ER – Finale live blog and chat
Doctors and nurses, we have come to an end of an era. After 331 episodes, and the same number of cast changes, ER comes to an end this evening. Being that we are a nation that now needs to comment on absolutely, totally everything I thought it would be a good idea to open up a live chat to discuss the events of the show as well as past ER stars who decided to show up for the end.
For now, consider this an early discussion location. But, check back later this evening for a spirited, and probably teary-eyed, back-and-forth on the last episode of ER ever. Remember, it’s a two-hour event starting at 9:00 PM EDT.
Episode 330 of ER – Always look on the bright side of life
Second to last. When you’re being picked for a kickball team, second to last is a good thing. When you’re talking about the end of a long-running series, second to last is not something you want to happen. Unless you’re one of those folks who thinks ER should have ended 13 seasons ago. For you, second to last means a time to rejoice.
For the rest of us, this week’s installment has begun to make us teary-eyed as we realize that it’s all about to end. It’s hard not to get emotional. Many of us have grown up with the series and can track the changes in our life with the changes that took place within the confines of County General. Needless to say, it was probably a roller coaster ride in both cases.
Maybe that’s the reason the producers and the writers of ER gave us one of the most positive episodes of the series in history. It was a thanks to all of us who have gone through the trials and tribulations of this Chicagoland hospital.
ER – Some growing and some changing
Just because ER will be ending its 15 season run in a mere 5 episodes doesn’t mean the show’s characters need to stop growing and changing. In fact, the end of a long-running series is sometimes the point where the most growth and change occurs. On this week’s installment of the medical drama we saw such changes in two of our favorites: Archie Morris and Simon Brenner.
Let’s start with Archie. I’ve previously stated both here and on my reviews at TV Squad that Dr. Morris has continued to mature since he was introduced back in season ten as a second-year resident. While there have been flashes of the old Archie earlier this season and last (particularly after Hope left) they have not stopped his growth. With this week’s episode everything he has learned about love and relationships over the last few seasons culminated in a brand new, adult Archie Morris.
Everyone, let’s welcome back little John Carter to the ER
On this week’s ER, Neela and Brenner continued to snog, Banfield continued her quest of having another child, and Tony did something or other to someone that someone else did or did not like. Blah, blah, blah. Who cares about all of that, really? Doctor John Carter has returned!
Yes, the crush of man and woman alike, Noah Wyle returned to his old hunting grounds for a multiple-episode arc. What’s good about his return is he is the first alumni to come back that actually bridges the first and second (and third, and fourth) generation of ER personnel. Where the returns of Jeanie Boulet and Dr. Morgenstern have met with indifferent looks from the current crop of doctors and nurses, Carter still knows a number of people. As he integrates himself back in it will be interesting to see how he acts with his former students, who are now at the same level as him, and the newbies who never knew John as the golden child of the ER.
ER – Creepy boyfriends, back shavers, and the guy who created Happy Days
(Season 15, Episode 13 – “Love is a Battlefield”)
After the unusual weirdness of last week’s episode we returned to the normal weirdness of the day-to-day activities of County General’s ER. And it was a jam-packed episode featuring some resolutions to Neela’s dreams, meatier roles for Grady and Daria, a jealous Sam, and an appearance by Gary Marshall. Plus, an obsessive and creepy boyfriend who resembled a young Cary Elwes.
As I said — normal weirdness. So, let’s get going.
Sam and Tony… again: Oh. My. God. How long is this non-relationship relationship going to last between these two? Hell, even the non-relationship relationship between Carol Hathaway and Doug Ross was less tortuous than this! We get that there are still feelings between these two, but do they have to drag this out for so long? I’ll tell you, if they leave this relationship open when the series ends in April I will personally be royally pissed.
ER – And the series rounds the turn towards finish line
(Season 15, Episode 11 – “Separation Anxiety”)
We now come to the final ten or so episodes left in the run of ER and, as we now know, an end of an era (for now) when it comes to scripted programming at 10:00 pm. Until then, there is plenty more story to tell of the valiant doctors and nurses of County General — both past and present. In the next few weeks look for appearances by Eriq La Salle, Alex Kingston, Noah Wyle, and, I believe, George Clooney. Though Clooney may come in as a patient named Danny Ocean. Who knows.
So, let’s get down to the rectal thermometers, shall we?
ER – The last Christmas episode. Ever.
(Season 15, Episode 10 – “Let It Snow”)
Christmas is an unusual time for ER. Instead of piling on the doom and gloom that is the normal status quo of County General, the annual holiday episode tends to give the viewer a sense of hope and good cheer. Usually there is a baby involved, or a patient who gets a special gift, or a staff member gets a bit of the Xmas spirit. And, without fail, there is a moment where you just happen to tear up.
With this being the very last Christmas episode of ER, I didn’t expect anything different than the norm. There was a baby involved, a patient did get a special gift, and I teared up at the very end of the episode. Overall, a win for this long-running series. So, let’s take a look at the final holiday episode of ER.
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