ER: The Complete Thirteenth Season [DVD] [Dual Disc Format]*

After what i have come to consider the transitional period that was "Season 11", I was a little apprehensive as to whether ER could come back or if its remaining series would be hollow imitations of a once great TV drama. By the time i had finished watching season 12 i was left without a doubt that it could. My hopes from the first few episodes that i was watching a resurgance in stories and drama would continue and it did right upto the season finale.

ER continues it's habit of discarding supporting characters and bringing in new blood to liven up the show, additionally big name guest starts continue to appear most notably Forrest Whittaker who puts in one of the most incredible perfomrances as an ER patient who sues Kovac for malpractice.

Continuing from the Season 12 Cliffhanger Season 13 opens with the ER in dissaray. Jerry in emergency surgery, Luka restrained on a gurney after walking in on the jail break, Abby collapsed and bleeding in one of the trauma rooms and Sam kidnapped by her con ex-husband. There are some really excellent episodes and some characters like Morris truly start to shine and develop.

All in all one of the best seasons for a long while that will have you laughing and crying in equal measures. this set is well worth adding to your collection.

I've watched every single episode of ER, and season 13 is definitely one of my favourite seasons.
The new cast addition of Tony Gates takes a little while to integrate himself in, but after a few episodes you'll wonder why he wasn't in sooner. Everyone puts in a fine performance this season, especially Goran Visnjic with the Ames storyline (excellent, if a little over-long), and Scott Grimes' best episode, #7 (Jigsaw) when he gives genuine insight to his character, and the way people perceive Doctor Morris. Laura Innes coasts, but this is fine as she isn't really given much to do, and Shane West to be honest might as well not be in the first 15 episodes, he contributes so little, but this is (I feel) more due to the writing than his acting, which is a shame because he was popular in season 11. However, the season finale is fantastic and he does a good job.
The episodes are well written, especially for a show in its 13th season, and they dont feel like rehashes of old episodes. The aforementioned 'Jigsaw' being a highlight, as well as 'Scoop and Run', 'Murmurs of the Heart' and the last three episodes. Parminder Nagra as a surgeon seems more fitting than an ER doctor, so this development is very welcome.
Overall, the season is brilliant, a definite purchase!

These comments were written after Season 13 aired on TV:

Thoughts on E.R. series 13

Was Season 13 better than season 12? Yes. Very much so.I enjoyed this season, and I'm sure most ER fans will agree. For me, the development of Morris and Sam has been key to its success this season.Do you remember when Carter left and he spoke that legendary line to Morris : "You set the tone".Well Morris is finally fulfilling his potential. He's not the finished article yet, but boy has his character grown this season. (Top Kudos to the writers).

Sam has been the revelation of the season. Since becoming the killer of her husband and Alex's father she seems a better person. (tragic and ironic). She's developed stronger working relationships and is slowly discovering how to be a better mother to her son.

On the downside Neela, and new to this season, Dr Gates have been disappointing. This has been Neela's worst season. Her presence and development as a surgical resident has been negligible. Its all been about the Gates/Ray love triangle. And wouldn't you know it she chose the wrong bloke, until she finally came to her senses. A shame for Ray it was a bit too late.

Gates has been a major character this season. The writers have certainly given him enough screen time; he's a main cast member now. His personality and storylines have done him no favours, elevating him to "bete noire" status.
I have no problems liking and empathising for a "bad" guy, my beef is with the actor John Stamos, not the character Gates. Stamos is just plain unlikeable and seems to be devoid of charisma. How many scenes has he done with Sarah where were supposed to believe he's kind and caring? None of them have been convincing. I've watched a whole season of John Stamos waiting for just one spark of charisma, a twinkle in the eye, a killer smile, but sadly nothing came. His acting style is one-dimensional and that really worries me. We're going to see more of Gates next season and Stamos' acting is holding back a potentially great character.

Thirteen favourite moments of the Season (in no particular order)

* Ray catches Gates and Neela kissing in the hospital. The look on Ray's face; priceless. [Jigsaw]
* Morris steps upto the plate with a difficult diagnosis. The D.I.D. patient. [Jigsaw]
* Abby listens in on the nannies talking in the park. [Parenthood]
* The Police investigate Pratt for suspicion of running an illegal clinic. Pratt replies "Isn't one of you supposed to be the good cop?"
* Morris and Hope sing their socks off and give a rousing version of "Don't go breaking my Heart" [I don't]
* Abby returns home to find a stranger (Ames) sitting in her front room. Truly chilling.
* Its Christmas time. Hope asks Morris out, but he gallantly turns her down to remain friends for the time being. Playing the Long Game can work sometimes. Nice one Archie. [City of Mercy]
* Ray vs 18 Wheeler. Possibly the most important moment of the season. Shocking to the core. And in the context of the most upbeat episodes for years , true genius on the writers behalf. [I don't]
* Morris vs Crenshaw. Archie squares upto the bullying egotist and shoots him down with a stinging verbal assault. Crenshaw was never the same again.
* The mysterious drinker in Ikes turns out to be Abby's father. The writers were clearly foreshadowing this character for next season.
* Sam takes care of a patient. Diana, the photographer, reveals "I don't have any friends". A heartfelt moment. Magic. Annabella Sciorra, the actress who played Diana was just great. Best cameo of the season by a long way. [Lights out]
* Dr Morretti is in the I.C.U. surveying his domain. As the viewer, I've got Ray on my mind....could he be mashed to a pulp fighting for his life in the very same ICU? The tension in those ICU scenes was immense. Clever, clever writing. [Sea Change]
* Its Sam's birthday. Alex is many miles away getting help at a special school. She's having a great time in the bar with her friends from work. Its almost the perfect birthday. Then she gets a phone call from Alex. A very subtle moment, but so powerful. Heart warming.

I'm hopeful Season 14 will better again. Well done everyone at ER.