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« ER
November 2, 2006: Heart of the Matter
Now that is what I call a dream. Yowza. I think we have established that Parminder Nagra and John Stamos have some chemistry. (For more on the lovebirds, check out the ER cover story in the new issue of TV Guide Magazine.) I was almost disappointed that Ray interrupted the proceedings. But how can you not love a guy who shows up to fix your cable before his 7 am shift, with Krispy Kremes in tow? Neela may be dreaming of Gates, but I think this love triangle is going to heat up once Ray gets a clue. Shane West is too darn cute to be on the back burner for long.
Aside from the very pleasant opening sequence, tonight’s episode served up a big dose of bittersweet. Kovac won the lawsuit, though it was an empty victory. The sad fact of the matter is that Curtis Ames probably hadn’t received the level of care that would have been required to prevent his debilitating stroke, but he certainly received the best care that Luka was able to offer at the time. Forest Whitaker is doing an outstanding job of portraying the misplaced anger and hopelessness that Ames is harboring. We are definitely getting a clear picture of his growing desperation. (SPOILER ALERT) Sadly, if the previews are to be trusted, it appears that the story is going to take a dark turn.
Back at the hospital, two trauma cases were particularly (and in one case, literally) heartbreaking. First, there was the husband who died in surgery, causing his shocked wife to fall victim to the so-called broken-heart syndrome. While watching the teenage daughter tearfully beg for her mother’s life as Pratt and Abby tried to call off Neela’s resuscitative efforts, I was dreading the thought that she would lose both her parents in such horrific succession. Thankfully, Neela’s persistence paid off, right after Dubenko ripped her a new one for disrespecting Crenshaw’s authority. (Speaking of Crenshaw, I hate him more with each condescending, narcissistic word he utters.) Then there was the motorcyclist whose unexpected ER trip uncovered metastasis of his pancreatic cancer. Luka’s last-minute decision to withhold his grim prognosis was probably questionable from an ethical perspective, but certainly understandable, since his wife described his resurgent zest for life in the face of his seemingly dormant disease.
Tonight, we also learned more about Tony’s domestic situation. We now have a vague explanation for his attachment to Meg (Paula Malcomson) and her daughter. Also, your suspicions have been confirmed, as Gates reluctantly admitted to Neela that he has dyslexia. As interesting as these stories may pan out to be, I don’t totally agree with all the pundits who are claiming that John Stamos is the primary reason for ER’s resurgence this season. While I find him to be a fine addition to the cast, I think he is only one piece of the puzzle. As we all know, big names alone will not draw viewers if the writing doesn’t engage the audience and serve the narrative. (Former ER guest star Ray Liotta comes to mind over on CBS. Or not on CBS, to be more precise.) By returning to storytelling that focuses on the people we care about, the writers are leading the charge to reinvigorate this show. It’s great to watch.
Happily — and as has consistently been the case this season — there were some lighter moments to offset the drama. Morris offered his usual brand of ridiculousness, as he not-so-secretly prepped for his news interview highlighting the dangers of Halloween overindulgence. (I loved it when Kerry told him, “There is a rectal prolapse in curtain two with your name on it.” Yuck.) Finally, the ladies of the ER enjoyed a night on the town, reminiscent of the days when Hathaway, Lewis and Corday would get together and dish. Apparently, Ike’s is still the place to go for after-work camaraderie. It is these little nods to the history of the show that are going to keep me coming back for more. Well, that and some more of those steamy dream sequences.
Find great exclusive features about ER at the show's official site.
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Nov 3, 2006 12:45 AM
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Best moment of the show- Morris and his makeup posse and their impromptu "Chante"vocal jam.
That and any time Dr Staymoist was onscreen. Yum!
I agree 100% that this show continues to get better, more engaging. Really enjoying this season.
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Nov 3, 2006 1:48 AM
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I'm not a fan of the John Stamos character. I am drawn to watch this show because I have watched it for years.
I feel so bad for Curtis Ames. The poor guy has lost everything. Scared for next week. Ugh.
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Nov 3, 2006 2:06 AM
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As someone that works in a real ER(or as we call it ED), I truly felt for Forest Whitakers' character but as Kerry Weaver said people misuse the ER ever day. Coming in for a cold or med refill or just to get a quick fix it overwhelms all of us who really want to help those most in need of good emergency care. It's so hard to be focused on giving quality care to those in need when we have to deal with those to lazy to go to a DRs office or clinic, or even the local pharmacy. Well enough about my view of the real ER, onto the show. I love Neela and I love Ray but I think she has more chemistry with Gates, can't wait to see how things develop especially when Gates secret life comes to light and Ray finally gets up the nerve to tell Neela how he feels. Can't wait for the next few episodes as NBC is famous for the big special events during sweeps month.
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Nov 3, 2006 4:57 AM
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Forest Whitaker just lights up any screen he's on. I don't think I've ever seen him act where he doesn't mezmorize me. That man has more ability in his baby finger than so many other actors.
Loved this episode. How great is it that ER is back to being sooooo good?!?
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Nov 3, 2006 6:31 AM
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Did anyone notice that in the scene with Neela, Dr. Gates admits he has dyslexia, but in the next scene at his "girlfriend's" house, he is using the computer like a pro and even says, "I'm checking my email"? Is he lying and really playing computer games or is this a pesky little continuity goof?
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Nov 3, 2006 9:46 AM
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I like playing "Who's that guest star?" Earlier this season it was Rose from Lost. Now they've got Vice Principal Hackett/Curtis from Phil of the Future as Dr. Crenshaw. Tonight was Josh's girlfriend from Drake & Josh (yes, I have kids) as the girl with asberger's. But who played the wife of the guy with pancreatic cancer? I know I've seen her somewhere before...
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Nov 3, 2006 9:49 AM
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I just keep hoping there's a helicopter with Crenshaw's name on it...
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Nov 3, 2006 10:33 AM
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I also don' think that John Stamos is not the reason ER is doing much better this season. If that were true, everybody would have been watching his last show on ABC just for him. That said, he's not a bad addition to the cast.
I agree with everybodys reasons as to why ER is back on track. I just can't gush more about it.
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Nov 3, 2006 10:41 AM
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ER is doing better because the writing is better. Period.
Stamos is doing a great job with the character, but it has been written with romantic entanglements (grey's), flawed but brilliant character elements (house) and mystery (lost).
The characters that we care about have stories (Luka, Abby, Kerry, Pratt).
And, the story of the week has been more moving, but they have a long way to go to catch up to Grey's. I have cried and laughed in Grey's side stories and this week when the guy said and how's my little girl -- that was priceless understatement. I think ER could use some improvement here. Not over the top guest performances.
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Nov 3, 2006 11:23 AM
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I missed last night's episode. Can someone please tell me what the deal is with John Stamos and Paula Malcolmson. Girlfriend or not? Anything, please! Thanks!
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Nov 3, 2006 12:19 PM
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, Trish, for including that nicely formatted spoiler alert. I caught it in time to skip over the sentence that followed. I truly appreciate being given the chance to sustain the suspense until the next installment actually airs.
Also, I totally agree with you and other readers who've commented here regarding the reason ER is especially enjoyable this season. I don't think I've ever missed a single episode of this show, but even I'll admit that the last couple of years, I'd continued watching it out of a mixture of loyalty to the past and hope for the future. Now I'm truly relishing my reward. The writing has been wonderful, as has the fact that the focus is back on the core characters.
About Gate's dyslexia: I also noticed that, just after telling Neela about it, he was on the computer checking his e-mail. But I'm not sure that's a contradiction. My ex-husband has dyslexia, and he used to go to great lengths to avoid having to write anything on paper. But these days he has his own Website, on which he maintains a newsletter of sorts. Perhaps the computer is actually a helpful tool for people with dyslexia. Does anyone know?
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Nov 3, 2006 12:20 PM
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So are we saying that in previous seasons, ER did stories about people we didn't care about? I'm not sure I see the difference. Maybe it's that the stories are more dynamic. Personally, anything involving Abby will keep me interested (and by proxy, Luka), while I couldn't care less about Neela or really anyone else. I like Gates, but the Neela flirtation is the least interesting part of his story.
Forest Whitaker is definitely a talented actor and plays that character well. Having said that, if one were to judge the actions of the character - you definitely feel bad for him. But from the beginning, he has refused to take responsibility for himself and his health and refused to deal with his situation - instead, screaming 'why me' and blaming whoever he can - Luka, the hospital, the system, etc. He didn't want to take care of himself before he came to hospital, he refused the experimental drug, etc. His attitude was summed up perfectly in his one line - "I don't want any help." This makes for some great character work (someone mentioned the misplaced anger) and drama, but I certainly don't agree with the character's actions (or lack of thereof).
Finally, who else wanted to hear Kerry's answers in the 'shag or shoot' game? We already know the shoot part, but I bet she probably couldn't say the shag part with that crowd!
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Nov 3, 2006 12:26 PM
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YES! I wanted to hear Kerry say SOMETHING in the "shoot, shag or marry" game! C'mon, that would've been hysterical, especially with ultra-conservative Hope in attendance! LOL!
One thing that struck me as odd was Pratt calling Kerry by her name, rather than Dr. Weaver! She may be his 'equal' (which I'm still appalled by) but c'mon...she's Dr. Weaver to everyone but maybe Luka and Abby. Is it me or has Kerry mellowed out?? I kinda want more bitchy Kerry.
I thought it was a great ep! Forest Whittaker did a great job, especially the scene by the river where he tells Luka that he's lost everything (fearing next week's ep). And how CUTE is Luka? I totally adore him!
I'm still torn about Gates/Neela or Ray/Neela! I like them both. I guess it'll depend on how they play each scenario but I like both potential couples.
Crenshaw needs to find a helicopter or some disease needs to invade his body b/c I've HAD it with him! And normally temperate Dubenko tearing Neela a new one. Poor Neela!
Morris is SUCH a goofball..the impromptu singing session and then calling Kerry "Dr. Judas" when the producer asked for her name. LOL! Priceless...another guest star trivia. The producer was Michelle Hurd (formerly of SVU -- Season 1). I hope that (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT) she doesn't end up 'shagging' someone in the ER. I think she would be the wrong person for this other person!
Oh and Charlayne Woodard played "Angela" not the cancer man's wife. Also another SVU vet (Charlayne, that is).
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Nov 3, 2006 12:48 PM
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