er: the final season picspam (part 1)
I have been a huge fan of ER for many years. I had watched the first seasons sporadically and have been a faithful every week viewer since season 10. To me it is one of the best shows on tv. It's gone through so many changes, but still remains amazing. I've become attached to ER. It's sad that in a couple of short weeks, it will all be over. So, to show my devotion to this wonderful show, a picspam of the final season. I will be splitting this picspam into parts. Part 1- episodes 1-11, part 2- episodes 12-21, and part 3 will be set aside completely for the series finale. Be warned, there are spoilers for this season and it contains my thoughts/comments for each episode. Please comment and I would love to discuss this wonderful show with you!
Life After Death
I had been anticpating the season premiere for months. ER is known for it's cliff hangers, this was no exception. Although, I'd never been a huge fan of Dr. Pratt (played by Mekhi Phifer), I had grown to like him the past couple seasons. His life was finally falling into place. This episode made me cry, like so many others have. I thought it was very nicely done.
Another Thursday at County
I was very curious how Angela Bassett's debut would be. It's hard to come into such a popular show in the final season. I was determined not to like her. Well, I wasn't wrong, I couldn't stand her character at all. I really saw no need to bring in someone new. Also, it's always fun to watch the new interns!
The Book of Abby
As an Abby fan, I was dreading this episode. It was so sad to see her go. Abby was always a great character, she'd grown so much over the course of about 8 seasons. To me, she was the last remaining link to the "good ER days" (not that I don't love the more current seasons as well) Again, I cried while watching this one too. I really cried over "the wall" I thought that was a great touch. Mentioning most of the past doctors. This episode was beautifully done, from beginning to end.
Parental Guidance
I love how they've been mentioning Ray since he left. Oh, you know he and Neela belong together! (Hopefully that will be fullfilled next week) I always like watching Tony and his (kind of) daughter's interactions. It always amuses me that Uncle Jessie is so confused when it comes to raising a teenager! lol! Sorry, I still think of him as Uncle Jessie! Didn't like the fact that Neela was talking to Dr. Breener again. I just can't stand them together! But, I love him separately, does that make any sense? Also, the ending was well done, gave us a little more insight into Dr. Banfield.
Haunted
BEST EPISODE EVER! I love Neela and Ray, roomies! They belong together, period. I was so angry when Shane West left ER a couple years ago, and heartbroke at the circumstances he left under (at least they didn't kill him off like they usually do to people!) It was so good to see them together again. You can really see the chemisty that Parminder and Shane have. Even they want Neela and Ray together! Even though the reunion was bittersweet, it certainly left the door open for the perfect ending (at least that's what I'm hoping for)
Oh, Brother
This episode gives us a little more insight into Banfield. I think it was such a good idea to have Angela Basset's real life husband play her husband on the show. Their interactions make her seem a little more human. This episode also sees Dr. Pratt's brother following in his footsteps, becoming a med student. Also, in one of the most hilarious moments, a medal gurney gets stuck to an MRI machine, with someone still on the gurney, ouch!
Heal Thyself
The return of Dr. Mark Greene (aka the best ER doctor ever) I was glad he was returning but very skeptical if they would make it right. His character honestly has no connection to the current ER staff (aside for various nurses and Frank) I just didn't think they could pull it off. I was wrong, it was wondfully done. I'm usually not such a fan of flashbacks, but this was seamlessly done. An amazing, heart-warming performance by everyone involved. It made me understand Dr. Bandfield so much more, this episode made her human.
Age of Innocence
This episode gave us a huge insight into Dr. Simon Brenner. He had to deal with his childhood abuse, something that effects everything he does. I thought David Lyons gave an excellent performance. It made me have more compassion and a better understanding of his character. I really do like him (separate from Neela, that is)
Let It Snow
This episode was all Linda Cardellini. She was great. When the most important person in Sam's life, her son, is gravely injured, she puts all of her energy and emotion into saving him. Linda's character has had a very tough life and this is yet another great performance as Sam. I also loved the exchange between Morris and Banfield. The look on his face when she started doing karoke was priceless!
The High Holiday
ER always has such touching holiday episodes. Sam's son Alex was going to be ok, but sadly she and Tony break up. Also, the return of Jerry! And the interns and Frank getting stoned from pot brownies was pretty good!
Separation Anxiety
I really love that they finally gave Morris a good relationship! This is where we're introduced to the female cop, Claudia (she was undercover, love her insults at the staff, funny stuff) I loved how Neela's patient kept texting Ray!
Keep a lookout for parts 2 and 3. I'd love to see your comments and discuss the show!