ER - SEASON 11 Discussion

Well, I believe the premiere happens in the next few weeks and I thought I’d start this discussion with a cool bit of new from today’s Hollywood Reporter:

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Veteran NBC medical drama ER is going for a first in its 10-year history with a real-time taped episode. Ray Liotta has been tapped to star in the episode, which will air Nov. 11. Executive producer Christopher Chulack, who has received two DGA Awards for his work on the show, is on board to direct. The episode, written by co-executive producer David Zabel, centers on an alcoholic ex-con (Liotta)- who walks into the ER suffering from withdrawal and hallucinations.

Liotta, acting live, suffering from withdrawal and hallucinations, should be fucking awesome!

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Veteran NBC medical drama ER is going for a first in its 10-year history with a real-time taped episode.

What’s the big deal about a real-time taped episode when they’ve already done a live episode? It’ll be cool to see Ray Liotta, but this sounds like another pointless stunt episode.

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Originally Posted by Hewlett What’s the big deal about a real-time taped episode when they’ve already done a live episode?

Yeah, it happened during that episode with the documentary crew following the cast around, right?

Season premiere next week.

It’s next week, the 23rd.

I am so ready for the new season to start. I just wish that Noah Wyle wasn’t leaving after this season is over.

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Originally Posted by MScooby3737 I just wish that Noah Wyle wasn’t leaving after this season is over.

That’s not exactly official just yet.

Was it me, or did that not really feel like a premiere? Too little happened in my opinion and what did happen seemed all over the place and uneven. I was expecting a lot more. Maybe I just need to rewatch it. What did y’all think?

What’s going on next Thursday that they’re not showing a new episode?

Yeah, it seemed like that. Maybe it was because the first half hour was crammed with “Holy crap, when’s it going to end?!!?” stuff and the last half hour was kind of a mellow decompression. Either way, I have high hopes for this season. I thought last season was pretty great.

Maybe I missed something, but what was the deal with that kid with the flashing red lights?

Kind of a letdown indeed. After the big build-up with Carrie and the custody battle? The “in-laws” caved in. And Ming-Na’s character? I was hoping she would get killed off. Euro-trash and Velma? Yawn. Soccer girl? Yawn. Why is pot smoking intern still there?

What is up with every character at some point getting hospitalized? Can none of them avoid accidents or getting stabbed/shot?

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Originally Posted by gravedigger Maybe I missed something, but what was the deal with that kid with the flashing red lights?

I think he had a string of Christmas lights shoved up his nose, in September, what a douche.

Not bad but I agree with the “it didn’t feel like a premier” people. I have to admit to chuckling a few times at Morris, maybe they can do something with him that’s not annoying this season. Am I to understand that Euro Clooney comes to work everyday, leaves anytime he wants everday, gets fired/quits everyday, and then comes back the next day to start the process over?

I think that’s right, otis. The amount of leniency he gets from the gimp is amazing considering how evil she can be.

If they kill off only one character this year, I hope it’s Morris.

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Originally Posted by MScooby3737 I just wish that Noah Wyle wasn’t leaving after this season is over.

I just wish they would stop giving Carter the "personal tragedy’ storylines. Wyle deserves better than that.

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What’s going on next Thursday that they’re not showing a new episode?

Presidential debate.

Show’s how well informed (and political) I am.

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Originally Posted by Gigolo Joe Why is pot smoking intern still there?

Pure entertainment value, really.

Episode at the beginning was rushed, like it was trying to get back into that groove. The middle peaked, the Carter/ashes scene felt forced, and the show peaked a little more near the end.

Not the best episode, but they could have done things worse.

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Originally Posted by Gigolo Joe What is up with every character at some point getting hospitalized? Can none of them avoid accidents or getting stabbed/shot?

Not during sweeps they can’t.

The episode was pretty much like last season, everything inside the hospital was dramatic and compelling. Continuing personal tradgedies of hospital staff? The exact opposite.

Just give me more Neela and Abby and I’ll be happy.

And less Pratt, Chen, Morris, Weaver and Euro-Clooney.

I feel like I missed a week. So Carter’s on a long slide downward–again. Neela can’t get her act together–again. Abby doubts herself–again.

Why do new eps feel like reruns?

Well, it seems the pot-smoking intern has been replaced by a bumbling idiot who trips over patients and screams like a girl at sharks. Granted, it would freak me out if I saw a shark attached to someone’s leg, but DAMN!

I am so sick of Neela not knowing what to do with her life. I am hoping this train trip with the Mexican girl helps her to find herself.

Finally, I am sick of “Depressed Carter.” Hasn’t this guy been through enough?

I don’t mind that they’re revisiting old threads. Everyone has had something major happen to them and they fall back into an old routine. It’s comfortable for them; its true to life. Granted, most people will find them falling back annoying, but I feel this kind of episode nessasary before moving forward.