"Coming Home"
I don't know about all of you, but as tonight's episode started, I was still reeling from last week's gut-wrenching exploration of Abby's dark night of the soul. So, when I saw Luka come around that corner, I practically cried tears of joy. But my happiness, like Abby's, was short-lived as it became obvious that the repercussions of her drunken mistake have yet to fully play out.
I agree with those of you who continue to post about
Maura Tierney's amazing, consistently compelling performance. After watching her give another bravura turn tonight (under the direction of
ER vet
Laura Innes) I have to say that it would be criminal for her to be overlooked again come awards time. Unfortunately, it seems that the show's buzz-worthiness has long since worn off, a fact that keeps it off the radar of most Emmy voters. (Though, it should be noted, guest stars are regularly rewarded for their
ER efforts, so it appears someone is taking notice.)
Back to the action, I am now completely repelled by Dr. Moretti and therefore, am having a hard time mustering any sympathy for the situation with his son. (I'd also like to acknowledge those of you who diagnosed the young man as bi-polar since that seems to be where we are headed.) And if anyone ever asks you to define awkward, just refer them back to the scene tonight where Moretti and Luka came face-to-face. I had to laugh thinking that Moretti probably fled the scene fearing for his own life when he caught site of the towering Croatian. (Oh,
Goran Visnjic, I could just scoop you up with a biscuit.)
The other action at the hospital revolved around Harold's homecoming readiness activities with Archie (a mildly diverting subplot) and his interaction with the young man with life-threatening injuries and the guilt-stricken paraplegic father. I was touched by Harold's ability to relate to the boy and his attempts to awkwardly comfort the father during the tense surgery. Though I still find Harold's credibility questionable, I am warming to the guy.
Another guy who is slowly changing my mind is Tony, and not just because
John Stamos looks so much more attractive without the facial scruff. I think that he can be quite a charismatic actor given the right material and his pairing with
Reiko Ayleworth's Julia has been a pleasant showcase for his charm. I may be in the minority on this one, but I was really relieved when the petulant Sarah went to live with her grandparents, so I was not thrilled to see her reintroduction tonight, though it was nice to see
Frances Conroy as Sarah's world-weary grandmother. (I loved her as Fisher family matriarch Ruth on
Six Feet Under.)
Getting back to Luka and Abby, I thought it was an interesting twist for Luka to return home with his brother in tow. That will certainly add to the already tense reunion. While I am hopeful that the writers understand how much the fans are rooting for Luka and Abby's happiness, they seem determined to throw up roadblocks (for more on that frustrating tendency, click
here for a preview of what's on the horizon for our star-crossed pair).
Next week, no new episode, as we all give thanks by stuffing ourselves with turkey and pie. Enjoy the holiday. I'll see you in two weeks!
