ER
HEAL THYSELF
11-13-2008 10:00PM

PHYSICIAN HEAL THYSELF—ANTHONY EDWARDS (“Top Gun,” “Thunderbirds”) COURTNEY B. VANCE (“Law and Order, Criminal Intent”) GUEST STARS—Dr. Banfield (Angela Bassett) takes a run to clear her head but finds herself trying to rescue a three-year-old girl from drowning in a nearby lake. Gates (John Stamos) tries to pull some strings in the ER to help his homeless war hero. Banfield is reminded of her own experience at County with Dr. Greene (guest star Anthony Edwards) caring for her son as she tries to save the young three-year-old girl from certain death. Meanwhile, the interns continue to struggle to keep up in the ER. Parminder Nagra, Linda Cardellini and Scott Grimes also star.

Show Cast: Linda Cardellini, John Stamos, Scott Grimes, David Lyons, Angela Bassett, Parminder Nagra

I can not wait to see Anthony Edwards in the ER again, even in a flashback!
I am very excited for this episode

Let me give this a shot. Im trying to figure out Angela's character and I think this is the episode when it all comes out. Humor me and tell me what you guys think...

(All this is a flash back Banfield has. Its the only way you can bring back someone from the dead)
She and her husband, whom also appears in the episode, had to bring her son the the ER. The doctor working on her son was Dr. Greene. Some how, her son dies under the care of Dr. Greene. Maybe she didn't think the ER was ran efficiently and her son didnt get the proper attention. This is how Halay remembers her. This is why she turned out the lights and cried at the end of the show last week. And this is why she's running the ER determined that each patient is cared for properly.

Any thoughts?

P.S. Im all for Ray and Neela but at this rate, I'll grow tired of them before Christmas.

So is anyone else confused about the fact that in two weeks we are going to be having a Dead man back in the ER...Is it just me or is that a problem or is it my imagination. I just got shivers when I was watching the previews for two weeks from now...When they showed Dr. Green I almost Cried.

This is by far one of the best seasons.

I so have to agree with you! When I saw Anthony Edwards (Dr. Mark Green) being shown as being on the show in 2 weeks I was like "What?" and then I thought "Oh ya..."

But here is where ya'll really have to think about past characters coming back...
This is just what I am thinkin though and with havin watched ER since the pilot episode I've got a pretty good idea of how the writters think.

This is a dream sequence goin back several years (maybe even into the first few years of the series?) in the ER and ya'll gotta remember WHO was workin in the ER back then and which characters the writters will have IN the ER. I'm thinkin Hathaway & Ross. Remember they have to have other people workin in the ER WITH Green durin this dream....

Honestly, I think there will be a few others as well. Halea, Weaver, Lucy Knight (?), Lewis....

Just my thoughts ya'll....

whats wrong with a flashback?? Edwards coming back even in flash back form is just as big as clooney. I got all teary eyed when I saw the promo. I'm so glad edwards agreed to this episode. Thank you. It will be a absolute perfect ER

I have been watching ER since its very first episode, and I am confused and shocked...how in the world can they bring back Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards)....he died of brain cancer people!!!!!!!! I mean come on, remember.....Hawaii.....Greene.....dying peacefully with his loved ones....am I the only one here finds this wrong? Please...I need answers.

The word is that he will be seen in flashbacks, much as "Body and Soul," the episode with James Woods was handled, where you saw the progression of his character's illness, and his earlier dealings with the various ER staffers through them.

JD/Forum Moderator

From: http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2008/11/03/7294471-ap.html

Anthony Edwards returns to 'ER'

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


In this undated image released by NBC, Anthony Edwards is shown in character as Dr. Mark Greene from the NBC series, "ER.". THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/NBC, Paul Drinkwater

NEW YORK - Anthony Edwards says it's easy being Greene.

The actor, who left "ER" six years ago, said in a telephone news conference Monday that he had no problem getting back into the swing of things while reprising his role as Dr. Mark Greene for the Nov. 13 episode of the NBC medical drama.

Said Edwards: "It was really like going back to high school, in the best way. It was like going back to your favourite class and having your favourite teacher. ... It took about a half an hour - and after about a half an hour, I really felt like I'd never left."

Dr. Greene, who died of a brain tumour at the end of the 2002 season, appears in flashback scenes with former County General Doctors Kerry Weaver and Robert Romano (portrayed by Laura Innes and Paul McCrane, respectively).

He also has an encounter with series newcomer Dr. Cate Banfield (Angela Bassett), an attending physician at the hospital, after she brings in her sick son.

The flashbacks are interwoven with a present-day story line that shows Banfield helping in the rescue of a young girl who falls into a lake.

Discussing the character's passion for medicine, Edwards said: "When you get on an airplane, you hope that the pilot really loves flying - I think that's what Greene had. You do want to go to a hospital and have a good doctor who loves being a doctor there."

Edwards' appearance comes in the 15th and final season of "ER," which debuted in 1994 and launched the careers of George Clooney, who left the show in 1999, and others in the ensemble cast.

Like many "ER" fans, Edwards hopes for the return of Clooney's character, Dr. Doug Ross. He has said Clooney would be a fool not to make a cameo.

Said Edwards: "I would never judge anybody else. All I can do is share that I had a good experience, and I hope that whoever gets asked and has the opportunity does do it."

I CAN'T WAIT I CAN'T WAIT I CAN'T WAIT!!!

He is coming back. Well, in a flashback is good enough for me. I have always looked up to Dr. Greene when I was just a young ER fan. Now, we get to see what he used to do. I am happy and excited and ready to grab a few tissues if must..

I knew it! Look at the 3rd post in this topic. Okay. Im not gloating. Im just excited to see one of my old favorites. This season keeps getting better and better.

:-)

Just watching the preview for this episode made me feel emotional--seems like this one might be a tearjerker!

Dr. Greene's my all-time favorite, right from the start. He's the heart and soul of ER, if you ask me. And this week's epi is going to be AWESOME! Can't wait.

Here are some clips and interviews of Anthony Edwards, Laura Innes, and Paul McCrane's return : http://nbc.epk.tv/view.aspx?request=episod...owEpisodeID=542

I saw some previews and it looks awesome!!-- I am one of those people who cried when I saw him go, its so brilliant to see him come in here-- and also seeing others like weaver and romano in the flashbacks will give a feel of what was.
It was a great way for the writers to do this through Dr Banfields Flashback.. a great move.

Looking forward to it!

OH My God!!! I have watched these clips twice already, I am too excited for this episode. I cried my eyes out on three different episodes when Mark left, His last one at County, the epi where Carter read the letter and of course "On the Beach" Holy crap Noah came by the set to watch Anthony film his scenes., I swear I adore that guy. He is so tied to ER and I love it that he was there for his old friends. And seeing Laura and Paul there as well was so great, and I agree with Laura so "organic" I am so sad to think of ER not being on air anymore but after 15 years I think they are making the right decision and really do feel with these old favs coming back that they are going out the right way!
kudos to John Wells, and Thanks to him as well

Anthony Edwards will be on Rachael Ray on the 13th, likely doing publicity for this episode. Thanks to MarcySue at BP2 for the head's up.

Thanks
He is also going to be on the Today show tomorrow morning 11/11

I can't wait to see this episode. I have missed Mark ever since he died and it will be amazing to see him again, just once before the series is over.

I think it's admirable that, instead of being paid for his appearance, the money is being donated to a charity he's working with that is building a children's hospital in Africa.

Kudos to you Anthony Edwards! You're my hero!!!

Yeah how exciting. I must say that i became an ER fan bec of people like Anthony Edwards in the show. After season 9 i felt the writers lost the plot. The numerous episodes in Africa just took away the essence of the show. It's about an ER and that's why i tune in! To see ER action. The continual change of characters and introduction of newbies with very little character development just made it like any other show. The first 9 seasons were the best. The rest are a blurr. So WELCOME BACK, Drs. Greene, Weaver and Romano!!!

I loved the Congo arc, that and the Bishop are two of my favorites, but then for me, it's all about the character development and how they balance their conscience with the medicine they practice...their time in Kisangani and Matenda showed just how difficult it can be. As for the seasons, I'm a fan of 6 and up, as I watch for Luka, the episodes without him generally do little for me.

I'm looking forward to this episode though for the return of Paul McCrane...I've missed "Rocket" Romano, and even if we only get him for one scene it'll be worth it.

JD/Forum Moderator

Excellent tribute to Michael Crichton by Eriq LaSalle to open the episode...he will be missed.

If you haven't already, go here to leave your messages of condolence.

Anyone else get the goosebumps seen Dr. Mark Green?

This is why ER is a long living show. I loved it. I loved it!
Now, we know why Banfield is meany. I love how it went from the present to the past. Greene was Greene as always. I love him. I still can't believe it has been six years. And the remembrance of Michael Crichton at the beginning was special by eric laShalle.

The writing was just great. Does anyone agree?
It was great seeing Weaver, Doris, and Jerry. I was a little happy when Romano showed up. I wanted to see him too. He's an idiot as ever. And Angela and Courtney were great.

Yes. Seeing him again was just perfect.

all i am going to say as this is my first post......this episode was one of, if not the best written episode in the history of this most outstanding show. It was done in a manor that when i heard Anthony Edwards was coming back i never expected this depth. I honestly thought that they would just mail it in like the old Carter in Africa episodes....this show has once again shown me how great television can be and i honestly can not wait for the rest of the season....Shane West, Anthony Edwards (Laura Innes and Paul McCrane and Jerry), Carter and Benton in the near future....i am sure we are not going to be disappointed but I think whatever it takes for NBC to do they need to get Clooney to just put a nice ribbon on the whole thing...(Marguilies would not be bad either)........and that is my two cents

I think this was a heart string puller, I found myself crying even harder than any other episode before. It hit home so much, my baby girl Olivia passed away 2 1/2 months ago, 1 month shy of her 2nd b-day and everything she said at the end of the episode was how I felt and still feel. Her saying that if your parents die you are an orphan, if your spouse dies you are a widdower, but when your child dies what do we call ourselves??

Before marriage and before kids, I watched ER almost every Thursday. My wife and I made a special point of watching tonight's episode. What an incredibly wonderful epsiode. I was so touched; more so than a TV episode has done in many years.

Powerful!!! Powerful!!! Powerful, episode!!! The most powerful and effective episode of the season. I loved "Haunted" because I'm a bias Roomie fan, but this episode was definitely an extraordinarily special episode. Angela Bassett needs to win an Emmy! Her role as Dr. Banfield has had more impact for a newcomer on this show than any new character for a very long time. The tragedy of her son dying really illuminated who she is and why she is the way she is. It really explained a lot of some of the questions we had. And what the heck, give her husband an Emmy too. Courtney Vance's performance was just as effecting. I just loved the parallels between the case with the little girl who almost drowned and the case with Banfield's son. It was excellently done.

Oh my God!!! Dr. Greene! Jerry! Kerry! Romano(I'll pretend like I didn't know he seems a bit more pudgy than he did in 2002 ). I like the fact that TPTB didn't bombard us with too much of the old cast. It could have been a temptation to over due their appearance, but I'm glad they didn't. As much as I love the old cast, this is a new ER, with new characters, and new stories. The episode shouldn't have been about them and I'm glad TPTB did that without losing any effectiveness. I liked the fact that Banfield's tragedy came at the same time as Mark was about to experience his own tragedy of dying with a brain tumor. It made their interaction even more potent and heart breaking. I also appreciated the scene where Banfield opened up to Morris. It shows that Banfield is slowly stripping away that wall she put up. Usually, she would have never get that personal with anyone. I like her and Morris' interactions. They work well as a team.

Honorable mentions: I think it was a good sub plot for Neela's intern Andrew. Even though it was short, it was a good spark that ignited what turned out to be a very meaningful and powerful episode. It kinda drew a parallel to Banfield's tragedy in that she, just like Andrew, was unable to see the signs and took the situation for granted. It also illuminated the fact that Banfield was right last week in trying to push the interns to step up and ask questions. Andrew's outburst to Neela showed that maybe Andrew felt handcuffed when it came to speaking his mind. It will be interesting to see how he and Neela's story evolve.

By the way, I love how they started the show with the old "Previously on ER" intro. And I think it was a great idea to let Eric Lasalle pay homage to Michael Crichton. This season is definitely living up to the hype.

Who is Sheldon Zabel (to whom there was a dedication at the end of the show). Google reveals that he was a lawyer in Chicago - but what is the connection to the show?

This was an excellent episode - well written, perhaps Bassett's best acting so far. And indeed, Edwards is a class act - it may now be time to forgive him for Gotcha!

I just would like to thank the writers for such a great show tonight, I thank you because you wrote a believable show- You brought dr, green back as a memory - instead of as a ghost like greys anatomy the hour before tonight with denny, You expressed how devastating losing a loved one (child) is- & even somewhat mentioned differences between losing a parent or a spouse. I was just so impressed! A real story ! In stead of setting people up to believe their loved ones come back to help them as ghosts & that you should burn their cloths etc. as greys writers did for tonight- Shame on them !!!

So again- to the ER writers-----
THANK YOU & WELL DONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok I am totaly new at coming to a Televisions web site, so I probably am putting this in the wrong place.
However, I need to say that i am in great sadness that ER is in the final season.
I am an honorable follower of the entire show from the start.
Tonight, this episode was so touching...Yes the actors have so much to do with making it real, although it is the issues that through the years ER has presented that emotionally touches the "REAL" side of humanity.
I can not thank the producers, actors, all involved enough from my heart ..for saying things i couldn't quite get through to others.. This show has made me feel....
There are so many great episodes but being a mother that has lost a child tonight and another episode long ago of a father sitting with his total care child in the Er room letting him go..these 2 episodes i will forever hold in my mother's heart.
I know when a show ends , it is about ratings etc...
It is unexcusable to end this show it just is...
Thank you ER...Sincerely..........

I did get goosebumps when I saw Greene.

Not much to add to what has already been said. There must be lots of interest because it took forever to log on..... I have been watching this show from day one....so sad to think it is ending... tonight was so reminiscent of what has made it such an incredible production... emotional entertaining television at its best!!!

What an amazing and touching episode. Honestly, for the first half hour, I was emotionally captivated and could slowly feel the tears well up. Then, as they are in the present working on the little girl, and the grandfather tells her (translated in English): If you do not heal today, you will heal tomorrow--that was the point when I started to lose it.

How heart-wrenching to see what Banfield and her husband went through with their son….and how she slowly builds up to expressing her grief, first to Morris (big kudos to Scott Grimes, by the way) and then finally to her husband. Oh, her talking about waiting to hold her son in her arms again---that really got to me…what a powerful performance. Not only is Angela Bassett a great addition to the cast, but the writing she has been given is phenomenal.

Other tidbits---

How wonderful to see Drs. Weaver, Greene, and Romano (not to mention Jerry!). It was a strong reminder of how much soul and heart Greene brought to the ER, his work, and his patients. He was always able to stay very human, despite the horrendous things in his work and sadly, his personal life and struggles. I was reminded of how he really is in a league of his own, despite the various doctors that have come and gone since.

In this episode, I also noticed how the music set the tone and added to the visceral feeling of the contrasting past and present.

I’ve said this before, but Morris has come so far, watching S11 reruns on TNT makes me appreciate that so much. Who would’ve thought that he would be able to hold his own while acting with Angela Bassett?

E.R. premiered in 1994 when I was ten years old. I've watched the show from Day 1 and now, at 24 years old, I am a dedicated fan for life! Seeing tonight's episode "Heal Thyself" with the great Dr. Greene took me back to the childhood excitement I experienced in the earlier seasons. This episode is bittersweet. It made me think of Dr. Greene's death and how other favorite characters left. It made me anxious to see what's to come and sad that the show will be ending soon. Nevertheless, I LOVED the episode and it was great to see other characters who've left: Dr. Washington, Dr. Ramono, and Jerry. This show is truly one of the greatest!

E.R. Baby

It was just... wow. Really phenomenal. It was like the best combination of old-school and new-school ER.

First of all, Mark Greene. Anthony Edwards. He is ER. To see him open that ambulance door, it was like he never left! He's appealed to me from the start because he's so supert smart when it comes to the medicine but his vulnerability as a man is fascinating to watch. I would have liked a tad bit more Kerry, and Romano, I saw, had two good arms so this was pre-helicopter days. lol

Second of all, Angela Bassett. So excellent. I've always respected her as an actress, and I thought she did so well in this episode. After Banfield's son died, I could feel her devastation and guilt, and her inability to voice how she felt. I've always respected Bassett's work and I like her in ER -- the angry woman thing was starting to get tough to watch but I'm so glad the show put it in perspective sooner than later.

I loved the frantic pace of tonight's epi -- the quick changes, the present seamlessly blending into the past -- you had to keep paying attention. Old-school ER, for sure! Morris was great (I'm surprised Banfield told him the truth), Neela and Andrew, the intern -- good stuff.

All in all, I enjoyed it (can you tell?)

Comment on tonight's show:
EXCELLENT episode! Seamless, believable flashbacks, tremendous
direction. A great way to see some of the "good ole guys" that we
have all loved since the beginning. Too bad we only have the one
season to appreciate Angela Bassett's character, it's a complex,
interesting one. I hate to see you go, but until you do, keep up
the good work!

I am with you on that. I am a huge ER fan I have watched it from the beginning. I was very sad when Dr. Greene's character died on the show.

Thank you writers! This was the best E.R. ever! I can't imagine how you can top this! Tonight was inspiring. It was like a reunion with close friends you haven't seen in years. I got chills! I am so pleased with the way everyone jumped back into character it was like they never left. The tragic story with Angela Bassets charactor finaly gave her character heart. I have never cried so much over a show (except when Dr.Green died). Dr.Ramono really brought some caring into his role tonight through his snied remarks that only his charactor can do. And just to see Jerry always makes me smile, his character has such heart. And Dr.Green, well simply AMAZING! Kudos!

What an incredible ER - vintage ER at its best! This was truly a fitting tribute to Michael Crichton. This episode should win the Emmy! ER will go out on a very strong note, and Angela Bassett is a revelation- just what the series needed! They way Anthony Edwards was re-introduced was a stroke of genius, along with the other veteran players. Wonderful work, NBC, for re-energizing a beloved series!

Something else I realized, in regard to a parallel between Dr. Greene and Dr. Banfield. In the flashback at the end of the episode, we see Dr. Greene on the phone with Elizabeth, seemingly at the point in their relationship when they are trying to reconcile. (Recall that it was the near-death of their daughter Ella that really tore their relationship apart.) Then as he watches Banfield and her husband walk up the steps together, she rebuffs her husband’s attempt to hold her hand, reflecting that now their relationship has been damaged by the horrible fate of their child…But at the very end of the episode, in the present---we see that now she and her husband may be working toward a reconciliation of their own.

i watched season 14th the last show it is great i been watching it for a long time

thank you for making seasons of ER..

EMMY TIME! Simply perfection! I cant imagine how they can top this when they end the show (the thought makes me so sad). It was like we steped back in time and all the compasion for E.R. came flooding back.

I loved this episode , The beginning tribute by Eriq was so moving. When they used the old intro I almost cried I had thought it was for AE but it was fr Michael Crichton. It was so perfect for them to do that.
The show really had the feel of the ER I loved so much. the fast pace of the traumas combined with the personal stories just like the old days
I got chills when Dr. Greene opened the ambulance doors and said "Welcome to County" seeing Haleigh and Mark taking care of Banfield's son the mentions of Elizabeth, Mark's chemo and seeing Kerry and Romano and Jerry ( YEAH Jerry, I had no idea he was going to be on) felt like no time had passed at all. This was done so brilliantly I look forward to seeing more of the old cast interwoven into the plots and the show more now than ever!
Thank You John Wells for knowing how to send a long running show off into the sunset. Bravo, bring on the next one!

I don't know if I was weepier about the story of Dr. Banfield and her son, or about seeing Drs. Greene, Romano, Weaver, et al. I loved the show in those days, and it brought back so many memories of those complex and wonderful characters (and all the others who've gone). Thank you, ER, for bringing them back.

In answer to the question about the dedication at the end of the episode to Sheldon Zabel, he was the uncle of executive producer David Zabel.

This was definately one of the best ER episodes ever, if not most moving. Their description of losing a child was authentic, raw and true and gutsy.
My happiness at seeing Mark at County again was beyond expression! He has always been my favourite and my mum and I cried through the whole show. I cannot say enough good about ER, what it has taught me over all these years.

I agree with Tiger Lily about the parallel with their stories. I think watching that loss and what Mark said about "seeing so much grief" is what inspired him to call Elizabeth and begin their reconciliation. That is the part that Got me. I think that is one of the big themes of ER: Tragedies happen every day, and it is up to people to take any good possible out of them- like calling your wife and making up instead of continuing the pain cycle. And Dr Banfield learned that in time, and now passed it on to Morris by example.

Also, did you notice that Anthony Edwards name was first on the regular cast list, not under "guest star"? sweet!!
BTW, to partially answer someone's question, the Sheldon Zabel to whom the episode was dedicated was quite likely related to David Zabel, who is the longest-serving writer of ER, and who wrote and directed this episode. It touched my heart to think that maybe Mr Zabel has his own story of loss and...love that he shared with us all.

I was so happy with tonights. Amazing how Edwards just slipped right back into character. Like he was never gone. Emmy!!!!

And all the other guest apperances. I was so shocked and crying. I wish there was more...the hour went back way too fast. The best episode in like 2 seasons