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

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

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

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

Poor Harold. Part of me wanted to either kill this new intern or just “tsk tsk” him all night. While he might have had the facts down (a little too well) something tells me he is needing some much needing bed side manner skills. Could it be that he is only 19?

If you think Steven’s character, Harold, is young, then you won’t be surprised to learn how close fiction really is to the truth.

Steven Christopher Parker is just the ripe old age of 18 years old. Born on January 8th, 1989 and hailing from Denver, Colorado, Steven is not going to be leaving the ER anytime soon. At the present he is slated to appear in two more episodes of ER in November. He will appear in next week’s “The Test” and episode 8, “Coming Home”.

A true ER fan will probably be thinking… Haven’t I seen this actor before?

So if you think you’ve seen this young man before on ER, then you are correct! Two years ago in Season 11 “Here and There”, he played Gus but for the life of me, I have no idea who Gus was. At that time, season 11 was wrapped around the Gallant-Neela Iraq storyline. Not only has he already done a stint in the ER but he also made a small appearance in Little Miss Sunshine as well (think small, teen age boy #1 in the credits).

Here’s what I am wondering: Were the Powers That Be so impressed with Steven’s acting that they decided they wanted to bring him back for another stint in the ER or were there just not enough young actors willing to to portray prodigy turned Intern?

Hmmm… anyone care to weigh in on that?

ER Interns, Young New Intern, Actors, Steven Christopher Parker, Season 14, Season 11

I remember watching Scott Grimes in various bad 80’s television and even some even worse horror movies. So let me tell begin by saying that I was very skeptical when he came on as an ER regular. I didn’t think his character Dr. Morris would make it. I really mean that. I didn’t like the storylines they gave him… I didn’t like… well, (sorry Scott Grimes fans..) HIM.

But for once TPTB showed me up and now Morris has grown on me… by the way, does anyone find it odd that he is a red head and they named his character Morris… like the cat in the Meow Mix commercials? No? Ok it’s just me then.

Anyway, what I was trying to say is that somewhere Morris got… CHARACTER. I am not sure how they did it or why but it seemed like one day Morris was different. Maybe it was the change of finding out how many sperm doner children he had… I don’t know but there is a different side of Morris that we see now and I like it.

In fact, I don’t know if anyone else has noticed but it seems that his part on the show has gotten bigger too. Could that be because Luka is leaving, and Ray is gone(?) too? I wonder about that. Especially this week’s show. We see Morris getting rid of the boogeyman with “medicine”, primping for a date with Hope by getting a makeover and some apparent much needed exfoliating. It’s a whole new side to Grime’s character that I think they began to play with last season and are just beginning to develop now.

Can I say it’s about time that they begin exploring some of the more interesting characters on the show?

Scott Grimes, Dr. Archie Morris, character development, storylines

There was a brief moment on ER last Thursday where I swore I saw a storyline begin. Maybe you missed it to but it was just a brieft moment where Sam (Linda Cardellini) was in the trauma room with the dead teenage boy’s mother. She was telling Sam how he had been lately, how removed and distant he (Casey) had been but that how things with Casey had been getting better.

If you were really paying attention and listening to the mom and what she said, the camera closed in on Sam and we saw her let out a breath… like she was thinking. Hmmm, in my own mom mind, I was thinking of the storyline with Sam and her son Alex and the difficulties she had with him last season.

I don’t know about you but I do not think that storyline is closed. I think there is still more to that. If I remember correctly, season 13 left off with a phone call between Sam and Alex. There was no real ending to that and so I have to wonder… What is next for this storyline? There are many different directions they could take this. They have already exposed us to the difficulties that Sam has as a Single Parent and I have to admit that I do not think that is a finished storyline. Not at all. The complications that Sam has about being a single mom and then top it all off with sending Alex away to school… too much there that was left unfinished and leaving the ER fans and fans of Sam (yea that would be me) in the dark on how to tie that one up.

So what do you think? Did you catch the moment in the trauma room? Is the Samantha and son story finished?

Samantha, Linda Cardellini, character development, storylines, single parents

Former ER star Julianna Margulies is due sometime this winter. If you don’t remember who Margulies is, you really are not a fan are you? What are you doing here then?

Anyway, Margulies was famed Nurse Hathaway and George Clooney’s main/on-again-off-again love interest on ER. She returns to the small screen this fall in a new courtroom drama which I have talked about before so please keep up.

Ms. Margulies, the first time mom-to-be, is a fairly private person and is so far keeping the details under wraps but as of right now, the pregnancy will reportedly not be written into Canterbury’s Law, and therefore we can look forward to numerous stratigically placed items, funky wardrobe, and more up close shots.

Congratulations Julianna! However hush-hush things are, I am sending positive baby bump vibes your way.

celebrity baby bump, Julianna Margulies, Canterbury’s Law, ER

No I am not kidding. I just finally found my way to Wikipedia’s ER site. If you’ve never been I highly recommend it.

Little known facts about the acclaimed Medical drama such as when our favorite actors departed and how they left, to the number of Emmy Nods our dear beloved ER has earned. (I won’t spoil it for you by telling all. The number is just amazing.) I will mention though that records have been broken… That’s all I’m sayin…

One thing I do want to share is that it is revealed that ER was orginally slotted to be a movie and Steven Spielberg was on board for it.

Can you imagine if Steven Spielberg had actually directed ER into the big screen? How many sequels do you think we would be up to by now? I shudder to think of the possiblities (not bad shudder, good shudder) but I do get the willies thinking of all the gross ER things that the big screen can show that we won’t see in TV land (OH THANK YOU SO MUCH!) I admit it. I am the faint of heart.

Let’s think about this for a moment though. Would Anthony Edwards, Julianna Marguilies, and now heavy hitter, George Clooney have been included in big screen production of ER?

Fortunately for all of the ER fans, Spielberg went on to Jurassic Park (who knew?) and we have had 14 fabulous seasons of watching our Docs save and lose lives and lovers. However, if you pay close attention and know your ER medical drama trivia, you will know that Spielberg did have a hand in some early episodes.

By the way, did any of you catch Thursday night’s repeat of Murmurs of the Heart? Forest Whitaker still does a chilling of job of becoming Curtis Ames. I still can’t get throught the opening with Abby.

Check out Wikipedia’s ER site and brush up on your ER knowledge.

In the meantime I am going to rent a few ER DVD’s and watch the special features section, where all the good secrets are spilled.

Wikipedia, ER, Television Medical Drama, Movies, Steven Spielberg, Forest Whitaker, Emmy Nominations

ER this year? I know they weren’t nominated for Best Drama Series, but Forest Whitaker has been nominated for his guest role on the show this last season.

In case you forgot about Forest and his reoccuring guest spot as Curtis Ames, he played a stroke patient who takes Luka to court for malpractice. Losing his case, he begins to stalk not Luka but Abby and baby Joe. In a final seat-gripping, nail-biting, conclusion, Forest kidnaps Luka and holds him at gun point demanding that Luka give him back his life or suffer the pain Ames has had from the loss of functionality in his arm. I think I paced the floor through the whole thing.

If you missed this mini drama in a drama, then you had to be under a rock. This was the most talked about guest appearance on ER in a long, long time. Forest played Ames to frightening perfection. If ER and Forest miss receiving this Emmy, I might just eat my keyboard.

For those of you who missed it, this is well worth watching again:

Forest Whitaker, Curtis Ames, Luka, Abby, Emmy Nominations

I don’t know about you but anytime one of my favorite actors makes a… Well, (ahem) Dingbat (for lack of another word that I can’t use here), of themselves, I feel embarrassed for them and a little outraged for their complete lack of professionalism.

Such is the case of John Stamos who by now you all know has been tossed around on the web like a flaming hackey sack for his bad behavior on one of Australia’s morning talk shows. His slurred speech and out-of-it behavior had the tabloids on both ends of the globe buzzing about possible drunkeness.

Stamos fired back that unlike David Hasslehoff, he has no drinking problem.

Not long after that videos surfaced on the web to back up John’s fuzzy interview causing Stamos and his PR people to go into panic mode and blame the whole thing on jet lag.

Possible but from Cleveland, OH to Sydney, AU fans weren’t buying it.

Now completely caught up in a would-be scandal, Stamos is revealing that the bad performance on Australia National TV was brought on by side effects from the prescription sleep aid, Ambian.

Uh, Ok but excuse me, Dr. Gates, but shouldn’t you have already learned about the possible side effects of sleep aids early on in your medical training? Just curious.

John Stamos drunken like behavior, sleep aids, Austrailia News Media, Jet lag, Actors

Shane West, The new front runner for The Germs?Shane recently starred in the movie, What We Do is Secret about the late 70’s punk rock group, The Germs, in which he played the late lead vocalist, Darby Crash. The film is to have documented part of Crash’s life before committing suicide. Hmmm that’s an image of West I want stuck in my head. (Kidding, seriously. His head, body, anything is just too pretty to mess with).

Well, we know he can sing right? So it’s no secret (pun intended) that The Germs have brought Shane West on as the new lead vocal for the band and therefore have reunited for a tour.

So I guess it won’t matter much if his pilot didn’t get picked up or not now huh?And I guess it doesn’t matter if he has legs or not now either on ER. Seeing as how he is touring with The Germs.

I never was into punk music so I am not familiar with the group and I am sure that they are still before my time in one way or another so I’m not too choked up that I missed this.

On a different note, this does speak for Shane West’s talent as a a singer. He did some singing in the short run Once and Again, on ABC before donning the white coat on ER.

Shane West, The Germs, What We Do is Secret, Actors, ER, Movies