The TV Zone

Got the final numbers in for the finale, and - as you can see - they're good. Beyond that huge 16.2 million, the show also got a 6 rating for adults 18-49. That's huge too. Here's the bottom line from NBC:

"Last night from 9-11 p.m. ET, the series finale of "ER" (6.0 rating, 16 share in adults 18-49, 16.2 million viewers overall) scored the highest 18-49 rating for a drama series finale since "The X-Files" wrapped with a 6.3 on May 19, 2002. In total viewers, "ER," with an average 16.2 million viewers, assembled the biggest overall audience for a drama series finale since "Murder, She Wrote" concluded with 16.5 million on May 19, 1996.

Well, I've watched the finale of "ER" - all 120 minutes - and unless I blinked for a couple beats too long, no George Clooney.

Of course, they could always add him to the "sweetened" version with some sort of CGI trickery, or may clip in his appearance for one last surprise. But don't wait around tonight to see the lad. No big deal - his last episode was just fine.

Yes, I posted something yesterday saying this might happen - it was all based on a hunch - which is a lesson, dear reader - don't believe everything your read in blogs.

At least this one.

Meanwhile, you should still watch tonight; it's a quiet, gentle farewell. No fireworks...unlike next week's season premiere of "Rescue Me." Now THAT has fireworks, lemme tell ya.

And in the end... (Pix: NBC)

So, tomorrow night is the end of "ER," as you're well aware, and there will be a few cameos, as you're also aware. But howabout this one? George Clooney makes one more pass - his final final FINAL farewell, on the finale.

I do believe it will happen, but I can't promise. When asked, an NBC spokesman said he "couldn't confirm" Doug Ross's last goodbye, which is the same as saying he "couldn't deny..."

I'll just go with "maybe." But I think it may well happen. Doug...err, Clooney was - as you know - on the show a couple weeks ago. But even that nice cameo didn't quite feel complete. He has to say goodbye to Carter, after all. That'll happen tomorrow.

The logline from NBC, on the jump...

Continue reading ""ER:" Will Clooney Make One Last Bow? " »

Get yer hankies ready, kids.

I know I've got my supply.

"ER" ends this Thursday. I don't why - because I haven't watched the show much over the last couple years (although I do believe the Angela Bassett addition this season has been a master stroke) - but I'm gonna miss the old girl.

A trusted friend is about to leave forever. How else am I supposed to feel?

I've got a couple of clips, in any event... This Thursday...two-hour finale...9 to 11...