Ending ER

Last night, by the time 11:00 pm came rolling around, people across the nation had witnessed the end of an era – that is, the final episode of “ER,” the second longest running drama of all time.

Over the course of 15 seasons, “ER” has introduced viewers to more characters and more story lines than you could possibly imagine. And, with fifteen years of entertaining, “ER” has become a staple in so many people’s lives. Indeed, fanatical viewers have kept their Thursdays at 10:00 pm free since the show’s revolutionary pilot episode.

Since its inception, “ER” has defied typical television trends, treading new ground and making the medical drama into what it is today. With scripts that felt more tailored to movie audiences (Fun Fact: The pilot was originally written as a movie script and was later adapted for the small screen), close-up, right-in-the-action camera work and multiple character plot lines for viewers to follow, “ER” was ambitious -- so ambitious that most people thought it would be an utter failure.

Now, no one challenges “ER’s” worth and merit as one the world’s most influential television series of all time.

“ER” has adapted and changed with the real world times. After all, a series cannot last by repeating the same, tired themes and storylines. So, characters have come and gone. Plots have developed and mimicked real world issues. Episodes have shown the best and worst moments that define American life. Because of “ER’s” devotion to changing with the times, a remarkable thing has happened. Now, to so many people, “ER” is real.

So, when analogue clocks in living rooms flashed to show 11:00 pm last night, people across the nation couldn’t believe it was over. I couldn’t believe it was over. Because, no matter how many times you tell yourself that it’s fiction, “ER” has become a part of so many people’s lives, so many people’s routines. It’s hard to give up something you’ve lived with for fifteen years.

(Warning: spoiler alert)

In the final minutes of the final show of “ER’s” final season, an explosion sent many injured people to that now iconic (but fictitious) Chicago hospital. And then, there was a familiar scene. Doctors ran around, trying to deal with the craziness in the hospital, moving along like it was every other day.

On that note, “ER” signed off.

Even though there will be no more episodes to look forward to, the finale was a perfect homage to what “ER” is all about. Life changes, but we fight on. And, just as the doctors in “ER” move on with their daily lives, so must we.

If you want more, check out:
http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/04/er-finale.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ER_(TV_series)