(S13E23) SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! Don't blame me if you read about what happened.
Dammit! ER blindsided me again! A few months ago they did it when Dr. Weaver resigned from County General. And now, in the the 13th season finale, they did it again with Ray Barnett. From the previews on last week's show we knew that Neela was going to find Ray in another hospital, so that wasn't a surprise. But, when he rolled his wheelchair to face her, well . . . Holy Crap!
I wasn't expecting the producers to pull a Lieutenant Dan on the viewers and have Ray come out of the accident without any legs. I was shocked! Not as shocked as Neela was, though; she could barely contain her emotions. And then my shock turned to uncomfortableness as Shane spoke to Neela with Katey staring her down. It was very weird. Didn't Katey tell Ray to piss off a few short weeks ago for not even calling her after Christmas? Now she's Florence Nightingale and she's calling Neela a bitch and telling her it all her fault.
Was it really Neela's fault? She wasn't the one who got Ray drunk at Abby and Luka's wedding. She wasn't the one who called Gates a prick and got into a fight with him at said wedding. He wasn't the one who made him drop his cell phone in the middle of the road so he'd be distracted and not see the oncoming truck (well, he was reading a message from her, but she didn't call him directly at that time). All she did was tell Ray to have a little patience after they kissed in his car a few weeks ago.
You want to blame someone, point the finger at Ray himself. He was the one constantly chasing after Neela. Even when he met and went out with Katey he still had feelings for her and thought that Gates wasn't the right person for Neela to date. He just couldn't let her go (and, who could this season. Everyone seemed to be attracted to Neela). Granted, that doesn't mean that he deserved to lose his legs. But, maybe if he stopped whining over Neela things would have been different.
Having said all of that, Neela may have got her just desserts for dragging Ray and everyone else along this season. Maybe it was me, but it certainly looked like Neela was being trampled to death by the war demonstrators who were scared by a few smoke bombs. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up with some form of paralysis next season from the way people were running over her spine. However, there may be a savior in the form of Tony Gates.
It looks like Tony isn't getting out of Neela's life that quickly, especially when it looks like Shane West won't be returning as Ray Barnett next season (his mother was taking him back to Baton Rouge to recover). And, I think he's going to need a lot of support from someone now that Sarah has been taken away from him. I'll say this much about Tony -- he may be a rebel in the emergency room, but he's a very passionate and emotional person. The way he was talking to Sarah as she was about to leave to the farm was a side of Gates that we don't normally see, and you could definitely see the love between those two. Gates is also a fighter, and I'm sure that this custody battle isn't over by a long shot.
Wow, so much going on with the Neela/Tony/Ray triangle I haven't even touched on goings-on in the ER this week with new chief of staff Kevin Moretti. I was pretty much on Moretti's side throughout the episode. I could definitely see his point on how sloppy the ER has become. In fact, I realized that this was a sub-plot that hung around throughout the entire season. I was even with him when he was dressing down the ER staff on how they treated one of the patients.
But, then he said something to Abby that made me question my opinion on Dr. Moretti. As Abby was leaving the staff meeting Moretti said that she would need to get used to a chief of staff that she wasn't sleeping with. Now, that was just uncalled for. Throughout this entire season I never saw Luka favor Abby in any way. If anything, they were at odds with each other in many cases. For such an intelligent man to say that to Abby was out of character. It was like he was channeling Rocket Romano. But, I guess this is the impetus for Abby to leave the show next season.
One more thing about Kevin. I may have said this last week, but it looks like he's taking Pratt under his wing as his protegee. As Greg will probably be the chief attending come the new season (if he isn't already) Moretti is trying to mold him into a person who thinks ahead of medical issues rather than constantly complaining about lack of staff and other resources. Their relationship is going to be rough; however, as you could see from Moretti's reaction when Pratt found out what he gave to one of his patients to cure her, there's going to be some bonding going on.
All in all, a very good ending to one of the better seasons of ER to come out in awhile. I'm glad you could all join me for the resurrection of this show. To close, on a scale from 1 to 7, where 7 is best, I give the season finale of ER a
I'll see you in three-and-a-half months.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-18-2007 @ 11:39AM
Jane Brown said...
Thank you!! This WAS a great episode. When Ray rolled the wheelchair around and...all the white imagery and the silence of the scene made me put my hand over my gaping mouth. I have not been so moved by ER since Dr. Greene died. Shocking!
I think Neela will be badly hurt or dead next season. Her character really is kind of always on the outskirts, especially since she has been widowed. Could be a way to bring her more central, but I doubt it.
I don't know what will happen with Abby and Luka. Obviously as Luka is leaving the show, it will happen in quick order in next season.
Again, great episode. What a way to come back!
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5-18-2007 @ 11:32AM
Dorothy Evins said...
Morris threw Ray out of the wedding and told him to go home knowing how drunk he was. He should have called him a cab.
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5-18-2007 @ 11:56AM
Marnie said...
I am SO bummed. I didn't check my recordings last night and there was some weird timing with Grey's and the Lost special and ER DIDN'T record! I figured it out halfway through the show, and boy was I shocked when all of a sudden Ray was talking about how they couldn't save his legs and there he was in the bed with no legs. I'm so sad I missed the scene where Neela finds out - I've checked NBC's website, but they don't have last night's episode up. Hopefully, they'll put it up later...
One thing, how did Gates know Neela was at the demonstration? He got her voicemail when he called her, right? And I was totally confused about the Katey thing, too.
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5-21-2007 @ 10:51AM
JL said...
This was a good season finale--it will keep me watching what has been a favorite show for many years. That said, I would be delighted to see an end to the Neela/Tony/Ray triangle with the loss of Tony!! Dr. Gates is ADORABLE and it's going to be fun to watch Moretti POP his balloon. I sure hope that the writers don't put Neela and Tony together. She's had her time to mourn Michael now she can decide if she wants to fight for Ray or move on. Depending on whether or not she's ok, of course.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:28PM
Cat said...
I'm glad someone else is pissed at Katey for her comment to Neela. It's not as if Neela actually pushed Ray in front of the truck! I hate that Katey only shows up for drama purposes-- and the last time we saw her she was telling Ray to piss off. Consistency much? While Neela played her part in this little love square (Gates/Neela/Ray/Katey), it's not her personal fault Ray got so drunk he stumbled out in the street and couldn't react when the truck came. I wanted to slap Katey.
I also thought Moretti's comment to Abby was uncalled for. I like Moretti, but I don't think Abby benefited all that much from dating, then marrying the ER Chief. Perhaps in a couple of situations, but it's not as if Kovac was covering for her or something, because she's a damn good doctor. Moretti was out of line with that.
As for the ending... I highly doubt Neela will be in any actual danger (despite the fact that yes, people do get trampled to death). I hate TPTB throwing Gates at her AGAIN at the end-- it's totally implausible that he would just happen to show up at the anti-war rally and just happen to see her. Barf.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:46PM
Jason said...
1. You can say what Moretti told Abby was out of line but you can't say it was out of character. He's only been around for a couple of episodes...we don't know his character yet.
2. As viewers we know that Abby hasn't gotten preferential treatment from Luka. As a character on the show unfamiliar with their working relationship, Moretti doesn't. So while he may not have needed to say what he said, maybe he thinks that this is the reason such shoddy work (in his opinion) was tolerated.
Just saying...
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5-18-2007 @ 1:08PM
Jimmy said...
This was probably the most satisfying episode of ER all season. Next year will most likely be the last, and that's OK, but with Stanley Tucci along for the ride it should be an interesting season. Oh, and that remark to Abby -- so out of line! But you have to realize a newcomer might feel that way, even though I get the impression Moretti thinks Abby is a good doctor with potential to be great. Both she and Pratt should have an interesting year 14, even though it will be Maura Tierney's last. I hope she gets a better send-off then Laura Innes got.
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5-18-2007 @ 2:13PM
Joe stalin said...
Who's Neela? And Wheres Dr. Greene?
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5-18-2007 @ 4:58PM
Michael said...
Great episode all around...
Did anyone notice the song they played at the end? I know that The O.C. used it for many episodes/finales, along with Jericho and others. It's a great song.
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5-18-2007 @ 5:28PM
kaylin said...
i really hope that shane west does not leave the show. i think that he is really hot. i do not think that the makers of this season should have ever made ray loose his legs.
he just should have had a broken leg and neela could of gone over to his appartment and took care of him. shane west was really one of the only reasons why i watched this show because i saw him in the movie a walk to remember. i think that shane west should stay in the show because he was such a good doctor. he was really good with kids like with the boy that poisoned his friend to get a violine solo. ray talked him through it. this is a big mistake and something that is really not needed. i wonder how they got him to look like he did not have any legs anyway. does anyone know when shane west first came into the show? like what season?
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5-18-2007 @ 9:16PM
Bash said...
Yeah like always the most important reason for an actor to stay on a show is "because he's so hot".
Go watch Grey's Anatomy. You sicken me. If you want to gape at Shane West tune in to his new show. He's gone for good from ER - PERIOD.
This totally sucks IMHO. Neela and Ray was a great idea and Gates is just wrong.
Now on to the rating for this episode: once we got the same EXACT scene AGAIN with the car with the kid in it going down the onrap to the highway in Chicago this episode lost at least a point for me because this is the exact scene they did with Sam and her kid two years ago - and it lead NOWHERE. They simply removed him from the series now because he played young Dexter on "Dexter". Buh bye. And next season? Luka is gone. Abby will be gone. Her mother won't show up anymore because she's now working on "Brothers & Sisters". The whole Neela triangle is done for and honestly I don't care about yet another "Give me back my son (daughter)" storyline. We had this one time too often. And the new head of the ER? He bombed with "3lbs" on CBS and we now get him back as a leftover. Hell even Morris had more to him than this guy.
I want CARTER back dammit. He was the soul of ER. I hated Abby back when she was still coping with her addiction and now really really like seeing her on ER. Next to that it was Ray for me and way after that it was Neela.
The only thing that could save ER next season are fresh characters. I hope they'll find some good new actors and new storylines to start over. If they don't I'm out
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5-18-2007 @ 9:18PM
Bash said...
Yeah like always the most important reason for an actor to stay on a show is "because he's so hot".
Go watch Grey's Anatomy. You sicken me. If you want to gape at Shane West tune in to his new show. He's gone for good from ER - PERIOD.
This totally sucks IMHO. Neela and Ray was a great idea and Gates is just wrong.
Now on to the rating for this episode: once we got the same EXACT scene AGAIN with the car with the kid in it going down the onrap to the highway in Chicago this episode lost at least a point for me because this is the exact scene they did with Sam and her kid two years ago - and it lead NOWHERE. They simply removed him from the series now because he played young Dexter on "Dexter". Buh bye. And next season? Luka is gone. Abby will be gone. Her mother won't show up anymore because she's now working on "Brothers & Sisters". The whole Neela triangle is done for and honestly I don't care about yet another "Give me back my son (daughter)" storyline. We had this one time too often. And the new head of the ER? He bombed with "3lbs" on CBS and we now get him back as a leftover. Hell even Morris had more to him than this guy.
I want CARTER back dammit. He was the soul of ER. I hated Abby back when she was still coping with her addiction and now really really like seeing her on ER. Next to that it was Ray for me and way after that it was Neela.
The only thing that could save ER next season are fresh characters. I hope they'll find some good new actors and new storylines to start over. If they don't I'm out
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5-19-2007 @ 1:00PM
Gwin said...
Michael, if you are talking about the song used over the montage pretty near the end, that was Jeff Buckley's cover of "Hallelujah" (originally a Leonard Cohen song).
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5-20-2007 @ 2:09PM
Jayson said...
Just an overwhelmingly good show all around. The scene that was most interesting and sad and poignent for me was the guy who took all the drugs ... for most of the episode it was just one of those typical "he's a junkie" story - but then came the reason he needed to escape. Incredibly moving television from a wonderful show. I'm sorry to see this season end since it's been the best season in many, many years. Probably since Gloria Leanord left.
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5-21-2007 @ 10:10PM
Phyl said...
Great show --- fantastic season finale! Isn't there anyway to get Luka and Abby to stay??? I love that couple!!
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5-21-2007 @ 10:09PM
Phyl said...
ER is one of the best series of all time --- and the finale is proof that there is still life for this long-running show.
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5-25-2007 @ 1:22PM
Patricia Garcia said...
Enough already with Luka and Abby. I couldn´t care less about them. As far as I'm concerned, Luka won't be missed. After Carter left the show I lost all interest in it. It seems as though the writers always want to ruin a good thing. I'm sorry Ray is gone, but then agian this doesn't surprise me. I loved ER at the beginning, but now they should TERMINATE it and very soon. Please put this once beloved series to death before it gets any worse!
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5-28-2007 @ 7:00PM
Kathryn said...
OMG! I knew that they would have Ray survive... but to have him be an amputee? What on earth were the writers thinking? Besides Luka, Ray was the best looking guy left on the show. I realize that the actors cannot stay on for such a long time... but it's really disappointing. I am a faithful ER viewer and I miss Carter and Weaver. Luka better be back next season, and Abby (with baby Joe)! I cannot believe that the only original cast members are the nurses. My favorite episodes were the ones in Africa. They broke my heart, and now the show is losing momentum. ER should really have an episode that reunites the entire cast (besides the dead characters). I hope they do that. I would LOVE to see George Clooney back in uniform, with Carol Hathaway by his side (with their twin girls). I miss Corday, Carter, and everyone else that left the show.
I AM BEGGING FOR A REUNION EPISODE... I DON'T CARE HOW, JUST DO ONE SOON!
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6-03-2007 @ 12:53AM
CC said...
I think the season finale was great--one of only a few really good episodes this season. The shame of it is that back in the George Clooney days, EVERY WEEK was just about that exciting...it was usually more like the season finale's were disappointing. Now it seems they've run out of characters to 'fall in love with' and storylines to keep you on the edge of your seats...maybe it's new CHARACTERS and new WRITERS that are needed?
All that said, I've seen every single episode in the entire series history...and I'll keep coming back for more!!! I hope they do manage to "revive" it next year.
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6-11-2007 @ 5:01PM
Daniel said...
It wasnt THAT shocking as "21 Guns" was, but was still a great season finale. All Carby fans would like Carter to return, but its very hard. Im afraid that next season would be the last (god, i hope not), but, as one recently said, there are no characters in the show ( i dont think Pratt has what it takes to become the leading star of the show, and i think this is Abby's last season, so it would be difficult to the show to stay as interesting as it is now) . Im a big fan of the show, and if ER is going to end, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE do something to remember it as what it deserves: as the best drama series of all time.
Daniel
from Chile
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