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« ER
October 5, 2006: Somebody to Love
Before I start on the juicy stuff, I need someone to explain to me why, in the 13th season of a show, someone thought it was a good idea to change the theme music. I understand that the trend with a lot of shows is to forego the opening credits and I don’t necessarily have a problem with that. But why change such a recognizable and long-standing part of the show? Those first few percussive strains have always been my signal to get back to the couch! I’ve mentioned before how small, familiar touches have really helped maintain the continuity for me amid the numerous cast changes, and the theme music has always been a part of that. Bad call.
Anyway, I was so glad to see the wonderful John Mahoney back at home on NBC acting his heart out (and singing) as Bennett Cray. He was always my favorite part of Frasier, but this character was a far cry from the conservative, old-fashioned Martin Crane he skillfully embodied for so long. The love story between Bennett and his partner, James, was beautiful and heartbreaking. I can’t imagine the frustration and fear that would come from being shut out of such a critical decision-making process for the person you love. This episode definitely emphasized the importance of getting advanced directives and living wills in order.
Meanwhile, our new friend Tony Gates (aka Dr. Teflon) got off to a bumpy internship, alienating his former partner, taking a nasty spill and completely disregarding Pratt’s orders to let James succumb without intrusive measures. It is nice to see Pratt come full circle as an attending, since it wasn’t that long ago that he was the one making the rash, undisciplined decisions. And frankly, Dr. Gates has me a little unnerved. I am interested to see where they are going with this character, because things seem a little fishy right now. On the one hand, he is wooing Neela and on the other hand, he is clearly involved in a relationship. And yes, that was indeed our favorite attempted murderess from Deadwood, Trixie (Paula Malcomson), obviously making the most of her downtime in the wake of HBO’s diss. (Another bad call, but I digress.)
Neela’s transition into the world of surgery is clearly not going to be all smooth sailing. Tonight we met this season’s answer to Dr. Romano, Dustin Crenshaw (J.P. Manoux). If tonight’s episode is any indication, this guy is certainly not going to be making things easy for our dear Dr. Rasgotra. (For those of you wondering where you’ve seen, or rather, heard him, Manoux voices the characters of Mr. Hackett and Curtis the Caveman on Disney Channel’s Phil of the Future.) I am hoping that the soothing charisma of Dr. Dubenko will serve to offset Crenshaw’s condescension. Leland Orser is so interesting as Dubenko. He is an actor who has put in great performances in a number of different movies and TV shows but has really settled into this particular character. I hope we see more of him.
A few of you voiced some annoyance in your posts last week about the rather quick re-entry of the widowed Neela into the dating pool. I agree with those of you who commented on the fact that while the loss of Gallant was tragic, his courtship and romance with Neela was fairly quick. They were still navigating their lives as a married couple and getting to know each other. I say we give the girl a break.
Aside from the main story lines, tonight’s episode also featured some interesting guest appearances. First, we had Busy Philipps as Hope, the eager, Christian intern. You’ve seen her on Dawson’s Creek as Pacey’s love interest and also on the fantastic and (sadly) short-lived Freaks and Geeks where she costarred with Linda Cardellini (Sam). Also, we enjoyed a blast from the past with another uncredited appearance by Glenn Plummer. As Haleh mentioned, his Timmy Rollins has been around before, in the very early days of the show. (And again, Morris wins my award for favorite line with “Shut up, not-Jerry.”) Finally, although he didn’t get a minute of screen time, Illinois senator Barack Obama was on the receiving end of several shout-outs from an unruly patient (complete with Obama T-shirt). As the midterm election looms, I’m quite certain that a lot of politicians would hand over their firstborn for that kind of free publicity.
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Oct 6, 2006 12:47 AM
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All I have to say about his episode is this.....
When did they change the name to The John Stamos Show?
I don't like his addition to the show. I hope he gets hit by a bus, and soon.
And how sad is it that Alex saw Sam shoot his dad. That is just awful.
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Oct 6, 2006 2:09 AM
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You have to stop calling her Helah - her name is Haleh!
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Oct 6, 2006 2:24 AM
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> Finally, though he didn’t get a minute of screen
> time, Illinois senator Barack Obama was on the
> receiving end of several shout-outs from an unruly
> patient (complete with Obama t-shirt).As the mid-term
> election looms, I’m quite certain that a lot of
> politicians would hand over their first born for that
> kind of free publicity.
I loved that patient's line about Johnnie Cochran. Is it wrong that I laughed out loud?
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Oct 6, 2006 2:49 AM
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Agreed on the changing of the theme music. Last week I freaked out because I was not expecting it at all - I've spent the last 7 years listening to the same music every week! The old music was a huge part of ER for me and I always loved hearing it every week, and the new stuff is just weird. Why not eliminate the credits sequence, but keep a portion of the old music?
Loved John Mahoney, too. I always enjoy seeing him in dramatic parts.
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Oct 6, 2006 4:08 AM
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Correction. Not-Jerry is NOT Eric Laneuville (who played an orderly on St. Elsewhere). I don't know the correct actor's name, though.
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Oct 6, 2006 8:52 AM
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ER this season. It's off to the best start in years.
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Oct 6, 2006 9:08 AM
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THANK YOU for finally mentioning the new theme music. I've been whining about that since the first episode and I even posted about it. No one seemed to care. I just don't understand the reasoning for getting rid of something so familiar to the viewers. Very strange decision.
I really cannot stand Gates, even before it came to light that he's in a live-in relationship. What a swine. He's way too cocky, someone needs to take him down a few pegs. I loved Pratt in this episode, and he's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Neela is still #1, though.
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Oct 6, 2006 9:18 AM
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First off, I can't understand how an EMT is entering an internship. You have to go to medical school and then you enter your residency training (first year is called internship) ... So, this whole thing about him getting his white coat and training is all wrong. I love him but this character is over the top but so was John Leguzamo's character...and, Pratt was a bad boy and way back when... George Clooney's character was known to do things his own way...so, I guess we will see how this goes. But, he is very skanky in having an obviously intense relationship going on...and then coming on to Neela. I hope Ray wins out on this one! Speaking of Neela, surgery is one of the more intense training programs - they do try to break you down while they mold you. And, still, for women (sad to say) it is worse... Anyway - I've watched this show from day 1 and will continue through the good and the bad...
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Oct 6, 2006 9:30 AM
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You guys are good. And fast. First, thanks to nerd (no, that's not a commentary - it's a screen name) for catching my repeat misspelling of Haleh. My apologies to Yvette Freeman who does such a great job in the role. Also, twblues, you are absolutely correct. It was not Eric Laneuville as Timmy. The actor's name is Glenn Plummer and I've made that fix as well. You won't believe this, but I actually woke up this morning and realized I was mistaken on that one. Keep the comments coming everyone!
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Oct 6, 2006 10:01 AM
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Totally agree about the music. Why change now? Good episode again and great commentary. Thanks.
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Oct 6, 2006 10:10 AM
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Greymatters...last season Gates mentioned he was in med school while also working as a paramedic (it was the airplane crash episode) so he didn't jump from paramedic to intern overnight.
Also, I believe the actress w/ the Obama comments/t-shirt also plays "Epiphany" on General Hospital. I recognized her right away. Also the lady who played "Angela" is also known as "Sister Peg" on SVU. With that out of the way...I'm a bit iffy about this show. It certainly had it's hysterical moments but it seems the characters were fluttering around a bit.
Loved John Mahoney and the storyline was very heartbreaking! Indeed, everyone get those advance directives ASAP!! I'm glad that someone showed some sympathy towards the gay couple. And while I don't dislike Gates, I had issues with him romancing Neela & then going home to the other woman & the kid. My other gripes w/ this ep:
1) Pratt telling Gates about him being in the ER for 5 years. Did he forget how he used to be the hot shot, even questioning Dr. Green (on his last shift nonetheless)??
2) What have they done with the REAL Kerry? Kerry wouldn't have allowed Gates/Pratt to yell at each other in front of a patient -- unconscious or not.
Funny lines belong to mostly Morris: the "shut up not-Jerry" was hysterical as was student Hope asking Morris if he knows God and him replying "Jesus in accounting"? The BEST line belong to Abby though: "Morris, you're not getting a peak at my (breasts)"!
Can't wait for next week!
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Oct 6, 2006 1:00 PM
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Greymatters...last season Gates mentioned he was in med school while also working as a paramedic (it was the airplane crash episode) so he didn't jump from paramedic to intern overnight.
Also, I believe the actress w/ the Obama comments/t-shirt also plays "Epiphany" on General Hospital. I recognized her right away. Also the lady who played "Angela" is also known as "Sister Peg" on SVU. With that out of the way...I'm a bit iffy about this show. It certainly had it's hysterical moments but it seems the characters were fluttering around a bit.
Loved John Mahoney and the storyline was very heartbreaking! Indeed, everyone get those advance directives ASAP!! I'm glad that someone showed some sympathy towards the gay couple. And while I don't dislike Gates, I had issues with him romancing Neela & then going home to the other woman & the kid. My other gripes w/ this ep:
1) Pratt telling Gates about him being in the ER for 5 years. Did he forget how he used to be the hot shot, even questioning Dr. Green (on his last shift nonetheless)??
2) What have they done with the REAL Kerry? Kerry wouldn't have allowed Gates/Pratt to yell at each other in front of a patient -- unconscious or not.
Funny lines belong to mostly Morris: the "shut up not-Jerry" was hysterical as was student Hope asking Morris if he knows God and him replying "Jesus in accounting"? The BEST line belong to Abby though: "Morris, you're not getting a peak at my (breasts)"!
Can't wait for next week!
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Oct 6, 2006 1:01 PM
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Barack Obama isn't running for re-election right now, so he doesn't need the 'free publicity."
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Oct 6, 2006 1:11 PM
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Does it not bother anyone else that the baby is so big and healthy already? None of the other story lines have moved ahead as fast as that baby has grown.
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Oct 6, 2006 1:14 PM
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