ER

The series has been one of NBC’s over the last fourteen seasons, and we’ve seen many faces come and go. ER has been the starting point of break out point for several actors that had made their way to other projects on both the small and big screens. I’ve been a fan of the series myself over the years, but I’ve stopped watching myself the last couple of seasons. I’m not the only one to have stopped watching. While still powerful, the series has been dragged along past its prime. A drop in ratings has been noticeable since season twelve. Perhaps even before that.

As for the fifteenth season, there is word that the series is trying to bring back some of our past favorites to update us on their lives since they left the ER. One they are looking to grab for an episode is George Clooney. He says he hasn’t been asked yet though, and he would more than likely not return if he was asked. Some others I would like to see are Noah Wyle, Sherry Stringfield, and Julianna Margulies. So many have come and gone over the years though. One big episode to send off this series would be nice to see.

There is even word that they want to try to get Anthony Edwards back in some way. His character, Dr. Mark Greene, was a huge focal point of the series until his death of a brain tumor. Yes, the character is dead, but there are ways for him to make an appearance. A ghostly one or even in the form of a never before seen episode from before he passed on. Personally, I want to see Mark’s ghost sit down and talk to Doug Ross. A powerhouse scene with both Clooney and Edwards would be great to see.

As far as ratings go, this is the worst season for the show. The average number of viewers has dipped below the 10 million mark for the first time in its history. One has to wonder how much longer the cast will keep their scrubs.

The show’s first 8 seasons were unparalleled in their success (Season 8 cast pictured at right). The show was George Clooney’s springboard. For other stars like Stanley Tucci or John Stamos, it was an opportunity to reinvent themselves. There were Emmys and critical praise.

In my opinion, all the past positives do not mean the show has become immortal. If the ratings slide continues, there might be cancellation in ER’s future.

But this was once a great show. Great shows don’t get canceled. Great shows know when to quit. They ride off into the sunset while they are still at the top. Great shows are missed when they are gone.

I’m not suggesting that ER’s chance for a graceful exit is past. But the show’s days are numbered. No one wants it to be remembered as the show that went on 5 years too long and finally got the ax.

Or, this might be it. NBC has made no announcement about the future of the show whose season resumes in April. It would be a shame to see ER go out with a whimper.

ER is one of these jammy chappies. ER was originally intended to end after it’s 14th season (as in never to return), but at the show’s 300th episode booze up, executive producer John Wells announced that he’s discussing the possibility of a 15h season with NBC.

Surprised?! I’ll bet… The change of heart is apparently the result of the writers strike. So far, only 13 of the 22 episodes have been scripted. If the show were to end abruptly this season, it would leave alot of unresolved plots and issues. So the plan is to end the season awkwardly anyway (screw the writers!) and then come back for a short, but undoubtedly action packed, 15th series.