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ER Invites Old Favorites to Scrub Back In
Julianna Margulies and George Clooney courtesy Warner Bros.
There's no series finale written and producers and cast aren't yet ready to sign off for good but if, as many predict, ER's County General closes its doors at the end of its upcoming 14th season, the NBC drama wants to lure back as many of its cast as it can. Noah Wyle (Dr. John Carter), who's popped in and out of the show for a number of years, is returning for multiple episodes, and there will be no running around in Africa this time. "He'll be in Chicago in the ER, interacting with all our people," executive producer David Zabel tells TVGuide.com. The doc is back to check out the Joshua Carter Center, a gift from his big-bucks family, as well as for a medical concern. In turn, ER is hoping to bring back Thandie Newton, who plays Carter's wife Kem.
Zabel says they've also talked to Gloria Reuben (as Jeannie Boulet) and Julianna Margulies (Carol Hathaway) about returns. "Julianna's doing a show now (midseason's Canterbury's Law), but we can always write a story that can shoot in a couple of days," the exec says. Also on their dream list and in the mix of story ideas being discussed: Eriq La Salle (Peter Benton), William H. Macy (David Morgenstern), and Sally Field and Danny Glover, who have had runs as Abby's mom and Pratt's dad. Fans might also expect visits from more recent exiles Laura Innes (Weaver) and Shane West (Ray).
But what about the most successful ER alum of all? "We're always thinking of ways to bring Dr. Ross back on the show," says Zabel with a laugh. "And now might be a good time, because I hear George [Clooney] needs the work." — Reporting by Ileane Rudolph
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Aug 21, 2007 1:37 PM
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I wish they would all come back in the end if for no other reason than to thank the fans that watched the show that made them rich and famous.
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Aug 21, 2007 2:11 PM
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Sounds like they'd have County General get razed by bulldozers for a condo complex or something, and have the old gang return for a big pre-demolition send-off.
I'm sure Clooney could/would swing by just for a friendly grin.
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Aug 21, 2007 2:27 PM
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Maybe a County General fundraiser.... I would tune in for that. And to think it feels like it was just yesterday that I was reading the article in TV Guide pitting ER against Chicago Hope....
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Aug 21, 2007 2:44 PM
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Or... if Carter has a "medical concern"... a very special ER bedside vigil?
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Aug 21, 2007 2:56 PM
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If the finale is similar to the Homicide movie, they could bring back Dr. Green and Lucy as ghosts. Naturally, there would be no room for Dr. Romano.
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Aug 21, 2007 3:54 PM
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Maybe we could crash another helicopter containing George Clooney in it right on top of County General. He could then come back as himself and not as Doug Ross. Then as he dies - he could go off to heaven with Mark Green and Lucy in tow!
It would be the first celebrity death ever televised!
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Aug 21, 2007 4:16 PM
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As long as neither Carol nor Kem come back, I'll be happy.
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Aug 21, 2007 4:24 PM
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Forget about Carol & Doug returning, Not Gonna Happen. Now that it looks like Jorja Fox is off CSI, they should bring her back. She played the no-nonsense medical intern Maggie Doyle who was revealed to be a lesbian in 1996. Weaver better make a return too, that way she could hook up with Jorja's character! PERFECT. I should be a writer for this show...
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Aug 21, 2007 4:52 PM
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I really hope that they bring back Dr. Ross. But I really want Dr. Green to come back as something. He was a key part of the show and I miss him dearly.
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Aug 21, 2007 11:28 PM
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NOOOO I don't want ER to finish!!!
That is sooo great !!!!!
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Aug 21, 2007 11:33 PM
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Just please don't let Carol return! Every time there is an interview with Julianna, she gets pissed off whenever someone mentions ER. She does not want to be associated with the show anymore. So why try to bring her back?
And please keep Carter the hell away from Abby...and keep Kem out of Chicago.
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Aug 22, 2007 9:03 AM
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Bringing back old faves may be a cool idea, but here's one better...do a flippin expose on the real county hospital in Chicago. It is horrible there. They bulit a new facility but still bs still reigns.
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Aug 22, 2007 9:10 AM
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I, for one, would LOVE to see Doug & Carol make an appearance at County. They were one of the "super couples" and I'd love to see them return, right along with their "girls", Tess & Kate. However, keep Kem the hell away from Chicago! She sucks the life out of everything! Let's hope Carter dumped her to the curb and he got himself a new girlfriend (stay away from Abby too Carter)! It goes without saying to have Laura Innes back as Kerry (love her) but not to get back w/ Maggie (aka Jorja Fox). Nope, no siree...hey, bring Dr. Legaspi for the final ep 
Mark & Lucy should be included in some form -- and yes, Jeannie, Peter and hell, while we're at it, don't forget Lizzie Corday, my favorite surgeon! She can teach those hacks in surgery a thing or two! LOL!
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Aug 22, 2007 11:16 AM
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Lest any series execs reading these posts get the wrong idea...
I *love* Kem and Carter together and would love to see them return.
Ditto for all of the characters who left the show alive (okay, I was never a big Maggie fan).
Actually, flashbacks might be a good venue for revisiting the deceased characters, but that could be pushing it...
To those telling Carter to stay away frfom Abby, watch more reruns: they parted friends (remember Carter paying off Abby's med school tuition?). I'd love to see him (and Kem) interact with Mr. and Mrs. Kovac -- that would be a wonderful friend-fest.
I say bring 'em all back, then start scripting Season 15.
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Aug 22, 2007 12:19 PM
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