nbc.com

September 21, 11:13 PM

General changes/plans for this season

My goal as the showrunner is to make the show feel like a new show and to fight repetition or complacency in terms of the stories we're telling or the characters we're portraying. The show has been blessed by having great actors and also great new actors, which keeps the show alive and vibrant and is a big reason for its longevity.

This year, we're excited by a number of things, including the addition of John Stamos, whose character will bring a shot of adrenaline to season. His story, in terms of the workplace and butting heads with other characters - and romantic storylines -- I think audiences will find him exciting and entertaining.

We also have a long, multiple episode arc that I think fans will find exciting and incredible. It's a great arc that will allow an actor to create a character that is very powerful and that actor is Forest Whitaker. His character begins in a few episodes and his arc will be a very strong one, focusing on Kovac and Abby.

Stylistically, we think the show is great in and of itself but we always want to try and mix it up a little bit so we're not resting on our laurels, which is why we sometimes try different music, editing styles, or kinds of stories that we haven't done before. Things like this contribute to our efforts to keep the show vital.

COMMENTS

I would like to find out the name of a song used in last week's episode (Season13, Ep. 20 "I Don't"). It is one of the dance songs played during the wedding reception. It had a sort of middle eastern flavor; fast paced, almost "disco" sounding. Can you help?

I LOVE YOU’RE GUYS SHOW! BUT IN MY BOOK I THINK THAT YOU GUY’S COULD USE SOME DIFFERENT WRITERS. TO HELP YOU MAKE THE SHOW MORE FELLING AND TOUCHING. THAT WOULD MAKE YOU’RE SUPPORTTER CRY FOR THERE STARS, STAND UP FOR THERE SEARS AND MOST OF ALL LOVE THERE STARS LIKE THEY IS APART OF THERE OWN FAMILY.

I CAN HELP!
CALL
586-913-5835
OR
E-MAIL
ME AT
roscal1453@yahoo.com

DOES SOMEONE KNOWS THE NAME AND THE AUTHOR OF THE NEW OPENING THEME?

Please bring back the original opening music,it just does not feel like ER without it. Leave Carter where he is, he was not man enough for Abby.

Bring back the theme now. It is almost an institution. It sets the theme for the remainder of the progoramme, and has been there for far too long for you to just get rid of it.

I am boycotting ER until you bring back the original theme, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.

And PLEASE start to realise that you have other characters apart from Abby. Seriously, contact me and I will write some storylines for you. Then I'll bring back the original theme, and all of the people who have 'left' ER over the years will come flocking back.

Give it a go!

Bring back the theme, it was the begining, the entry that made people run to the TV because they knew it would be starting.

Please bring it back!!!

Please, take away all the sex scenes! It's horrible! It begins to remind me some kind of soap operas, like "Desperate Housewives" (real fake and awful show). The "ER" is much worse now. Almost each episode has sex scenes! That's enough! Sex has nothing to do with the show. So, take it away!!!

I don't like how you are making the show seem like a soap opera. The surgery scene in the season premier seemed like it came from Chicago Hope. The season so far is BORING. I'm tired of the Abby and Luka storylines.

Besides, the older seasons are way better then this season. At least they made ER seem real, but this season ER is beginning to appear fake.

Seasons one to eleven were better directed. I don't know what happened, but as I said ER is beginning to look fake and I don't think ER is going to last much longer.

I have to disagree. I cant begin to describe as to how angry & disappointed I was about the theme song. I have been watching ER since the start MANy years ago. I have seen every single episode & numerous times. My favorite part is in the beginning i always turn up my tv ALL the way up while the theme & credits are on. it gets me pumped up. I want it as a ringtone but cant find it. PLEASE PLEASE bring back the old theme, even if you shorten it..thats fine. I NEED IT back! Im going to start a petition. Its been too long & it was too good to change it! Its not the same! I beg you.. thank you!
ER's biggest fan!!!
Ursula S.
Detroit, MI.

I think you don’t pay attention to my opinion,because I´m not U.S.A people and I don’t count or I am include in your ratings.
Personally , I think Ray's screen time is being diminished because of John Stamos joining the cast. You and others producers seem to have a fascination with him (Stamos) like a ER Leader, with no honest reason to be, from what I saw on the two episodes he was on last season. Gates not only did I not see any chemistry between him and Neela, but the character acted like an immature teenager. He couldn't respect the fact that she told him she was committed to someone. And when she wanted his permission to treat him in the field, he wouldn't grant it until she told him she'd have gone out with him if she didn't have a boyfriend.
Now you want to transform Gates into a powerful hero, loaded of predicates and wonderful feelings. A super hero as does not exist equal.
Parminder and Shane have more chemistry together than she ever did with John Stamos.
And Shane is a great actor, and Ray has so much potential as a character!
You need to develop Ray's character more because Shane is a great actor and he needs to be challenged more than he has already he has proven that he can take on difficult storylines and do emotional scenes so I hope you and scriptwriters do more with him this season or it will be a waste of a good talent.
And you´ll lost many fans all over the world!
Sorry for my words. But I am always sincere! And I´m feel very sad!

Elsa
Portugal

does anyone know the song by david gray that they played in last week's season premier??

The more I read about Stamos more I sadden!
Every news about ER season 13 talk too much about Gates. Never one character had as so many privileges, as Stamos goes to have in next season 13 of ER.
While ones characters is offered with short, ridicule and stupid story lines, Stamos enters soon with superiority in the script! It´s very very much sad!John shouldn't get the lead at all, not until all the others are off...wont ever happen before the series ends. He should start out small, like all the others did when they first appeared.
And where is Ray Barnett?
I see that Ray is a
ghost in that again, with little, absurd and dull storylines. He goes back for
his past with groupies again? No thanks!!!
I dont understand the reason you make this with the fans.I dont understand where you want to go.
I loved ER. It was my favorite TV Show. But now I begin deslike.
Ray is under developed and so is Morris just like Sam. The scriptwriters made
huge blunders with those 3 characters and did not introduced them properly.
I love Roomies. You Killed them for make room for Stamos. And I hate that!
I never see chemistry between Gates/Neela
Maybe ER is off for me. Cause I can´t see it without Ray and Neela together!

Sorry for my true and depressing opinion Mr.Zabel,

Bia
Spain

The more I read about Stamos more I sadden!
Every news about ER season 13 talk too much about Gates. Never one character had as so many privileges, as Stamos goes to have in next season 13 of ER.
While ones characters is offered with short, ridicule and stupid story lines, Stamos enters soon with superiority in the script! It´s very very much sad!John shouldn't get the lead at all, not until all the others are off...wont ever happen before the series ends. He should start out small, like all the others did when they first appeared.
And where is Ray Barnett?
I see that Ray is a
ghost in that again, with little, absurd and dull storylines. He goes back for
his past with groupies again? No thanks!!!
I dont understand the reason you make this with the fans.I dont understand where you want to go.
I loved ER. It was my favorite TV Show. But now I begin deslike.
Ray is under developed and so is Morris just like Sam. The scriptwriters made
huge blunders with those 3 characters and did not introduced them properly.
I love Roomies. You Killed them for make room for Stamos. And I hate that!
I never see chemistry between Gates/Neela
Maybe ER is off for me. Cause I can´t see it without Ray and Neela together!

I liked the 1st episode of Er a lot, it was one of the best than I already watched, in spite of I found mistakes, for exemple: when the doctors of ER are together with Jerry when he is at the room - were : Morris, Pratt and Neela, but where was Ray ? he also helped to save the life of Jerry with Morris, and if it was to show the friendship and consideration among those that are always working together, that was a fault inside of the story. Another mistake: Joe is born bald, and in the video of the cellular of Luka Joe was with a lot of hair..... but even so it was excellent.
I know that it is important to add new characters for the series, but I don't understand why you are elevating or glorifying so much John Stamos's character as Gates. I believe that there are wonderful characters that could be gotten better and they be more explored and unhappily they are being forgotten, like Morris and Ray.
I know that a production involves several important and complex factors, but to leave of side characters that were growing, that they have potential and the public was liking a lot, simply to increase a new one, it is not correct for me, I don't have anything against Stamos, but I don't also have anything in favor.
Thanks (sorry my bad English)
Katia - Brazil

Pleeeeeeeease bring back the original opening theme !!!!!!!!!

I love that you want to do something different with the show. I love that you want to put more on the story but to so many people the theme is apart of the show as much as the characters. Also, freaking fans like us harp on the order of the characters and so much more. I love the new sound but still roll the characters through or meet the fans in the middle.

ER needs to always be an ensemble series. ER also needs to always have a balance between drama, tragedy, humour, excitement, romance, and adrenaline. I hope this season will have lots of these ingredients for all of the ensemble. And Neela of course rocks! :)

Oh my god, the opening was awsome, i don´t know why you people didn´t like it, i loved the previous one, but the song it started sounding kind of old and the opening was waaaaay to long, and i´m a die hard fan of ER since i was like 7 years old so i absolutly loved the new opening, i was shocked when te "previously on ER .. " started, it was changed and i thought it couldn´t be possible and i was blown away with the openning, i just loved it,the reason why is because i though ER was dead, nobody was watching it anymore, but the quality that they delivered yesterday absolutly shocking, in terms of editing, music, photography, script, everything i loved it, one of the best and most shocking ERs episodes, not fbecause of the paraphernalia, just becuase it was excellent script quality and everything, way to go ER, and finally we have to accept changes had to be made in this long running drama to appeal masses and to have ER for more time

a fantastic season opener which blew us away emotionally but like most others, PLEASE RETURN THE THEME!!!!!!

I think the new style of shooting is terrible. It makes the show look hoakey.

The previous method of filming with the filter made the show look grittier and more realistic.

The new changes to the music and overall look of the show has stolen it's heritage and credibility.

I appreciate keeping things fresh BUT NEVER LOSE YOUR BENCHMARKS

As a fan from the very first season I think you have put the first nail in ERs coffin by making losing two very significant aspects of your show.

The original theme music and the grittier film quality that made the show so unique and REALISTIC

Now it just looks like another hoakey soap opera

Please bring back the original theme music. I have also been watching it from the beginning and was so disappointed that the opening music was changed.That music is ER. Loved the show. Cryed my eyes out. Keep up the great work. Thanks

i agree with others i did not care for the opening music i think they should keep the old music!

I love the show, and I hope it stays on the air forever.

However, I agree with everyone else: Please keep the original theme music!!! It's too much a part of the show to drop after 12 seasons. Thanks!

I want the original ER THEME BACK!!!

I really didn't like the beginning minus the theme music. I've been watching since waaaaayyy back when during season one, and there was something about John Newton Howard's theme that just brought you into the show, IMHO. Without the music it was just missing a vital part of the show, again, IMHO. The theme, the background heartbeat were all perfect, now we have, what? Opening credits over the opening shot?

Regarding the theme music:
I appreciate every spare moment tonight being used for the story. However.....much like the theme of Law & Order, the theme to E/R is so intrinsic to the show, that to change it now is insulting. When you here that initial "Thump Thump" sound of L&O, you get the goose bumps of knowledge that you are about to be entertained and possible enlightend. Same goes for E/R's theme. Please rethink this change and give us the one item that has endured all these years.

Thank you!!

As I stated in another thread. I'm stoked that TPTB are trying to mix it up and keep it fresh. I just hope you all don't go too far from what makes ER work. And I like Stamos enough and his character Gates. But please don't muck up his character like Clemente was botched. If Gates will indeed be a energetic presence this season then have him show humour, strength, energy, heart, warmth, etc. Don't have him become crazed or become a downer on a series that can be over dramatic and morose sometimes. Gates can have a rebellious and dark side but don't over do it and balance it out. In fact ALL of the characters in the ensemble should be balanced and bring lighter/warmer traits to balance out the dark like in years past. We need balance, humour, drama, romance, and action!

what is the name of the song that played on tonights episode? and who sangs it?

Please bring Noah back to Chicago¡¡¡¡¡

Do we have to worry about the Forest W. arc with Abby and Luka??

Thanks

Please bring back the original them music. I've been watching the show since the beginning, and I was very taken aback by this particular change.

bring back carter, not for abby, just bring him back to chicago.i love seeing noah in the show but not in africa, its time he comes back to chicago. it would be nice to have a reunion with all the cast that hasn't been killed off.

we the fans, demand the old theme song/ opening credits! how can you just get rid of a major part of the show! make it shorter, I can live with that, but getting rid of it totally? NO WAY!

please please bring back the original opening

Please change the original theme music back. Its my ringtone on my cell phone and I love hearing it every Thursday night!

Mr. Zabel,

Great work tonight. Excellent story, wonderful acting, and great directing.

The theme song is part of the heart and soul of the show, but if it brings more screen/story time for the show. I'm all game for it!

Dear Mr. Zabel,

I love this show to death, but PLEASE DON'T CHANGE THE OPENING THEME MUSIC.

Its the absolute undeniable mark of the show. It also serves as an incredible motif linking each and every show with every other show in every other season that preceded it.

Thanks

I absoulutley love the show and I have since the first eppisode. But just a few things. The show doesn't have to change everything to keep ratings up in fact maybe its bringing ratings down. People liked the old ER and maybe bringing back that old feel it had to it would be a good idea.

Also not every eppisode has to be "The most dramatic eppisode of ER yet" we don't need, tanks, and shootings, and Africa in every other eppisode.

But I love the show and i'll probably won't ever stop watching, no matter what you do.

I have watched every episode, every week from the very beginning. Tonight's eppy was one of the best, ever. Keep it coming!

Mr. Zabel, your cast and crew hit it out of the park tonight. The premiere was the best one in a long time.

Goran Visnjic and Maura Tierney are two of the most amazing actors I've ever witnessed with a chemistry so strong and amazing, it blows me away. What made you and the rest of the producers decide to reunite the couple after almost 5 years apart?

I love the drama on the show very much. I am interested to know what part Michael Crichton played in this series? Creator? Does he contribute any further to the show and if so in what form or how regularly?

I am wondering if John Carter is going to be in this season and if not what happened to him. Tongihts epasode was awsom. I have been watching er for three years now and am going to be getting them on dvd.

Love ya, David but.......Kovacks? Since when is that his name?

when shooting this episode... how long did it take to shoot the car chase scene? And in the location scouting of this episode what were you looking for in particular?

CAn you PLEASE tell me the artist and the title of the song from Abbey's c-section and jerry's heart surgery. It was really awesome and i would love to buy it from itunes tonight

Love your writing, Mr. Zabel. I can always tell when you have written an episode. Are all the arcs for the characters planned already?

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