ER Episode Recap: "The High Holiday"
Christmas came to ER for the last time this week and it brought some bittersweet moments, some unhappy endings and a surprise or two. Oh, and hash brownies.
It wouldn't be Christmas in the ER without someone dressed in a Santa suit, and who better than our old friend Jerry to do the honors? I laughed out loud when he talked about the fact that he had been in Alaska tending bar — a tongue-in-cheek reference to Abraham Benrubi's retreat to the now-defunct Men in Trees. Wherever he was, it was great to see the big guy again.
I am also glad that they have softened Banfield's edges a bit. Her newfound friendship with Archie is entertaining to watch and her interaction with the lesbian couple facing an uncertain future showed that she actually does have a very compassionate side. The healing has definitely begun for this complex character and it seems that her marriage is getting back on track as well.
While I was happy to see Alex on the road to recovery, I am absolutely furious that Sam is willing to throw out her relationship with Tony as a result of the accident. Tony made a rookie mistake by giving in to Sarah and Alex, but to blame him for the outcome is unreasonable. It seems obvious that the writers are just creating obstacles to Sam and Tony's ultimate happiness (see Luka and Abby, the last three years), but this latest bump is annoying, to say the least.
The storyline about the couple facing deportation was a great excuse to bring back old friend Dr. Coburn. Who else loved the face she made when the intern asked her if she was sure about the baby's diagnosis? To still see these familiar faces turning up many years later is very rewarding for the long-term viewers.
All in all, this episode is not up there with Jeanie's star on the ER tree, but it was a nice reminder of all the holiday goodwill that has been summoned over these 15 years. We have a few weeks to breathe before new episodes resume on Jan. 8. Enjoy your holidays and see you in the New Year!
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