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by Frederic Germay
This episode made me remember why I even bother to watch ER. This episode reminded me why I used to love ER. Most importantly, this episode made me want to continue watching ER. It gave me hope that the writers still got it, and let us all hope that they bring 'it' for the last batch of episodes.
"I don't" started out with Ray heading back to the now closed ER to pick up a CD for Neela. Aww, that's sweet…but unfortunately 'the mixed CD routine' has been done time and time again. Speaking of the closed ER, it was quite the eerie sight to see our beloved County General completely inactive. I know the ER will probably make a comeback, but the writers are known for pulling off some incredibly unexpected plot-twists, so it really could be bye-bye!
This extended episode continued with some annoying Tony/Neela drama, which unfortunately continued throughout the episode. Don't get me wrong, I love John Stamos, but I just don't care for his character. I knew from the beginning that Tony and Neela were not compatible, and that Neela was just using him to get over Michael. However, those prolonged scenes were worth it, seeing as they were the catalyst for the fight between Tony and Ray.
As for Neela, she seemed highly indecisive throughout this episode. Pretty much everyone was hitting on the poor girl. She should have told Tony that she wasn't interested from the get-go, and she should have explained exactly what was going on to Ray. But given the way things eventually turned out, the storyline was much more interesting this way.
Contrary to many episodes of ER, the main event was actually the most interesting plot. The much-ballyhooed wedding between Abby and Luka took place, and it was the most entertaining TV weddings I have ever seen. At first I didn't think it was fair for Luka to spring an wedding on Abby without notice, but after his constant insisting and meticulous planning, who could say no to him.
I thought Luka's vow was okay, but I was floored by Abby's vow. I'm not a romantic -- trust me, I'm not -- but when Abby awkwardly recited bits of an EE Cummings' poem, I got a little misty-eyed. In my opinion, the only thing that topped their vows was their first dance.
I thought it was hilarious that Hope planned this wedding,and how she made the transformation into 'EVERY THING MUST GO EXACTLY RIGHT' gal. I also enjoyed Archie's contributions, especially his singing and his desire to videotape everything. It also felt fitting that Neela and Pratt were chosen to be the maid-of-honor and the best man. I thought long and hard about this, and I couldn't find anyone better suited to replace them.
On an entirely different note, the fight between Ray and Tony was very uncomfortable to watch. Tony was his usual arrogant self, but when Ray's alcohol-loosed tongue spewed out a really awful remark about the deceased Meg -- I was confused about whose side I should be on. Ray made some good points about how Tony was the new kid on the block who expected everyone to treat him like a hero, plus Ray was already emotionally strained, lovesick, and quite drunk. On the other hand, Tony has a lot on his plate with his would-be daughter, his alcoholic dad, and now a pointed remark towards the recently deceased Meg. I guess it was a good thing that the fight didn't go that far.
Then we get the sad cliffhanger. Ray is walking home, incredibly drunk, and gets hit by a truck. I hope that this isn't the end for Ray's character, partially because I don't think this provides a fitting tribute and farewell to Shane West's many years contributing to ER.
In conclusion, I think this was a particularly well-done episode, and it is undoubtedly one of the best of the season. Ironically, none of the episode actually takes place in the ER. Huh. Anyways, I hope that the ER writers continue in this trend, and hopefully the series will experience a resurrection in quality. By the way, who thought that Abby and Luka weren't going to get married? I, for one, thought that the holy union was unlikely, and the title of the episode, "I don't," lent credence to my assumption. Well, there still time left in the season for things to go wrong, since Goran Visnjic is leaving the show…
I give this episode a 9/10.
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