Er

[acquarella]

any fans out there? :applaud:

[todd philip]

no

[Icelle]

i used to love that show, then it became too much of a soap opera.

[catt1]

I love ER. I haven't missed an episode since it started.

But I don't understand why there have been so many Thursdays that it has not been on, not even a repeat. That annoys the heck out of me. Like tonight. No ER. Thank goodness for TNT. At least I can watch previous seasons' shows when NBC falls down on the job!

Goran Visnjic is the BEST. I am looking forward to the episodes that are left in this season (9). Based on the spoilers I have read, they will be very interesting. They definitely underutilized his character in the early part of the season.

As far as the post saying it is too much like a soap opera...frankly, it's too much like my life in recent years...brain tumors, bipolar relatives, deaths and various other traumas...only I don't have Goran to make it all better! So, I can relate too well with some of the storylines, unfortunately.

Long live ER (and Goran Visnjic)!

[acquarella]

yeah! finally! ;)

i also love Goran... he's just GREAT!!!!!!!! i've been reading those spoilers for the season finale... OMG!!! can't wait to see it!!!
unfortunately, the WB is still showing season 8 over here (Brothers & Sisters) :mad: but i've downloaded some episodes... it's so sad to see Luka like that... but i think it's good for Goran to show his skills... he's such a great actor... loved Hindsight. hope the whole Carby thing ends soon... i think they have no chemistry at all (just my humble opinion)... and i still can't understand that argument between Abby and Luka (The longer you stay)... it was so... ridiculous.

er and goran rules!!!!!!!! :applaud:

greetings,

cez :D

ps.: sorry about my awful english :rolleyes:

[catt1]

Don't apologize for your English. It is better than my rendition of your language, whatever it is, would be! I took Spanish in middle and high school, German in college, but can I speak them or write them? NO!

I am recently trying my hand at Croatian though...maybe I'll do better since the incentive is higher to learn! I can count to ten, say hello, goodbye, good morning and good afternoon pretty well, if I do say so myself! And I think I can, after many hours of practice, pronounce Goran's first and last name correctly...I think. I just need to meet someone who speaks Croatian to help me out and check my pronounciation!

Oh, sorry, this is an ER board, not a GV board...I can't seem to help myself!

I have been watching ER since the beginning and just can't get enough of it. We are on season 4 on TNT and NBC is running the newest episode in season 9 on April 24th. I can't wait either!

I have always liked Anthony Edwards and miss him now that "Mark" has died, but having Sherry Stringfield and Ming Na helps because I was so happy that they came back. They were two of my favorite characters in the early seasons.

No, I don't get the Carby thing at all. I mean, I like John Carter, but let's be real...if you could be with Luka or John, who would you pick?? No brainer. Luka hands down, even if John has more money! But when Abby and Luka were together...you are right, there was this chemistry between them that just isn't there with John and Abby.

And the Doug Ross/Carol Hathaway thing in earlier seasons. Maybe because of the type of character Doug is, but I never have never liked men in real life like him, so I just didn't get why everyone was so ga-ga over George Clooney. I always thought Carol Hathaway could do better than Doug Ross. Why did she keep going back to him???? Some relationships are toxic and should not be pursued. Theirs was one like that.

Catt

[catt1]

Didn't have enough room in the last post...(to continue)...

I too am sad at the turns Luka has taken in the show. I guess it is more interesting for Goran the actor, but to go from "St. Luka" to the depths to which the writers have sunk him, it bothers me.

I am happy that in real life Goran loves his wife and isn't food for the tabloids, etc. Some actors and actresses, you love their TV and movie work, but when you hear about their personal lives, you know you wouldn't like or respect them in real life. I admire his work and I can respect him for what I have read/heard about his personal life.

Oh, no, did it again. Back to Goran! I just can't help it.

What is your favorite episode of ER? With or without the character of Luka? I think mine is "Secrets & Lies", probably because of all the autobiographical stuff about Goran. The first time I saw it was before I knew anything at all about Goran. The next time I saw it, I had done some research. What an eyeopener! (I am a fairly recent GV convert...long story, won't go into it now)

Oh lord, back to GV AGAIN...maybe this needs to be changed to the GV board after all.

I give up. I really love ER, but GV is even more addictling. Have you seen any of Goran's movies? "Welcome to Sarajevo" is probably my favorite total movie, with the scene with Nicole Kidman in the hallway in "Practical Magic" (only THAT scene!) coming in as favorite GV scene in a movie!

Better go, this is getting too long. It's so nice to find another GV/ER fan!

Catt

[acquarella]

Don't apologize for your English. It is better than my rendition of your language, whatever it is, would be! I took Spanish in middle and high school, German in college, but can I speak them or write them? NO!
Heheh... my native language is Spanish. The bad thing is that I've studied english for over 9 years + primary and high school... but I haven't been using it lately so I'm just losing everything I've learnt.
I am recently trying my hand at Croatian though...maybe I'll do better since the incentive is higher to learn! I can count to ten, say hello, goodbye, good morning and good afternoon pretty well, if I do say so myself! And I think I can, after many hours of practice, pronounce Goran's first and last name correctly...I think. I just need to meet someone who speaks Croatian to help me out and check my pronounciation!
Me too!!! ;) But I only remember some few basic phrases... the pronounciation is really easy for me 'cos it's almost the same as in Spanish (of course I won't ever speak as a native).
Oh, sorry, this is an ER board, not a GV board...I can't seem to help myself!
I can't help myself either so don't worry hehe!!!
I have been watching ER since the beginning and just can't get enough of it. We are on season 4 on TNT and NBC is running the newest episode in season 9 on April 24th. I can't wait either!
You're lucky! :) As far as I know, you'll be able to watch the season finale on May 15th!!! I've seen the promo for episode 20... OMG!!! That hug! I think Gordana has made him feel useful again... he's soo passionate about that kid!... it's a really good start!
I have always liked Anthony Edwards and miss him now that "Mark" has died, but having Sherry Stringfield and Ming Na helps because I was so happy that they came back. They were two of my favorite characters in the early seasons.
Yeap, Mark and Susan are/were 2 of my fave characters too... they would have been so good together! It was a pity Susan left everything for her sister... I don't like Ming Na/Deb that much... but she really has great chemistry with Pratt!
No, I don't get the Carby thing at all. I mean, I like John Carter, but let's be real...if you could be with Luka or John, who would you pick?? No brainer. Luka hands down, even if John has more money! But when Abby and Luka were together...you are right, there was this chemistry between them that just isn't there with John and Abby.
I don't get why Abby can't see that... (yeah... those writers heheh...)
And the Doug Ross/Carol Hathaway thing in earlier seasons. Maybe because of the type of character Doug is, but I never have never liked men in real life like him, so I just didn't get why everyone was so ga-ga over George Clooney. I always thought Carol Hathaway could do better than Doug Ross. Why did she keep going back to him???? Some relationships are toxic and should not be pursued. Theirs was one like that.
Mmm... I used to like him very much... I mean, not that he's my type but he was a good person. I know it's no excuse but the problem with his father seemed to had made him who he was. IMO they had chemistry... but knowing she was going to go back to Doug... why did Carol have to give Luka hope?

[acquarella]

I too am sad at the turns Luka has taken in the show. I guess it is more interesting for Goran the actor, but to go from "St. Luka" to the depths to which the writers have sunk him, it bothers me.
I also think it's great for Goran but can't wait to see the 'old' Luka back :)
I am happy that in real life Goran loves his wife and isn't food for the tabloids, etc. Some actors and actresses, you love their TV and movie work, but when you hear about their personal lives, you know you wouldn't like or respect them in real life. I admire his work and I can respect him for what I have read/heard about his personal life.
From what I know and feel, I think he's a great person. He really wants to act and he's really good at it... the best thing is that he's a theater actor... you can see it when he's doing a movie or he's on ER
What is your favorite episode of ER? With or without the character of Luka? I think mine is "Secrets & Lies", probably because of all the autobiographical stuff about Goran. The first time I saw it was before I knew anything at all about Goran. The next time I saw it, I had done some research. What an eyeopener! (I am a fairly recent GV convert...long story, won't go into it now)
Hehehe... nupe... I've been in love with him ever since Great expectations... and even more after Mars attack :) My fave episode? Mmmm... tough question... I just can't choose one... I loved Secrets and lies but also... Hell and high water, John Carter MD., Hindsight, Flight of fancy, Fear of commitment,... it's a longg list...
I give up. I really love ER, but GV is even more addictling. Have you seen any of Goran's movies? "Welcome to Sarajevo" is probably my favorite total movie, with the scene with Nicole Kidman in the hallway in "Practical Magic" (only THAT scene!) coming in as favorite GV scene in a movie!
Yeap, "Welcome to Sarajevo" is my fave too. I didn't like "Practical magic" that much ('cos it's not my style) but that scar!!!!! ;) and yeap... that scene in the hallway... and a drunk Jimmy singing! hehehe. I've also seen "The peacemaker" (quite boring...), "The deep end" (loved it), "Rounders" (mmm... so so) and "Ice age" (nicee voiceee babe! ;)) I wish I could see "Committed" and his Croatian movies :( I can't wait to see Hypnotic!! I've seen the trailer and it seems to be so good!

Vidimo se! (hope this means "see ya!" hehehe ;))
Greetings,
Cez :alien:

[acquarella]

enjoy!!! :applaud:

http://images.nbcmv.com/photos/preview/er/2ERMbb02.jpg

(taken from the nbc media village: http://www.nbcmv.com/)

[MysteryStar]

man I missed the ep where Romano got into the bar fight, so it was confusing as to why he was so upset at everyone in the ep that was on thursday...

btw what ever happened to that doctor that was hitting on corday(sp) he asked her out for coffee or something...

[catt1]

I just got a copy of Commited on VHS. It was pretty good. And I especially appreciated that GV didn't die in the film! (Oops, am I giving something away?!)

Have you noticed that he dies in almost everything we get to see him in??? It hurts me every time! Welcome To Sarajevo, Practical Magic (at least he got to come back for a little bit!), The Deep End. Hamlet dies, Spartacus dies (well, he is not in that one YET), even Soto in Ice Age, dies.

So, when the movie was over, and his character was still alive, I was thrilled!

I have been learning about the fact that different countries' machines play VHS tapes and DVDs differently, but if you can play an "American" VHS, I would be glad to make a copy of "Commited" for you. (Or any ER episode I have that you can't get yet! I don't have all from season 9, just 15 - 19 so far - but TNT is approaching season 6 - yeaaaa - so I can tape all of 9 soon!)

Catt 1

(PS Thanks for posting the photo from the new ER eppy)

[dr_evil]

i watch it once in a while but i just started this season

[acquarella]

Hahaha yeap!!! In Practical magic he dies... 3 times!!... Welcome to Sarajevo... buahhh... it's sooo sad... I can't believe he doesn't die in Commited! hehehe.

Thank you!!! :D I have no idea what kind of VHS we have... so I'll try to find it out :)

Season 9 starts on May 15th over here... as far as I know, there isn't much Luka at the beginning so I guess I can wait a couple of weeks more (I've been waiting for a year so heheh...) BUT I couldn't wait to see some episodes so, although I'm a modem user, I managed to download them. I have:
* Chaos theory
* Hindsight
* A little help from my friends
* The advocate
Yeap... not a lot, but the juicy ones ;) I also have some videos from a Yahoo! group and others from the net.

I'm planning to download:
* 1- Things change
* 2- Kisangani
* 3- Foreign affairs
* 4- A thousand cranes
* 5- Finders keepers
It usually takes me 3 weeks to download 2 episodes (460mb each). I'll tape the other episodes from the WB :)

See ya! And again, thanks!!! :D :D :D

[catt1]

Hi Acquerella!

In GV's filmography someone (don't know who) translated "Videmo Se" as "It's Obvious". See ya makes more sense to me, but what do I know of Croatian?!

I found a short story on the different formats for VHS...see http://www.patiencetaichi.com/video_format_info.html for a bit of info on PAL vs NTSC. Whatever I taped would be NTSC format.

However, still glad to do Committed for you. Email me at cak@aarn.com with your address, if you want me to send a tape. Might be a few weeks before I get to it though. But if that's ok...

Catt1

(PS. 32 1/2 hours till the new ER episode and counting. I can't wait to see Luka get passionate about saving the life of the Croatian boy...)

[Hairy Porkchops]

Wow... am I the only person here who cannot stand Luka? First he had a "holier-than-thou" attitude about everything, then he was constantly brooding, and then he was seeing prostitutes. Yay, what a guy! Also, the actor is way too aware of what his best angles are for the camera... notice how he always has to hold his head down and look up from under his eyebrows? And that voice... arrghhh, that's annoying. Speak up, dude, and stop sounding so out of breath all the time!! Honestly, it always seems to me that the producers realized they needed another "good looking" guy when Clooney left, so they hired this one. But Clooney's character was likeable in spite of his flaws, this guy just irritates me.

[catt1]

Aaaarrrgggh! Doug Ross likeable??? Sorry, his character was sooo obnoxious. Total womanizer. In TV plot line limbo, I am sure he has already left Carol and the twins to go on to greener pastures.

And you think Clooney didn't know the camera angles...that little dip of the head and the grin and twinkle. Yuck. I always wanted to smack him.

I have known one too many men in real life like Doug Ross to ever like his character. Fortunately, I wasn't left with twins!!

I haven't always liked the twists and turns of Luka's character, but the man is a hunk in the way George Clooney will never be. AND he has an accent. It doesn't get any better than that...6'4", gorgeous and with an accent. Oh, and he CAN act too. (tee hee!)

[Hairy Porkchops]

Originally posted by catt1
Aaaarrrgggh! Doug Ross likeable??? Sorry, his character was sooo obnoxious. Total womanizer.


Uh, and Croatian boy ISN'T a womanizer? Well, I guess it depends on your definition, but he does hire prostitutes and does have his share of meaningless flings, and almost killed one of them because he was so wrapped up in himself... but I guess since he has an accent, all is forgiven. :confused:

Anyway, I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree on this one... no hard feelings.;)

[catt1]

Yup, guess so.

[acquarella]

Originally posted by Hairy Porkchops
he does hire prostitutes and does have his share of meaningless flings, and almost killed one of them because he was so wrapped up in himself...

mmm he has a serious problem! how would you feel if you lost your family + nothing goes the way you expected to and u feel useless, lost. anyway, what luka has to do with goran... what goran has to do with george? goran's a sweetie: love his accent, hear him speaking in croatian, he's tall, well-built, those eyes!... + he's a great actor!!! :applaud: he also seems to be very kind, polite, a really good person.
but i also think george clooney is gorgeous and a good actor

PS: catt! you've got mail! ;)... at least i think so... i got disconnected while i was sending my message... i guess i'll send it again today :)

[Hairy Porkchops]

Originally posted by acquarella
anyway, what luka has to do with goran... what goran has to do with george?

Okay, maybe the actor's a nice guy, I don't know. But he has certain mannerisms that annoy me, and I can't quite put my finger on what they are, but whenever I see him, I'm tempted to change channels. And his voice really grates on my nerves. I know, he can't help having that accent, but it still annoys me.

As for what he has to with Clooney-- let's be honest, he was hired as a replacement for George. As soon as the producers learned George wanted to leave, they said, "hmm.. time to hire another sex symbol." And when Hathaway left the show, they knew they needed another nurse character. And, just as Doug and Carol hooked up, Luka and Abbey hooked up. It was SO predictable. And Luka is meant to look like this rebellious doctor, same as Doug was. They're both womanizers too. But I liked Doug better because Doug kind of knew where he stood, but Luka always has a holier-than-thou attitude as if he's a choir boy, when he clearly isn't. I'm just glad Romano's around to slap him back down every once in a while... gotta love Romano! He keeps those egos in check! (now if only he could monitor his own....)

[catt1]

Sorry. I have to get back into this.
Ok, HP, I can give you the actor as Luka (or maybe as himself) has some mannerisms that annoy you, as George Clooney playing Ross makes me want to slap him.

But here is the diffence as I see it between Doug Ross and Luka Kovac. In Doug Ross, we have a character who is basically the same from beginning to end in that he is a man who is still immature, selfish and a maverick, breaking rules because he wants to, because it suits him. Sure, at the point in time he was with Carol for the second time, he had discovered she was necessary to his happiness in a way he hadn't anticipated when he made her suicidal the first time. But I don't see his character as having any significant growth from the man who thought Mark Greene was wierd because he hadn't slept with anyone but his wife.

The Luka Kovac character started out as a family man who loses his family in a way that makes him blame himself, even years later. He is characterized as "St. Luka" in the early seasons and after Abby and he break up, we see the further disintegration of his character to someone who drinks too much and goes to prostitutes. A man in a downward spiral.

Doug is pretty much Doug straight across all five seasons and I can see him in TV limbo leaving Carol without a thought when she is no longer necessary to HIS happiness.

Luka started as a basically decent, if somewhat dark and less than always cheerful, guy who is going downhill at an astonishing rate. Personally, I don't understand why they have taken the character down so low because I thought the episodes with the Bishop were a turning point, a place he learned to forgive himself for what he had no control over and move on, one thought, with Abby.

Ah, Abby...now there's an interesting character!

[catt1]

Oh, to give them both credit, when Doug and Luka break the rules, it is often done in the best interest of the patient and Doug especially is not afraid to stand up to the powers that be for a patient's benefit and to his detriment.

Had to give him that. But sometimes it is just to thumb his nose at the powers that be...because he can. (Doug) With Luka, it's more because he is so far down in the spiral, he doesn't care what management does to him. Sort of daring them to fire him because, gosh darn it, he killed his family...he SHOULD be fired!

[Hairy Porkchops]

Okay, Catt, I do see your point about Luka being more developed than Doug... I'll give the writers credit for that. I just don't like his character much, and I never thought we were SUPPOSED to like him until I started seeing the positive response he gets on this forum. I always thought of him like Dr. Benton in that the creators and the viewers both know he's annoying, but yet he still has depth, unlike Dr. Romano (though he's developing a little more this year.)

[chanandler bong]

er is so good i love carter. ramano always makes me laugh

[Hairy Porkchops]

I just watched this week's episode (yeah, I'm a little slow, I know.) Could somebody PLEASE tell the creators to stop trying to be artsy and just show the damn thing in order?!! This is like the third or fourth time we've had to watch an episode out of order and piece it together-- why?! What does this contribute to the show? And to top it off, we have to deal with whiny "I'm-a-spoiled-brat" Carter and brooding "aren't-I-wonderful" Luka next week as they face off against African rebels (quit now and put this show out of its misery.)

[catt1]

Boy, you really don't like ER too much! Why do you watch if everyone annoys you so much?!

Actually, I rather agree with you on whiny Carter and the artsy part of the show this week. It took a little more brain power than I felt like expending to figure out what was going on with the night/day thing.

But you KNOW I can't agree with you about Luka, especially since we only saw him for a few brief seconds on the phone as he tried to get Carter to come and join him in the Congo.

How did you get "aren't I wonderful" from the brief screen time he had this week...or is that just your general opinion of him based on what you have seen of his character overall? 'Cause I think we've had this conversation before :-) Far from thinking he's wonderful, I think he pretty much feels lower than dirt and "aren't I a loser and kiss of death to everything and everyone I love?"!!

Maybe we'll get more insight into his reasons for repeated visits to dangerous third world countries offering his medical expertise on a volunteer basis in the coming episode. I doubt he's doing it because he thinks he's so wonderful for doing it. It probably has more to do with his empathizing with people in horrible situations because he has been through it in war torn Croatia. And a lack of caring if he lives or dies because of all he has lost.

I have read some of the spoilers for this episode and it seems as though we may get some interesting insights into what makes both Carter and Luka tick and that they will both have life changing "epiphany" moments. We'll see if that's the case. With any luck, Carter will be losing some of his "whinyness" by next year.

Anyway, at least for one episode and the rest of the summer till they start again in the fall, you can enjoy Luka being "dead"! I won't tell you if he stays "dead". You can check the spoilers if you really want to know!

I am rather enjoying your criticisms of ER as it makes me think about the characters in a more in depth way, trying to figure them out so I can explain my viewpoint to you. Thanks for the fun!

[Hairy Porkchops]

Hehe... Ok, I'll admit Luka didn't do anything wrong in this last episode. I was basing that "aren't I wonderful" comment more on how he usually acts. But you're right-- at the same time as he's acting like Saint Luka, he's also brooding about how messed up he is. Kind of a paradox.

I still like Carter, but I think he's handling Abby really badly right now. Yes, his "gamma" died, but is that any reason to treat Abby like dirt? Granted, I get fed up with her family too, but I still think he's handling it badly. I think he'll come around soon enough though.

Why do I still watch it? I don't know... maybe because I enjoyed it so much for so many years and I can't believe that it will stay bad (and that's also why I'm so disappointed with it now... it's sad to see something so good go so wrong.) I like Romano the best this year. Yeah, he's annoying, but there's something likeable about him underneath that exterior, and I think a relationship with Elizabeth may really turn him around (and we all know that's coming, don't we?)

I used to like Dr. Greene the best, so I guess the show just lost something without him.

(by the way, I somehow doubt Luka will be killed anytime soon, being as I'm the only one in the world who dislikes him! The creator's wouldn't be dumb enough to lose an important asset like that, would they?)

[catt1]

I miss Mark Greene too. I really liked his character. I know I hear a lot of complaints about "oh, no, he's taking his shirt off again!" on some of the ER boards I've been on...seems quite a few people find him...unappealing. But I don't agree.

There was something so "everyman" about Mark Greene. He's the kind of guy you'd want for a neighbor...he'd come to your backyard cookouts, provide a low key kind of humor, dispense a little medical advice without complaint, bring the beer and generally be a fun, dependable kind of guy. I know TV likes to make characters larger than life and bad guys (and sexy guys!) sell, but you don't want one in your life, not really. (Well, not the bad guy anyway!)

I found his ordinariness and "safeness" to be very appealing. I truly liked Mark, the character. He was a lot more "real" to me than many of the characters are. (Even Luka...I can't imagine a real person being like that...gosh, I WISH I could... and that he lived next door...heck, that he lived in MY house! Then again, I don't know any war-scarred Croatians...)

Mark really gave the ER a kind of stability that I don't think Carter can emulate. (Remember what Mark told Carter as he left for the last time "You set the tone, Carter..."?)

Actually, up to the last few episodes, Romano has been the one I loved to hate. Such a nasty man...but the last couple of episodes...I don't know, but I have had a little change of heart. I was really touched by the conversation he had with Elizabeth when he was in the corridor on a gurney, waiting for the surgery to amputate his arm. He seemed human for the very first time. Not just the nastiest man the writers could imagine! I would like to see more development of his "human" side and I think a relationship with Elizabeth could be the way the writers bring it out. I'd like to see them together, if only to find out what experiences haunt Romano to have made him so biting, sarcastic and unwilling to be a "softer" human being.

No, they (the writers) would not, but you could just imagine they did for the summer :-) (lose Luka)!

But his contract doesn't run out till the end of the 11th season and I just read this morning that ER itself has been picked up by NBC through it's twelfth season...so you may have 3 more seasons of Luka to deal with...poor Hairy Porkchops. I know it will be hard for you! :-)

[Hairy Porkchops]

Originally posted by catt1
...poor Hairy Porkchops. I know it will be hard for you! :-)

I just realized how stupid my name sounds when you put in a sentence like that... curse my parents and their sick sense of humor!!

[catt1]

I WAS sort of wondering what kind of people would do that to a child...!
Now it all makes sense...

[catt1]

I've been waiting to hear from you, H.P. (sounds better than "Hairy Porkchops"!). Did you watch the last eppy of season nine...Carter and Luka in Africa?

It was a very powerful episode, one of the best they have ever done, I think.
However, my vision may be clouded by Luka in a sweat soaked t-shirt with 5 o'clock shadow. :)

I depend on you to set me straight (or annoy the heck out of me! :) ) with your opinion of the last episode. Bring it on, H.P.!

catt

[Hairy Porkchops]

Originally posted by catt1
I've been waiting to hear from you, H.P. (sounds better than "Hairy Porkchops"!). Did you watch the last eppy of season nine...Carter and Luka in Africa?

It was a very powerful episode, one of the best they have ever done, I think.
However, my vision may be clouded by Luka in a sweat soaked t-shirt with 5 o'clock shadow. :)

I depend on you to set me straight (or annoy the heck out of me! :) ) with your opinion of the last episode. Bring it on, H.P.!

catt

Missed me? I'm touched... ;)

I did watch the last episode. Now, you're going to hate me, but I really didn't like it. My friend and I actually thought it was probably one of the all-time worst (I swear I'm not saying this to annoy you!! In fact, I hate to even write this because you must think I'm an eternal pessimist... but here goes.)

Why I didn't like it:
1. It was a struggle to understand anything that was being said. I kind of wished they kept the subtitles on throughout the entire episode, because frankly, about 75% of the dialogue was almost impossible to make out. Maybe I'm the only one who felt that way, but it did ruin my enjoyment of it.

2. It was one of those "throw-away" episodes. By that, I mean it seemed more like a gimmick than anything else. I've always disliked the "road trip" episodes for that reason-- and yes, I even hated the one where Doug and Mark went out of the ER (I can't remember where they went because I turned that one off about twenty minutes into the show.) And I hated the one where Dr. Benton went to the South. So, you see, I'm not just targeting Luka this time. ;)

I know, I know... it was supposed to help us understand Carter's new appreciation for his life in Chicago. Right, okay, got it. But it didn't seem worth wasting a whole episode on that when there are more interesting story lines going on (such as Romano's amputation and... well... hmm... maybe that's about it. Doesn't say much for the season as a whole, now that I think about it.)

3. That "God-awful-what-did-I-do-to-deserve-this" music that seemed to last an eternity as Carter returned to Chicago. By that point, my friend and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It reminded us both of those horrible "Saint-Luka-Meets-The-Bishop" days when we were subjected to endless streams of dreary music to accentuate an already obvious point. Also reminded me of "Third Watch"-- they tend to use that same technique, and although I love "Third Watch," I could do without that element of it. You're probably thinking, "You're bashing an episode because of the music?!" But it was just the final straw for a season that, to me, was pretty much one big disappointment.

I hope I didn't irritate you too much! But if you noticed, I didn't once trash Luka (well, not directly for this episode.) That's because, suprisingly enough, he wasn't too bad in it (though he did have a bit of that sanctimonious attitude that still irks me.)

[catt1]

H.P., I admire your fortitude and it is much appreciated that you didn't trash Luka directly!

I would have liked subtitles too. I hate when I don't understand what is going on. I have a friend who speaks fluent French and speaks it often (!) to those who understand and those who don't...I actually picked up a little bit without the subtitles because of that though. (Will wonders never cease?!) But I did understand all the english dialog. (sitting less than a foot away from the tv screen will do that for you!)

Actually, now that I think about it, I really didn't like the Benton on the road episode either. Forgot about that one! I guess I don't have to tell you I didn't like the one with Doug and Mark a lot, but not because they were on the road! (You know my trouble with Doug!) But it did have some issues in it which allowed me to get over my "instinctive" dislike of Doug to some extent! That was the episode where Doug's father had been killed in an auto accident. I think he was driving drunk and killed another man. Doug had to go out and claim the body, or something.

I just remember that some of D & M's talks struck a chord with me because I am an adoptive child and have many unanswered questions about my birth and birth parents. And also the death of a parent...my mom (adoptive, but the only one I ever knew :) !) was diagnosed with lung cancer around the time of that episode and issues of mortality were on my mind. So the eppy sort of helped me think out things in my own life and I found value in it.

That of course, doesn't mean it was a great episode, but just that I found it ok, though not one of my favorites.

I really *liked* the "dreary" music in "St. Luka Meets The Bishop"!, but then again, I also like Gregorian chant and an English singing group (Oak, Ash and Thorn) doing Elizabethian drinking songs using instruments of the day...1600's that is!

But I see your point about the song at the end of the last episode, that whole interlude with Carter in the taxi, Carter going into the apartment, Carter watching Abby sleep, seemed very long. (But I thought, that's just me...if it was Luka, I'd watch for an hour!)

However, all other things considered, I still think the episode was one of the best. It had such a narrow focus and the intensity of the emotions flying around was very engrossing.

What really got me was when Luka was trying to explain to Carter what it was like for these people. Carter is talking about, oh, I don't even try to understand the politics, totally missing the point that it isn't about politics at all for the people he is treating. These people, just like us, only want to be able to give their children a happy life, keep them fed, clothed and *alive* till they grow up.

Just like us. And we can usually take all that for granted. Luka understands how much of a gift that is, to be able to take for granted your safety and happiness and that of your children. Something he appreciates in a painful kind of way because he lost his wife and children in a "political" situation.

When he says "I couldn't remember why it was all so important. What difference did it all make? My children were dead.", the pain in that really got to me. The truth of it.

It is usually leaders and powers that be that decide what they want to fight about and they don't pay the price...it is the soldiers who fight and are killed, the children who go hungry, etc (and in America, that isn't even true...we do warfare by long distance so American citizens in the USA don't suffer the up close and personal effects of war that many other countries do)...just so the powers that be can change the borders or type of government or the president, as Luka said.

I have children of my own and although I have my own political ideals and thoughts of patriotism, if it gets right down to it, the most elemental cares in my heart are the health, safety and happiness of said children. All the leaders in the world can go hang if push comes to shove...I just want the best for my kids.

Most parents feel that way. In America, we take that for granted, that our kids will be safe and fed no matter what the political situation, in Croatia, it didn't happen for Luka and it wasn't happening for the parents of the patients Carter and Luka were treating in Africa. As a parent myself, that issue touched me deeply.

Enough of that...I'm getting too emotionally involved!

I also have to say, you showed much restraint in your comments about Luka...he got to sleep with the girl...again... and you refrained from throwing that at me!

I liked it when he was happy and dancing with Gillian...my gosh, the writers finally let him have a moment of happiness and lightheartedness, instead of all angst and gloom. However, I don't want him to end up with Gillian. There has been much speculation among GV fans...will she be his love interest next season, as Montreal isn't that far from Chicago? But in the brief glimpses of her, it seems that she may have as many demons to fight as Abby did. If it comes to that, I'd rather see him back with Abby instead of fighting new demons and attitudes from someone who claims to volunteer in third world countries as penance...begs the question...penance for WHAT and do I really want to know??!!

But even as I say that, I found the currents and undercurrents going on between Luka, Carter and Gillian to be really fascinating. (What can I say? I'm a girl. Relationships and all their nuances are what I live for!) Why does Luka ask how Abby is? Why does Carter act like a little kid..."I didn't do anything with her, I swear!"

I think they may deal with Romano more in the first eppy of next year. At least they could, because the big, lets go get Luka eppy, is supposed to be number two. I would like to see that, a more detailed exploration of Romano's character and reaction to his decision to amputate. Hey, do you think he and Elizabeth will become a couple? (Oops, sorry, another girl moment there...love pairing up people! And since I'm there...what about Susan and Chuck? Will they stay together? I think they make a great couple. They act like an old married couple and still have fun and laughs with each other...does being an old married couple preclude still having fun and laughs? No, I don't think it has to!)

And was the whole episode a gimmick? Maybe, but as long as they don't do it too often, I think it gives a break from the whole hospital thing. And even though it is a hospital show, sometimes you need to change the scenary, just to be different. Most shows do that kind of thing once in a while. I don't think it's a bad thing. (Didn't you like Mark in Hawaii?? I did. Oh, ok, I had personal issues worked out through that one too...my mother's lung cancer metastasized to her brain so her death was not unlike Mark's and I spent the whole episode crying and grieving for Mom, working through it helped me deal with the issue some more. "I'm crying for Mark, don't you hate sad tv story lines, now leave me alone to cry in peace" I could say to hubby and kids!, not wanting to admit I was crying for my mother again! I taped that eppy to watch again and again. And I did!)

No, HP, I know you don't *try* to irritate me, it just happens! :)
(Just kidding!) Actually, it is good to talk with someone not an avid Luka fan, gives a different perspective and reminds me of the time before *I* was an avid Luka fan! (I wasn't always, it is actually a rather recent occurrence, but now that I am, I wouldn't have it any other way!) There's a lot to be said for diversity and I enjoy your insight into the show.

Bye for now. Real life (and the cat) call.

catt

[Hairy Porkchops]

Hey there, Catt... sorry it took several days for me to get back to you (it took me that long just to read your post! lol)

Anyway, I'll agree that the Hawaii episode worked, even if it was an "out of hospital" experience. But to tell you the truth, I thought the episode before that was even more powerful-- the one in which the staff gets the letter from Elizabeth saying Mark died. It was less expected (for me anyway), so when they got to the end of the letter, it really hit me (yeah, I knew he was going to die, but I didn't know it would be in that episode.)

The other "out of hospital" episode I enjoyed was the one in which Hathaway goes to the store which gets robbed by Obi-Wan.

I don't particularly like the direction they took with Susan and Chuck. I've always liked Susan-- she seemed real and grounded. This whole thing with Chuck seemed a bit flghty for her. But I guess everyone does dumb things now and then (except me, of course. ;) )

[KayTang999]

How do you like new season so far??? I am a fan of ER but I haven't watched it at all for the last 2 seasons. Now I am back because of the new med student. Parminder Nagra from Bend It Like Beckham!!! She is amazing.

[Shaker Heights]

I hated that they killed Kovac. He was my favorite character. I definitely wasnt expecting that, so I was shocked when the phone rang and that med student said he was dead. But other than that the episode was ok.

[KayTang999]

I don't think so, I think he is still alive and kicking.

[Miasma]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!! Kovac IS DEAD!!!! (maybe he drowned in his hair gel!)

Sadly, though, I don't think he's really dead. That would just be too much of a good thing. I have a bad feeling he'll resurface, and probably be more annoying than ever before. Oh well.

The new girl is cool. Wow, an Indian in the ER... finally the show is getting somewhat realistic!

[mentiroso]

Naaa, not to spoil anything for anyone but Kovac has a contract through the end of next season if I am not mistaken, atleast through the end of this season for sure.

I wish he was dead too. I have never liked him.
My favorite is Romano. His character is very very realistic of some of the doctors I know. Snotty, stuck up, and they can never do wrong.
I remember being pissed when that helicopter took his arm because I thought he was dead for sure. That was one of the best season openers ever!

[Steve125]

Originally posted by mentiroso
I remember being pissed when that helicopter took his arm because I thought he was dead for sure. That was one of the best season openers ever!

Holy crap I remember that now!! That was so crazy and it came totally out of nowhere!!! I remember everyone I was watching that ep. with just like...gasped and freaked out!

[southern]

Originally posted by mentiroso
My favorite is Romano. His character is very very realistic of some of the doctors I know. Snotty, stuck up, and they can never do wrong.
I remember being pissed when that helicopter took his arm because I thought he was dead for sure. That was one of the best season openers ever! i completely missed that.........so a chopper is the reason he has no arm? how did that happen?

and i like Kovac (well i did at first then he got on my nerves but i began to like him again) so i hope he's still alive
and Dr. Chen best not be turned into ***** #1 cause that's just not cool.....mkay

Parminder Nagra will be great i hope:)

[KayTang999]

no need to hope southern, she is more than amazing!!! I think she is the only good thing left on ER!!!

[IamMrDJ]

Linda Cardellini is another new cast member that will be starting in a few episodes. She will be playing a single-mother nurse ala Nurse Hathaway. I read that she will be anew love interest for Kovac. I have also heard some other big spoiler news for this season. If you want to know PM me, I will not post them on here.

[KayTang999]

Freaking baseball!!! I didn't realized they pulled old ep tonight.

[IamMrDJ]

All of NBC and CBS Programming was old last night due to interest in baseball. The one show I don't know about was Survivor. Both stations anounced that they will air this weeks episodes next week.

[KayTang999]

They better not give me a rerun next thursday!!!

[WDTSF]

Don't worry- they won't

[KayTang999]

You think the game will be over that fast?

[IamMrDJ]

The game tomorrow night is not a deciding game. Last Thursday was a Game 7 and that is why it was a rerun.

[KayTang999]

Yes it was new tonight and yes it was really good!!!

[croatian]

Now you have someone to talk to you in croatian :)
I don`t really know how long has it been since you`ve been in this forum but...maybe :)
Well vidimo se does in fact mean see you. Do you remember that madonna video The power of goodbye? Goran played in that video. Maybe you`ll have the opportunity to download it somewhere...
So I hope I`ll talk chat whatever to you soon
bye nina