Watching ER

I am so glad that the strike is over. For me it has been a very bleak television season. There really isn’t anything I’ve desperately wanted to see since all of my favorite shows were on hiatus. As I mentioned before, I don’t do reality shows and beyond that, only the soaps are left.

In case you haven’t yet heard the actors report back to work tomorrow (March 6th) and new shows, six in all are scheduled to air beginning April 10th. That’s good news right? I thought so too!

From what I have read the first show to air will have Abby and Luka still in Croatia. They send an update back home and it leads Neela to believe that there is trouble in paradise. Unfortunately that is all I have for a spoiler right now because my usual sources haven’t posted much.

What’s even more good news is that Maura Tierney recently mentioned that ER WILL BE RETURNING FOR A 15TH SEASON with 22 episodes. I can’t confirm this though because the network hasn’t come out and said anything official… I’ve heard it from more than one source though. She also mentioned that she doesn’t know if she will return or not for another season. I would think she would want to see her character wrapped up properly and it is so hard to do that when the actor or actress bows out. I know, I know… her contract is up at the end of this season so she doesn’t have to return. I still think it would be a fitting end to see the characters we love walk out of the doors of County General rather than hear about an untimely death or the “Dear ER” letter that tells us they won’t be returning.

If you really, really want to have something to look forward to in the upcoming episodes airing in April then hear this: the word around is that there is a very good chance (read that very, very, very good) that you will see Shane West sometime within the first six episodes. I don’t know where…  I don’t know when… All I know is that Ray could be back for an appearance or two… and please don’t ask if he has legs or not, that’s just wrong and I don’t know.

Now if you want my opinion on bringing Shane West back for a couple of episodes… I would have to say… It’s a good move. I mean… A REALLY GOOD MOVE on NBC’s part. Over at ER’s site on NBC.com, there is a whole thread (46 pages long) dedicated to the Ray and Neela misguided love story (personally I don’t care for it but that’s just me). Shane West is one of the most popular google searches this blog has. Bringing him back after such a long hiatus and the prospect of a 15th season isn’t just a good idea… IT’S BRILLIANT. Once fans get word he would appear… I can almost guarantee a ratings jump for those shows and I can definitely guarantee that those that missed it will be searching till their eyeballs bleed for a way to see the full ER episode online.

Anyone care to agree?

Now for the fond farewell…

That would be me. I am going to be leaving Watching ER. I don’t know when it will be effective but I just wanted to take a moment and say how much I have loved blogging here at 451 press and bringing everyone ER news and scoops. Like I said in the beginning, I’ve been a fan from the show’s first episode and I will continue to be a fan even though I won’t be your go-to for ER much longer.

Anyone who wants to visit me is welcome to do so over at Chaos in the Country, The Guilty Parent and Mommy Know How.

In the meantime, lets just see where this season’s last episodes take us and enjoy the ride!

Season 15, ER spoilers, Shane West, Ray, 451 press, blogging, new episodes

Losing his legs on ER surely hasn’t hurt Shane’s Sexy status among fans or People Magazine. Shane was among the actors named Hottest Bachelors of 2007 and judging from the video interview with Shane (seen here), it’s easy to see why.

His status doesn’t seem to be going to his head though as Shane claims to be shy and not one for pick up lines. (Ladies, I bet you can think of a few to try on him though).

It doesn’t seem that his absence as Ray Barnett on NBC’s medical drama ER is crippling the demand for him on the big screen either. Shane has been busy this last year starring in three films due out some time this year.

In late Spring, expect to see Shane in The Stone House - it is scheduled to release May 14 of 2008. The basic synopsis is that Shane is among a group of United States soldiers in the Middle East who encounter a supernatural force. The movie is listed as modern horror and action, which wouldn’t be a first for Shane since he played alongside Sean Connery in A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and in Dracula 2000.

Later this year Shane West is also expected to be starring in two more movies. The first, The Lodger an adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1927 thriller The Lodger; West will play the character “Street”. The movie also incorporates the novel (of the same title) by Marie Belloc Lowndes. The second movie, The Gift, Shane plays a main character Max Peterson and also stars Agnes Bruckner who has appeared in movies and reoccurring guest appearances on shows such as 24. Unfortunately there are no release dates on either of these movies.

However if you can’t wait until Shane’s movies are released and you simply must see him NOW…

Be sure to check catch him in A Time for Dancing airing on February 18th at 8:00pm on TMC and then in A Walk to Remember airing on February 21st at 9:00pm on TBS.

Shane West, ER, NBC, Actors, Movies, Hot Bachelors, People Magazine

Finally the writer’s strike which has plagued Hollywood for a little over three months is coming to a close. Reports began leaking earlier this week that the end was near as talks between the WGA union and Hollywood producers started to come to a close as a deal was finally reached and voting on the proposed deal will end by February 25th.

It’s a much needed relief for actors, writers and television show producers. Not to mention you and me. I don’t know how much more reality television I could take but guarantee the number was low, very, very low.

So where does that leave ER? For one the show is still under contract to Warner Bros. to produce the rest of it’s episodes before the season ends in May. I had heard rumors in January (but I couldn’t report on them because the details were so sketchy that I didn’t want ya’ll to get your hopes up and I didn’t want hate mail if I was wrong either) that the show could have new episodes as early as April. Actually according to an article in Variety, four to six new episodes isn’t the only good news coming out of talks with Warner Bros and NBC. The show could actually be renewed for another full season in the fall. Didn’t I tell you that was possible?

Unfortunately the long strike has definitely left an impact on Hollywood as a whole with over $3 billion loss in the economy. As much as I feel Hollywood is largely overpaid as it is, I feel horrible that so many writers were out of work for this long. As a working writer, I know how competitive the business is and I am certain their families have felt the strain. My heart goes out to them. On another note though, I am pleased as punch that my show will be back in April (maybe early enough for my birthday would be FABULOUS!) and whether or not the show returns in the fall we at least have a chance to see some storylines wrapped up.

Alright… Let’s send our ER writers some positive episode vibes!

WGA, Writer’s Strike, Hollywood, NBC, Warner Bros., ER, New Episodes

Don’t lie. You know you’ve wanted to see it. You could cut the sexual tension between Sam and Tony with a knife and it’s been going on for weeks. I admit, I let out a little gasp when she kissed him. That’s right. If you missed it, Sam laid a Big Ol’ Smacker right on Tony - and it’s just in time too…

I’m not saying that sexual tension is a BAD THING. Goodness NO! I actually like a little sexual tension. Makes you work harder for it right? Makes the end result all that much sweeter and even a little hotter doesn’t it? Though there are some poor unlucky characters who are still working through their sexual tensions.

Ahem… Anyway, what I am trying to say is that the sexual tension between Sam and Tony was almost getting to be too much. What with Sam’s constant complaining and nagging -  the idea of a nurse second guessing a doctor!? But then in the next blink she is making eyes at him, smiling a coy little smile - He’s no angel! Tony is absolutely eating it up.

I don’t know what everyone else thinks about this match up but I really like the idea of Sam and Tony together. In my opinion, I think they are more evenly matched, more so than Neela and Tony EVER were. There is more of a chemistry between these two characters, albeit somewhat highschoolish, it is still an attraction and the flirtation between the two is a welcome site to the show. (Because seriously I don’t know how I feel about Skye and Dubenko together - though the words "GROSS" and "EW" come to mind).

Just in case you did miss THE KISS, a fabulous youtube member has been so kind to upload it for us so take a moment and enjoy THE KISS that we’ve been waiting to see.

Love, Romance, Character Romance, Sexual Tension, Character Hook-ups

I’ve mentioned in past blog posts that one of my favorite characters on the show is Sam. I think that Linda Cardellini is doing a fantastic job with the character but some of the fans in the forums I visit don’t agree with me. In fact, in some cases, it’s grown from a little distaste to REALLY hating Sam.

So I am putting it out there: What do you think of Sam? Most of the recent uprising stems from episode 12,  Believe the Unseen in which Abby comes back to work and confesses to all of her coworkers that her personal time off wasn’t spent with Luka in Croatia but instead in a rehab facility because she is an alcoholic. Everyone seems very supportive of her and welcomes her confession with open arms… everyone Except Sam. Instead Sam begs the question "Have you ever been drunk at work?" It’s an important question but when Abby purposely dodges (and conveniently gets interrupted by an incoming trauma) the question, Sam seems a tad disgusted.

I guess I don’t understand all the flack that Linda Cardellini’s character is getting. Sam is a strong character and I think that in the beginning they played her right and made her strong with a take no bull attitude. I’ve read comments lately where fans are coming down on her for the attitude she gave Abby.

I understand this is only a television medical drama but since ER lives to play so close to real life and deal with such real life situations, then I have to say that questioning Abby was the right thing to do. As a doctor, she has hundreds of lives in her hands, coming into work completely drunk or even feeling leftover effects of heavy drinking puts the patients at risk because she is in no condition to do her job. I wouldn’t want a coworker like that working by MY side. I think that was the point that Sam was making.

What do you think? Does Sam have cause to be angry with Abby? Let’s look at it another way, Abby isn’t the first television doctor to battle addiction… why should she be immune to disgusted and disgruntled coworkers?

Linda Cardellini, Samantha Taggert, Abby, Alcoholics, Doctors, Coworkers

John Stamos, ABC, Rumors, Writers Strike, Denise Richards, Sean Combs

The final episode of ER will air on January 17th. This isn’t the final show of the season (or is it?) But it is the final show that was shot before the Writer’s Strike.

I’ve done quite a bit of blogging on the strike as of late. The main reason being is that the writer’s strike seems to hold a large weight over whether or not this really is the last season of ER. Right now message boards and fan groups are going wild over the new life that has been breathed into ER. After a number of blah seasons and even last season’s cliffhanging by TPTB, many would have thought that ER had actually been pulled off of life support.

Not so! In fact ER not only seems to have been brought back to life with some sort of miracle but it has also revived the belief of thousands of ER fans that this really is the best medical drama on television. As much as I love Grey’s Anatomy and House, I would love to see them wrap up 300 episodes with the kind of pinache that ER was able to do.

Still the last episode shot of ER causes fans to worry about the future of the characters. Many of the show’s storylines are still left to be resolved.

1. Abby - Will she be able to kick her drinking problem… Again? Many are speculating that with the return of Noah Wyle for a number of episodes, he will be the one to bring her back to sobriety as he did before.

2. Ray-Neela - Are they really over? fans of the Ray/Neela romance are hoping to see a final reunion with the two and a confirmation of their love for each other.

3. Would the ER close for good? Through every season the underlying message is just how costly it can be to run an ER and the cuts that are made without compromising patient care.

What are your unanswered storylines or questions about the future status of the ER?

ER, Storylines, Final Season, Television Medical Dramas

That’s right everyone, the first former ER cast member makes an appearance just in time for the new year. “Status Quo” will air on January 3rd, and according to Spoilerfix.com and NBC spoilers, Gloria Rueben, who played Jeanie Boulet, a physician’s assistant will be bring in her HIV positive son named Carlos to treat a cut on his head from a fall at school. However when Carlos has a CT done, a spot on his brain is found which will need further testing. Plus when the higher ups at County do not take Pratt seriously, he wants to quit his job (could we really take anymore great actor losses on ER?) Plus Neela’s cousin will be visiting and Morris and Harold will be trying their best to woo her. (My money is on Morris, what about you?) Also appearing is Kari Matchett from “24”.

When we last saw Jeanie it was November 1999, and she was leaving to spend more time with Carlos, (who you should remember is not her biological son but a baby she adopted after the mother died in the ER) and Reggie (a police officer).

Ok, so now we are up to speed right? Good. Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything that related to how many episodes she will appear in. If you have that scoop, feel free to contact me or leave a comment.
As you know, Abby is away at rehab and Luka and little Joe are in Croatia for Luka’s father’s funeral. No word on when Luka will be back (again).

Gloria Rueben, Jeanie Boulet, Guest Appearances, HIV, former cast members

That’s a classic Dr. line isn’t it and if I didn’t know better I would think that’s what being told to the fans whose shows are all going to be in the hurt from the Writer’s Strike. Unfortunately even if it is what fans are being fed, we still know it’s going to hurt… a lot.

I hope you all liked “300 Patients” because it’s the last one you are going to be seeing until 2008. I mentioned in my last post that there had been 13 shows produced out of the 22 that we normally get right? Ok well, guess what number we are on? (This shows how much you all pay attention)

We just saw episode number 10. Episode 11 will not air until January 3rd (a good day btw because all the kids go back to school from Christmas break and my 3rd born will be seven - Go Shorty!), but that isn’t the point. This means that after the first new episode of the new year, we only have three remaining, unless of course the writer’s strike ends. I foresee a lot of movie rentals coming my way soon because ER isn’t the only show which stands to run out of episodes soon. In fact some have it even worse.

My other Dr. obsession, Grey’s Anatomy only has one episode left and it won’t air until sometime in 2008. Another ABC favorite of mine, Desperate Housewives is hanging on with one show left as well. (I must watch – it’s the 2nd part of the Tornado episode).

So bundle up everyone, it’s going to be a very cold and lonely winter for us if the strike doesn’t end soon. I don’t know how long I will be able to last watching the repeats and awful reality tv (sorry to all you reality tv fans out there)… Maybe it’s time to rethink that Netflix subscription huh?

That’s the burning question on every fan’s mind isn’t it? In the beginning of the season, some of the actors agreed and speculated that this was the last season. Popular television sites, bloggers, and gossipers alike all chimed in that season 14 was THE LAST season. We thought we were seeing the curtain drawing on our favorite show, one of the longest running shows on NBC, and certainly one of the longest running medical dramas.
But wait! What’s that in the distance… Oh my! Could it be that a season 15 will happen after all? Well if you are John Wells, (the BOSS) he’s thinking that cashing in now might not work out the way it was planned.

Remember that Writer’s Strike? Well it seems that while other shows are in peril and struggling with repeats, the strike could work in ER’s favor at this point. According to Mr. Wells, discussions are taking place again with NBC to extend ER for one more season.
So why now? Numerous sources are saying that only 13 episodes of the show are complete (when there are normally 22,) and the strike puts a tad bit of a crimp in the way the show was going to be wrapped up. It’s possible that ER could be picked back up for another season to properly end the show, and right now, ending it now doesn’t seem feasible in the wake of the writer’s strike.

My thoughts on this are… IT’S ABOUT DAGGONE TIME! Seriously! The reports from up above say that ER (despite having some blah seasons) is hanging in there with the big boys right now AND still has a very strong fan base (Are you surprised?) Give yourselves a pat on the back folks, you deserve it!

So there you have it folks – if you would like to see ER hang in there for another season to give the characters a proper exit, haul your cookies over to nbc.com and let them know what you think! If John Wells thinks it’s deserving of another season, then some positive fan love couldn’t hurt!

NBC, Season 15, Writer’s Strike, Fans, ER

It looks like October was a good month for the long running drama ER - They recently celebrated their 300th episode. Unfortunately not everyone could be there to join in the celebrating as some former ER cast members did not attend the event.

George Clooney, Julianna Margulies, and Noah Wyle could not attend claimed a rep for Warner Bros studios.

You know what? That is just wrong! ER launched the careers of these actors and the LEAST they can do is stop in for a drink and say thanks to the producers, casting directors and directors who took a chance on them. If you ask me, that’s just bad etiquette. You don’t just snub the hand that fed you for… Oh I don’t know… at least 6 seasons - I’m guessing (Or more in Wyle’s case). To have 300 episodes is a milestone in the television industry as most shows don’t see life beyond 5 or 6 seasons. Shame on you Mr. Clooney! Were your praises about the show total lip service?

However, according to UsMagazine.com who was on hand at the bash stated that John Stamos and Linda Cardellini were in attendance and flirting it up all night and even left together. Stamos appeared inebriated (good thing he wasn’t FLYING) as Cardellini asked him repeatedly if he was “all right”. Hmmmm Now there is a storyline for Sam I hadn’t considered. Think about it for a second; the characters both have kids that are relatively the same age on the show so they can share in growing pains of young adulthood.

the 300th Episode extravaganza will air this week at 10pm (More on that later this week!)

In other ER Family News, Mekhi Phifer welcomed his son Mekhi Thira Phifer (a Mekhi Jr? Nice!) On October 30th, Phifer and his fiance are hoping to have a large family so this is just the beginning for them! Congratulations!

Baby News, Mekhi Phifer, 300th Episode

This seems to be on everyone’s mind as of late and I can’t blame them. With the writer’s strike looming over networks, there is more on fans minds than whether or not their favorite characters will hook up or survive to see another show.

So that makes me wonder, how will the NBC TPTB handle the strike on ER and its upcoming episodes. I have seen posts by fans stating that the strike won’t affect the show but… in my last post, I touched on Linda and Scott talking about how and when the writer’s strike will affect them. According to the interview that I posted from youtube, the strike will not affect them until December. CBS news also reported that Television series will run out of shows by the beginning of 2008.

Please pay attention to this: one of my sources has spoilers posted for episodes 7, 8, and 9. Episode 9 will not air until sometime in January 2008. (Pay attention: after episode 8 next week - November 15th, there won’t be another new show until January when Episode 9 airs).

So for anyone who believes that the strike is not going to affect this show, I kind of have to air on the side of caution and say, yes… they will be affected, especially given the comments both Linda and Scott give on the subject.

Now… I also read on MSNBC.com that the strike would not “immediately affect prime time shows” - going on to add that they have scripts stock piled into 2008. Whether or not I believe that is laughable.

Why? Well for one, you see how well TPTB have listened to ER fans and started posting full episodes online right? Exactly. Requests have fallen on deaf ears. Not to mention that rumors fly that this will be the last season for ER… so why would they stockpile scripts for a show that they plan on ending?

I’m just saying is all. You don’t have to believe me (there are at least six other bloggers here at 451 press who are talking about the strike as well).

I would like to hear what you think. Will the strike affect our beloved ER?

ER fans, writer’s strike, The Powers That Be, rumors

I found this interview at youtube of Linda and Scott talking about ER. Linda touches on what is in store for her (again The Powers That Be are listening to me!)

While some of this is based on Episode 7, there is some upcoming news that you won’t want to miss!

I really like how Sam is going to be getting some kind of a life. Hopefully it won’t be destructive… but I am a little disappointed that they aren’t taking more of a focus on her reconnecting with her son. In fact it almost sounds like the opposite of listening to me but it does sound like Sam will have a chance to live the part of her life that she had missed as a young mom. It’s still better than no storyline for her at all… what do you think? Could this be a good storyline for her?

And… I am curious to see if they give her a “hook up” with anyone in the ER. There was the cop, then the energy expert that was in “Blackout”… so who is next?

Also be sure to pay attention to Scott give out some information on his latest movie! All in all, things look strong over at ER despite the writer’s strike, but have no fear, I have information and a bit of a scoop if not more of a conflict of information which I will post for you tomorrow and I will let you decide what to think.

Otherwise, be sure to watch the video and leave some comments about what you think over Sam’s new storyline.

Sam, Morris, Linda Cardellini, Scott Grimes, news, writer’s strike

That’s actually the title of a really great book but I think in this case, it fits Abby perfectly. Not only did they open up Abby’s alcoholism but they put her in situations that are just unthinkable.

So let me ask you this: Was last night’s episode as painful to watch as it was for me?

Seriously… I didn’t like watching Abby like this. The party was embarrassing (for me to watch even) and I was pretty much horrified when they flashed back to her in the throes of passion with Moretti… How wrong was that? And then she gets home, lights up the babysitter and then takes off in the car with Joe. I’m glad she realized she was in no shape to drive and hailed a taxi.

I don’t think I like the spin they are putting on Abby’s storyline… UNLESS… it is their way to writer her off the show. She was trying to get a ticket to board a plane to Croatia.

Something else that I hope no one missed was the little comment about how Dr. Ross and Dr. Greene ruled the ER… please tell me all of you caught that. Could it be a some glimpse that some of the cast members will be returning? Others think that it was a small play on “Going Green”

Back to Abby though… Maura Tierney is such a great actress. She is highly underrated and I think when the writers do give her a tough storyline like this, she rises to it and excels to such a believable extent that it is no wonder fans all over were freaking out over Abby’s actions last night. Emotions ranged from loving the show to loving the show but hating how the writer’s wrote Abby’s story this week.

Be sure to read tomorrow’s post when I show a video clip that makes me wanna say thank you to TPTB for FINALLY listening to me!

Abby, Maura Tierney, alcoholism, Moretti

With all the talk about the list of the former characters scheduled to come back and those that ER creators would like to have come back, I really have to ask… Who would you have come back? Any fan who is a fan has a list forming in their head before these words were even on the screen. I know I have fantasized about my own little eopisodes in my head about who I would like to see…

For one, let’s bring Julianna Marguiles back as Hathaway. I would love to them bring in actresses for her twin girls also. Who knows what that storyline would bring but I remember her being heavily involved in a free clinic program.

Let’s not forget Eriq La Salle (Dr. Peter Benton)… If they brought him back he would have to reunite with none other than Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle) I for one have dreamed of a meeting between those two.

I really believe that they left some storylines still left to be told. For instance, there could have been a great love between Pratt and Dr. Chen (Ming Na) but sadly that ended before it had the chance to get really steamy.

Then again, there were some storylines that were just too sad to keep trying to tell. What would have happened to Dr. Corday (Alex Kingston who incidentally has not been on television since leaving in season 11) had she stayed and tried to build a new life without Dr. Greene? It was heart wrenching for me to watch her in episode after episode to try and find love again.

Here’s a question for you… Do you ever wonder what happened to Rachel Greene?

So there it is folks. Who should come back to the ER? We already know that some people are in the works but I would like to know if there is anyone you want to see that I didn’t mention.

Please… No dead characters. That’s just to sad. **Sniff**

Dr. Benton, Dr. Corday, Dr. Chen, Dr. Carter, former characters, Eriq La Salle, Alex Kingston, Ming Na