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« ER
November 9, 2006: Jigsaw
Between Luka toting adorable Joe in his Baby Bjorn and Abby’s reactions to the various nanny candidates (as well as Morris and Pratt’s reaction to the Brazilian hopeful), this episode got off to a deceptively humorous start. However, the tension was quickly ratcheted up when Curtis Ames strolled back into the ER hoping to negotiate a settlement in the wake of the malpractice verdict. Now we have Luka’s nemesis stalking an oblivious Abby in the park, and you know this isn’t going to go anywhere good. (By the way, is it just me or does it seem at all unusual that Abby would have no idea what Ames looks like?) But aside from introducing that unfortunate twist in Forest Whitaker’s ongoing arc, tonight’s episode really belonged to Scott Grimes.
Poor Archie. He wants so much to be taken seriously by his peers, and yet he frequently undermines himself by coming off as inept and shallow. It is a credit to Scott Grimes that he continues to give a formerly one-dimensional character such unexpected shadings. Just when you think that Archie’s sole purpose is to provide a consistent punch line to Frank’s jokes, he actually becomes invested in a case and displays a surprising vulnerability by admitting his awareness that he is not respected by his fellow docs. Buoyed by Shawn Hatosy’s intense portrayal of a seriously ill patient whose childhood abuse has resulted in a severe case of dissociative identity disorder, Archie’s determination pushes him and Sam to draw out the various personalities that are driving Willis’ off-kilter behavior. The scene at the very end, when Morris bonds with the childlike personality, was very powerful and reminded me of some of the best episodes of the past — when the driving force was the feelings that these troubled patients brought to the surface in their ER caretakers. (It’s probably not a coincidence that this tightly-crafted episode was helmed by series executive producer John Wells.)
Meanwhile, as expected, things continued to heat up between Neela and Gates. Perhaps as a reaction to what she learned about Tony’s home life, Neela skewered him in the morbidity and mortality review. To the surprise of absolutely no one (thanks to NBC and their spoiler-filled previews) the heated exchange that followed lead to Neela quite literally jumping Tony’s bones, with little concern that the blinds on that particular conference room were wide open. Unfortunately, Ray was the lucky spectator and decided to get back at Neela by continuing his dalliance with her surgical gal pal. Of course, is it really getting back at her if she has no idea how he feels? As much as I like Ray and think that he deserves a fighting chance in this love triangle, I do hope that his true feelings are revealed soon. I think this story will be a lot more interesting once Neela has full disclosure and is forced to make an actual choice.
As for some of the night’s best lines, I loved it when Abby told Luka that she could “totally take” Crenshaw. (She totally could.) Also, the laugh-out-loud moment for me was Frank’s lightning quick response to Morris’ admission that he can "do fluff" (in reference to Kerry’s job offer to cover medical news for the local TV station). “Word is you’re the best fluffer in town.” If the reference is escaping you, Google the word “fluffer” and prepare yourself for a good laugh (and some potential adult content).
So what do you all think about how the season is progressing? Do you like Gates more or less? Who do you think Neela should choose? How about the Curtis Ames story line? And how cute is that baby?! I want to hear what you are thinking, so post away!
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Nov 10, 2006 1:05 AM
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Loved Shawn Hatosy. Great role, great acting.
Tonight's episode was very well done. Though I agree that it is ridiculous that Abby doesn't know who Curtis Ames is on sight.
I don't want Neela with Ray, so she may as well be with Tony. I don't care at all for the character of Neela. And as for her not being aware of Ray's feelings, I recall last year when they (or she) decided they had to stop being roommates because she could no longer deny their MUTUAL attraction.
I adore Forest Whitaker, and don't want to see him be the bad guy. He's a hurt, sad guy, and I hope that he and Luka can put it behind them, and the writers don't make it into a big stalking/hostage deal.
ER is coming back. Hooray.
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Nov 10, 2006 2:58 AM
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i also found it strange that abby didnt know what ames looked like. but i dont like they way that this storyline is heading. by the way baby joe is so cute.
shawn hatosy did a very good job tonight. i hope he gets an emmy nomination guest actor in a drama series.
i have mix feeling over ray/neela/tony sl. i do like ray and neela together. but tony and neela have so much chemistry together.
anyway i so wanted abby to jump up and smack crenshaw. i said "smack him once for me abby" but i hope she does in the near future.
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Nov 10, 2006 4:58 AM
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So what do you all think about how the season is progressing?
I love it since season 12. Best E.R. in years.
Do you like Gates more or less?
I like him, I just don't want him to be with Neela ...
Who do you think Neela should choose?
Ray! I'm really looking foward to how they are going to develop this storyline.
How about the Curtis Ames story line?
Forrest Whitacker is great, but I don't like this storyline. I hope they don't stick with it to long.
And how cute is that baby?!
The baby in this episode was cute. Did you notice the look on his face when Luka und Abby interviewed the second nanny?
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Nov 10, 2006 6:38 AM
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Forrest Whitaker "friendly-stalking" Abby is very close to what he did with Vic Mackie's wife on The Shield last season. He is really creeping me out.
I want Neela with Ray, but maybe she has to get her heart broken by Gates before she opens her eyes.
Crenshaw needs to be put out of our misery. He makes helicopter-boy look like a swell guy.
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Nov 10, 2006 8:35 AM
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How awesome would it be for this 13 year old show to become a force to be reckoned with at the Emmy's. I was totally on the edge of my seat last night. Amazing.
It would have been perfect if Abby wasn't so clueless about Ames. That sort of made me mad.
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Nov 10, 2006 8:50 AM
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I've been saying it all season, ER is back! FINALLY! I knew I stuck with it all these years for a reason.
Loving Gates- of course that could just be due to the fact that he is played by John Stamos...I'd like to see he and Neela give it a try.
I agree with everyone else- Shawn Hatosy blew me away.
I also agree with everyone else that it's silly that Abby would not know Ames. It's OK, but I hope they don't drag the story out all season.
Yes Imzadi76, I caught the look at the 2nd nanny- hysterical! That baby is TOO cute!
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Nov 10, 2006 9:16 AM
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i hate when shows make us feel studid.
and thats the way i felt about abby not knowing ames..it was only the most important thing going on with luka for like how long?
give us some credit writers...
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Nov 10, 2006 9:43 AM
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AMAZING! Last night was so great! Where to begin...
Shawn Hatosy was so amazing! I think he is a great acotr. I also thought Sam was very good when dealing with him. But last nights episode beloned to Archie! He was so good and you are right the end of the show with him and Shawn was great!
I want Neela with Ray. I have wanted them together for a long time. I sometimes like Gates but most of the time not so much!
Hope the christian woman is driving me nuts! I loved her when she played in Dawsons creek as Joeys roomate but now she is to annoying! They need to do something with her to make her more likable! And where is Sara Gilberts character? Its like she is there one week and gone the next?? Makes no sense!
I love this show and have been a fan forever! Unlike most everyone else I enjoyed last season too.
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Nov 10, 2006 10:09 AM
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I too thought Abby should know Ames, but if I remember correctly, he was a patient quite awhile ago, just a long time to get to court. And while Luka(btw-YUM!) was busy preparing, Abby was busy with Joe (who is too freakin cute!) There likely weren't pictures in the materials that Luka was preparing from, and Abby was too busy to get to court while Luka was there. So, I don't think she would know him by sight, but I still think she should have put 2 and 2 together and been curious. But, I guess Chicago is so big that why would she even think twice about there being 2 black men with bad arms. Hmmmm.
Just when I think that all Morris is there for is comic relief, they make him human again. It happens every now and then, but it surprises me everytime. And I think he was his most vulnerable last night. In the past even when he was serious and did something right for a change, or correctly diagnosed someone, he would gloat and rub it in. This time, there wasn't any of that. Just seemed to be genuine concern and symapthy for this guy.
Love this season so far!
Love Gates! Have liked Stamos since his GH days. He's easy on the eyes, and his character is interesting. He's cocky, but I think alot of that is to cover up his dyslexia.
I like Neela with Gates. I liked the thought of her with Ray too though.
Maybe Weaver should interview Ames for her first official assignment. Bring to light the overcrowding/under-staffing of the ER. I just hope that he doesn't ruin the rare happy stuff in Abby and Luka's lives. Abby finally seems happy. She has an adorable baby that was created with a gorgeous guy who could whisper sweat Croatian nothings in my ear anyday.
And I totally loved her frustration after the M & M and her commments about being able to take Crenshaw. Crenshaw is such a weasel. I think he's worse than Romano ever was. Romano was an egotistical, male chaveunist pig, but he had human moments every now and then. Crenshaw is just an annoying jerk with an irritating voice.
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Nov 10, 2006 10:09 AM
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I found it really odd that Abby didn't recognize Ames. In fact, when he first went up to her, I told my husband that no way would she not know who Ames is. Even the description of him would tip Abby off: a former carpenter, a large black man with a droopy eye and his arm in a sling. Abby's a doctor and should also recognize signs of a stroke. Duh.
I'm not at all into Neela and Ray. Neela didn't have real feelings for Ray - he was just convenient as her roommate while she was going through a lonely time. Now that she's recovering from her grief (and she already knows how Ray feels about her), she's choosing Tony.
It took me a few years, but I'm finally warming up to Archie. I never quite got past his smoking pot while on duty though (right before Romano was killed).
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Nov 10, 2006 10:11 AM
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Thank you John Wells for a wonderful episode. ITA with you that Scott Grimes portrayal has been a bit slimey - but last night's episode is his Emmy ep - his character has finally grown into the doc he's supposed to be.
I also agree that someone should put a helicopter on Crenshaw - he gets more and more annoying every time he is on screen. It's like no one knows a thing about surgery but him.
I also agree with the posters who say that Abby should know who Ames is. I'm not liking where this storyline is going.
As for Neela/Ray/Gates - Ray is totally in love with Neela and is giving her the space. Gates is her "rebound" guy. She is going to come to have to come to grips with his "homelife" and that's when Ray will step in and be her refuge.
Way to go John Wells & company - long live ER!!
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Nov 10, 2006 10:17 AM
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I love the character of Neela. I think she's funny, extremely intelligent and warm. Also, being a South-Asian woman, I think it's nice to see a South-Asian actress portrayed on TV period. Besides, how can you have a medical drama and not have a single Indian doctor walking around???
As for who should Neela end up with, I think it should be Ray. Yes, Gates is pretty, but, it's pure animal lust between Gates and Neela. Neela should be with Ray. Neela and Gates haven't even had a real conversation, whereas Ray and Neela, there's a true emotional bond, as well as a physical attraction. As for another ER couple, I love Abby and I love Luka, but I don't like them together. I think they make better friends than lovers. I read a spoiler where in a future episode, they're going to introduce another Gates-type paramedic who Abby finds herself attracted to.
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Nov 10, 2006 11:12 AM
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Oh, and also, outstanding work tonight by Scott Grimes! That last scene had me teary-eyed.
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Nov 10, 2006 11:14 AM
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I don't think it's unreasonable that Abby wouldn't recognize Ames. She has never been in the same room with him. My husband tell me about what going on with his co-workers all the time but I wouldn't recognize one if I bumped into them. I think that the arc the storyline is taking is an interesting twist on the usual lawsuit story. We are seeing how devastated this guy really is. How he percieves that his Kovac ruined his life and how his desperation to 'get it back' is driving him to the edge.
I think Neela and Ray have alot more chemistry than Neela and Gates will ever have. I hope they give Neela and Ray more screen time together in future episodes.
BTW - The expression on Luka's face when they were interviewing the first nanny candidate was priceless!!
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Nov 10, 2006 11:15 AM
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