As a long-time ER fan, I can ...
Question: As a long-time
ER fan, I can honestly say that I've enjoyed this season much more than the past three or four. It's by no means as good as the early days, but it has definitely improved. Now answer me this: Is there any hope for Ray and Neela? It certainly seems like Neela is leaning towards Gates, and yet there is so much chemistry and unresolved tension between Neela and Ray. Many of the Ray-Neela fans (we call ourselves "Roomies" fans) think that Gates is simply a rebound guy, and that the writers are saving a Ray-Neela hookup for a long-term story line. What do you think?
Answer: Anything is possible. Not being in the spoiler game, I'm not sure what
ER has in store for these characters, although it's clear that Gates' secret domestic home life is going to create some obstacles to his and Neela's obvious attraction toward each other. And as Gates and Neela continue to flirt, Ray's jealousy will spike, I'm sure. It's not like we can't see it coming. The real issue here is that, for all intents and purposes, John Stamos is the new star of
ER. He's the first new character in ages who has come aboard with energy and humor, not seeming miserable and depressed all the time. Though CBS taking
Without a Trace off Thursdays has helped, I think much of
ER's resurgence this season rests on Stamos' shoulders. It's a better, more entertaining show all around these days, not nearly as grim and off-putting as the last few seasons. (I bailed on most of last year, catching a few pivotal hours on DVR, and even then was unimpressed.) Thinking of Stamos as a "rebound guy" is probably only wishful thinking. Ray's the character who's never truly come to life (no fault of the actor; the writers let this young man down). Neela can do better, and probably will.
