I was curious about how everybody felt about Shane West leaving the show and thought I would take a poll.

like I said in the Shane West board the only reason I started watching ER was because of Shane and if he leaves I'll definitely stop watching it!

I always watched ER but when they introduced Ray, and paired him up with Neela I wanted to watch it more. I was able to relate more to Ray and Neela them the other characters, I guess it is the age thing.

I think it's wrong for the writers to play mind games with all of the Ray, and Neela fans. They built them up to be a potential couple, and gave everyone that small glimmer of hope. Now we find out that next season is full of maybe Ray will be back.
Here is a maybe for the er writers, maybe I'll watch next season, maybe I won't . How's that for indecisiveness.

i agree !
The writers seem to have been building and building their relationship slowly and giving Reela fans hope.........then BANG!!!!!!

i think Why did they bother in the first place if this is how its left? (sorry for being so cynical but thats how i feel)

i can only hope for a small miracle and maybe Ray will be seen again

Heres hoping

This is why I am so sure that this is not the end to Ray or Reela because they built it up too much over the past 3 years just to end it with an accident. I am certain that Shane will be back as a recurring character next season

BTW glancing at the results it's pretty much unanimous right now that nobody wants Shane to leave. You here that NBC NOBODY WANTS SHANE TO LEAVE!!

TPTB must know by now that ray and neela have become an important story to many now (foremost the roomie fans) and to possibly? let shane go without giving reela a fitting end would be too cruel and i think the show would be worst for it

I personally hate that he is leaving myself and hope than it can be worked out tht we see him more than a "couple" episodes this season.

Perhaps that's a good thing. Better an important part in only a few episodes than just a few watch-or-you-missed-him scenes as in season 13. Apart from perhaps 3 episodes towards the end.

I totally hate the fact that he may be leaving ER. And for what, for a show that wasn't even picked up. They really need to keep him on the show. I totally love the whole Ray/Neela thing and they can't end it the way they did. So much unresolved issues and all the hidden messages, muffled whispers, looks, etc. If they know whats good for the show they will find a way for him to come back even if he only misses a few episodes at the beginning.

I voted dislike it. I haven't watched ER since the start but over the past few years I have really gotten into it and gone back and watched all the eps from the start.

Over time I think everyone has their favorite pairings or actors/actresses on the show and for me the prospective pairing of Neela and Ray has brought back a special warmth to the show that was really begining to reach an all time low.

I certainly hope that they bring him back into the ER next season (and by his interview and the way they left things between him and neela the door is definetly cracked open and might I add screaming to be opened further..... now I'm just hoping they don't ignore it) besides the Neela/Ray connection there is so much further with both Ray's past and now future with learning to cope with the new obsticles in his life after the accident that I think they could definetly write some very interesting/entertaining episodes around. That and I think the younger docs in the ER are really begining to come of age this last season and I loved the interactions particularly between Pratt/Ray and Morris.

I'm not sure if I would stop watching if they don't bring him back but I do think the continuation on of the storylines he was involved in are some of the best lingering storylines they have leading into the next season and even from some of the previous seasons.

I hate it so much!
I see ER because of Shane...If Shane leaves I dont want to see ER!

I really think "whoever" is in charge of contracts really made a mistake. I don't know if they just didn't realize the popularity of Ray and Neela. I had stopped watching ER for a long time and one night I just flipped over and IMMEDIATELY got caught up in their chemistry. Since then (which was back in the 11th season) I have been a huge fan again...Mostly because of Shane West. I have to say I'm normally not someone who would write into a show, but this time I feel very strongly about this....GET HIM BACK AND GET HIM BACK FAST!! I know a lot of people that are not on these sights that are also huge fans of Ray and Neela. No show would let a popular character go...thats why I have to assume you don't know what a draw The Ray/Neela relationship is.... So if the 'audience' has any say anymore....PLEASE PLEASE bring Shane back permanently!!!!

Seriously disillusioned Roomie fan-I-am. Can't believe 3 years has been reduced to this...a few "maybes" & "stay-tuned-u-never-know!" Because seasons 11 thru 13 weren't bad enough...just bread crumbs fed to starving fans.

False hope? First time voter for a TV poll, first time forum member for ne tv show, what's the point?

Dismantling the 2 big ships (Luby & Reela) is really a way to go out in style!
Giving the Luby-lovers what they wanted for so many years b4 abandoning "ship" & neglecting Reela altogether for a "maybe reunion" in a "couple of epis"...no build-up, depth just... "keep holding on!"

Very intelligent, emotional TV...OH...do I sound bitter? Seriously what's with the multiple amputations if u ain't gonna let a character grow or was the whole point really to cut them off at the knees?

I am completely bummed that Ray may not be back next year. It totally changes my commitment to the show. I too feel upset that such focus was placed on the relationship between Ray and Neela and now we are left with this. If I knew that Shane would definitely be back, I could totally see the potential that this storyline could have but to not know, you have to shake your head and ask why?

I hated what those sadistic writers,did to Shane,and if he leaves I will never watch ER again

I feel like the writers have put a lot of effort into the story of Ray and Neela, and I am very dissapointed that we all caught onto that vibe and got so emotionally invested in this story only to have it literally crushed.

I want to know what happens to Neela and Ray so much that I will probably still watch the show next season, but I will be incredibly dissapointed if Shane does anything less than five episodes (and hopefully a lot more).

ER, you are getting ridiculous with your deaths/major injuries on this show. It's nothing new, but the ridiculousness started (and should have ended) with Romano. But no, you had to keep taking it to new heights of ridiculousness. Instead of one limb, now it's two. And the same day Neela finds out about this double amputation, she just happens to get trampled on? Please. This is so unlikely I want to laugh. Couldn't you have come up with something less cheap for these two characters, who you have given the last three years to with some really great writing? Ugh!

As long as Neela professes her love for Ray and Shane comes back in some capacity to finish his storyline, it doesn't bother me that he is leaving. He can still come back as a guest star and have a better storyline than he ever had as a regular. If you couple that with a happy ending you couldn't ask for anything more. Shane will be back!!!!! As a guest star yes. But he will be back!!!!

I obviously dislike Shane leaving ER.
What have entertained me about the show this last three seasons was the Reela couple..without it, I think I will stop watching it.
TPTB can give us the Reela end we want, but Shane being a guest star means we are gonna see the story ending in a sinthesis of 6 epis...or the amount of epis Shane will appear. We won't have a good development...That's what I think, I hope it doesnt happen.
I know is better than nothing, but I dont like it too much...

I am trying to remain positive, like so many of you. But I just don't trust TPTB to finish the Reela storyline. I just don't think that they are a 100% committed to it. Look at what happened with Abby's long lost father returns storyline. Did they ever mention him again after the COC episode?

On a brighter note TNT started showing repeats of season 11 today.

haven't posted a while on here, I missed the season finale as well, I know he's missing though right? if he leaves there won't be anyone half way younger on the show and then I lose interest cause I'm not crazy about john stamos

hey! all you execs and such. you reading this poll?

In these past 3 years Shane got lousy screen time and sorry to say tptb you completely screwed his storyline. There was so much potential for a good storyline and I liked what I saw untill season 13 happened (which started so fresh and promissed to be really good season, but half way the season it already turned out to be a huge disappointment).

I don't have anything against John Stamos and the character he portrays, but why had tptb felt the urge to throw Gates and Neela in our faces? Why pretend that Neela and Gates were a succes and dragg that stupid triangle thing out to the end of the season? Also Gates and his father storyline was not interesting! It really looked that tptb was out of ideas and didn't know what to do with Gates.

ER used to be known for scenes and storylines that were close to reality, but this whole Gates/Ray/Neela/ fiasco was so FORCED and ARTIFICIAL and FAKE. I didn't believe anything I saw, except Ray pining for Neela which in the start was sweet and touching, but in the end even that became annoying, because Ray's life seems to be dominated by Neela! Where is Ray, the person????
Nevertheless, even under these circumstances Shane was able to make a mark on the show. According to me Ray is and should be a very important character (specially with Luka "leaving" and SC not getting picked up). Ray really needs the chance to get his act together and become again the confident guy he once used to be, which will be very interesting now he's disabled.
One thing I liked about the last episode was Neela saying "you'll get through this, I promiss" Ray immediately looking at her as if he got strength to fight this battle and we saw Neela after a long time very confident and believing in Ray! Again a reason why Shane should stay!!! In season 13 I have seen Ray and Neela being each others weaknesses, please tptb make it possible that we see them as each others strengths!

Parminder's charcter Neela is truely nothing without Shane's character Ray! Her character can't be saved by throwing Gates, Dubenko or Mae lee in our faces and please don't start experimenting and hook her up with morris, Crenshaw, or Larry!

BTW, why is it that all the drama is in one person's life? It used to be Abby. From season 6 - 11 there was only dramas and hardships in her life. In season 12 doubts about herself, Luka and baby. Finally there is some happiness in her life and BANG end of happiness because Luka is leaving!
Now all the drama seems to be in Neela's life and what kind of a drama? Everyone she cares for seems to die or nearly die. Gallant dies (which was a good thing lol) Ray almost dies and you guys go over the top by hurting her so badly and giving me the impression that she is close to death too!
Why don't we see some drama in other people life's who happen to be on the show too, like Morris, Pratt, Dubenko. Aren't those character important for you? Can't there be a balance of a certain amount of drama in each character's life instaed of BOMBARDING one character with all the misery you can find in the world?

I don't know what happens in the mind of the producing of Er. But they had almost destroyed to 13rd season, because they didn't give importance the some great characters, mainly Ray, and I almost believe that they don't care with the public's opinion.

I hope they don't finish with the character Ray, after the Mexican drama of cut the two legs, and nor that Shane is a simple the occasional guest appearance of the series, he had great importance in ER for the fans.

ER is nothing without Shane for me.
Like someone said Shane was like guest this season...and next season will be a Ghost?
No thanks!!!
I see ER because of Shane, because of Ray and because of Roomies...without all this I dont want to see ER!

for me none of the character really pop out at me. I mean luka and abbey are great and all but abbey is kinda dull and luka has been made to be so dark lately. Ray is like the shinny spot out of the guys. The women characters are just not that interesting to me anymore. I miss the old days of ER. The writting for all the characters seemed stronger to me. Does anyone else agree?

I felt like Ray, Morris, and Hope were definitely the shiny spots of the show -- although Ray did slip into a sadder, darker version of himself toward the end. However, I think everything needs light and dark -- Luka and Abby filled the dark spot rather well. Pratt sort of sat the fence.

My favorite season was season 12. I think it had the perfect amount of character development for everyone. I loved Victor Clemente, personally -- I was sad to see him go, although he had a great story while he was there. I liked Ray's stories in season 12, I liked Morris (especially toward the end of 12, and all of 13). Neela was a much more moral, sweet, likeable character in season 12, as well. Sam... hmm, not sure. I really hated Canon City, that nearly bored me to sleep. Pratt had great stories in season 12. Luka and Abby had a fantastic story in season 12. All my happy ER memories live in season 12, in fact. I wish they could bring back that balance to the show, but I feel that they have killed it. Everything is like a dark, brooding, angry soap-opera now... and I almost don't even want to watch. I will watch -- but I am afraid they won't do the series justice when it draws to a close.

I think you said that well. I found myself waiting all season 13 for things to really kick in. Then, near the end to find out Shane wasn't coming back and thinking that was the end of the hope. It would be great if they gave Shane guest appearances as much as they did clemente. I liked the dynamics of his characters with the others as well. I, too, miss the preGates Neela. Or maybe it was the pre-Gallant/death Neela.

That's another good point -- finding out Shane wasn't coming back was a huge damper on the season.

All along, I felt so sorry for the big Goran fans, because he was leaving. I thought we were so lucky that our relationship seemed safe, like big things were going to happen. Then -- wham! We find out it's all being taken away from us. We'll probably get less Ray than Luka next season.

I watched the interview with Dominic Monaghan about leaving Lost and he said something i thought was very profound.

He said "I'm was not really crazy about just being a bridesmaid and standing back in the wings and facilitaing our peolpes story."

By him saying that it made me think about Shane and his role in ER. Especially this season. It was like he was 15% of the Gates/Neela/Ray triangle.

OMG as sad as that sounds it is definitely was TPTB has done to Shane as well...

How do we get the Producers and/ or Writers of ER to read this stuff and take NOTICE?! There are a lot of different sights out there... and all seem to be concuring...BRING SHANE BACK! And bring the old ER writing back....This season seemed to be really dark and not overall enjoyable to watch..and VERY heavy in the one character getting all the bad luck. To me this usually is a sign a show has gone past it's expiration date...but it could be saved!

ARE YOU GUYS HEARING US YET????

I'm disapppointed to hear that Shane won't be back as a regular next season. I thought Ray had alot of potential when he joined the cast. The rocker doctor who had to choose between his love of music and his love of medicine. He was part of a new generation of ER, along with Neela, Abby, Pratt, Sam and even Morris for comic relief, that would carry the show after all the originals had left.

Off the top of my head, I can only think of one strong episode(s) featuring Shane. That being when the poarch collapsed during a party he and Morris were attending. My point being that Ray didn't get alot of feature storylines and was pushed into the backround, especially this season. And although I think it's a dumb move to go with the double amputation, it would provide a strong storyline for Shane, and for the show, to chronicle Ray overcoming this challenge and return to work and ending up with Neela. So hopefully they'll be able to work it out and bring Shane back.

Maybe Shane wants to leave. Maybe he thinks he's had enough of the show. If its his choice, I sincerely wish him the best. He may have the same way of thinking as George Clooney, and now has that "I'm moving on to bigger and better things" line in his head. Why have him tied down to ER and one silly story line that might've been played out in two or three episodes. Got to remember that these actors have bigger aspirations, and you can't narrow them down to one character.
I wish you the best Shane, if you do leave. Got to admit ER is a great springboard for actors/actresses to really jump start their careers and getting their names out there for other producers and casting agents to notice them.

We already know, that it wasn't his choice.

http://boards.nbc.com/nbc/index.php?showto...418&st=470#

I dislike him leaving a great deal and I'm glad that this thread was started hopefully it will do what most are shouting out about and that is having TPTB listen to the fans. Let's make 14 better than 13 and let's make Ray a central character!

oh... to dream the impossible dream...

I posted something similar about the way his character started out with a bang! I recently watched one of his first episodes on ER. Abby refers to him as Dr. Tiger Beat. Carter tells Abby to get used to him because she will have to work with him for the next 4 years. (I guess the writers weren't informed his contract was only for 3 - HA!). I had forgotten where they all started. I guess Abby, Neela and Ray were all first year interns at the same time. Had forgotten that since we saw Neela and Abby as med students prior to being interns. Looking forward to his other scenes and roomie scenes in season 11 on TNT.

Posted this under Shane West as well. The following is copied from another site:"Yep, it is true. Hottie Shane West is leaving E.R. and it sounds like the decision was made by the show, not Shane.

Is Shane West off of ER?
Yep. Inside sources tell me the producers wanted to “clean house” a bit—which apparently is a euphemism for “chop his character’s legs off at the knee”—so Shane’s no longer a series regular, although he may return for guest spots. Shane shot a pilot called Supreme Courtships, a comedy for Fox, but sadly, it was not picked up.

We had been hearing rumors that he would not be back, and it appears to be true. Keep your fingers crossed he will return for some guest star spots though!"
\

To me, Shane doesn't dirty a house!!!

They are crossed.

I know of another show who wrote out a favorite character. It outraged fans so much that they began recreuiting fans from other message boards, to express their unhappiness on the network board. In the end their voices were heard, and the TPTB gave them their character back with a much bigger part.

And what show and character was that exactly?

It happened years ago when Rick Hearst was fired from Guiding Light. 2 weeks after he left they had a big drop in ratings, the lowest in the show's history. I know it was a soap opera. But I think it could work for Shane as well.

I feel pretty terrible about it. I don't know if I can stomach Neela/Gates or Neela/Dubenko next season. And I'll miss Ray so much next season. Even tho I orginally tuned in for Neela, Ray has become my favorite character...

I will probably give up on ER next season, but NOT because of Shane West, because of Luka leaving. ER has lost its luster. I long for the days of the first 5 seasons when ER was the BEST show on tv. I have been watching season 1 & 2 and that was the REAL ER, NOT the stuff we have been subjected to the last few seasons. The ONLY reason I watched this season was LUBBY, NOT Ray/Neela. That episode, this season, when Gates, Ray, that female med student and Dubenko all kissed Nela MADE ME SICK. I am sick of the Neela Hour. Enough is enough. I am hoping that she gets trampled and leaves. Sorry, just my opinion.

See, and that's the beauty of different opinions - i couldn't care less if Luka leaves. 'Lubby' have had their best - it's come and gone, IMO. If he had stayed the entire season, apart from the general ups and downs of married life i'm not sure where they could have taken them two, i think it's better that he's only doing a few episodes, this way it keeps it a bit more fresh and different. Besides their story's been told (7 years worth), whereas Neela and Ray has been left so open-ended. The writers have really let down a lot of viewers with their lack-lustre crap the last few episodes of the season, not just in regards to 'Reela' but quite a few things, need i mention gates? haha
It wasn't necessary to make everyone fall in lust/love with neela at the same time, they should've realized what they had in just *one* story, Ray/Neela, and that they had the opportunity to develop it into something really great, but they chose not to.....more fool them.

I voted I don't like it. I think it was horrible how the writers teased us about Ray, and Neela, then they just pulled the plug on the storyline.

1) I don't know if it was pacing, content or what, but I never quite "felt" the Neela/Gallant connection.
2) To me, as soon as Ray and Neela appeared together, there was chemistry.
3) I liked the triangle thing (Ray/Neela/Gates) for awhile, but come on, enough is enough.

They waited too long on the Ray/Neela storyline (teasing as aeronwen said). Then because of the contract stuff, there was not much they could do (had to be extra dramatic, of course) to get rid of Ray, but leave an opening for him to return.

I don't have a problem with Ray leaving either (as another poster, G-unit I think?, said), but I will be really disappointed if the writers don't take this opportunity to fix what they messed up. Give us some measure of satisfaction with Ray/Neela before it is completely too late!

If they could do that, I could let this go. Of course, maybe they don't want me to let go...

Oh, and I had a really hard time believing that Ray spoke to Neela personally on the phone, but either gave no clue to the seriousness of his injuries or Neela didn't ask him and get an answer about his condition before she visited.

There were a number of things like that in the finale, but I guess I just have to suspend my disbelief and get over it. After all, it is just a TV show.

I wonder if anyone official will read this thread and see how sad we are.

Same here Galaxy!

Hope they know we are really upset with this!