ER is Signing Off: The Long Running TV Drama Will Be Missed

After another episode of ER, I find myself crying again. This season has been especially sad, since it marks the end of the remarkable drama. The recent passing of its creator, Michael Crichton, adds to the sadness and finality.

In the day of reality shows, there are and have been few dramas that were as successful as ER. Since its inception when it battled Chicago Hope for ratings and viewers, ER managed to both excite with the medical drama and touch with its ability to create characters we cared for.

The episodes that will remain with me after the lights are turned off at County General are too numerous to name. The characters who I cared for from the beginning, Mark Greene Carol, Doug, Luka, Abby, Greg, Peter, and the characters that grew on me, Carter, Romano, Weaver and Morris. There are more that I fail to mention not because they will not be remembered, but out of concern for the length of this piece.

From the heartbreaking death of the beloved Dr. Greene, to the reunion of Carol and Doug, it is hard to believe the show has been on for so many years and featured so many stars. No original cast members remain on the show today, save Carter who will be back again this season to pay a final visit.

After every loss, you wondered if the show would survive, but the new characters arrived and blended in, often without missing a beat. Gregg or Pratt as he was known blew into County an arrogant doctor who thought he knew everything and was just biding his time until a better position opened, in a nicer hospital. When he had the chance, he stayed at County and would later become the chief. He found love and was set to marry. He had become a kind man, good friend, and great brother. Then, in ER fashion, he was gone.

Many of the cast members went out in dramatic fashion. Michael's tragic death in Iraq, the unexpected accident of Ray in which he lost his legs and Romano's death by the falling helicopter.

The show always showed the growth in its characters. We saw Carter evolve into an amazing doctor, after beginning as an overwhelmed intern. Abby was the nurse who followed her dream, returned to medical school, and became a doctor. ER was about growth and transformation. Abby a beloved character fought family and personal demons. Her mother and brother both suffered severe mental problems, and Abby herself battled alcoholism. In the end, we cheered when she and Luka found each other. We watched anxiously as baby Joe fought for his life. When they married, we felt like we were watching a fairy tale. This year Abby left with grace and style, her evolution complete.

For as long as I can remember Thursday night at 10 pm has belonged to ER. Part of me feels foolish for being so emotional about the ending of a television show, but they aren't making shows like ER anymore. Heck it seems reality television has taken over the networks. I am grateful, in a time when shows disappear without warning, that I get to watch this amazing show get the send off it deserves.