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Episode Recap: "In a Different Light"
As if mothers don’t have it tough enough, tonight we got some stellar examples of bad mothers, clueless mothers and mothers dealing with secrets and regret. And that’s not even counting our favorite mommy of all, Abby, who was patiently dealing with Luka’s absence and Moretti’s in-your-face management style.
But first up, we had a visit from our old friend Dr. Anspaugh, who was busy deflecting Pratt’s offer to take over as chief. It was quite amusing later on when Moretti let on that he knew Pratt had tried to throw him under the bus. While Pratt can be a little irritating, I am glad to see him stepping up as an authority figure in the ER and trying to be a leader. I was also glad to see that Pratt and Archie acknowledged the situation with Ray as they cleaned out his locker. Archie took a tough situation and put his own inappropriate spin on it by trying to steal Ray’s sneakers — the ones he clearly wouldn’t need anymore.
Not much to report with Neela since last week, except that her swift recovery offers hope to victims of political-rally stampedes all over the world. I enjoyed a good laugh during the scene where Dr. Crenshaw quizzed her on the status of her bodily functions prior to discharge.
On a more serious note, Archie dealt with the news that Hope will be taking her leave. I’ve enjoyed their little romance so I am also sad to see her move along, but hopefully this will open the door for someone a little less "WWJD" to step in and sweep Archie off his feet. For the time being, I think he is much better as a frustrated, inept single guy anyway. It leaves so much more room for humor.
Spoiler alert: The coming attractions seemed to foretell a sad twist in that story, though you can never be too sure with NBC.
Now back to those moms. First, we had the dead teenager, his pregnant teacher/girlfriend and his shattered mother who may have inadvertently kicked off the chain of events that lead to his fatal car crash. Then there was the innocent-seeming couple who pulled the wool over Abby and Dubenko’s eyes about their role in the neighborhood robbery. I was thrilled at first when Dubenko allegedly “lost” the bullet he removed and then equally happy that it turned up at just the right time. I found that scene with the girl in handcuffs a little bit chilling since she took on a much more sinister look when she was being taken away by the police and glaring at Abby.
Next up we had the mother of the boy in the ICU who befriended Tony. Her preteen son inexplicably managed to keep her in the dark as he expertly diagnosed his own rare neuromuscular disease. His goal was to spare her the agony of dealing with his deterioration and ultimate death, but I am sure it was much more shocking to learn the truth when she'd been thinking he was suffering from pneumonia. I enjoyed the interplay between him and Tony, as he seemed to draw out a more thoughtful side to the wayward doctor. It looks like his visit to the ICU is already working wonders for our dear Dr. Gates.
Finally, we had Sam with her fabulous new ‘do and an adorable policeman who is obviously sweet on her. I was touched by Linda Cardellini’s acting in the scene where the mother of the accident victim talked about her fractured relationship with her son and how things had just started to turn around. Sam’s tearful reaction definitely showed that the situation with Alex still weighs heavily on her.
Can I just mention that it is great to have ER back? While I am enjoying a lot of the new shows, it is so nice to have the continuity of Thursday nights at 10. If this turns out to be the last season, I hope we get a chance to say a long and gracious farewell.
Need more ER, STAT? Check out the Online Video Guide for interviews and clips.
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Oct 4, 2007 11:52 PM
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I agree that it is a good to have ER back.
It's the consummate professionalism of the writing, the acting (especially the guest stars), the directing, the lightning. In short, just about every element is excellent. Maura Tierney's quiet move to the center, if not to the heartbeat of the show, demonstrates just how underrated she is.
It's also great to the see that the show can run without a "franchise" player at the center of things. A George Clooney or Goran Visnjic or even a Noah Wiley, is, in short, optional.
The ensemble with Tierney on point and Stanley Tucci's Moretti are handling things brilliantly. With Visnjic's impending departure this is an excellent sign that ER can survive without the mega-star payroll that may be out of line with ER's's present ratings.
In short a deep bench is the show's saving grace. (OK, 'nuff baseball metaphors.)
Tonight's subplot with the teacher-student lovers could have been milked for prurient interest. Instead, it was handled with taste, tact and a quiet, delicate performance by Linda Cardellini. The tears, as she silently reflected on her relationship with her son couldn't have been better expressed with ten pages of exposition.
Gate's subplot with the super-brilliant, but doomed, young boy was also a stand-out. However, I wish the subplot had been given more time, preferably at the expense of Frank's genealogical obsession (since when has Frank cared that much about any of his co-workers?!?).
But, again, ER's genius often stems from knowing just how far to go and not going any further (the ubiquity of helicopter accidents at County not-withstanding).
Let's hope the rest of the season continues to meet the standard set by these first two eps.
(I too have found the new crop of shows to be the usual drivel; The Bionic Woman is, so far, a pleasant surprise. Not least because the incredible Katee Sackhoff is the first BSGer to make the jump to a "Big Three" show; hopefully feature film roles will follow soon.)
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Oct 5, 2007 4:19 AM
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I really enjoyed tonight's episode. Even more than last week's. I thought it was well paced, well written and well acted. I even liked Gates last night, and that doesn't happen often. It was just an all-around great episode and I hope we have more like it to look forward to all season.
PS. Would the writers please give Chuny a steady boyfriend, especially if this is the last season. She has been searching for 'Mr. Goodbar' for nearly 14 years now!
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Oct 5, 2007 8:30 AM
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ER is back to its solid stories and great acting.
Gates being drawn out by the kid genius is just what he needed and we wanted to see.
I agree we have not seen the last of the Hold-up Hispanic couple. He look of hate for the gringa Abby told me more during sweeps.
Sam's fabulous new do??? Sure she changed the color and it looked infinitely better then blond over black, but it was still that mess cut people pay a fortune for when I could do as well for ten bucks. That aside, she is a great actress and her stuff showcases the undercurrent of motives and issues ER is great for.
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Oct 5, 2007 9:06 AM
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...Good morning...It is great to have ER back...loved the scene where a new doctor asks for Ray's locker and Dr Pratt and Dr Morris give him some attitude; I agree that by the look that girl gave to Abby, that wasn't the last we'll see of her...
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Oct 5, 2007 9:37 AM
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Are the actors who play Ray and Luka off the show or just gone for a while? I thought I remembered seeing a preview where Ray got artificial legs and was back in the ER? Are they gonna have Luka leave Abby and stay in Croatia?!! Someone please fill me in!
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Oct 5, 2007 10:31 AM
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no1punjabi - I was thinking the same thing about Chuny! Give the poor girl some play... The last guy I remember her with was Mark Greene, for pete's sake! Can't one character on this show have some sort of functioning relationship?
How long til the cop Sam's gonna date has some sort of PTSD breakdown and take the place hostage? Or some long-lost child breaking up Pratt and his new girl? They already sent Luka halfway across the world... is there any other couple left? These people are cursed...lol
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Oct 5, 2007 11:44 AM
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Neither Shane West nor Goran Vijnic are part of the regular cast this season, although both are slated to make guest appearances. Actually GV is signed on to appear in something like four episodes, but he is not a series regular any more.
I keep reading that people think this season is as strong as ever, but I have found these last two episodes to be nothing more than average. For the first time, I think it is about time that the producers think about wrapping things up and making this season its final one. I will probably watch it this season, but I can't say I'll keep watching if the show just keeps going on.
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Oct 5, 2007 11:48 AM
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Seriously? We're supposed to believe that a kid determines whether or not his mom knows his diagnosis? Even if he can convince Tony of this, what about all those other doctors? I don't care if he's in college, HE'S A KID! The doctors HAVE to tell her.
I've stuck through ER through all it's ups and downs, and still love this show. But when there's a plot hole this big? COME ON!
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Oct 5, 2007 11:58 AM
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Does anyone know who was the actress who played the teacher/girlfriend? She looked familiar to me.
I'm also glad that ER is back. To me this show is like a nice piece of comfort food for me. But instead of food, comfort tv.
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Oct 5, 2007 2:03 PM
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The grand dame is back!! In terms of quality, it's saying something when the venerable ER handily trounces ALL the new shows out this season!
We all know how good the show is, but the reruns on TNT and the originals on Thursday night really speak to the show's caliber and legacy -- good, quality TV. I can't speak highly enough of the writing, acting, and the production values. The show's grown, as have the characters and it's been extremely satisfying, not to mention gratifying to be part of the journey...
This reads as if it were some sort of goodbye, but I'll say this, I want this show to endure. We don't get enough TV that truly resonates AND entertains. I for one, am thoroughly over all these cookie-cutter, youth-trending all flash and no substance series that get the opportunity to bore us. Enough already.
Keep ER coming, and keep watching, people!
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Oct 5, 2007 3:38 PM
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I think Linda Cardllini's hair looks awful. It adds years to her looks and makes her look hard. She almost resembles Mackenzie Phillips, and that isn't a compliment. Otherwise, a good show. Wish the Neela character would leave.
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Oct 5, 2007 4:12 PM
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Pain_Man so very precisely summarizes my sentiments. Well-said. Nuanced balance of character development and interesting plots. Pratt has evolved emotionally, to be sure.
A wonderful show. Maura Tierney is one of the most appealing actresses, well, period.
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Oct 5, 2007 10:04 PM
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Just curious, is Busy Philipps leaving ER or is her character's time away from Chicago only temporary?
Also, that Orthopedist doctor patient who was high on 'shrooms and prepared the arm cast on another patient looked a heck of a lot like Howard Hessman. Was that him?
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Oct 9, 2007 2:04 PM
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I've loved ER for along time and I hope if the show does end this season. That they will end it will but hopefully it will still have a couple more years left and if Luka leaves Abby maybe Dr.Carter will come back into her life... That would be awesome... Keep watching people not many shows last as long as this one..
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Oct 10, 2007 2:28 PM
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