ER Returns to NBC with Post WGA Strike Episodes

NBC's ER is continuing its 14^th season with its first post-strike episode on April 10^th. ER fans have been missing their favorite show since the WGA writers strike stopped production on new episodes. The first new episode starts of explosively with Dr. Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) butting heads with Dr. Brenner (guest star David Lyons) over teaching the interns. Abby (Maura Tierney) is wrestling with her conscience, trying to decide whether to tell Kovac (Goran Visnjic) about her affair.

The new episode, titled "Owner of a Broken Heart", will air on Thursday, April 10^th at the usual time of 10pm Eastern/Pacific and 9pm Central. If you have missed the last few ER episodes, or just want to catch up before watching "Truth Will Out", you can watch the last three ER episodes on NBC.com for free, with limited commercial interruption. If you happen to miss the new episode, there is a good chance you will be able to see it online after it airs. NBC isn't consistent about posting new episodes of all their shows online, but I think they will make an exception and allow viewers to watch at least the first couple post-strike episodes online.

"...As the Day She Was Born" is the title for the next episode, to air on April 17^th. The ER staff pulls an all-nighter with all of the usual commotion. Neela (Parminder Nagra) has a strange daydream after work and Gates (John Stamos) send flowers to his object of affection to try to win her over.

On April 24^th, ER continues with a special guest star, Hal Holbrook, who is a multi-Emmy winner and a great actor. In "The Truth Will Out", Holbrook's character in the show, Walter Perkins, is a terminally ill patient who gives Dr. Kovac (Goran Visnjic) something to think about. This may be the episode where we learn what will become of Dr. Kovac, as there are rumors that Goran Visnjic is leaving the show after this season.

NBC has not yet released a statement regarding the future of ER, but it has been reported that Maura Tierney said there will be a 15th season of ER! She also stated she was unsure whether or not she will be returning for season 15. This information is not confirmed, as I did not personally speak with Ms. Tierney, but I'm hoping it is true and that Ms. Tierney will decide to return as well.

Sources:
http://www.nbc.com/ER/
NBC Universal Media Village
http://www.watchinger.com