TVSquad

(S13E11) McCreamy. Yes, in a, um, subtle jab to another popular medical drama on an opposing network, Neela is introduced to a doctor who has a certain addiction to, well, spanking his monkey (that's the medical term, of course). The interns in the surgical department have nicknamed him McCreamy. He tries to shake Neela's hand after she finds out about his secret, but she makes a hasty getaway.

Okay, that wasn't the main plot of this week's episode, but I wanted to mention it first just so I wouldn't forget it. No, this week was the annual Christmas episode. And, like past seasons, this episode featured hope, good cheer, and some misty eye moments. That, and it was pretty much Abby and Luka free. We only saw them three times this episode. We also learned that Curtis Ames had filed a restraining order against Luka after the good doctor threatened to kill the stroke victim in last week's airing. Luka, Luka, Luka, won't you ever learn?

Wow, two Archie and Ray episodes in a row! These characters are finally getting some good stories. Ray seemed to be channeling Pratt this week (Greg was barely seen this time around) as he verbally thrashed Tony Gates. The tounge-lashing was two-fold: Ray was upset about all of the unfulfilled promises Tony was making as well as Gates' intentions with Neela. This stemmed from Gates' promises to Teller and his fellow street urchins. You remember them from a few weeks back, don't you? Well, they returned this week when one of their own was pregnant. Tony promised that he would not call Child Protective Services on them so he could get the girl and her baby to the hospital. But, once they arrived he broke his promise. Then, he promised that he'd visit Teller and his friends once they were placed in a foster home. It seemed that he was going to break that promise as well until Ray gave him the wherewhatfor.

Now the further adventures of Archie Morris. He was up to his old tricks this week, kind of, in order to impress Hope. I say kind of because I noticed something about Dr. Morris. Beneath all of that pomposity and ego he is generally a nice guy. He can be humble at times and even avoid temptations of the flesh. This week he actually said no to Hope when she suggested that they get together for some non-Christian relations. As I've said before I am warming up to Hope. At first I thought she was just going to be some type of extreme Christian type who didn't know which side of a stethoscope was up. But, she has come along over the last three months. I wouldn't mind seeing her and Morris get together. I think they'd be good for each other.

Finally, let's talk about our little Neela. Boy, has she grown up in front of our eyes! She's certainly impressing the surgical attendings over at County General. I think it was a good idea for the producers of the show to move her out of the ER and into the surgical arena. We haven't had a presence up there since Corday left a few seasons ago.

Ladies and gentleman, no more new episodes of ER for the rest of the year. In fact, there won't be a new episode until January 18th (my birthday, I take a Large in sweaters). So, I wish everyone a happy holiday season and a new year filled with peace and prosperity. See you in 2007.