Angela Bassett joins "ER," Noah Wyle to return

[David]

from the hollywood reporter

Angela Bassett in at 'ER'
To take on a regular role for the series' final season
By Nellie Andreeva

"ER" is adding star power for its final season.

Angela Bassett will join the cast of the Emmy-winning medical drama as
a regular next season.

In her first full-time series gig, Bassett will play a tough attending
with a troubled past who's coming back to Chicago after a few years in
Indonesia doing tsunami relief. Her arrival in the second episode next
season promises to shake County General's ER to the core.

"Angela is a wonderfully talented actress whom I've long hoped to work
with," said "ER" exec producer John Wells.

In addition to Bassett, original cast member Noah Wyle will join "ER"
for its 15th and final season. Wyle will guest star in at least four
of the show's planned 19 episodes.

Bassett, who starred in Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns," recently
wrapped the B.I.G. biopic "Notorious." She is repped by CAA and
Untitled.

[Ian J. Ball]

Post by David
from the hollywood reporter
Angela Bassett in at 'ER'
To take on a regular role for the series' final season
By Nellie Andreeva
"ER" is adding star power for its final season.
Angela Bassett will join the cast of the Emmy-winning medical drama as
a regular next season.
[snip]
Bassett, who starred in Tyler Perry's "Meet the Browns," recently
wrapped the B.I.G. biopic "Notorious."

You know, nothing says "epic" like Biggie Smalls.

[Sean Walsh]

I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)

--
Sean

[sharon]

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

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Well, since TPTB are killing Pratt off in the 15th season opener, maybe
we'll see Mark and Romano there to guide him across the River Styx.

Dubenko also resigns in the season opener, not sure if it sticks since
everyone on this show seems to resign on a rotating schedule and, yet, never
actually leave.

However, if we're losing both Pratt and Dubenko after the first eppy, I
guess that's how TPTB are going to pay for AB's contract.

Sharon

[Hunter]

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

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Well, since TPTB are killing Pratt off in the 15th season opener, maybe
we'll see Mark and Romano there to guide him across the River Styx.

----
I wish you would had added to the spoiler warning since I had no idea this was going
to happen until I read this. Yes you retained the spoiler space but the subject
seemed to concern only Angela Bassett joining and Wyle coming back. Wanting to know
the details of Bassett and Wyle is one thing, learning of the fate of Pratt is
another.

Post by sharon
Dubenko also resigns in the season opener, not sure if it sticks since
everyone on this show seems to resign on a rotating schedule and, yet, never
actually leave.

---
I wouldn't be so cynical since a lot of of staff has left and haven't comeback at all
and those who have it has been after a long absence. We haven't herd from Kerry
Weaver or Susan Lewis or Elizabeth Corday or Peter Benton in a long while.
(snip)

[sharon]

Post by Hunter

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

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Well, since TPTB are killing Pratt off in the 15th season opener, maybe
we'll see Mark and Romano there to guide him across the River Styx.

----
I wish you would had added to the spoiler warning since I had no idea this was going
to happen until I read this. Yes you retained the spoiler space but the subject
seemed to concern only Angela Bassett joining and Wyle coming back. Wanting to know
the details of Bassett and Wyle is one thing, learning of the fate of Pratt is
another.

Sorry, but a spoiler is a spoiler on this group, I've been around here for 9
seasons and we've never categorized them. Scroll down for an Abby spoiler"


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MT's last eppy seems to be the third one. She tells a Angela Bassett's
character and Simon she is working her last shift but doesn't want anyone
else to know, presumably because she doesn't want them falling at her feet
begging her to stay. She tells AB's character that she has a husband and son
and they need a 'fresh start', so poor Luka is still saddled with his
Abbytross.

There isn't much else available in the eppy except that Abby is everywhere,
doing everything. She is giving a pep talk to Morris who is mourning Pratt
(sounds like he might be named ER chief to replace Pratt). She tells morris
that if she was ever brought to the ER, she'd want him as her doc.

Sam gushes thanks all over Abby. She got into some sort of trouble at work
and Abby spoke up for her so Sam is suspended for 'only a week', thanks to
little miss wonderful.

Patient-wise. Abby makes sure she tells Morris all about a longterm patient
she has always taken care of so that he can do the same in the future. She
also continues to impress Brenner with her genius and helps Tony with a
procedure.

And, of course, Abby has to be saving lives, she is the only one that a
suicidal kid will talk to. She climbs up on the ledge of the hospital roof
to convince him not to jump. He did something dumb that lead to someone he
respected and liked being seriously hurt and needing surgery. Abby promises
him that she will make sure the victim survives as long as he will come
down. She also tells him she will give him a drug to commit suicide if the
guy dies. He comes down and, naturally, gives her a big hug of gratitude
for her wonderfulness. He doesn't know the syringe she is waving around
contains lidocaine, which wouldn't kill him anyway.

Post by Hunter

Post by sharon
Dubenko also resigns in the season opener, not sure if it sticks since
everyone on this show seems to resign on a rotating schedule and, yet, never
actually leave.

---
I wouldn't be so cynical since a lot of of staff has left and haven't comeback at all
and those who have it has been after a long absence. We haven't herd from Kerry
Weaver or Susan Lewis or Elizabeth Corday or Peter Benton in a long while.

Dubenko returns in episode 3, tells Abs that he couldn't stay away.

Sharon

[Rob Jensen]

Post by sharon

Post by Hunter

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

S
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Well, since TPTB are killing Pratt off in the 15th season opener, maybe
we'll see Mark and Romano there to guide him across the River Styx.

----
I wish you would had added to the spoiler warning since I had no idea this was going
to happen until I read this. Yes you retained the spoiler space but the subject
seemed to concern only Angela Bassett joining and Wyle coming back. Wanting to know
the details of Bassett and Wyle is one thing, learning of the fate of Pratt is
another.

Sorry, but a spoiler is a spoiler on this group, I've been around here for 9
seasons and we've never categorized them. Scroll down for an Abby spoiler"
S
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There isn't much else available in the eppy except that Abby is everywhere,
doing everything. She is giving a pep talk to Morris who is mourning Pratt
(sounds like he might be named ER chief to replace Pratt). She tells morris
that if she was ever brought to the ER, she'd want him as her doc.

Is Pratt really getting killed off or is he just departing the
hospital at the end of the season, fed up with being shunted aside? I
could see Morris being in mourning for losing Pratt without Pratt
actually dying as sorta looked up to Pratt as a big brother figure.

-- 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.

[sharon]

Post by Rob Jensen

Post by sharon

Post by Hunter

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
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P
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E
Well, since TPTB are killing Pratt off in the 15th season opener, maybe
we'll see Mark and Romano there to guide him across the River Styx.

----
I wish you would had added to the spoiler warning since I had no idea
this
was going
to happen until I read this. Yes you retained the spoiler space but the subject
seemed to concern only Angela Bassett joining and Wyle coming back. Wanting to know
the details of Bassett and Wyle is one thing, learning of the fate of Pratt is
another.

Sorry, but a spoiler is a spoiler on this group, I've been around here for 9
seasons and we've never categorized them. Scroll down for an Abby spoiler"
S
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There isn't much else available in the eppy except that Abby is everywhere,
doing everything. She is giving a pep talk to Morris who is mourning Pratt
(sounds like he might be named ER chief to replace Pratt). She tells morris
that if she was ever brought to the ER, she'd want him as her doc.

Is Pratt really getting killed off or is he just departing the
hospital at the end of the season, fed up with being shunted aside? I
could see Morris being in mourning for losing Pratt without Pratt
actually dying as sorta looked up to Pratt as a big brother figure.
-- Rob
--

Based on the info available for the first and third eppies next season,
Pratt is really most sincerely dead.

Sharon

[Rob Jensen]

Post by sharon

Post by Rob Jensen

Post by sharon

Post by Hunter

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S
P
A
C
E
Well, since TPTB are killing Pratt off in the 15th season opener, maybe
we'll see Mark and Romano there to guide him across the River Styx.

----
I wish you would had added to the spoiler warning since I had no idea
this
was going
to happen until I read this. Yes you retained the spoiler space but the subject
seemed to concern only Angela Bassett joining and Wyle coming back. Wanting to know
the details of Bassett and Wyle is one thing, learning of the fate of Pratt is
another.

Sorry, but a spoiler is a spoiler on this group, I've been around here for 9
seasons and we've never categorized them. Scroll down for an Abby spoiler"
S
P
O
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L
E
R
S
P
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E
There isn't much else available in the eppy except that Abby is everywhere,
doing everything. She is giving a pep talk to Morris who is mourning Pratt
(sounds like he might be named ER chief to replace Pratt). She tells morris
that if she was ever brought to the ER, she'd want him as her doc.

Is Pratt really getting killed off or is he just departing the
hospital at the end of the season, fed up with being shunted aside? I
could see Morris being in mourning for losing Pratt without Pratt
actually dying as sorta looked up to Pratt as a big brother figure.
-- Rob
--

Based on the info available for the first and third eppies next season,
Pratt is really most sincerely dead.

Oh, that's ridiculous. Killing off the black doctor again. I suppose
this means that in about a year or so, Mekhi will become a regular on
House. Pratt's the best character on the show right now and deserves
a happy departure, not a killing off.

-- 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.

[Sharon Too]

Post by Rob Jensen

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Oh, that's ridiculous. Killing off the black doctor again. I suppose
this means that in about a year or so, Mekhi will become a regular on
House. Pratt's the best character on the show right now and deserves
a happy departure, not a killing off.

As oppposed to killing off the white doctor again, like Mark, Romano or
Lucy? What's your point?

[dlcandc]

Post by Sharon Too

Post by Rob Jensen

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Oh, that's ridiculous. Killing off the black doctor again. I suppose
this means that in about a year or so, Mekhi will become a regular on
House. Pratt's the best character on the show right now and deserves
a happy departure, not a killing off.

As oppposed to killing off the white doctor again, like Mark, Romano or
Lucy? What's your point?

Yes, what *is* the point here? ^

But I really, really don't want to see Pratt killed off! I have come to
like his character very much. Why can't he have a good send off? (unless
that is what Mekhi WANTS for his character) Then, I shrug my shoulders on
that one. :-(
----
Lori

[Mrs Eyre]

Yes, the only other black doctor I can remember being killed off was
Gant, about 200 years ago. Benton and Cleo left sound in wind and
limb and every other fatality has been white as far as I can
remember. Are we forgetting half a dozen black doctors who were offed?

[rhino]

Post by Mrs Eyre
Yes, the only other black doctor I can remember being killed off was
Gant, about 200 years ago.

Gant apparently committed suicide, despondent over his inability to keep up
with the pace in the ER.

And then the actor resurfaced as Eric Foreman in House.

Post by Mrs Eyre
Benton and Cleo left sound in wind and
limb and every other fatality has been white as far as I can
remember. Are we forgetting half a dozen black doctors who were offed?

I'm not thinking of any and I've been watching ER since Season 3.

--
Rhino

[Obveeus]

Post by rhino

Post by Mrs Eyre
Benton and Cleo left sound in wind and
limb and every other fatality has been white as far as I can
remember. Are we forgetting half a dozen black doctors who were offed?

I'm not thinking of any and I've been watching ER since Season 3.

They sent Jeanie away with AIDS, but she still hasn't died.

[Mrs Eyre]

Post by Obveeus

Post by rhino

Post by Mrs Eyre
Benton and Cleo left sound in wind and
limb and every other fatality has been white as far as I can
remember.  Are we forgetting half a dozen black doctors who were offed?

not thinking of any and I've been watching ER since Season 3.

They sent Jeanie away with AIDS, but she still hasn't died.

Um, actually we're all forgetting Gallant. Then again, so has Neela.

[e***@yahoo.com]

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

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However, if we're losing both Pratt and Dubenko after the first eppy, I
guess that's how TPTB are going to pay for AB's contract.

I thought it was quite interesting that the article I read about this
news in outright stated that since Clooney wasn't coming back, Angela
Bassett would have to do.

Methinks all the Clooney/Margulies/Edwards/Kingston/Fill-In-The-Blank
money is going to be used instead to pay for The Angela Bassett Show.
Wells was pretty quick to shut down those Clooney rumors. I'm not sure
what their intention is: dignity is obviously far behind them, but the
money would probably be better utilized for a few nostalgia purposes
instead of bringing in more characters the audience doesn't care
about. It's not at a all unusual for shows that have been on too long
to build their final years around new characters that are quickly
forgotten and not ever considered a real part of the show, and this is
exactly what's going on.

Too bad. I was actually half-excited about some nostalgia stuff.

[sharon]

Post by e***@yahoo.com

Post by sharon

Post by Sean Walsh
I wonder if they'll manage to get any other originals back for the
final season. There was talk they were hoping to do a "flashback" type
of episode (which meant Anthony Edwards' deceased Mark Greene would be
able to show up)
--
Sean

S
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L
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However, if we're losing both Pratt and Dubenko after the first eppy, I
guess that's how TPTB are going to pay for AB's contract.

I thought it was quite interesting that the article I read about this
news in outright stated that since Clooney wasn't coming back, Angela
Bassett would have to do.
Methinks all the Clooney/Margulies/Edwards/Kingston/Fill-In-The-Blank
money is going to be used instead to pay for The Angela Bassett Show.
Wells was pretty quick to shut down those Clooney rumors. I'm not sure
what their intention is: dignity is obviously far behind them, but the
money would probably be better utilized for a few nostalgia purposes
instead of bringing in more characters the audience doesn't care
about. It's not at a all unusual for shows that have been on too long
to build their final years around new characters that are quickly
forgotten and not ever considered a real part of the show, and this is
exactly what's going on.
Too bad. I was actually half-excited about some nostalgia stuff.

I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to spin
off into another series when ER ends. And, yeah, it's kinda sad that
there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything to
celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.

Sharon

[Dropping The Helicopter]

sharon wrote:
[]

Post by sharon
I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to
spin off into another series when ER ends.

Just like that blockbuster "Inconceivable"!!!!

Post by sharon
And, yeah, it's kinda sad
that there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything
to celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.
Sharon

What, did you expect it to start raining helicopters?

[e***@yahoo.com]

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Post by sharon
I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to spin
off into another series when ER ends. And, yeah, it's kinda sad that
there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything to
celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.

I think Wells labors under the misconception that the show is still
relevant. There's actually a lot of speculation out there that Clooney
isn't half as opposed to the idea of returning as Wells has said he
is. I don't think Wells wants him - or anyone else from the past -
back. He's choosing to get rid of the only plotline that carries any
kind of fanbase these days - Luby - and focus on a completely new
character, and he's entirely downplayed the idea of anybody else from
the past coming back. It all sounds like a recipe for destroying any
goodwill that might be left for the show among people who once watched
it and would tune in again for a nostalgia appearance.

But poor decision making is nothing new for Wells, and I'm slightly
perturbed why I - or anyone else - should care.

[Allan CZ]

Post by sharon
I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to spin
off into another series when ER ends.  And, yeah, it's kinda sad that
there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything to
celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.
Sharon

Hi there... I'm not challenging you at all... Just curious... How do
you know all this inside info? I haven't been around enough to know
your credentials.

[Dropping The Helicopter]

Post by Allan CZ

Post by sharon
I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to spin
off into another series when ER ends. And, yeah, it's kinda sad that
there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything to
celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.
Sharon

Hi there... I'm not challenging you at all... Just curious... How do
you know all this inside info?

What sharon(s) doesn't know, she makes up. One wonders what sharon(s)
is going to do with herself once ER closes up shop and she no longer has
Maura Tierney/Abby Lockhart to pathologically hate to the point of
fabricating "spoilers".

Post by Allan CZ
I haven't been around enough to know
your credentials.

I have. Pity me.

[sharon]

Post by sharon
I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to spin
off into another series when ER ends. And, yeah, it's kinda sad that
there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything to
celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.
Sharon

Hi there... I'm not challenging you at all... Just curious... How do
you know all this inside info? I haven't been around enough to know
your credentials.

I don't know this as 'inside info'. The casting of Angela Bassett was
released to the press and has been in several media reports. As I indicated
in my post, the possible spin-off is my speculation.

As for how the show is ending, Welles and former cast members have given
interviews where it has been discussed. NW did a recent one where he said
he was contractually obliged to do 4 more and he doubted TPTB would want to
pay him for more than that. He laughed when the interviewer mentioned
Clooney returning, as anyone with any sense would. He also said he had
spoken to ELS recently and he told him he wasn't interested in returning to
ER for the finale. And, of course, Mark Greene was killed off and JM is
currently working on another series.

Sharon

[dlcandc]

Post by Allan CZ

Post by sharon
I think perhaps AB is going to play a character that Welles can try to spin
off into another series when ER ends. And, yeah, it's kinda sad that
there's no indication that she show is going to really do anything to
celebrate its glory years before it fades out so ignominiously.
Sharon

Hi there... I'm not challenging you at all... Just curious... How do
you know all this inside info? I haven't been around enough to know
your credentials.
I don't know this as 'inside info'. The casting of Angela Bassett was
released to the press and has been in several media reports. As I
indicated in my post, the possible spin-off is my speculation.
As for how the show is ending, Welles and former cast members have given
interviews where it has been discussed. NW did a recent one where he said
he was contractually obliged to do 4 more and he doubted TPTB would want
to pay him for more than that. He laughed when the interviewer mentioned
Clooney returning, as anyone with any sense would. He also said he had
spoken to ELS recently and he told him he wasn't interested in returning
to ER for the finale. And, of course, Mark Greene was killed off and JM
is currently working on another series.
Sharon

We HOPE Julianna is going to be still working......haven't heard if
"Canterbury's Law" has been picked up for a second season.
----
Lori, crossing her fingers

[Rob Jensen]

Post by dlcandc

Post by sharon
As for how the show is ending, Welles and former cast members have given
interviews where it has been discussed. NW did a recent one where he said
he was contractually obliged to do 4 more and he doubted TPTB would want
to pay him for more than that. He laughed when the interviewer mentioned
Clooney returning, as anyone with any sense would. He also said he had
spoken to ELS recently and he told him he wasn't interested in returning
to ER for the finale. And, of course, Mark Greene was killed off and JM
is currently working on another series.
Sharon

We HOPE Julianna is going to be still working......haven't heard if
"Canterbury's Law" has been picked up for a second season.

IIRC, CL was cancelled.

-- 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.

[dlcandc]

Post by Rob Jensen

Post by dlcandc

Post by sharon
As for how the show is ending, Welles and former cast members have given
interviews where it has been discussed. NW did a recent one where he said
he was contractually obliged to do 4 more and he doubted TPTB would want
to pay him for more than that. He laughed when the interviewer mentioned
Clooney returning, as anyone with any sense would. He also said he had
spoken to ELS recently and he told him he wasn't interested in returning
to ER for the finale. And, of course, Mark Greene was killed off and JM
is currently working on another series.
Sharon

We HOPE Julianna is going to be still working......haven't heard if
"Canterbury's Law" has been picked up for a second season.

IIRC, CL was cancelled.
-- Rob

Yeah, I heard about it the other day. :-( I'm sad.
----
Lori

[Ellen K Hursh]

Post by David
Angela Bassett will join the cast of the Emmy-winning medical drama as
a regular next season.
In her first full-time series gig, Bassett will play a tough attending
with a troubled past

A tough [fill in the blank] with a troubled past? Wow, they've never
had one of *those* on the show before - how did they EVER think of
that?