(Season 15, Episode 13 – “Love is a Battlefield”)
After the unusual weirdness of last week’s episode we returned to the normal weirdness of the day-to-day activities of County General’s ER. And it was a jam-packed episode featuring some resolutions to Neela’s dreams, meatier roles for Grady and Daria, a jealous Sam, and an appearance by Gary Marshall. Plus, an obsessive and creepy boyfriend who resembled a young Cary Elwes.
As I said — normal weirdness. So, let’s get going.
Sam and Tony… again: Oh. My. God. How long is this non-relationship relationship going to last between these two? Hell, even the non-relationship relationship between Carol Hathaway and Doug Ross was less tortuous than this! We get that there are still feelings between these two, but do they have to drag this out for so long? I’ll tell you, if they leave this relationship open when the series ends in April I will personally be royally pissed.
At least we got some comedy out of their dilemma with Daria being the unfortunate victim. Thinking about it now, how could Sam not take advantage of Daria’s situation and not have a little fun with it. Frankly, I think Daria deserved the treatment. Sure, Tony was drunk and vulnerable at the time he met Daria, but she took advantage of it rather than taking a step back. That says something about her character.
Archie’s ‘thrisis’ and problem patient:We had a very solid storyline for Dr. Morris this week as he dealt with a number of things, including a thrisis — a mid-life crisis taking place in his 30s. Why he thought that the purchase of a mini-van would bring in all of the eligible single mothers is something I can’t fathom. I drive a mini-van and the woman don’t crowd around me. Then again, if they did I think my wife and kids would be slightly miffed.
Luckily, Archie got past his little life crisis thanks to an unusual patient. Not that the patient’s diagnosis was an issue — this isn’t House, you know. It was more like the circumstances of her injuries didn’t match up with her statements of how it happened. Many of us were confused about her actions until we met her skin-crawling boyfriend. Once he stepped through the door then it all came together. The end result wasn’t pretty, but was expected.
If there was any upside to this case, it was an opportunity to once again meet his undercover officer, Claudia. If there is anyone who deserves to have a decent relationship on this show its Archie. I want these two hooking up as soon as possible. Get on that, ER writers!
No baby for Banfield: Poor Dr. Banfield. She finally has some closure concerning the tragic loss of her son and realizes that she wants to have more children. After a lengthy in vitro process the results all come up negative. You know what this means for the ER staff, don’t you? Much anger and resentment in the next few episodes.
Dreams do come true for Neela: Neela Rasgotra, Dream Doctor. That’s the title of the ER spin-off that Neela should be in once the show ends. How could this not be a good idea after seeing how Neela’s dreams come true and how she can predict the future? I’m guessing that the treatment of her sickle cell patient could have occurred before her dreams, but her knowledge of Banfield’s treatment did not. Very spooky indeed.
And while Sam and Tony did the relationship tango at least Neela and Simon came to an agreement about their relationship. How could Neela deny him with his being so sweet and all this episode? Buying gifts for everyone, chipping in where needed, being all romantic with Neela in a light snow. He did everything right and Neela snagged it hook, line and sister. Ah, he’s still a git.
Here,Tony. Put this black, leather jacket on and go ‘Ayyy': While a prolific creator and producer of television shows and movies, Gary Marshall is also an accomplished actor. I remember him being on a number of Murphy Brown episodes toward the end of its run. Honestly, I never liked him in that role — it was too broadly played. On this week’s ER his persona was much more subdued and normal. He wasn’t the sweet little old man that everybody treats like a kid in this episode. He was more like the respectful grandfather that you would listen to.
Next week on ER: The show (in fact, most of the NBC primetime schedule) takes a week off before the archaic February sweeps. When it returns viewers will have a chance to see yet another show alumni return. Join us then, won’t you?
Clacked by Richard Keller 
on Jan 23, 2009 @ 11:00 EST5EDT
I wonder why Neela ends up with Brenner in every dream and every reality when her phone keeps beeping messages and calls from Ray – who, I hope, will end up coming back for her or I swear, I’ll go mad. I was a Brenner fan until Ray came back from the ‘dead’ and now they want to make me like him again. Make up your minds writers!!!
Also, i think Brenner likes her because she didn’t want him, and that’s all. He likes the game, he’s a player.
Archie needs a girlfriend asap, Banfield needs to adopt a baby asap, and Tony was, for once, mature enough to tell the truth: he doesn’t want Daria. I’m sorry for her but hey you knew what you were getting into. I hate it though that the writer of this article blames all this on Daria. Tony was single then and drunk or not, he knew what he was doing and she was FREE and available and likes him since day one so she wasn’t taking advantage of anyone – my goodness! he’s an adult. He’s the only one to blame. If I was Sam I would be very disappointed that he got over me so fast. Daria has all the right to be with whoever she chose, honestly – this is a bit chauvinist -‘poor Tony, he was drunk and they took advantage of him, bad Daria!- he did what he wanted and he’s the weak one, the ‘cheating’ one (if anything), leave Daria alone! At least she handled it with some dignity, she didn’t cry or throw anything on his face. About the creepy boyfriend, he was creepy indeed!!!
But I wonder why the girl would try to kill herself before telling her parents or just breaking up with the guy!!
I need more ER now happy to know Ross is coming back :)