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January 4, 2007: Breach of Trust
Happy New Year, ER! After a wonderful, though repeat-filled, holiday season, it is nice to settle into 2007 with some fresh story lines, isn’t it? And how great to have an episode that shined the spotlight squarely on our dear Dr. Kerry Weaver. But more on that later.
Okay, I’ve been on the fence all season about John Stamos’ Tony Gates, and tonight I’ve finally decided: I really don’t like him. In numerous articles and commentaries I’ve read about this season, people have compared this character to George Clooney’s flawed but immensely appealing Doug Ross. I don’t know if it was the way that character was written or the charisma and soulfulness that Clooney brought to the role, but even at his lowest, I don’t ever remember Doug coming off as so unlikable — and I say that with the knowledge that he charmed and bedded many random women before impregnating his long-suffering, formerly suicidal girlfriend with twins and leaving her to fend for herself while he went off to get his act together. Despite his penchant for bad choices, Doug Ross always recognized his weaknesses, and that was ultimately what redeemed him. Regardless of the fact that Meg is acting like a lunatic and her daughter’s precociousness was less than endearing, it seems that Tony has taken advantage of these women — at least emotionally — and now he doesn’t want to pay the piper. No, it was not reasonable for Meg to come and spew her venom all over the ER (great acting by Paula Malcomson) but, if she was being truthful about how Tony paid for medical school, then he certainly owes her something. As for Neela, here is my advice to her: Run as fast as you can. Run right into the waiting arms of Mr. Porn ‘Stache. (Still there. Still hoping it’s because Shane West has a movie role that requires it.)
It looks like Pratt is going to take a big fall for his involvement with the church drug-exchange program. Is there anyone who didn’t see that one coming? (If you caught the super-spoilerish previews, then you probably already know more than you wanted about where this is leading.) At the end of the day, Pratt’s good intentions always seem to get the better of him, and this time it cost a patient his life. I have a hard time believing that ultra-devout Hope is going to stand idly by while he takes all of the blame. Then again, Pratt is her attending, so would it really matter?
“Ben, you got the narcotic's keys?” One simple question from Haleh in the middle of a trauma, and my husband and I immediately agreed that they are setting up Ben to have some kind of drug problem. He’s either taking them or selling them, but something is up there. I’m still holding out hope that he is a great guy who is going to be really good for Sam, but my optimism is fading fast. What Sam doesn't need now is more trouble in light of the fact that Alex continues to show worrisome signs of rebellion. (The kid did see his mother shoot his murderous, rapist father to death while he slept. I don’t think a little post-traumatic stress is out of order.) I enjoyed seeing Lois Smith as Sam’s feisty, pot-growing grandmother Gracie. I’m curious to see what’s in store because, again, the previews were ominous.
As for Kerry, her handling of the diabetic Katrina victim was really emblematic of the kind of doctor she has been for all these years — a true advocate who isn’t above cutting through the pretense and bureaucratic red tape to achieve the best possible results for her patients. Kerry hasn’t always been likable, but, as played by the wonderful Laura Innes, she has consistently proven herself to be an outstanding doctor and teacher and a truly complex character. It is hard to imagine any of the other attendings standing up to Dubenko with such authority. When he was hesitant to allow the patient to stay awake during the toe amputation, Kerry called him out: “Cut the crap, Lucien. You just don’t want to have to answer her questions." Kerry was also spot-on when she pointed out to Luka that she had thrown herself under the bus to save his job. I found Kerry’s explanation about why she was leaving to be very true to the history of her character. She would be the last person who would be satisfied “treading water,” and the opportunity in Miami certainly provided an appealing, though overly convenient, alternative.
It looks like we have a lot of interesting twists and turns coming up as this resurgent season continues. I hope you are as excited as I am!
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Jan 5, 2007 12:59 AM
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Wow, first comment. Anyway, I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of Gates. I've never liked him, even from his brief guest appearances last season. The character is a liar and a cheat, and Neela deserves far better. And for me, that's always been (and always will be) Ray.
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Jan 5, 2007 1:17 AM
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Since day 1 of Kerry Weaver's appearance in the ER, and most especially after she flagrantly backstabbed Dr. Greene in supporting Romano for chief of staff, I have despised her character. Nothing she has done has even come close to redeeming her to me.
I'm fantastically happy that she's gone. Laura Innes seems to be mostly into directing these days anyway.
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Jan 5, 2007 7:28 AM
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I'll probably miss Kerry, although I agree that she is often rather shrill and unlikeable. I'm just so used to having her around, giving the other doctors grief in one form or another. But she never seems totally happy, even when she's in a relationship--her eyes always reveal a vague kind of sadness.
But for the past several years I've been watching the show for Maura Tierney anyway--who, in my book, should have several Emmys by now.
And, oh yes, I'd really love to strangle Sam's son--slowly and painfully. What an awful monster. He was screwed up long before he witnessed Sam's "disposal" of the father, and he seems well on his way to becoming a true criminal. I couldn't believe Morris and everyone else was so easy on him for stealing his credit card number! So I really hope Sam doesn't run into more problems with the new guy (by the way, I LOVE her bangs!).
As for Gates, I wanted to like him, and I haven't given up hope--remember, many ER characters hit seemingly hopeless low points before climbing back up (like Luka), so he might straighten out. But Neela should probably be with Ray.
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Jan 5, 2007 9:04 AM
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I didn't catch that about Ben and the narcotics keys - thanks! I'll be on the lookout for shady behavior. Poor Sam, just what she needs... more troublemakers.
I was sad to see Kerry go, I feel like it was a very sudden thing and agree it was a bit too convenient. Why Miami? Couldn't she just work full time in Chicago at that station? That way we'd get some guest appearances occasionally.
As for next week (and stop reading now if you don't watch previews) I assumed a while ago that the creepy guy Abby talked at in the bar was her father - he did mention he had a son and a daughter, I think - is that what everyone else thinks? She sure was angry at him.
And Pratt - it's obvious what's going to happen to him next week. I sure hope he doesn't leave the show - I love him! It will be interesting to see if Hope speaks up. I would have said definitely until she threw herself at Morris, now I'm not so sure.
I would never compare Gates to Dr. Ross. Gates is just mean and selfish so often of the time. I really want to like him, but just can't do it. I really hope Neela gets smart and realizes how great Ray is. (By the way - is he still dating that surgical intern? Did they stop seeing each other?)
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Jan 5, 2007 9:28 AM
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All I can say is I hope they take the Gates charachter to a different level and soon! As much as I don't like him, I love John Stamos portrayal. Right now all they are giving us are reasons to dislike Gates. Then again, maybe that's what they want, more of a villain than another Doug Ross. Either way, I like him on the show.
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Jan 5, 2007 10:28 AM
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I've read the comparisons between Tony Gates & Doug Ross also, but they don't seem very similar to me. Maybe it's because I was introduced to Dr. Ross in Episode 1 & he was already an established person in the ER with Mark, Susan, etc. as co-workers/friends. Gates has been thrown into our existing mix of ER people & is still trying to fit in. I look at him as more of an outsider than I ever did Doug Ross.
I've loved to be irritated with Dr. Weaver from the get go. Her character always managed to do something kind & then turn around & do a 180. One step forward...three steps back. I'll miss Laura Innes' portrayal because every time she'd take Dr. Weaver to the brink of nastiness, she could rein her in & make her likable in my book.
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Jan 5, 2007 11:44 AM
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I'm going to miss Dr. Weaver. I didn't always like her, but she was always interesting.
I'm enjoying the character of Dr. Gates as well, but I do not like him. ("enjoy" does not equal "like")
What I really wish is the ER would stop taking every new character and force them into a relationship. I would prefer getting to know Gates and Ben and the new interns, peel back their ugly layers and sweet qualities before they get involved with someone.
Pratt bores me. Leave or stay - I don't care. I would like to see and get to know Debenko (sp) more. He seems quirky and interesting.
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Jan 5, 2007 11:58 AM
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I never thought I'd say this, but I'll really miss Kerry Weaver! I was so entranced by her exit monologue and loved that she hugged Abby. Even when everyone else couldn't stand Kerry, Abby was always there for her and they seemed close. My favorite memory of Kerry was the beginning of one episode where she was yelling down to Carter that she wasn't his mother and he'd better get up (he'd just started renting a room in her basement). He came upstairs and there she was at 5 or 6am.... dancing, playing her music loud, while making smoothies in the blender. It was such a departure from what we'd previously seen of her... I loved her from that moment on.
As for Gates... yes, I think Meg was wrong for confronting him like that but understandable, too. Especially from what Sara said to Neela outside... how this is what he does: He sleeps with women and always comes back to Sara and Meg. She's desperate; she's losing her crutch and I do believe she loves him, too. As for her behavior, I'm sure more than a few of us have done embarrassing things after drinking while heartbroken.
I'm so conflicted with how I feel about Gates! Yet, I think the confliction has more to do with John Stamos' likability because I don't know if I'd be so conflicted if it were anyone else portraying Gates. On paper he's sleazy, manipulative, callous, selfish, and now I've just added scary after seeing him slam Meg up against the wall twice. Yes, I know she was doing the girly-slap thing. He could have just walked away. He could have had security remove her. But, he was mad.. and he looked abusive in that moment.
Anyone else agree?
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Jan 5, 2007 12:43 PM
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Trish, once again, it's like you read my mind. I, too, cannot stand Gates, and wish Neela would run fast in the other direction. I think Porn 'Stache would be waiting for her, that's for sure.
I caught that about Ben having the narcotics key. Maybe that's why he's a traveling nurse, so he can move on before anyone catches onto his addiction. Poor Sam, she just makes awful choices in her life. Maybe her grandmother will stay on and help her with Alex.
I'll miss Kerry, and since I don't read spoiler, I'm not sure if she's leaving for good. Sure looks that way, though.
I'm sad that Pratt is going to get in trouble when he was only trying to help those without access to health care. Should be an interesting story. I can't see Hope standing by and watching him take the fall.
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Jan 5, 2007 12:56 PM
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Didnt like Gates at the start, like him even less now. He looks like he needs a shower and a shave all the time. I know they are working long shifts etc, but he looks dirty, not rumpled. And he really seems like a jerk. I want to see Neela with someone else...even Debanco would be better than Gates! (Dr.Ross and Gates are NOTHING alike... like Clooney and Stamos, come on!)
I thought the same thing about the Narcotic key sceen!
Can't stand Sam's son. I agree with who ever said he was a bad seed way before he saw the shooting of his father. (They have always showed Morris to be sweet with kids)
I use to loath Kerry, but she was growing on me with her character changes over the last several years. I'll miss her, even though she wasnt on much.
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Jan 5, 2007 12:59 PM
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Great episode! I have gone blank on what happened that Kerry had to defend Kovajk(sp)....I vaguely remember an episode about that but don't remember the details. Can someone please refresh my memory??
thanks!
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Jan 5, 2007 1:25 PM
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I like having an unlikable, selfish boor in the ER, so Gates is all good as far as I'm concerned. And Stamos is doing a good job, I think, of keeping a very edgy guy tipping very slowly over the edge.
(Then again, I'm a charter member of the I HEART Romano club. I still miss that character.)
I'll miss Kerry Weaver the ER doctor--her martinet stances just every so often undercut by private moments like that smoothie--her earsplitting shouts at residents (first "CARTER!" and more recently "MORRIS!")--her confidence as both a teacher and a mentor, particularly to Abby after Abby had to quit med school and continue working as a nurse. I loved that the ONE person Kerry gave a hug to after announcing she'd resigned paid homage to that friendship that never once even flirted with romance.
I won't miss Kerry Weaver the weasly hospital administrator or Kerry Weaver the pitiful lonely divorcee, or Kerry Weaver the reluctant lesbian. I never thought that any of those scenes/plots added anything to the essential core of who Weaver was. Laura Innes has done a brilliant job for a decade and a half of keeping her consistent, without ever letting her stagnate.
I giggled when Luka was trying to fire her, though. Kerry fired her friend Jeanne Boulet the first time SHE had to balance the budget as head of the ER, and now her she is on the other end of the stick! That's one of the cool things about a show being on as long as ER has--every so often, there's an opportunity for a full circle to naturally form.
Speaking of the devil, I'm loving this season's Luka! He hasn't lost any of his Broody Hot Anger, but there's a lightness in the character now that he has a family again, even if Abby's Issues won't marry him (stupid Issues!) That really sweet, funny guy that we've seen glimpses of over the years has finally come all the way out from under the shadow of his depression. It's nice to see after all those years of self destruction.
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Jan 5, 2007 1:48 PM
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First of all, I LOOOOVE Kerry Weaver! She's my absolute favorite character. I haven't heard a thing about Laura Innes leaving the show but is she leaving for real? Or is it one of those firings like Haleh's was? I don't know how I much I can take without my Kerry Berry on this show. I adore Abby & Luka but Kerry's my girl.
I thought it was a good ep -- Gates I'm still on the fence with. I like him good enough but based on what's her name's reaction-- me thinks she's loonier than loon!
I can't even begin to THINK about anything else but Kerry! I know she didn't click to most of you, but I've loved her since the beginning. Did I agree with her all the time? No, but I thinkn Laura Innes is too valuable for this show.
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Jan 5, 2007 2:15 PM
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Oh, good, bossysheryl, I always like to read your comments. I agree about Romano and Kerry. A long-running show with many many personalities needs people like them. No one I know has ever liked Kerry, but I thought she was super great. I never cared for the lesbian story line, but if I had my choice of a dr. in the ER, it would be her. Same went for Romano. He was good at what he did, just an ass otherwise! LOL But even that I liked. Feisty people are my kind of people.
As for the John Stamos character, the less of that the better. I realize it takes all kinds, and that was my point in the first paragraph, but this guy is a smarmy slimeball. I actually wasn't as appalled by his girlfriend's reaction in the ER. Apparently he's done this before and all he's been doing is using her. EWWW
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Jan 5, 2007 2:31 PM
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