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Paging the final season of 'ER'
This time they really mean it.
Despite being the TV series that cried "This is our final season" before it certainly appears that this indeed will be the ER's last rotation in a TV season.
And I have to say, so far, so good.
We all know that I’ve had a contentious relationship with the show over the last few years. But despite some concerns (who were some of those people Abby was saying goodbye to?), I think the show is handling its departure the way this ground-breaking TV show should.
Because whatever ER is or isn’t now, when it premiered it in many ways changed many of the conventions of a TV drama. Now we are used to it but ER was on the forefront of showing the graphic intricacies of surgery, using medical lingo as if the audience knew what the doctors were talking about, letting patients viewers were attached to die, and showcasing a large ensemble cast. Plus they proved how much a show that was about the lives of its characters could survive many, many, many cast changes.
I want the show go out getting the accolades it deserves and with the quality of its heyday. And the graceful way the show handled Abby’s (Maura Tierney) departure is the perfect example of what I’m talking about. This was the best character departure since Carol met up with Doug on the dock. And it was quite fitting that Abby’s exit was reminiscent of Carol’s (oh look there’s Luka!) since I always kind of thought Abby replaced Carol as heart and soul of the series.
Like many of you, I’m a little concerned that Angela Bassett’s Dr. Banfield is far too familiar. Like for example Dr. Weaver or Dr. Romano, she’s a take-no-prisoners doctor who arrives looking for a fight. But I’m willing to give her character a chance.
Next week, Shane West returns as Dr. Barnett. And let me just issue a word of warning to the series right now -– they better handle is return well. Ray’s departure was an all time low for the show and it’s time to atone for what they did to his character.
And if I could just briefly talk about Grey’s Anatomy. I know. I know. I have complained about this series too much but I have to say I’m positively flabbergasted by the egregious way the series is handling the Erica/Callie romance. Really Callie goes to McSteamy for sex advice? Really? Are you kidding me? Right now the only thing that has me tuning in is the return as Kevin McKidd as Cristina’s potential love interest.
What do you think of ER and Grey's this season? Talk about it below.
Quotes of the Weeks
Let’s catch up on all the fun and interesting quotes that happened while I was away.
"I just don’t want my employees thinking that their jobs depend on performance. I mean what sort of place is that to call home." Michael (Steve Carell) to Holly on The Office.
"You are a thief of joy." Michael to Dwight on The Office. Thanks to Arlene for the quote.
"Shopping, sex, drinking in the afternoon.....play dates make all these things possible." Gabby to Carlos on Desperate Housewives. Thanks to Michelle for the quote.
"I want to come back to my real life and I think you should go back to yours." Robin to Ted on How I Met Your Mother.
"I just want to say it’s been a great decade." Abby saying goodbye to her colleagues on ER.
"Who watches TV on a TV now anyways?" Eric (Connor Paolo) on Gossip Girl. Thanks to Rishi for the quote.
"Maybe tonight is the night my sleep apnea will kill me." Leonard on The Big Bang Theory. Thanks to Terry for the quote.
"I know how you feel. I know how all of you feel because the minute you have a feeling you start spewing with complete disregard for anybody else like a bunch of children. You're adults. Get a filter!" Robert to Nora and the rest of the Walker clan on Brothers & Sisters. Thanks to Arlene for the quote.
"Are you going to tell him the truth now or wait till after he kills me and blinds himself." Tom to Lynette about an online relationship with her son on Desperate Housewives. Thanks to Barry and Daph for the quote.
"Yes, he called, he wants you to get back to work." Joan (Christina Hendricks) to the men in the office when they ask her if she’s heard from Don on Mad Men.
"If I start getting stalked by the other guy from Wham . . ." Nathan to Eli and Chen when he starts having visions on Eli Stone.
"He should have a sign that reads if this vans a rockin, I'm being murdered." Emerson on Pushing Daisies. Thanks to Caroline for the quote.
"'The X-Files' is a TV show. This is real." Dean on Supernatural. Thanks to Jen for the quote.
"Detective if ignorance was a drug, you’d be high all the time." The Assistant District Attorney to Detective Carling on Life on Mars.
"I thought I’d stick around and see what opportunities opened up." Jack (Anthony LaPaglia) to Sam (Poppy Montgomery) explaining why he turned down another job on Without a Trace. Um, do we think the show is about to rekindle the Jack and Sam romance. I kind of do and I’m kind of excited about this fact.
"True that. Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to make a stupid ass list." Joy to Earl on My Name is Earl.
"She went to sleeping with Jesus to waking up with you. You're her rebound after Jesus" Billy to Tim about Tim’s relationship with Lyla on Friday Night Lights.
Exchange of the Weeks
"How the hell did you swing this?" Pete to Peggy about getting her own office on Mad Men.
"I’m sleeping with Don. It’s really working out." Peggy’s response. I love that Peggy was sassy.
Inside Joke Quote of the Week
"That was just last semester? Wow it feels like forever ago." Ashleigh (Amber Stevens) to Casey about Frannie getting kicked out as sorority president on Greek reference -- a cute reference to how long the show has stretched out one year of college.
Some Fun Links
30 Rock returns for its third season next Thursday, October 30. If you don’t want to wait until next week to see the show’s hilarious return, the premiere is now available online, click here to watch . For a behind the scenes look at the episode, click here And for some of the deleted footage and extras from the second season of 30 Rock DVD set, click here and here.
And if you want to check out the new promo for Chuck Bass, click here.
That’s all for today. I’m back on Monday with a look at My Own Worst Enemy, Private Practice, Eli Stone, Everybody Hates Chris and to talk about the season finale of Mad Men. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.
I have been impressed with ER so far...and not too impressed with Grey's...it has become too soap operaish.
I'm really enjoying ER so far this season. I know it's going to end, so I'm just enjoying the ride while I can. I really wish Abby & Pratt could have stuck around for the final season, but I think their departures were well written. I know a lot of people don't like that Pratt died & I don't either, but it gave them an opportunity to do the heart tugging-make you cry your eyes out-episode they do so well. I've broken up with the show a couple of times over the years, but I've always come back. Loved seeing Luka again...*sniff*
I'd give Grey's a B- so far. They seem to be getting back on track. I like Meredith & Derek trying to act like grownups. I like that Izzie is standing up to Alex & calling him on being an ass. I like Derek & Sloan's bromance. Bailey always rocks. My main gripes are Christina is too mean & I totally skip the Callie/ Hahn stuff. I don't buy for a minute that Callie is into Hahn in a romantic way. It feels forced to me & I hope it ends soon.
D | Oct 24, 2008 12:57:42 PM | #AMY: I feel your pain regarding Grey's Anatomy. I have watched in past seasons, but the constant whininess and selfishness of practically all the main characters is a major turn-off. I tried watching Grey's again this year just to see more of my beloved Kevin McKidd. Sorry, but I'm going to have to fast forward to his scenes and block all the other characters out. I still wish I could get my McKidd fix from new episodes of Journeyman, but oh, well... :-(
So far, I have been enjoying My Own Worst Enemy. I know there are some plot holes, but the acting is excellent. Some people have complained that the Janus agency is too dark, but I like that the viewers aren't sure yet if Edward is working for good or evil. I guess the agency believes that the ends justify the means.
By the way, I don't think anyone has mentioned this familiar face yet. On the latest episode of Cold Case (the victim was the teenage roller skater), Jake Thomas played the young Hugh, who turned out, accidentally killed the girl. Jake Thomas played Matt, Hilary Duff's kid brother on Disney's 'Lizzie McGuire', and now he's all grown up, barely recognizable! :-)
While i still enjoy ER i will watch it DVR'd now, b/c i really like Life on Mars!
And Grey's, i could almost leave it behind...it barely holds my interest anymore. and you were so right, going to McSteamy for lessons? Absolutely ridiculous.
Jana | Oct 24, 2008 1:47:07 PM | #ok, i still like ER, but it has been delegate to DVR since Life on Mars, which i enjoy immensely.
You are right about Grey's. It's definitely where I can leave it now....that whole going to McSteamy for advise WAS ridiculous....completely.
And I agree with Paige, almost all the characters are pretty whiny....
Jana | Oct 24, 2008 1:49:47 PM | #So this isn't really post related, but can someone please explain to me how Pushing Daisies is getting worse ratings than Knight Rider? It's still one of my favorite shows, but the ratings results aren't looking too promising so far.
Also, anyone else think this is one of the best Smallville seasons in a while?
Aaron | Oct 24, 2008 2:06:44 PM | #So, this isn't really post realated, but can someone explain to me how Pushing Daisies is getting worse ratings than Knight Rider? It's still one of my favorite shows, but the ratings aren't looking too promising so far.
Also, anyone else think this is one of the best seasons of Smallville in a while?
Aaron | Oct 24, 2008 2:09:43 PM | #The only reason I am giving Grey's a chance this year is Kevin McKidd.
Also, I agree with Aaron's comment that Smallville is having a great season thus far.
Steph | Oct 24, 2008 2:41:38 PM | #I am quite saddened by Maura Tierney's departure. She definitely took over my favorite spot after Carol and Doug left. I thought her speech to the board was great as a great of a doctor she is, she was the best nurse the show ever had. I think it is a travesty that she only got one Emmy nomination.
For non-Abby fans, you should try to catch the ER episode entitled "Witch Hunt." If this episode doesn't make you love Abby, well, "you're dead inside!"
Also, the episode where Dr. Weaver's life-partner died, you should try to catch that too.
Ritchie | Oct 24, 2008 2:49:20 PM | #ER is still watchable and enjoyable after all these years.
Grey's - it's about as enjoyable as a colon exam.
Cynic | Oct 24, 2008 3:01:35 PM | #I'm fine with the way ER is handling the final season so far. People die, people move away, etc. That's pretty realistic. If the primary characters just finished up the shift and then, nothing, I would feel let down. It's not a lights out things because ER is 24/7 so depicting different endings for characters makes sense to me.
Jack and Sam's affair was over when I started watching it. I think I started on Season 2 so I have no sense of chemistry from before. So, I don't care for them as a couple. I thought Sam and Martin had great chemistry. I'm sorry they seemed to break up when he got drug-addicted. I liked them together.
Alia | Oct 24, 2008 3:09:34 PM | #I completely enjoyed last night's episode of The Office. I was glad to see Michael and Holly together - they have such great chemistry. And then that final scene at the end...boo! It looks like they won't remain together for much longer, at least in the office.
JD | Oct 24, 2008 3:36:35 PM | #I love ER, and I have to admit that I got a bit misty when Abby departed. She was probably my favorite female character throughout ER's run, and I always felt that Maura Tierney has been vastly disrespected by the awards communities. Despite the show's ups and downs, it has been a constant on Thursday nights for 15 seasons. That's a major accomplishment! I'm really going to miss it =(
RE: Grey's Anatomy. I still watch it, but it's a total soap, and it's difficult to take seriously. At least Izzie is less whiny this season....
Cat | Oct 24, 2008 4:01:30 PM | #I am sick to death of 'The Jack and Sam Show' that "Without A Trace" has become. That's why I don't watch anymore. They are two of the most dislikable characters on TV.
I hope they both get fired for breaking FBI regulations.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
I love ER, and I have to admit that I got a bit misty when Abby departed. She was probably my favorite female character throughout ER's run, and I always felt that Maura Tierney has been vastly disrespected by the awards communities. Despite the show's ups and downs, it has been a constant on Thursday nights for 15 seasons. That's a major accomplishment! I'm really going to miss it =(
RE: Grey's Anatomy. I still watch it, but it's a total soap, and it's difficult to take seriously. At least Izzie is less whiny this season....
Cat | Oct 24, 2008 4:02:22 PM | #I am sick to death of the 'Jack and Sam' show that "Without a Trace" has become. That's why I don't watch anymore.
I hope they both get fired for breaking FBI Regulations.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
Then maybe we can get back to the heart of the show - the missing person's stories, with the team interaction and friendship so badly missed.
I don't mind Jack and Sam on Without a Trace, but come on WAT writers! We haven't seen one scene to show whether Danny and Elena are still together. It's been almost two seasons! Don't start a new relationship until you explain what happened to the one you started two seasons ago! Also, I like Jack, but I'm so tired of the Jack Malone Show. The last 12 episodes have been all about him! Please TV Gal...can you find out something about Danny and Elena on WAT???
Jen | Oct 24, 2008 7:00:00 PM | #No one's commented on what I thought was the best moment of Abby's departure - the dance with Frank. The music was perfect and I was reaching for the tissue box. Say what you want to about ER's down times, but they can still nail a scene pitch perfect like no one else.
tina | Oct 24, 2008 7:51:15 PM | #No one's commented on what I thought was the best part of Abby's departure - her dance with Frank. The music was perfect and I was reaching for the tissue box. Say what you want about ER's down times, but they can nail a scene pitch perfect like no one else.
tina | Oct 24, 2008 7:54:43 PM | #To Aaron: regarding your Knight Rider/Pushing Daisys query : Because the Nielsons are a fraud, looks at how many excellent well made/well acted shows go by the wayside. AND you are correct, Smallville not suffering as much as I thought without 'Lex'.
Amy: The Callie/Erica thing is not working because it seems to be a trite silly attempt to throw in some controversy for spice, but girl/girl pairings have not been shocking for a long time. And it's unbelievable : "I'm so in love with George, I'm so in love with George, Oh, Wait, NOW I like girls!!!" Puh-leeze, wake me when you're done. Make it a McDreamy/McSteamy incident after too many drinks at the bar, and Shonda will raise the hairs on some necks if thats what shes trying for. Of course , they'll put her off the air, but hey. I do have to say the Vah-JayJay exchange was hilarious with Callie and Bailey.
Weiss C | Oct 24, 2008 8:58:08 PM | #As far as ER, its a quality show. It had its ups and downs, but the ups outweigh the downs.
As far as Grey's, PLEASE put away the liquor stash they obviously have in the Writers' Room. Drunken I could understand them coming up with last night's Callie/Mark/Hahn scenario. Sober, not so much.
Maria | Oct 24, 2008 9:34:11 PM | #I have to agree with everything Amy said about ER. Abby's departure was handled wonderfully, but it was to close to Pratt's death. I am happy that Shane West is coming back and the way the show handled his leaving was so very, very wrong.
Mark G | Oct 25, 2008 12:10:14 AM | #I would agree Dr. Banfield's so far has been a little to familiar. I suspect though that we will see a much different side of her in the flashback scenes that will bring back Dr. Greene. It would appear she has lost her family in the tsunami even though the show hasn't outright said so. So we will eventually learn that she was some softy and through misfortune became a meanie. Keri was a bitch to compensate for leg, Romano was an ass because he was an ass, but Banfield may have the most legite reason to be bitter. I wonder just how much she has changed because she told Helia she wasn't familiar, but yet we know she worked at county in the past. Maybe she was a terrible frightened and scared intern (but aren't they all).
glad abby's gone. i could never stand her. just way too much of a basket case with way too much drama for me. good season. Morris has really become a favorite of mine. plus johns stamos has been a great addition to the show.
never watched Grey's Anatomy. chick show! yuck!
chris | Oct 25, 2008 11:31:37 AM | #I think the producers made a big mistake breaking up Samantha and Martin in Without a Trace. They were really cute together and she could have developed into a more rounded and likeable character.
She and Jack are such miserable characters I'm sure they'll be miserably happy together.
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