The drawing of the final curtain for ER is, well, getting closer and closer.  The date's already set, and as former stars return for one last stab at being at the emergency room (and elsewhere), it's becoming clearer than things are really going to change.

Reading up on almost everything that's written about ER's coming end, I can't help but notice that they've all pointed out the fate of shows at the 10pm slot.  The Emmy-winning medical drama's been on the same Thursday night slot for the longest time, and for some reasons it's become a barometer of sorts for everyone around it.  Once it was one of the highest raters of the season, pulling in viewers through compelling storylines and acting.  Now, well, things are different—and, although you may contend that it's because ER's just turned for the worse, or at least compared to what it used to be, it seems to indicate that the ground is shaking below us.  10pm time slot, you're in a pickle.

Maybe it's just NBC: I've written a handful on some of the network's shows, and can't help but notice how their 10pm shows are faring.  My Own Worst Enemy is (prematurely) on its way out, while Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is still doing fine.  Although shows from other networks are doing better, you can't deny that ratings generally drop as the night wears on.  Other writers have contended that shows that air later in the night have been suffering, thanks to new ways to watch TV—you probably would rather watch ER off your DVR, or online, rather than as it airs, especially when you've got lots to do.  Could that be it?

I'll not stop saying that ER's current season is a really long goodbye.  But, as time goes on, it seems to have an inevitably bittersweet ending.  As much as we've loved seeing this drama lead other dramas to the top before, and continue to hold a place in the collective despite its slightly diminished status, it's got to go soon, and it's happening now.  And, as it prepares to shutters off, we hear that Jay Leno will be taking over the time slot next year with, yes, another talk show.

The dramas, indeed, seem to be on their way out.  Well, not entirely, but you know.

Tonight, ER gets into the holiday mood for the very last time, as Morris (Scott Grimes) gets an unwanted package from his father, and Sam (Linda Cardellini) gets anxious about keeping Alex (Dominic Jones) safe after his accident.  It feels a little somber, but that's what they do best—so, for the last holidays of ER, gather around from 10pm on NBC.


-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: NBC
(Image courtesy of NBC)