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Episode Recap: "Coming Home"
I don’t know about all of you, but as tonight’s episode started, I was still reeling from last week’s gut-wrenching exploration of Abby’s dark night of the soul. So, when I saw Luka come around that corner, I practically cried tears of joy. But my happiness, like Abby’s, was short-lived as it became obvious that the repercussions of her drunken mistake have yet to fully play out.
I agree with those of you who continue to post about Maura Tierney’s amazing, consistently compelling performance. After watching her give another bravura turn tonight (under the direction of ER vet Laura Innes) I have to say that it would be criminal for her to be overlooked again come awards time. Unfortunately, it seems that the show’s buzz-worthiness has long since worn off, a fact that keeps it off the radar of most Emmy voters. (Though, it should be noted, guest stars are regularly rewarded for their ER efforts, so it appears someone is taking notice.)
Back to the action, I am now completely repelled by Dr. Moretti and therefore, am having a hard time mustering any sympathy for the situation with his son. (I’d also like to acknowledge those of you who diagnosed the young man as bi-polar since that seems to be where we are headed.) And if anyone ever asks you to define awkward, just refer them back to the scene tonight where Moretti and Luka came face-to-face. I had to laugh thinking that Moretti probably fled the scene fearing for his own life when he caught site of the towering Croatian. (Oh, Goran Visnjic, I could just scoop you up with a biscuit.)
The other action at the hospital revolved around Harold’s homecoming readiness activities with Archie (a mildly diverting subplot) and his interaction with the young man with life-threatening injuries and the guilt-stricken paraplegic father. I was touched by Harold’s ability to relate to the boy and his attempts to awkwardly comfort the father during the tense surgery. Though I still find Harold’s credibility questionable, I am warming to the guy.
Another guy who is slowly changing my mind is Tony, and not just because John Stamos looks so much more attractive without the facial scruff. I think that he can be quite a charismatic actor given the right material and his pairing with Reiko Ayleworth’s Julia has been a pleasant showcase for his charm. I may be in the minority on this one, but I was really relieved when the petulant Sarah went to live with her grandparents, so I was not thrilled to see her reintroduction tonight, though it was nice to see Frances Conroy as Sarah’s world-weary grandmother. (I loved her as Fisher family matriarch Ruth on Six Feet Under.)
Getting back to Luka and Abby, I thought it was an interesting twist for Luka to return home with his brother in tow. That will certainly add to the already tense reunion. While I am hopeful that the writers understand how much the fans are rooting for Luka and Abby’s happiness, they seem determined to throw up roadblocks (for more on that frustrating tendency, click here for a preview of what’s on the horizon for our star-crossed pair).
Next week, no new episode, as we all give thanks by stuffing ourselves with turkey and pie. Enjoy the holiday. I’ll see you in two weeks!
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Nov 16, 2007 12:09 AM
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Hello E.R. fans. I hope there are mnay more of you than the ratings indicate. This improving show is back where it belongs and certainly deserves millions more watching. It's a great show to go after "grey's". I finally caught up with the last 4 eps thanks to my new DVR...it's like having your own video jukebox along with the additional $10 a month making my cable bill feel like it's being run by the oil companies....the charges are always going up with no relief in sight. (sorry I digressed) John Stamos is doing a fantastic job as well as all of the actors. I think Dr. Moretti could use some sprucing up now that Tony looks more together. (this coming from a man who sports a very neat beard but I'm 62 and look pretty good)Looking forward to see what happens with Moretti's son and if the chaplain (I was sorry when she was killed off in "24") and Gates can have a meaningful relationship without the constant references to religion. Keep up the good work "ER"
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Nov 16, 2007 1:53 AM
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This was a very good episode. Maura Tierney is doing a fantastic job this season. I was glad too see Frances Conroy, at first I didn't recognize her. I was also a fan of hers on SFU(by the way I miss that show) Has she ever cut her?
Anyway, Harold is starting to grow on me. He reminds me of Nick on Days of Our Lives. Nerdy but loveable.
Im so glad too see Luka back as well. Its sad that he brought his brother
Its a shame that he brought his brother back with him. He would of probably noticed the signs in Abby.
And Happy Turkey Day to you too Trish. And enjoy your DVR trombone....you are going to love it.
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Nov 16, 2007 5:41 AM
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I think the episode was great - I just have two minor comments. First, wouldn't you have expected Luka's brother to be much better looking? I guess looks don't run in the family. And, if Luka has a brother in Croatia, why did he have to go take care of his father? Couldn't Nico have done it? I mean, I know Luka would want to visit his sick father, but his last excuse for staying there was that he had to have the house fitted with wheelchair ramps. I'm sure Nico could have handled the construction.
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Nov 16, 2007 8:54 AM
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Okay, after last week's episode I was a useless, gibbering shell of a man watching all that transpired with my beloved Abby. But I wasn't shocked by most of the events in last night's episode. I was already certain that Abby wouldn't want to talk to Moretti about their "indescretion", and that she still wouldn't tell a soul about her drinking. I also guessed that Luka's return wouldn't really change the situation all that much.
But--and I hate to say this--as this episode came to a close, I felt myself begin to lose just a bit of sympathy for Abby's behavior. I realize that once drinking takes a firm grip on an alcoholic, logic then takes a back seat. But I wanted to shake Abby and say, "Tell someone you're drinking! Even if it's not Luka! Confide in someone for once!" or something to that effect. I really got upset in the closing moments--I cringed when Luka surprised Abby by bringing his brother back with him (what were you THINKING, Luka?). That was bad enough. But for Abby to fix herself the Coke/vodka drink literally behind his back, and then take it into the nursery with her while checking up on Joe, really got me twisting myself into the floor. This is just awful.
Credit for Laura Innes for that shot of Abby's hand holding the soda can in the foreground as we watched Joe sleeping in his crib.
I continue to be blown away by Maura Tierney's performance--I agree that its unfortunate how millions of TV viewers have been missing it. ER's ratings have been shockingly low this season.
But something's got to give with this storyline, and I really hope its soon. I don't want to lose any more sympathy for Abby if she continues to make things even worse for herself.
And, Luka, send your brother back home and be with your wife and kid!
As for Moretti, I sense that the writers don't really know what to do with him now that they've created him--he was brought in to shake things up in the ER, but really only succeeded in ticking off everyone. Then he took advantage of Abby, and now he has to deal with a son who's ready to check into the balloon factory. So? We haven't been given any reason to sympathize with Moretti, so I'm hoping he'll be gone for a while, if not for good (Stanley Tucci is still listed as "special guest star" on the opening credits).
As for Tony and Sarah, I originally thought she was an atrocious, spoiled brat, but I've really grown to like her, mostly because she is so devoted to Tony. I'm glad the grandparents have finally realized that she'd be happier with him. And he obviously has thought about her every day they've been apart. Could it be that they--plus Julia--will find happiness as a new family? I hope so.
Harold is growing on me, too. He is so clearly an awkward (both physically and socially), and inexperienced kid, but wants to do the right thing by everyone, especially the patients. I think once we get past his geekiness, his good points will become more endearing.
So, that's all from me, for now. Sorry for such a long post.
Please, Abby, do SOMETHING to help yourself, and soon!
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Nov 16, 2007 9:15 AM
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I agree with comment that Luka's brother should have been much better looking. My daughters and I were discussing that last night. But as far as Luka leaving the care of his father to his brother, we don't really know the brother yet. Maybe he has some problems or can't be relied upon to take charge of a situation. Perhaps we'll see in upcoming episodes.
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Nov 16, 2007 9:19 AM
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I used to hate Archie's character, but now I am just loving him...he is so fun to watch week after week....and apparently, i'm in the minority, but Gates can do nothing wrong in my book.....just love him...but that's probably because I could just scoop HIM up with a cracker...!!!
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Nov 16, 2007 9:59 AM
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There are 2 people on the show I could do without... 1. Harold, 2. Sarah. Although, because Harold is the new comic relief guy I can understand why he's there. I just think he's a little overdone. With Sarah, I just have a feeling she's going to cause lots of pre-teen angst that I could do without. Well, I guess Morretti's a third, but that's obvious.
Honestly the biggest shocker came for me when Abby actually said a word to Morretti... I thought for sure she'd avoid him like the plague. Maybe she's grown up a 'bit' because in previous seasons I don't think she would have. It was so great to see her running to Luka... for like a half a second I felt like everything was going to be okay. That faded quickly though when, like Abby, I remembered what she's going to have to tell him. And of course my heart broke along with all the Abby fans when she was pouring out that coke. Ugh... Though it's more realistic than her just stopping because Luka's back.
Make his brother go home - Abby and Luka got some figuring out to do... this show for me would be boring without them this season.
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Nov 16, 2007 10:22 AM
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I'll bet you anything that Abby will NEVER tell Luka that she slept with Moretti. And Luka will probably only find out about her drinking either by catching her in the act, or by seeing her behaving out of character in some way (such as the kind of bitchiness she exhibited in the ER).
I'm still wondering why she just can't tell him that she fell off the wagon because of stress, missing him, etc.
P.S. --What's with the blurb on the TV Guide main page, something about "Kerry's birth mother appeared at County General"? Did I miss something?
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Nov 16, 2007 10:34 AM
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You are not the only one who dislikes Sarah. I can't stand the little manipulative brat. They made her so unlikable that I couldn't even muster any sympathy for her when her mother died, and I was happy she went to live with the grandparents. I am not looking forward to her return. (This is not a reflection on the young actress; I just can't stand the character she plays.)
Am I the only one who has noticed that all the recurring children's roles on this show have been obnoxious? First we had Mark Green's horrible daughter, Rachel; then we had Sam's delinquent son, Alex; and now we have Sarah. Do the writers hate kids or something?
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Nov 16, 2007 10:57 AM
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Elibu:
I'm with you. Every young person on this show has been infuriating with his or her awful attitude (even that girl a week or two ago whose father left her in Chicago to live with his new wife). I wanted to strangle each one of them.
But I do like Sarah now. I think she'll settle down now that she's with Tony.
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Nov 16, 2007 11:25 AM
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What I don't get is, how can Luka's dad be so serious that he's needed there for months, then, just like that, both sons are able to leave him there alone? Also, the Luka we all know & love would be all over Abby on his 1st day home. Certainly not watching a soccer game with his brother & a few beers when he hasn't seen her in so long.
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Nov 16, 2007 12:22 PM
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First things first -- how many of us squealed (or screamed) when Luka showed up at County! I know *I* did! LOL! What a lovely scene...my "big Croat"!! (side note: that 'term of endearment' was first used when Kerry left County, so kudos to Laura Innes for inserting that in there, if indeed it was her influence). But I digress.
I always look forward to Laura directing eps -- they're usually damn good eps and this was no exception! Abby's actions are so painful to watch (in a good way). It's like watching a loved one self-destruct. Everytime she comes close to Joe with alcohol I CRINGE! As disturbing as that is, it's reality and Maura's doing a hell of a job with Abby's disease. I hope SOMEONE catches it soon and gets her butt into rehab.
And as happy as I am to see my beloved Luka a big "DOH!" to him. How could you bring your brother?? UGH! Dearest Luka -- my love! Leave the ugly brother at home! LOL! I think Luka did get all the looks & the smarts.
I like Harold. Him & Morris have some sort of geeky bond or something but they're OK. Harold had a great ep!!
Moretti, I still don't give a hoot about, especially after he took advantage of my Abby Wabby! But the thing that's missing about ER this season is characters that we give a hoot about. I mean, there's Abby but that's about it. We're not THAT invested in the other characters. I bet we care more about Haleh than we care about Gates, Morris, Pratt and Moretti combined! I like Gates (I'm in that minority too) and I like Neela, but I don't necessarily care for them like we did with the older characters (Doug, Mark, Carol, Carter, Kerry, etc). Am I alone here? I still love the show and I'll tune in EVERY single week as usual, but I need more...
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Nov 16, 2007 12:37 PM
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GarryB:
I think Abby will tell Luka about her and Moretti. Her guilt is already eating at her: puking, crying, etc. Plus, Luka has to find out, and with Moretti gone, that only leaves Abby to tell. She will become consumed with guilt (which won't help her drinking problem) if she doesn't let it out. Plus, it would be so much worse for Luka to just 'find out' before she tells him.
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Nov 16, 2007 12:49 PM
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As awful as this may sound to some of you, I think Abby's biggest problem to deal with now is her drinking, and not the fact that she slept with Moretti. With him out of the picture, at least for now, she might feel as if there's no point in telling Luka about it. Her guilt will stay with her whether she tells Luka or not. But her drinking is the more serious and immediate problem, so I hope she confronts that first.
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Nov 16, 2007 1:19 PM
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