TVSquad

NBC doctors may have already called the time for ER, setting next season for the end of the enduring medical drama, but the final year will go out with fire and brio. That was made abundantly clear by casting dynamic actress Angela Bassett as a series regular for the 15th season of ER. Despite rumors, Anthony Edwards may or may not return, and Noah Wyle's back for just four shows, but Angela can be counting on to carry the load.

This is the first full-time series for Ms. Bassett, an Oscar-nominated actress for What's Love Got to Do With It? (1994). Who will ever forget her playing Tina Turner in that film? She made muscular arms on a woman sexy, in addition to providing a terrific performance as the musical star. In 2006, she was superb in the indie hit Akeelah and the Bee, and on TV, she did a short stint on Alias in 2005 as a CIA director.

On ER, she'll play a character who's a tough attending physician returning to Chicago after having worked in Indonesia doing tsunami relief. Her first episode will be the second show after the season premiere. They're describing Angela's role as "troubled," which I'm sure is what attracted her to the part. What actress wants to play a character without issues?

By the way, Angela's not the only member of the family recently employed at NBC. Her spouse, Courtney B. Vance was a regular on Law & Order: Criminal Intent for five seasons.