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November 30, 2006: Tell Me No Secrets
Though I enjoyed Abby’s transport-team heroics last week, it was good to get back to the usual excitement of the ER with an episode directed by Laura Innes. I was glad to see that she took the opportunity of the director’s chair to give her alter ego Kerry Weaver a little romantic action. However, not everyone was feeling the love tonight.
Luka’s problems with Curtis Ames continued when Luka thought he spotted him outside of his apartment building. Though I can imagine most men in that situation would react with similar zeal in protecting their family, it does seem that the tragic circumstances of Luka’s history would explain his heightened reaction to a perceived threat. When he went to see Ames at his work site, his threat to kill him if Ames comes near his family was certainly believable. (No one does passionate, resolute anger quite like Goran Visnjic). However, considering Abby’s reaction at the end of the episode when Luka came clean with her, it does look like, if nothing else, Ames has created some tension in their relationship. (What do you guys think? Is Luka imagining these threats, or is Ames continuing to taunt him? I think it is the latter, but I am curious to hear your thoughts.)
It was great to have a hearty helping of dear old Dr. Morris again. My favorite part of the episode was watching him stand up to Crenshaw and validate the actions (specifically Hope's) of his ER staff in treating the guy with the ice pick in his head. It really looked like Archie hit a nerve, (though it doesn’t take a psychology degree to see that Crenshaw has issues). I also loved Hope’s reaction to Archie’s valiant defense:
— “I could kiss you right now.”
— “Really?”
— “Hmmm, now it’s gone.”
The newest addition to the ER, nurse Ben Parker, has taken no time at all to prove that he can hold his own against the various crazies. (How great was it that Pratt, Ray and Archie all stood around and commented on the manliness of the "male nurse" after he subdued the patient who attacked Hope?) As was reported ages ago by the intrepid Michael Ausiello on this very website, Kip Pardue has been brought on as a much-needed love interest for Sam. He didn’t waste any time making his move tonight, asking her out at the end of their shift. I really hope that he doesn’t turn out to be a lunatic or on the rebound or fatally flawed in some other way, since Sam hasn’t had much luck in the romance department. I would love to see her in a nice, stable relationship. The long-suffering Linda Cardellini deserves a good story line.
And while we are talking about the dating scene, I found the confrontation between Neela and Ray to be a little confusing. As some of you pointed out a few weeks ago, last season, the two of them had admitted having a physical attraction. So I suppose it's not like Neela is completely clueless to Ray’s feelings. But, at the same time, it’s not like Ray has completely come clean about everything. It obviously goes way beyond something physical for him, and I don’t think he’s made that clear. So in typical immature fashion, instead of being honest, he makes snide remarks about Neela’s relationship with Gates. Someone please page Dr. Doug Ross, because these boys need a crash course in soulful swooning, stat!
The story line with Angela’s daughter Danielle was a rough one. At first, I thought that Ames was going to be involved somehow, since Angela defended Luka in the malpractice suit. Then I started thinking that maybe it was the stepfather. The truth that she was actually mutilating herself as a reaction to having seen her mother’s assault was terribly upsetting and sad.
Greg also had a rough night, reacting badly to his brother's coming out. Chaz was right when he noted that although Greg didn't have a completely negative response, he certainly wasn't supportive. Really, did Greg think that his brother's romp with another guy was actually a phase, or was that just wishful thinking? I guess it goes to show that no amount of education can overcome a person's inherent prejudices, especially if the person doesn't realize that they have them.
Finally, (POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT) I am beginning to think you were all on to something with your guesses that Eddie (Fred Ward) is actually Abby's father. While he hasn't come clean with his motives yet, his lingering presence in the ER indicates that he is gathering information before he announces himself. I hope his intentions are good, because Luka and Abby have too much on their plates right now to deal with her deadbeat dad!
Next week looks to be a holiday-themed episode featuring the homeless kid from the "blue lady" story line a few weeks ago. In the meantime, please make sure to mark any spoilerish comments with "SPOILER ALERT" as a service to readers who like to be surprised. See you in December!
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Dec 1, 2006 12:29 AM
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Best. Episode. Ever.
I could have kissed Morris tonight also. How many times did I laugh out loud? Favorite line (to the psycho spitter)- "Want me to bring you some fava beans and a nice chianti?"
Wow, the writers managed to bring Morris' character around so beautifully without losing one bit of his sometimes annoying personality. LOVED the scene with the icepick patient. Classic ER. Awesome confrontation with Dr Crenshaw- the perfect touch was Crenshaw dropping his clipboard as he tried to walk away with some modicum of dignity still intact. Also came to like Hope much more in tonight's episode.
New nurse dude ROCKS! And for the first time, I care about Sam. They will make a sweet couple.
Denny Duquette's Dad was making me nervous all episode (I think he's supposed to), thank goodness Trish reminded us that he very well may be Abby's father. I would like that so much better than if he turns out to be a friend of Ames'.
And all I could think about during Luka's confrontation with Ames was the time when Luka and Abby were attacked by a mugger coming off the L train and Luka killed the guy by smashing his head onto the pavement over and over again. I do think that Ames is stalking them (the comment he made about Luka's first family...) and Luka will kill Curtis Ames if he has to- it won't be pretty. Wish Luka was my baby daddy.
Whoo! Kerry Weaver! That was some nice action (finally)! I am thinking that Kerry may not be long for this show: Luka was complaining at the beginning that he's getting pressured to cut the budget by eliminating an attending, Kerry has an awesome new career/love interest. Maybe she'll leave County General for greener pastures and then Luka won't have to fire anyone.
Neela/Ray's argument didn't confuse me, but it did make me think that they will for sure end up together eventually. I hope Pratt's brother stays on the show, Greg is another character evolving from unlikable to all right and his brother will further that evolution. And Angela/her daughter were just tragic. Who comes up with this stuff?
Congrats to ER's writers for raising the bar tonight. NOW ER is really back!
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Dec 1, 2006 2:26 AM
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im also thinking that eddie could be with ames. but i also think that he is abby's father. i cant waite to see this all get played out.
i also loved the exchanged between morris and hope. those 2 are cute together. but i really loved the morris getting to crenshaw. i cant stand him.
i really do think ames is stalking luka. and its about time that luka told abby the whole deal with ames lurking around all the time. if he didnt do it tonight....whats the deal luka.
the issue with angela's daughter was a sad story. i also thought at first it was ames, then maybe it was the step-father.....but i would never imagined that it she did it herself.
this was a great episode. keep it up er.
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Dec 1, 2006 3:34 AM
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I also loved tonights episode. Laura Innes always does such a great directing job! It became quite obvious that Ames really is stalking Luka when he brought up what happened to his last family. He had to do some digging to get that information. Ames should be warned that Luka has very little patience for people who mess with Abby. Just ask the bald mugger in the morgue or the guy beaten to a pulp in the bar. And that look he gave Fred Ward when he referred to Abby by her first name. Anyway, it will be interesting to see how this plays out with Ames.
I hope this Neela/Gates story line comes to an end soon. They have no chemistry and it's hard to watch them together.
I am really loving ER this season, I think it's shaping up to be as good as Season 12.
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Dec 1, 2006 8:46 AM
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I too am loving the development of Dr. Morris. They took their sweet time but it is paying off nicely.
I am sick of the back and forth with Abby and Luka though. Either let them be happy or break them up for good.
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Dec 1, 2006 10:07 AM
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Wow, what a great season so far. Morris has always made me laugh--I've never found him annoying, just very amusing. And it was great to see him stand up to that miserable Crenshaw. At least someone finally did (I always thought, and hoped, that Abby would be the one to blow her stack at him in front of everyone). I like Hope, too.
I ALMOST thought, for a second or two during Luka's confrontation with Ames, that Ames was sincere about not stalking Abby. But my senses returned. Good for Luka--he doesn't mince words. But I thought Abby's reaction when he told her was a bit harsh. I don't think this will be enough to seriously hurt their relationship. Luka usually learns pretty quickly from his mistakes, especially with Abby.
I'm also happy to see ER push the envelope again with quite a passionate kiss between Kerry and her new girlfriend (forgot her name). In this age of FCC prudes threatening TV shows with ridiculously high fines for including "objectionable" program content, a good old fashioned lesbian kiss is a welcome act of resistance.
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Dec 1, 2006 10:21 AM
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I think the writers have done a great job with the Morris character. They took their time to slowly have him change for the better (But keep the "core" of Archie) I hate when they have someone change "over night". The writers have also alowed Greg to evolve nicely.
I thought Ames would get a restraining order and try to make it look like Luka was the one causeing trouble.
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Dec 1, 2006 12:25 PM
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I'm gonna start with that kiss -- WHOA mama!! That was one hot kiss! Garry, her name is "Courtney" and while I'm not a fan of Michelle Hurd overall, the kiss was steaming hot! Hooray for Kerry for being the aggressor! Dr. Weaver has fully emerged!  Vivva la resistance!
As for Luby, I don't think Luka's imagining anything! Stalkers don't exactly come out with a sign that says "I'm stalking you" but I think the threat is real. How cute ia baby Joe?? Adorable! As far as Abby's concerned, I'd be PO'ed too if my significant other will hide this from me. Abby gets his need to protect his family, but she wants to be part of it too! Open up Luka, open up to Abby! She's a tough chick!
I'm still on the fence about Reela or Gates/Neela. I like them both, but please can someone make "Dr. Staymoist" shave that beard? He looks WAY better without it.
Kudos to Morris for standing up to manical Crenshaw! Hopefully he'll lighten up and not be so hard on the staff.
VERY sad story with Angela & her daughter. When they said the girl did it to herself, well, I cringed and OUCHED in pain! When they revealed the reason WHY she did it, my jaw fell to the floor!
SPOILER ALERT
-- That certainly is Abby's daddy!! It's gotta be.
-- Luka WILL make that budget cut and someone will be fired. However, I'm sure the doc who gets the boot will be back on staff. Can't get rid of one of the pillars!
-- Ames won't hurt Abby or the baby. He wants Luka though to suffer.
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Dec 1, 2006 12:29 PM
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Abby has evolved, too, from the mousy messed up nurse with a bipolar mother, suicidal brother and who got dumped by her selfish ex-husband whom she put through med school. She then almost married John Carter (the two of whom I thought made the perfect, repressed couple that would last 50 years, through rebellious children, marriage counseling, separate bedrooms and the occasional affair), to the self-assured, independent lioness she is today.
Speaking of Carter, didn't he start some sort of free clinic across the street from County General? Seems they've totally dropped that whole thread. Not that I'm jonesing for Carter, but a lot of the story lines seem they could benefit from referring patients who end up in the ER or in drug exchange programs to the Carter Center, rather than waiting hours in "chairs" or raiding the ER's drug cabinet.
As for the kiss, I'd have been more impressed had Greg caught Chaz kissing his boyfriend after his female bud's (it's taking every ounce of self-control not to use the rhyming term that immediately comes to mind) sleep-over. Or maybe he could make out with Abby's girlfriend...just kidding.
Speaking of all things gay, for some reason my mind switched to male nurses, whatever happened to the Asian male nurse?
I, too, thought the step-father (aren't step-parents always the bad guys/gals?) was the culprit in some weird female genital mutilation thing. I was totally weirded out by the genital self-mutilation.
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Dec 1, 2006 1:22 PM
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Genital cutting isn't all that rare.
Girls who cut virtually always try to hide it--but parents will notice cuts on arms, legs, etc. But even the most vigilant mom is unlikely to question bloodstains in panties--they're a pretty normal part of a woman's laundry. And lot of moms don't follow their daughters cycle closely enough to question the excuse.
I WAS a little surprised that ER resisted the obvious plot to make abuse by the stepfather the reason for the cutting. It made for a nice moment of, "Oh, look--they did something different again!"
A year ago, I'd have told you Grey's Anatomy was the better hospital show. But ER's back on form, and I for one couldn't be happier about it. Pratt's reaction to his brother's sexuality was realistic, rather than a total overreaction in either direction; Morris continues to evolve just a little each week; and Luka in protection mode always makes for some nice, underplayed rage.
I disagree about the chemistry between PN and JS. Stamos has chemistry with the gurneys. Maybe he has BETTER chemistry with other actors (including Paula Malcolmson, who I think should stick around frankly) but I buy that Neela finds Gates irresistible.
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Dec 1, 2006 3:43 PM
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Another excellent episode. I'm getting scared Kerry's gonna be the one to leave! I really love her, and her evolution from a bitchy, semi-evil, repressed lesbian to a woman-lovin', strong, confident doctor. A perfect balance for her character after all these years, and I don't want to see her go.
I have to agree with everyone else on the evolutions of Greg and Morris, too. Both characters I used to hate, but they've grown on me immensely.
I definitely think Ames is stalking Luka and Abbey (I forget - does Luka know about Abbey meeting Ames, or did she never realize it was him?), he really creeps me out. And Fred Ward has gotta be Abbey's dad.
A note on the nurses - someone else made a good point, where is Yosh? Is he not on the show anymore? Was he not last year? I was watching pretty sporadically then.
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Dec 1, 2006 9:37 PM
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Loved the speech Morris gave to Crenshaw at the end - brilliant!
Glad to see Kerry getting some action again, she's been on the back burner for too long.
Sorry to see Pratt act that way towards his brother, but unfortunatley it was pretty realistic.
Definitely want the whole Neela & Gates thing to end - don't like them together - in fact don't like Gates on the show at all. I would like to see her and Ray hook up though.
Luka should have told Abby about all this from the beginning, she's right to be pissed. I definitely think Ames is doing some stalking and I am scared to see how this all plays out. I'm sure Abby & Luka will be fine (they better be), but I just see this Ames thing ending badly. Not sure about Eddie - at first I thought he was working with or friends with Ames, but now.....I think y'all might be right.
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Dec 2, 2006 12:48 AM
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I wasn't confused about Neela and Ray's confrontation at all. Ray has tried to be there for her and she's pushed him away. Now when he has someone new, she's interested in his life. I don't think it was that immature of him to say the things he said. Neela needed to hear them. She's always been blunt with Ray and told him like it is (because she knows that's what he'll respond to) and he was just returning the favor. I so love them. They have off-the-charts-hot chemistry, which is more than I can say for her and Stamos. The whole Neela/Gates thing feels forced and Gates is such a sleaze, the Neela I know would never put up with his crap. But maybe that's the point. She's not acting like herself at all, not the Neela I know. And I think she's being set up for a huge fall. Hopefully Ray will be there to catch her on the way down.
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Dec 2, 2006 9:54 AM
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Love this epi, fantastic to see the whole cast had some sort of airtime. Was a bit surpised by the scene when Neela and Gates were on the El; was certain that when Neela was on the train reaching out to Gates she was going to push him onto the tracks...shame.
The Neela/Ray scene spoke volumes, it was great that Ray had a go at Neela. She was definitely affected by the confrontation, which is why I think she forgave Gates. One minute she was really angry and a second later she's forgotten everything? Ray was definitely on her mind when she snapped 'not now' at Gates. Hopefully Neela will see the error of her ways soon.
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Dec 2, 2006 4:38 PM
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Hey, did anyone recognize Dr. Crenshaw as the little bunch of grapes on the Fruit of the Loom commercials? 
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Dec 2, 2006 7:45 PM
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