wakes up and looks around, I was saying to myself over and over again "PLEASE don't let Abby be at Moretti's place!" Boy, was I wrong! And watching Abby's downward spiral was so incredibly gut-wrenching.
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Nov 9, 2007 9:51 AM
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I guess Abby simply didn't want anyone to know about her alcoholism, except her sponsor, perhaps because she was afraid of endangering her job at the hospital or having the others treat her differently if they knew. I guess everyone in that position makes that choice for themselves.
I'm still reeling from this episode. Aside from having slept with Moretti, Abby now has to deal with the guilt when she finally sees Luka again. And what will happen when she sees Moretti again? Geez.
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Nov 9, 2007 10:03 AM
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and another thing - when is pratt going to learn. He told abby she should just take a cab home. ummmmm....last time you did that ray had no legs!
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Nov 9, 2007 10:31 AM
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Best line: "I didn't call you a b**ch, I said you were b**chy. They're not the same thing."
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Nov 9, 2007 10:33 AM
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I'm not surprised that most of the ER staff didn't know Abby was an alcoholic- but Neela? Come on! Aren't they supposed to be good friends?
I was SO sad after last night's episode. I hate that Abby slept with him- couldn't they have made it a close call? Though I have to say, Maura Tierney did an unbelievable job, you could feel her pain.
P.S. I love John Stamos.
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Nov 9, 2007 10:57 AM
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Is there ANY possible chance, that Abby didn't really sleep with Moretti, and he took her home because she was drunk and she is just confused and guilty and THINKS she might have??????????????? Please?????????????
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Nov 9, 2007 11:08 AM
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