As the long-running NBC medical drama ER inches closer and closer to the finale, a lot of critics are saying, regardless of whether its quality has deteriorated over its 15-year run, that the end of ER is one of those end of an era thing.  The finale of its 15th and final season is already set to March 12 with a two-hour series ender at 9pm.

Before we left ER last year, Morris (Scott Grimes) received an unwanted package from his father at his doorstep, while Sam (Linda Cardellini) was a little anxious about getting Alex off of the ventilator after his accident.  Meanwhile, the medical team had to deal with a pregnant woman with a high-risk pregnancy who is in danger of getting deported, while Sam told Gates (John Stamos) that she and Alex are moving out.

On tonight's episode called “Separation Anxiety,” Gates gets upset with Sam, while Neela treats a young girl with sickle cell anemia. Also, Dr. Banfield and her husband make a decision about the future of their family.

We also reported that the intended replacement drama for ER is something called Kings, described by the network as a contemporary retelling of the David and Goliath tale set in a modern-day monarchy.

In related news, George Clooney, who shot into popularity when he appeared as Dr. Doug Ross when the show began in 1994, denied rumors that he'd be going back to ER for its final few episodes but didn't shun the possibility altogether.

"All this stuff came up on the Internet," he tells the Chicago Sun Times.  "I got calls the other day saying, 'I heard you're going back to ER. '  I dunno. It depends who asked me.  [Executive producer] John Wells and I are good friends.”

During its maiden season, ER averaged 28.9 million viewers, reaching a peak of 32 million on its sophomore run.  It suffered from continuously dwindling ratings.  Its 14th season average was pegged at 9.2 million.


-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Chicago Sun Times, NBC
(Image Courtesy of Chicago Sun Times)