"ER" to end after next season

[David]

NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON

NEW YORK - April 2, 2008 -- NBC announced that it will pick up the
classic and Emmy Award-winning medical drama "ER" (Thursdays, 10-11
p.m. ET) for a 15th and final season. The announcement was made today
by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media
Studios.

"'ER' is one of the greatest shows of all time and we can't wait to
deliver to the audience the fantastic stories the series is known
for," said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great
ensemble."

Currently in its 14th season, "ER" has averaged a 3.8 rating, 10 share
in adults 18-49 and 9.5 million viewers, keeping NBC in a virtual tie
for the Thursday 10 p.m. lead in 18-49 despite big lead-in advantages
for the time period's ABC and CBS competition from "Grey's Anatomy"
and "CSI" respectively. "ER" is the #3 series on the NBC primetime
schedule this season among women 18-49 and the network's #2 series
among women 25-54.

Combining the extraordinary talents of multiple award-winning producer
John Wells ("The West Wing" "Third Watch"), best-selling author
Michael Crichton ("Jurassic Park") and the creative team at Steven
Spielberg's Amblin Television, the venerated series "ER" explores the
inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues
faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened
emergency room. Currently concluding its 14th season, the highly
acclaimed drama series now holds the distinction of being recognized
as the most Emmy-nominated series in the history of television with
120 nominations. Crichton and Wells serve as executive producers,
along with Christopher Chulack, David Zabel, Joe Sachs and Janine
Sherman Barrois.

A winner of the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, the series
has also earned 22 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in
1996, among the many accolades. In addition, the cast has been honored
with four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble
Performance in a Drama Series.

The long-running series stars Maura Tierney ("Semi-Pro," "Welcome to
Mooseport"), Mekhi Phifer ("Dawn of the Dead," "Curb Your Enthusiasm,"
"8 Mile," "Slow Burn"), Parminder Nagra ("Ella Enchanted," "Bend It
Like Beckham"), Linda Cardellini ("Brokeback Mountain," "Scooby-Doo"
movies, "Grandma's Boy," "Freaks and Geeks"), Scott Grimes ("Band of
Brothers," "American Dad," "Party of Five," "Mystery, Alaska") and
John Stamos ("A Raisin in the Sun," "Jake in Progress").

On staff at County General Hospital are Abby Lockhart (Tierney), a
recovering alcoholic trying her best to juggle a demanding residency
and motherhood while everything around her seems to be falling apart;
Dr. Greg Pratt (Phifer), an attending fighting for the chief spot on
the floor as well as for a firm grasp on his love-life; Neela Rasgotra
(Nagra), a skilled surgical resident committed to growing in her craft
as well as in her place on the surgical team; Sam Taggart
(Cardellini), a spirited emergency room nurse who is finally getting
some time to explore life and love both in and outside the hospital;
Dr. Archie Morris (Grimes), the quirky-yet-talented attending
dedicated to his work but constantly distracted by his own world; and
Tony Gates (Stamos), a paramedic-turned-medical-resident who has
overcome numerous obstacles to take on the rigorous challenges of life
in the ER.

"ER" is a production of Constant c Productions and Amblin Television
in association with Warner Bros. Television.

In response to an evolving media marketplace and the changing needs of
its advertisers, NBC Universal has created a more innovative,
client-centric approach to its traditional Upfront presentation. It
will include the announcement of a year-round programming schedule in
April; a series of one-on-one client meetings in New York, Los Angeles
and Chicago; and a spotlight event on May 12 that will showcase the
full scale of the NBCU offerings in a unique, multi-media, interactive
environment that will allow advertisers to experience the broad
spectrum of marketing opportunities available within the company. The
new Upfront process allows NBCU to continue its 'customer-first'
approach, while working to create new advertising models, define more
effective metrics and provide a better return on its clients'
investments.

[Mrs. Dud]

Post by David
"'ER' is one of the greatest shows of all time

On what planet is this?

Maybe on planet Abby?

[728huey]

Post by Mrs. Dud

Post by David
"'ER' is one of the greatest shows of all time

On what planet is this?
Maybe on planet Abby?

No, if you consider the length of time this series has been on the air
and all of the medical drams which preceded it, this is classic
television. Granted, the quality isn't anywhere near what it was when
the show first started, and there have been dozens of recycled
plotlines as well as a complete cast overhaul ala "Law & Order" (two,
actually), but considering what has come since it has held up pretty
well as a groundbreaking series. Now this season was supposed to be
its swan song, but the writers strike pretty much ruined that, so
since NBC still needs to have a solid series in the primetime lineup,
it is getting a reprieve.

[Sharon Too]

Post by 728huey
No, if you consider the length of time this series has been on the air
and all of the medical drams which preceded it, this is classic
television. Granted, the quality isn't anywhere near what it was when
the show first started, and there have been dozens of recycled
plotlines as well as a complete cast overhaul ala "Law & Order" (two,
actually), but considering what has come since it has held up pretty
well as a groundbreaking series.

The proof is in the numbers. Check the ratings. Since ER became the Abby
Show the ratings have dropped considerably, and hit the basement last year.

[Obveeus]

Post by Sharon Too
The proof is in the numbers. Check the ratings. Since ER became the Abby
Show the ratings have dropped considerably, and hit the basement last year.

That 'basement' is still on the upper floors of the NBC ratings pyramid.
The ratings for next year are really quite irrelevant to ERs status as one
of the best TV shows of all time.

[Sharon Too]

Post by Obveeus
The ratings for next year are really quite irrelevant to ERs status as one
of the best TV shows of all time.

Apparently so. But it's not that irrelevant to the sponsors.

[Rob Jensen]

On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 20:49:25 -0400, "Sharon Too"

Post by Sharon Too

Post by 728huey
No, if you consider the length of time this series has been on the air
and all of the medical drams which preceded it, this is classic
television. Granted, the quality isn't anywhere near what it was when
the show first started, and there have been dozens of recycled
plotlines as well as a complete cast overhaul ala "Law & Order" (two,
actually), but considering what has come since it has held up pretty
well as a groundbreaking series.

The proof is in the numbers. Check the ratings. Since ER became the Abby
Show the ratings have dropped considerably, and hit the basement last year.

Those ratings were about two years behind where the show actually is,
which is largely on a creative upswing to a point where it hasn't been
since just before Mark Greene developed his brain cancer and the show
immediately bellyflopped into a turgid soup of awfulness never seen
(since . . . well, Passions that afternoon. Ba-dum-bum-pssssh!)

Yeah, the show has a huge, glaring problem -- the showrunners seem to
be incapable of remembering that Maura Tierney is an hilarious comedic
actress and so they write the exact opposite of what they should be
writing for her. And yes, IMO, Abby's relapse is, I think, the worst
longterm storyline they've ever done, far eclipsing the
Carter-drug-use-Carter-finds-himself-in-Africa-Carter-and-Kem-have-a-miscarriage
arc by several orders of magnitude.

However, the current Abby-Luka storyline aside, the show's fixed.
Archie is hilarious -- the best thing the writers did for any
character on the show in the past decade was turn Archie into a
competent doctor and yet keep him as the social idiot. Scott Grimes
is hilarious and it seems that through this one move the writers broke
the code, finally figuring out how to bring non-tragic storylines back
onto the show.

Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season, I think it
deserves a real swan-song year. The Five or six more episodes this
season wouldn't have been enough to close out several of the
characters storylines. Yes, Abby's, but also Pratt's, Neela's and
Gates's, for starters. So this gives them the lead-time to write the
ending properly, which is FAR less than The CW gave, like, Gilmore
Girls, y'know.

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[Cory]

On Apr 3, 1:40 am, Rob Jensen <***@aol.com> wrote:
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty. I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike. Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Post by Rob Jensen
I think it deserves a real swan-song year.  The Five or six more episodes this
season wouldn't have been enough to close out several of the characters
storylines.

Having said what I did above about how this season was supposed to be
ER's last, I agree with you completely that the number of episodes
left in this particular season would NOT have been enough eps to
successfully and legitimately end several of the storylines already in
play.

Post by Rob Jensen
 Yes, Abby's, but also Pratt's, Neela's and Gates's, for starters.  So this gives
them the lead-time to write the ending properly, which is FAR less than The CW > gave, like, Gilmore Girls, y'know.
  -- Rob

Are you still on *that* kick, Rob? ;-P Gonna give it up anytime
soon? ;-P

--- Cory

[Xena]

On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty. I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike. Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

To be fair the writers strike put a crimp in the show.

Post by Cory

Post by Rob Jensen
 Yes, Abby's, but also Pratt's, Neela's and Gates's, for starters.  So this gives
them the lead-time to write the ending properly, which is FAR less than The CW > gave, like, Gilmore Girls, y'know.
  -- Rob

Are you still on *that* kick, Rob? ;-P Gonna give it up anytime
soon? ;-P
--- Cory

Please tell me they aren't going to have a guy have a sex change
opertaion and then announce to the world he is having twins?

[Ellen K Hursh]

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty.  I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike.  Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus. Not that the writers
Going There would surprise me, of course.

Hell, let's go whole hog with it, and have EVERYBODY come down with
twins - even the guys.

[Rob Jensen]

On Thu, 3 Apr 2008 22:22:14 -0700 (PDT), Ellen K Hursh

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty.  I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike.  Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus.

Not to mention that the full hysterectomy that she had to have due to
her injuries at the time of the attack on the ER included, IIRC, the
removal of her ovaries.

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[Obveeus]

Post by Rob Jensen
On Thu, 3 Apr 2008 22:22:14 -0700 (PDT), Ellen K Hursh

Post by Ellen K Hursh
Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus.

Not to mention that the full hysterectomy that she had to have due to
her injuries at the time of the attack on the ER included, IIRC, the
removal of her ovaries.

Invitro means she wouldn't need ovaries. She would still need a uterus,
though. Hopefully Luka will be gone at the end of this season (and maybe
both of them will be gone), so their procreating won't be an issue.

[Sharon Too]

Post by Rob Jensen
Not to mention that the full hysterectomy that she had to have due to
her injuries at the time of the attack on the ER included, IIRC, the
removal of her ovaries.

Her ovaries are still there. It's her uterus they removed. However, as a
whole, she's still there. That's the problem.

[Dropping The Helicopter]

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty. I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike. Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus. Not that the writers
Going There would surprise me, of course.
Hell, let's go whole hog with it, and have EVERYBODY come down with
twins - even the guys.

Well Oprah had a guy on claiming he was pregnant, so I guess it would
qualify as Ripped From Today's Headlines. Except for Grimey, he should
have two sets of twins and a triplet.

[Xena]

On Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:10:03 GMT, Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty. I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike. Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus. Not that the writers
Going There would surprise me, of course.
Hell, let's go whole hog with it, and have EVERYBODY come down with
twins - even the guys.

Well Oprah had a guy on claiming he was pregnant, so I guess it would
qualify as Ripped From Today's Headlines.

The story on this "guy" getting pregnant is he was a woman years ago,
had an operation to become a woman but kept the ovaries.

Post by Dropping The Helicopter
Except for Grimey, he should
have two sets of twins and a triplet.

[Cory]

Post by Xena
On Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:10:03 GMT, Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty.  I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike.  Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus. Not that the writers
Going There would surprise me, of course.
Hell, let's go whole hog with it, and have EVERYBODY come down with
twins - even the guys.

Well Oprah had a guy on claiming he was pregnant, so I guess it would
qualify as Ripped From Today's Headlines.

The story on this "guy" getting pregnant is he was a woman years ago,
had an operation to become a woman but kept the ovaries.

I can't believe I'm asking this, but for some reason I gotta know the
answer to this question...

Does this dude have a va-jay-jay (to quote Miranda Bailey from that
other medical drama [STHU Obveeus]) or WTF?? Also, on that other
medical drama a season or two ago, there was a male "pregnancy" that
turned out to be, IIRC, a parasitic pregnancy, or something like
that. Are this guy's doctors sure that that's not what this is (IF in
fact there is such a thing as what this dude from GA was "pregnant"
with)??

--- Cory

[Xena]

On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 10:28:36 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory

Post by Xena
On Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:10:03 GMT, Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty.  I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike.  Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus. Not that the writers
Going There would surprise me, of course.
Hell, let's go whole hog with it, and have EVERYBODY come down with
twins - even the guys.

Well Oprah had a guy on claiming he was pregnant, so I guess it would
qualify as Ripped From Today's Headlines.

The story on this "guy" getting pregnant is he was a woman years ago,
had an operation to become a woman but kept the ovaries.

I can't believe I'm asking this, but for some reason I gotta know the
answer to this question...
Does this dude have a va-jay-jay (to quote Miranda Bailey from that
other medical drama [STHU Obveeus]) or WTF??

My understanding is when she had the sex changed opertation she
kept the neeed parts. (But if she was becoming a man what
did she intend to do with the parts?)

Post by Cory
Also, on that other
medical drama a season or two ago, there was a male "pregnancy" that
turned out to be, IIRC, a parasitic pregnancy, or something like
that. Are this guy's doctors sure that that's not what this is (IF in
fact there is such a thing as what this dude from GA was "pregnant"
with)??

Apparently they are sure, he is five months along in the pregnancy.

[Dropping The Helicopter]

Post by Xena
On Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:10:03 GMT, Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Dropping The Helicopter

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by Xena
On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty. I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike. Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Please tell me the season finale for ER won't have Abby, Neela,
Sam, and every other woman on the show annnouncing they are having
twins.

Abby having twins would require divine intervention, innit, what with
her no longer being in possession of a uterus. Not that the writers
Going There would surprise me, of course.
Hell, let's go whole hog with it, and have EVERYBODY come down with
twins - even the guys.

Well Oprah had a guy on claiming he was pregnant, so I guess it would
qualify as Ripped From Today's Headlines.

The story on this "guy" getting pregnant is he was a woman years ago,
had an operation to become a woman but kept the ovaries.

Better yet! It turns out all the men on the show have actually had sex
changes and are now pregnant! And as for all the women on the show:
SHEENA WAS A MAN BABY!

Even odds they actually go out in such a blaze of glory.

[Rob Jensen]

On Wed, 2 Apr 2008 23:17:44 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory
<snip...>

Post by Rob Jensen
Also, as long as next season is the last and, well, NBC doesn't try to
pull a 7th Heaven with it at the end of next season,

Which is my biggest fear, in all honesty. I mean, they sort of DID
pull a 7th Heaven already, since this WAS supposed to be ER's final
season, if not for the writer's strike. Who's to say they won't find
a creative way to pull another stunt similar to this season's no-
cancellation-after-all stunt?

Well, hypothetically speaking, if the show happened to so improve
creatively from the mere entertaining competence that it's at right
now to ultra-phenomenon status again, one could then hardly blame NBC
if they were to uncancel it at the end of next season. Since that's
unlikely, I expect that next season will remain the show's last. This
time for sure.

Unless Ben Silverman is even more stupid than he looks -- which is
like Gg's Kirk, only waaaaaaaay less intelligent.

Post by Cory

Post by Rob Jensen
I think it deserves a real swan-song year.  The Five or six more episodes this
season wouldn't have been enough to close out several of the characters
storylines.

Having said what I did above about how this season was supposed to be
ER's last, I agree with you completely that the number of episodes
left in this particular season would NOT have been enough eps to
successfully and legitimately end several of the storylines already in
play.

Post by Rob Jensen
 Yes, Abby's, but also Pratt's, Neela's and Gates's, for starters.  So this gives
them the lead-time to write the ending properly, which is FAR less than The CW > gave, like, Gilmore Girls, y'know.

Are you still on *that* kick, Rob? ;-P Gonna give it up anytime
soon? ;-P

No. ;)

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[e***@yahoo.com]

Post by Obveeus
That 'basement' is still on the upper floors of the NBC ratings pyramid.

That's hardly an accomplishment. And most of the other shows are not
far behind. If ER was on CBS or ABC, it likely would not still be
around.

Post by Obveeus
Those ratings were about two years behind where the show actually is,>
which is largely on a creative upswing to a point where it hasn't been
since just before Mark Greene developed his brain cancer and the show
immediately bellyflopped into a turgid soup of awfulness never seen
(since . . . well, Passions that afternoon. Ba-dum-bum-pssssh!)

There is nothing in this black hole of misery and disaster that
resembles anything approaching a creative upswing.

Also, in no way does the show hold up today as "one of the greatest
shows of all time". It was a fabulous show a very long time ago, and
you could call that show a classic, but The Luby Hour? Not so much.

The truth is that The Luby Hour drove viewers away in droves. That
particular plotline brought ER from 20 million viewers to 8 million in
about two years, and during the latter year ER was given more
publicity than it had seen in nearly a decade due to its
"improved" (as in not-yet-declining-from-the-year-before) ratings. The
Luby wedding was the lowest rated original episode the show had ever
had. Yet anyone in the media who still writes about the show seems to
think it's the pinnacle of the past 15 years. The thing that killed
the show will be seen as its great accomplishment. That's what's
really pathetic.

Of course, what else could the writers do but Luby redux? Everybody
else with a fanbase (except Kerry, and she was gone soon enough) left.
They could either do it or cancel the show. They should have done the
latter.

[Ellen K Hursh]

Post by e***@yahoo.com
The truth is that The Luby Hour drove viewers away in droves. That
particular plotline brought ER from 20 million viewers to 8 million in
about two years, and during the latter year ER was given more
publicity than it had seen in nearly a decade due to its
"improved" (as in not-yet-declining-from-the-year-before) ratings. The
Luby wedding was the lowest rated original episode the show had ever
had. Yet anyone in the media who still writes about the show seems to
think it's the pinnacle of the past 15 years. The thing that killed the
show will be seen as its great accomplishment. That's what's really pathetic.

Though I hear the producers of "Without a Trace" sent the "ER" writers
a nice fruit basket, to express their thanks. :)

[Anthona]

Post by Ellen K Hursh

Post by e***@yahoo.com
The truth is that The Luby Hour drove viewers away in droves. That
particular plotline brought ER from 20 million viewers to 8 million in
about two years, and during the latter year ER was given more
publicity than it had seen in nearly a decade due to its
"improved" (as in not-yet-declining-from-the-year-before) ratings. The
Luby wedding was the lowest rated original episode the show had ever
had. Yet anyone in the media who still writes about the show seems to
think it's the pinnacle of the past 15 years. The thing that killed the
show will be seen as its great accomplishment. That's what's really pathetic.

Though I hear the producers of "Without a Trace" sent the "ER" writers
a nice fruit basket, to express their thanks. :)

Its about time they milked this s--t long enough. It only attracts
hypochondriacs

[Rob Jensen]

Post by e***@yahoo.com
The truth is that The Luby Hour drove viewers away in droves. That
particular plotline brought ER from 20 million viewers to 8 million in
about two years, and during the latter year ER was given more
publicity than it had seen in nearly a decade due to its
"improved" (as in not-yet-declining-from-the-year-before) ratings. The
Luby wedding was the lowest rated original episode the show had ever
had.

Corellation is not causation. So what if Abby and Luka's weddng was
their lowest-rated new episode, the ratings started their freefall
during the Carter-Kem storyline and accelerated during the SAM-Luka
storyline. That the ratings went into freefall during the Abby-Luka
storyline isn't any indication of anything other than the show had
*already* been going through significant creative and ratings problems
for quite awhile -- ironically, the ratings cancer metastasized right
at the point that the show got back some of its pre-Green-dying
luster (due to the show regaining its sense of humor with the addition
of Archie Morris, the new Frank Burns).

I also think that the hideously awful state of the Abby-Luka storyline
right now -- with Abby's relapse -- distorts how well the storyline
was doing when they got back together. The relapse has been the
single most hideously awful storyline since Green's cancer arc took
three times longer than it should have -- albeit with the difference
that that awful storyline ended with a classic episode almost by
accident.

Also, throughout ER's entire history, there's always been *one*
clunker of a continuing storyline going on at any one time. Doug
Ross's last arc, Marc Green's last arc. Carter & Kem. They just
don't get that while they have had some spectacular tearjerker
*episodes,* they *always* screw up when they try to go for tearjerker
*arcs.*

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[Nancy2]

time.  Doug

Ross's last arc, Marc Green's last arc.  Carter & Kem.  They just
don't get that while they have had some spectacular tearjerker
*episodes,* they *always* screw up when they try to go for tearjerker
*arcs.*
  -- Rob
--

I don't think there is any single reason that ER is worn out. It's
just plain worn out. It's run its course, and it's time to put it out
of its misery.

N.

[e***@yahoo.com]

Post by Rob Jensen
I also think that the hideously awful state of the Abby-Luka storyline
right now -- with Abby's relapse -- distorts how well the storyline
was doing when they got back together.

Not everyone believes that a "surprise" pregnancy (hey, you never know
with Luka) a month after getting back together is the best basis for a
long-term relationship. Or that it makes for a highlight in the
history of TV romance. Particularly when no issues from former years
are ever discussed. One could very easily make the case that these two
aren't so much deeply in love, but their biological clocks were
ticking and they saw a chance to make a go for it, and choose to have
amnesia about what happened before.

The truth is that ratings have gotten low for the show during this
storyline. It is not exactly winning new viewers.

[Ellen K Hursh]

Post by e***@yahoo.com
One could very easily make the case that these two
aren't so much deeply in love, but their biological clocks were
ticking and they saw a chance to make a go for it, and choose to have
amnesia about what happened before.

Caught the very tail end of the episode, just after Sam and her granny
panties started doing Uncle Jesse - how long is it supposed to have
been since Luka and Abby had last seen each other? 'Cause... that was
a really tepid reunion there. (Not expecting hot & wild sex up against
the wall of the terminal, okay, but geez.)

Post by e***@yahoo.com
The truth is that ratings have gotten low for the show during this
storyline. It is not exactly winning new viewers.

Hey, what was the deal with the Naked!Neela I saw in a promo? Was that
someone's dream, or are they *really* hurting for ratings points?

[Rob Jensen]

On Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:42:42 -0700 (PDT), Ellen K Hursh

Post by Ellen K Hursh
Hey, what was the deal with the Naked!Neela I saw in a promo? Was that
someone's dream, or are they *really* hurting for ratings points?

Personally, I don't care. I'm just glad they're pandering toward me.
[vbeg!]

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[Obveeus]

Post by Ellen K Hursh
Caught the very tail end of the episode, just after Sam and her granny
panties started doing Uncle Jesse - how long is it supposed to have
been since Luka and Abby had last seen each other? 'Cause... that was
a really tepid reunion there. (Not expecting hot & wild sex up against
the wall of the terminal, okay, but geez.)

If you watched the episode (or any of the rest of them this season) you
would understand. Abby is coming out of rehab after slipping back into an
alcoholic stupor in which she slept with another doctor at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Luka has left the country to be with his Dad...and to escape his
unhappy homelife. He is now sure he wants his kid...not so sure he wants
his wife.

[Ellen K Hursh]

Post by Obveeus

Post by Ellen K Hursh
Caught the very tail end of the episode, just after Sam and her granny
panties started doing Uncle Jesse - how long is it supposed to have
been since Luka and Abby had last seen each other? 'Cause... that was
a really tepid reunion there. (Not expecting hot & wild sex up against
the wall of the terminal, okay, but geez.)

If you watched the episode (or any of the rest of them this season) you
would understand.

Sure, I'd probably understand. I just wouldn't *care*.

[Rob Jensen]

Post by e***@yahoo.com

Post by Rob Jensen
I also think that the hideously awful state of the Abby-Luka storyline
right now -- with Abby's relapse -- distorts how well the storyline
was doing when they got back together.

Not everyone believes that a "surprise" pregnancy (hey, you never know
with Luka) a month after getting back together is the best basis for a
long-term relationship.

See, I think it's funny that you were assuming that they were saying
that a surprise pregnancy is a good basis (much less the best basis)
for a long-term relationship. IMO, Luka and Abby's relationship even
before they got pregant (heck, even before they broke up the first
time) was depicted as being anything *but* ideal.

Here's a simple rule for TV:

Depiction != Idealization --> Depiction = Observation

Post by e***@yahoo.com
Or that it makes for a highlight in the
history of TV romance.

Again, I think it's funny that you're assuming that the writers were
writing a romance as opposed to the rocky relationship that they were
always writing.

Post by e***@yahoo.com
Particularly when no issues from former years
are ever discussed.

What part of Abby suppressing and bottling and avoiding everything
until it blows up in her face do you not understand?

And mind you, I think that the writers of ER fucked up in not writing
toward Maura Tierney's immense strength in comedy.

In conclusion: I think that you are substituting what you want to see
out of the Abby & Luka storyline for what the writers are actually
interested in and intending to write about them. So it's no wonder
that they don't live up to what you want to see out of the show since
they're not the least bit interested in writing toward it wrt Abby &
Luka.

(BTW, the same goes for Gg fans regarding Lorelai and Luke in seasons
6 and 7 of Gilmore Girls, BID.)

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[Xena]

Post by Rob Jensen
In conclusion: I think that you are substituting what you want to see
out of the Abby & Luka storyline for what the writers are actually
interested in and intending to write about them. So it's no wonder
that they don't live up to what you want to see out of the show since
they're not the least bit interested in writing toward it wrt Abby &
Luka.

After watching this weeks episode on the DVR I have to say
IMHO that Luka is starting to wake up and smell the coffee.
I was more impressed with this weeks episode over many
of the earlier ones.

I can easily see Luka going back to Croatia, taking the kid with
him, and letting us viewers watch Abby spiral down into the gutter.
(Maybe this went on too long, I have a friend who was an
alcoholic many years ago, her parents finally had enough
and let her just spiral down into the gutter. Today she is
doing very well, hasn't gone back to alcohol.)

[ravenlynne]

Post by David
NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON

Thank god...I was wondering if we were going to have to call Dr.
Kevorkian on this geriatric bore.

[Nancy2]

Post by David
NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON

Only at least 2 seasons too late, IMO.

N.

[Mark Nobles]

Post by David
said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great
ensemble."

This looks like the sort of thing you do when you are setting up a
spin-off. So you kill "ER" and start the new series "County" with all
new doctors in the same sets.

[Obveeus]

Post by Mark Nobles

Post by David
said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great
ensemble."

This looks like the sort of thing you do when you are setting up a
spin-off. So you kill "ER" and start the new series "County" with all
new doctors in the same sets.

That would be great. there needs to be at least one medical drama on TV and
right not ER is the only one. No, Grey's Anatomy is NOT a medical drama.
It is just a partner swapping soap opera that very rarely hints on any sort
of medical plotlines.

[Xena]

Post by Obveeus

Post by Mark Nobles

Post by David
said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great
ensemble."

This looks like the sort of thing you do when you are setting up a
spin-off. So you kill "ER" and start the new series "County" with all
new doctors in the same sets.

That would be great. there needs to be at least one medical drama on TV and
right not ER is the only one. No, Grey's Anatomy is NOT a medical drama.
It is just a partner swapping soap opera that very rarely hints on any sort
of medical plotlines.

There is a medical dram on TV now. It's called House.

[ravenlynne]

Post by Obveeus

Post by Mark Nobles

Post by David
said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great
ensemble."

This looks like the sort of thing you do when you are setting up a
spin-off. So you kill "ER" and start the new series "County" with all
new doctors in the same sets.

That would be great. there needs to be at least one medical drama on TV and
right not ER is the only one. No, Grey's Anatomy is NOT a medical drama.
It is just a partner swapping soap opera that very rarely hints on any sort
of medical plotlines.

Do you actually watch it or do you just assume?

[Obveeus]

Post by ravenlynne

Post by Obveeus
That would be great. there needs to be at least one medical drama on TV
and right not ER is the only one. No, Grey's Anatomy is NOT a medical
drama. It is just a partner swapping soap opera that very rarely hints on
any sort of medical plotlines.

Do you actually watch it or do you just assume?

I watched it up until this year. I felt ripped off most of last season
because the show was never about anything medical (and no, a doctor falling
in love and marrying a sick heart patiient is not 'medical' it is 'soap
opera'. I watched about half of this season's premiere and decided that I
wasn't going to subject myself to the tripe any longer.

[ravenlynne]

Post by Obveeus

Post by ravenlynne

Post by Obveeus
That would be great. there needs to be at least one medical drama on TV
and right not ER is the only one. No, Grey's Anatomy is NOT a medical
drama. It is just a partner swapping soap opera that very rarely hints on
any sort of medical plotlines.

Do you actually watch it or do you just assume?

I watched it up until this year. I felt ripped off most of last season
because the show was never about anything medical (and no, a doctor falling
in love and marrying a sick heart patiient is not 'medical' it is 'soap
opera'. I watched about half of this season's premiere and decided that I
wasn't going to subject myself to the tripe any longer.

Oh ok.

[Rob Jensen]

Post by Obveeus

Post by ravenlynne

Post by Obveeus
That would be great. there needs to be at least one medical drama on TV
and right not ER is the only one. No, Grey's Anatomy is NOT a medical
drama. It is just a partner swapping soap opera that very rarely hints on
any sort of medical plotlines.

Do you actually watch it or do you just assume?

I watched it up until this year. I felt ripped off most of last season
because the show was never about anything medical (and no, a doctor falling
in love and marrying a sick heart patiient is not 'medical' it is 'soap
opera'. I watched about half of this season's premiere and decided that I
wasn't going to subject myself to the tripe any longer.

Too bad. You missed seeing Seth Green's neck explode in a volcano
(Pompeii-o) of blood.

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.

[Dropping The Helicopter]

Post by David
NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON

Welp, better seven years late than never I suppose.

Post by David
The long-running series stars Maura Tierney ("Semi-Pro," "Welcome to
Mooseport"),

"What" and "What"? How about: "News Radio". You're welcome.

[snip]

Post by David
and
John Stamos ("A Raisin in the Sun," "Jake in Progress").

And again: "Full House (as Uncle Jesse)". Any time, incompetent
entertainment news writer. God.

[Where the heck is the !@#$%^&* Remote]

Post by David
NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON
NEW YORK - April 2, 2008 -- NBC announced that it will pick up the
classic and Emmy Award-winning medical drama "ER" (Thursdays, 10-11
p.m. ET) for a 15th and final season. The announcement was made today
by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media
Studios.
"'ER' is one of the greatest shows of all time and we can't wait to
deliver to the audience the fantastic stories the series is known
for," said Silverman. "We will introduce new characters to the great
ensemble."
Currently in its 14th season, "ER" has averaged a 3.8 rating, 10 share
in adults 18-49 and 9.5 million viewers, keeping NBC in a virtual tie
for the Thursday 10 p.m. lead in 18-49 despite big lead-in advantages
for the time period's ABC and CBS competition from "Grey's Anatomy"
and "CSI" respectively. "ER" is the #3 series on the NBC primetime
schedule this season among women 18-49 and the network's #2 series
among women 25-54.
Combining the extraordinary talents of multiple award-winning producer
John Wells ("The West Wing" "Third Watch"), best-selling author
Michael Crichton ("Jurassic Park") and the creative team at Steven
Spielberg's Amblin Television, the venerated series "ER" explores the
inner workings of an urban teaching hospital and the critical issues
faced by the dedicated physicians and staff of its overburdened
emergency room. Currently concluding its 14th season, the highly
acclaimed drama series now holds the distinction of being recognized
as the most Emmy-nominated series in the history of television with
120 nominations. Crichton and Wells serve as executive producers,
along with Christopher Chulack, David Zabel, Joe Sachs and Janine
Sherman Barrois.
A winner of the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, the series
has also earned 22 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series in
1996, among the many accolades. In addition, the cast has been honored
with four Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble
Performance in a Drama Series.
The long-running series stars Maura Tierney ("Semi-Pro," "Welcome to
Mooseport"), Mekhi Phifer ("Dawn of the Dead," "Curb Your Enthusiasm,"
"8 Mile," "Slow Burn"), Parminder Nagra ("Ella Enchanted," "Bend It
Like Beckham"), Linda Cardellini ("Brokeback Mountain," "Scooby-Doo"
movies, "Grandma's Boy," "Freaks and Geeks"), Scott Grimes ("Band of
Brothers," "American Dad," "Party of Five," "Mystery, Alaska") and
John Stamos ("A Raisin in the Sun," "Jake in Progress").
On staff at County General Hospital are Abby Lockhart (Tierney), a
recovering alcoholic trying her best to juggle a demanding residency
and motherhood while everything around her seems to be falling apart;
Dr. Greg Pratt (Phifer), an attending fighting for the chief spot on
the floor as well as for a firm grasp on his love-life; Neela Rasgotra
(Nagra), a skilled surgical resident committed to growing in her craft
as well as in her place on the surgical team; Sam Taggart
(Cardellini), a spirited emergency room nurse who is finally getting
some time to explore life and love both in and outside the hospital;
Dr. Archie Morris (Grimes), the quirky-yet-talented attending
dedicated to his work but constantly distracted by his own world; and
Tony Gates (Stamos), a paramedic-turned-medical-resident who has
overcome numerous obstacles to take on the rigorous challenges of life
in the ER.
"ER" is a production of Constant c Productions and Amblin Television
in association with Warner Bros. Television.
In response to an evolving media marketplace and the changing needs of
its advertisers, NBC Universal has created a more innovative,
client-centric approach to its traditional Upfront presentation. It
will include the announcement of a year-round programming schedule in
April; a series of one-on-one client meetings in New York, Los Angeles
and Chicago; and a spotlight event on May 12 that will showcase the
full scale of the NBCU offerings in a unique, multi-media, interactive
environment that will allow advertisers to experience the broad
spectrum of marketing opportunities available within the company. The
new Upfront process allows NBCU to continue its 'customer-first'
approach, while working to create new advertising models, define more
effective metrics and provide a better return on its clients'
investments.

English please !! as for profits and all of the above marketing/
viewers/
demon graphics / eyeballs/ 18 to 29 / spectrum fit / holdability /
sequence differs voltage reg / thankstoGod for ratings / and
jargon watch/ the shows are still crap good nite

[Cory]

Post by David
NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON

Just out of curiosity, how long ago was it that ER won its last Emmy?
I'm NOT trying to make any "point" here. I'm genuinely curious. Have
they won any Emmys recently that I'm unaware of (since I haven't
watched the show since around the time Carter left for good)? TIA.

--- Cory

[Sharon Too]

Post by Cory
Just out of curiosity, how long ago was it that ER won its last Emmy?
I'm NOT trying to make any "point" here. I'm genuinely curious. Have
they won any Emmys recently that I'm unaware of (since I haven't
watched the show since around the time Carter left for good)? TIA.

~~~~

In recent years it got guest performance nominations and sound editing as
far as Emmys go. Here's the IMDB list of nominations/wins for every award
imaginable for the last thousand years ER has aired. Guess they kick ass in
sound editing. wow

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108757/awards

[Rob Jensen]

On Sun, 6 Apr 2008 23:19:43 -0700 (PDT), Cory

Post by Cory

Post by David
NBC PICKS UP CLASSIC, EMMY AWARD-WINNING 'ER' FOR 15TH AND FINAL
SEASON

Just out of curiosity, how long ago was it that ER won its last Emmy?
I'm NOT trying to make any "point" here. I'm genuinely curious. Have
they won any Emmys recently that I'm unaware of (since I haven't
watched the show since around the time Carter left for good)? TIA.

Off the top of my head, Ray Liotta won a Guest Actor Emmy a couple of
years ago and I think (IIRC) at least one other guest actor from the
show has won (or at least been nominated) since then.

-- Rob
--
LORELAI: I am so done with plans. I am never, ever making one again.
It never works. I spend the day obsessing over why it didn't work
and what I could've done differently. I'm analyzing all my shortcomings
when all I really need to be doing is vowing to never, ever make a plan
ever again, which I'm doing now, having once again been the innocent
victim of my own stupid plans. God, I need some coffee.