Thoughts on “ER”
The reason why I watch “ER”: is because of Parminder Nagra’s
character, Neela. During season 10 and the beginning of season 11, her character
went through the stage of adolescence up to a young adult. Her character is
a smart girl who knows her medical jargon very well. In addition, Neela is
claustrophobic (fear of being enclosed) and gets petrified if she stays inside
a room for a long period of time. I hope that Parminder can bring more depth
to Neela’s character as the “ER” season 11 progresses. This
show has been on the air for 11 seasons, and in television time, that means
the show has done something right to stay on the air this long. In addition, “ER” has
been on the air in the most coveted time slot available, Thursday’s at
10 PM.
Thanks to all the TNT reruns that I watched over the summer, I have seen most
of "ER" episodes. I know that the show had way better writing
back then. But, I think the show can last for a little bit longer.
"ER" might be still be breathing...since it's the only show in the
top 10 in the weekly ratings (even though CBS's "Without a Trace" has
consistently beaten "ER" in their time slot every time this season). “ER” is
almost a lock for twelve seasons. Then, how long can the show stay on the air
after season 12.
This show, more than any other, is dependent on guest stars and its cast. Many
people, including me, just watch the show to for certain actors like Noah Wyle,
Maura Tierney, or Parminder Nagra. I know that Noah Wyle is leaving after this
season. In addition, from the rumor mills, Ming-Na, Mieki Phiefer, and Goran
Visnijic might consider leaving the show after this season. With the departure
of Noah Wyle, Goran Visnijic can’t leave the show or else it’s
pretty much over. There’s a certain point when filling in old characters
with “new blood” won’t work anymore.
I wish the show “ER” the best of luck so that it can go beyond
a 12th season on the air. I mean “Law & Order,” having been
on the air for 15 years, is definitely losing some steam. Realistically, primetime
television shows can’t last forever. If and only if “ER” became
a daytime “soap opera,” could the show last forever.
The Cast of “ER” and No Limit Texas Hold Em’
Well, while watching Thursday night's "ER" episode, I watched "Celebrity
Poker Showdown" on Bravo during commercial breaks. Well this was the third
time that they had the 3rd final table, in which the previous winners competed
for a $100,000 first prize for their charity. And guess who won, "ER's" Meiki
Phiefer a.k.a. Dr. Pratt. As a result, every main cast member of "ER” (who
has competed in a Celebrity Hold Em’ tournament): Ming-Na, Maura
Tierney, and Meiki Phiefer are all undefeated at poker. Since I bought
a silver suitcase
of 500 chips from eBay and I defeated a good friend from Harvard heads-up,
I know a little bit about No Limit Texas Hold Em'.
Here's how all three of them won:
Ming-Na ("Hollywood Home-Game" on Travel Channel):
While playing heads-up against an aggressive player she won 80% of the chips in one amazing hand. At the end of the river card, all Ming-Na had been a pocket pair of 2s. However, her opponent had nothing, because he missed on his "straight-draw." He bet very aggressively during pre-flop, after flop, 4th street, and 5th street. Basically, Ming-Na read him well and had a lot of chutzpah. That's why she won that hand, which would lead her to victory.
Maura Tierney ("Celebrity Poker Showdown" on Bravo):
Previously, Maura had been at a final table before, which earned her
a spot at the second final table in order to compete for a first
prize of a $100,000
for
charity. In the second final table, Maura played great poker. At
first, she played conservatively, but towards the end, she started
to play a
little more aggressive
(a great poker strategy). Maura deserved to win, because she played
mixed up her game and played the right hands. I know that sometimes
poker players
make
mistakes or don't get the cards they need...but, That's poker baby!
Mieki Phiefer ("Celebrity Poker Showdown" on Bravo):
Previously, Mieki had been at a final table before, which earned
her a spot at the second final table in order to compete for
a first prize
of
a $100,000
for
charity. Basically, in one word I will give you the reason why
he won at the second final table "luck." Seriously, he kept on playing these terrible
hands like K,9 off-suit. Either Meiki's opponent's had worse hands than him or
he would get his card on 4th street or 5th street. Sheer aggressiveness and "dumb
luck" win out most of the time in Hold Em' Poker.
I think Parminder should start playing some Hold Em' Poker. Think
about it...Mindi can use her gorgeous eyes in order to bluff.
She doesn't
need special "eye" glasses
like Greg "Fossilman" Reimer, who won the first prize of $5,000,000
at the 2004 World Series of Poker. Amateurs usually do well, because other players
don't know how their style of play and their "tells” (clues that give
off what kind of hand you have).Poker is fun game. Besides, a celebrity can just
go on these poker shows just to win money for charity. As the old cliché goes
for No Limit Texas Hold Em': "Minutes to learn, a lifetime
to master."