First I have to say....A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN...I just realized it out of nowhere, and I couldn't have been more pleased...did anyone else notice? I had no idea until now, but think about it...a match made in heaven...Lucy! You can't get much more beautiful than that! Thank you thank you thank you for thinking of her.

Now I have much more to say (as I knew I would right away) so please bear with me, if you want to read on.

I thought this was an amazing episode, and it wasn't even that exciting. It was just beautiful, esp. personally to me, because two characters I loved so much came back to the minds (for US to see) of the two other characters I love. But before talking about Carter and Lucy, I have to say...since WHEN has Doug seen his girls? He's been to Chicago, and we did not even know! He's seen Carol, he's probably seen Mark (since he knows he's been there), I feel deceived. Okay, that's very melodramatic. But still, gees, all this time I thought he'd never seen them and it was really bothering me. And Carol's seen him, and she's still letting Luka fall for her. I know that we were meant to feel sorry for Luka, and I really did. I'm not as mad at him because I realize he is attached to the girls for a reason, and it isn't just Carol. Also, I wish Malucchi weren't so insensitive to Carol...and then that's all we see of him.

* I was VERY happy to hear that the girls are "Hathaway Ross" :) but Luka seemed hurt by that...hmmm. And I was not pleased with the opening "you're a beautiful family" scene. It was very back and forth for Carol. Anyways, I liked the recurring Doug theme, and I don't mind that they left it so open ended because I know they will come back to it. Anyways, the real Carol is back, and seeing the May previews was very sad, because ER will not be the same at all.

* The Carol and Carter moment was EXACTLY what I wanted to see more than anything. It was the greatest scene of the show. And I loved that she told him about Doug, because I know he can assume that since she mentioned him, she missed him. And can you believe it, Lucy would have stayed there. She wouldn't even have left most likely, if she chose not to, and I'm so glad it bothered Carter. Maybe he was thinking how they could have made peace if she stayed there. And I'm so glad Carol went "oh man". And I liked Elizabeth's offer to take care of it instead of Carter. She was also personally involved. Both Benton and Corday have been leary about talking about Lucy to Carter and I love it. Poor Carter looked like he was going to cry at the desk before the other doctor came up to him. I was kind of hoping for him to mumble something to "Lucy" at 2am. Anyways, I am glad for her memory.

* I do really wish Carter had apologized to Chen though.

Other than Corday's sensitive offer to Carter, I did not like her. I like her being assertive, but they are making her almost mean. I don't know who was right in the Benton/Cleo/Corday, I think Benton is too lenent as a doctor with Cleo, but I wish they would give Corday less argumentative scenes (less, not none, she's good at it!) and let her support Mark more. I felt really bad for Mark, but also for his father and I really wish he would just do what his father wants. Mark is being very stong though, and I think it's sweet.

* Last comment. Most people will totally disagree, but I liked Cleo in her first scene with the accident patient. She finally seemed like a pediatrician. The make out scenes were too much, but I did like the last scene with her just lying to sleep next to Benton, it was sweet (though is that allowed there?)

So like I predicted, this is a novel, but I loved this episode, and I only like to admit to other obsessors that I am indeed among the obsessed with this show. PLEASE, if anyone actually read this far, comment on anything or everything I've said.

-- Elaine (mrsclooney78@hotmail.com), April 14, 2000

Answers

I thought the Match Made in Heaven was Lucy's match in Psych.

I thought tonight's episode was great. Noah Wyle is doing a great job of showing us Carter's pain. I'm so glad to see him staying with Gamma. It will be intersting to see where that leads. I hope that all will be forgiven by Gamma and Gamps (?) for not going into the family business, and he will be part of the family again. Gamma said something to that effect already.

BTW, what ever happened to Carter's parents? I'm sure this was explained in an early episode.. but I don't recall any explaination of what happened to them. Just curious...

Sandi

-- Moira (sthores2@css.edu), April 14, 2000.

Yes, I also think the "match made in heaven" was a reference to Lucy's match with the psych internship, and the heaven part being the fact that she's dead now. Interesting title! I was glad to see they finally mentioned her, and I loved seeing Carter's reaction to the whole thing. I mean, it was sad, but an interesting storyline. You can see how he is over-reacting now, with Pablo and the restraints. I guess it could be partly out of guilt, but he's probably also afraid that something bad will happen again. Afraid for himself, you know?

I noticed that Carol mentioned she couldn't afford a nanny anymore! I'm also wondering about Elizabeth's attitude. I like her when she's assertive, but she did seem mean tonight. I guess she had a right to do what she did, though, because Peter & Cleo seem to be too chummy with each other when it comes to the patients & how to treat them. They should keep that separate!

I loved the scenes with Mark and his dad, and with Carol and Carter. Overall, I have really liked these last few episodes. They have been a big improvement from Season 5! I thought it was hilarious when Randi said "Maybe he called her meatball." Get it? Swedish meatballs? Because the nurse was Swedish? I know, that is so bad, but that was a funny line. I'm glad to see Randi is on there more now, also.

-- Melanie (msintn@hotmail.com), April 14, 2000.

I, too, thought this was an amazing episode. I was never a big Lucy fan, though I do enjoy Carter and like to see what's going on with him. Carol, of course, I adore.

-I'm glad Doug has seen his daughters, though I want to SEE him see them!!

-I've said this before, but Carol seemed to have an edge in her voice when she said, "Ross. Their last name is Ross." Luka did seem a little hurt by that -- was it the fact that he had to acknowledge their father is a factor in not only the twins' lives, but in the life, heart, and mind of their mother?; or is it just how she said it, almost defensively?

-Please excuse me while I gag over, "What a beautiful family!" Oh, if she only knew how beautiful the REAL family is. ;-)

-I must gag again over Peter and Cleo. Eeeww.

-I loved the Carol/Carter scene. Perfection -- both actors are top- notch and really got to explore their characters' depths. Both lives changed in an instant, due to two people whose presence hangs heavily in the air around them.

-Carol's response, "You go back to work," was PERFECT. So in-character, that's exactly how she handles her own personal struggles, she uses work to escape from it.

-Her "CHOICE"!? Yes, Malucci, if you only knew. Obviously the gossip mill is running, even if we don't see it.

That's all for now, though I'll probably be back!! Oh yes, those May previews brought me to tears!! And I thought last week's was sad!!

-- Arianne (CarolRossSusanGreene@yahoo.com), April 14, 2000.

I think Elizabeth had every right to pull rank on Peter and let Cleo know she was out of line. If the situation was reversed, Peter would have done the same thing. Cleo behaved like a child playing the parents against each other.

-- judie (jasbel95@aol.com), April 14, 2000.

Oh boy... Lucy matched up in psych. Is anyone else appreciating the irony?

-- (trelles@ix.netcom.com), April 14, 2000.

Elaine, I agree with everything you said. This was an incredible episode, IMO. I hope that Doug does come back to get his family on their last episode. I can't wait until May! I agree with you about Cleo. Her scene with the accident patient was one of the best ones that she has been in because she actually seemed to care about this patient. I hope that we get more scenes like this with her in the future. Now for Carter. I think that Noah is doing an excellent job of acting out this storyline. I feel so sorry for Carter, I can hardly stand it. I was so happy that Carol talked to him. I just wish that he had someone close to him to comfort him at home. He seemed so lonely in the kitchen last night. And I loved the fact that his troubles seem to stem from his remembrances of Lucy. I can't wait to see how the storyline plays out. I just hope that he comes out okay in the end.

-- Katrina (cattrek@ga.freei.net), April 14, 2000.

I thought the seen with Carol & Carter was awful! Note to Carol, a statue would've shown more emotion! She compared her life change to Carters. I know she's going through a tough time, but she had the option to go with Doug from the beginning. If I was in love with someone that much, I would follow him. That was her decision to stay. And I remember her saying at one time that she didn't remember a time when she didn't love him. I followed my husband 700 miles away from my family so I know that's a tough decision. You can't compare her changes to the fact that Carter almost died, and now feels this tremendous guilt/regret for what happened that night. I thought Carol's remark about "going back to work" was cold. That might be her way to deal with it, but think about Carter having to work at the very place he was attacked. Also, Corday was not being mean. She was simply standing up for what she believed was right. Why is it that when a woman asserts herself, she's considered a bitch? She had every right to be upset with Cleo. Cleo went to Benton w/out even telling him that Corday looked at the patient first. And Cleo didn't give Corday all the info ( elevated white blood count) that could've changed Corday's mind. I thought Corday was great in the way she handled it. I think she's tired of being run over by Romano, and she's not going to let it happen anymore!

-- Ellen (dbspunky61@hotmail.com), April 14, 2000.

I think this was a really good episode, but it didn't really pick up till the second half. I absolutely loved the scene with Carter and Carol. I hadn't really thought about it, but she is the one who has had the most turnaround in the past year, and she does know what's it like for life to change on you. I thought it was pretty cool. When Randi held that letter in the beginning, I was like 'Please have it say LUcy was gonna be at County!" I was really glad it worked out that way, her absence may be more known that way.

Amazing how you don't miss someone until their gone. In this aspect, it seems they need Kerry back. Guess no one else seems to notice how smootly she keeps things running and how much she does, since they were out of charts. If anything, Kerry's suspension will bring her a little more appreciation from her colleagues.

Seems Mark and David are having a little trouble. Mark is stubborn. That's that. Hopefully he'll recognize what Dad wants and see how much work he is doing. He's back to being super. He cooks, he cleans, he sews, he treats, he's SUPERDOC! The dinner scene was a little sad, lonely.

I thought it was a pretty good episode, can't wait for sweeps!

-- Joanne (bucklind@hotmail.com), April 14, 2000.

Elaine, I too loved this epi! So many questions were answered...the twins last name is Ross, Carol and the girls have seen Doug (Mark as well it seems), she can't afford the nanny anymore, the hospital daycare does not allow infants (although I thought Susie was in there at a pretty young age). The opening scene in the diner was heart wrenching to me for both characters. I don't think Luka is in love with Carol. I just think he misses his own family so much and the way the were (probably) brutally murdered is so awful. I think Luka feels that Carol should be with Doug, because as he mentioned in an earlier epi families should never be apart. I think when Carol snapped at him about the names that was what his feelings were -- pain for her that she is apart from Doug. It was nice on Carol's part to realize that Luka needs to talk about his family and not act like they never existed. it is so sad that he doesn't even have a picture of his son. And BTW I think Malucci's reaction was perfect...he is someone who doesn't know the whole situation and was not around before so he is looking at this from the outside. He made a painfully obvious statement "that was her choice" because it was her choice to stay behind. We saw the best yet from Cleo last night. She really handled the car wreck boy nicely. although, I do not like how she went behind Elizabeth's back. Elizabeth was completely justified in her reaction (and could she be feeling a little stress from her cold relationship with Mark at the moment?). Also, the makeout scene in the medical supply room was uncalled for. What can I say about Noah Wyle, he was so great last night! Everything he did was perfect. I think the writers have done a good job of bringing Lucy back to the forefront a little bit by having that letter come in to her. I was a little ticked at Carol when she said "What is wrong with you" when Pablo started acting up. I mean, come on, Carter wasn't almost killed by a psyche patient who needed restraints? I was glad she went in to talk to him to make amends. Well, sorry this is so long. I could go one -- Romano a jerk again (either do this or get fired), missing Kerry, and David and Mark Greene - how poignant! Great epi!!

-- amanda (amanda.rehm@home.com), April 14, 2000.

RE: Carol saying "What is wrong with you?"

The thing is, she wasn't there. I'm sure she knows what happened, but who would really want to recap all of those details? So yes, she definately knows Carter was stabbed, but we aren't sure where her knowledge of the event stops. JMHO.

-- Arianne (CarolRossSusanGreene@yahoo.com), April 14, 2000.

I sort of agree with Ellen about parts of the scene between Carol and Carter. I know she was trying to comfort him and let him know that other people understand what it is like to have a life altering event occur, but I thought it was self centered and insensitive to compare the birth of her children with Carter's attack. Yes, Doug leaving her was a traumatic event, but most people consider having children a blessing, not matter how stressful, while I am pretty sure no one thinks that being stabbed in the kidney is a good thing. Also, while Carter was freaking out and restraining and medicating Pablo (sp?) I wondered why Carol was so shocked at his behavior. Obviously he was overreacting, but she was carrying on like she had no idea why, like his behaviour wasn't understandable. Everyone in North America EXCEPT Carol knew why he was acting the way he was, and had almost been expecting something like it for a long time.

One of the saddest moments in this episode for me was when Carter and Carol first began talking after the Pablo incident and Carter, trying to explain himself, said, "I was just trying to be careful." You could almost hear him adding to himself, "Because I wasn't careful last time."

Finally, thank goodness there was finally a mention of Lucy. It had been so long since we had heard her name that I was starting to thing that her character and storyline was the result of all of us having a mass hallucination.

-- (angellmm@earthlink.net), April 14, 2000.

I really loved this episode too! It was the first time in a long time that one of these later episodes reminded me of the first few seasons! It wasn't exaclty the same, but it was better than others. We learned so much about the characters in this episode.

First of all Carter. I really felt bad for him in this episode. His is obviously in both physical and psychological pain. I was really glad that Carol talked to him! At first, I was thinking, why doesn't Carol show more emotion and sympathy? But then I realized that that is not the way they deal with things. I really wanted her to give Carter a hug or something, but then I realized that it wouldn't have been really realistic. Also, besides Kerry, she is the only one who really has taken time to talk to Carter, and that says a lot. I think that is the way Carter wanted it too. For her to comfort him without getting too emotional. And about her comparing her situation with Carter's, I think she just wanted to show him that she could realate. Even if Her situation is not as serious as Carter's (and nowhere close to it), she wanted him to know that she understands. That is what nurses do, and I think it is easier to talk to someone if they know how you feel. Well, enough about them...but it was my favorite scene of the episode!

Regarding Luca...I was glad that we saw more out of him, but I did want to know more about his background than what we already knew. When he told Carol, "no, thank you for asking" it broke my heart. He really needs someone to talk to. This same scene also had me getting really mad at Carol (not for anything she did, but for what she won't do). I thought, Carol is the only one that Luca really opens up to in the whole hospital...and in a month, she is going to leave him. It made me very sad for him. I really love Luca and I hope he gets close to other people in the hospital.

I liked Abby in this episode too. She really wanted to help her patient and I really think she understood her situation. I don't know if she really helped her, but I knew at least that she cared.

I also liked Cleo too. I liked it that she kept telling the kid that the situation is not that bad, and that everything will be okay. That is what a pediatrician is supposed to do. I didn't like what she did with Elizabeth, though. As soon as I saw Peter walk into the room with the boy, I said, uh oh...Elizabeth is going to be mad. And I think she had ever right. Even if Cleo thought Elizabeth was wrong, she needed to tell her that, not go behind her back.

I felt the most sympathy for Mark in this episode, even though Carter came really close. It is really bad for him having to watch his father go through all that. And he can't let go of him yet. Mark has been through so much, and I really want him to be happy for once. Just when it looked like he would with Elizabeth, he found out about his father. When David Greene dies, I know I will have a crying fit! :)

Anyway, I'm sorry this was so long, but I really adored this episode! And thank God they mentioned Lucy! I was so happy when they said her name! I'm glad they are starting to deal with things regarding her death! It also made me sad, because I know how much I am going to miss Carol when she leaves!

-- Laura (slam11p@aol.com), April 14, 2000.

I really liked this episode too. It's funny: I feel like I know some of you guys well enough to know what you're going to say now. When I saw this thread, I knew it was from Elaine and how excited she'd be. I wasn't disappointed. I agree with most of the orginal post except one thing: I didn't think the cuddle between Cleo and Peter was so sweet. I might have if it had been at one of their homes (and would have preferred that to the scene on the stairs BTW), but at the hospital where we've seen them awakened so much by other staff, it seemed to be another of their usual public scenes, potentially public at least. I know they weren't having sex, but what's wrong with keeping some of the display private (but then it's not a display is it). They remind me of high school kids going at it in the hallway. Is Elizabeth jealous of Peter and Cleo? I thought her reaction was a bit over the professional response and wondered if personal feelings were playing in. I did, however, like Cleo very much in the opening scene (and I wondered while I was watching it if others of you did too!). And I think she had what might possibly be the best line of the epi: when Peter came up and kissed her on the neck (these two need to get a room!) in the supply room, and asked guess who, her response of Dr. Romano? was hilarious! That cooled Peter off for a second or too! :) When Carol said that Doug had seen the babies, I yelled "when?" at the TV screen. I felt so sorry for Luka. Carol is sweet to him and he and Lucy had seemed to be friendly (not romantic, but friendly) so he's losing both of his allies...maybe Abby can fill in? I liked when Carter came over when the husband of the woman having the abortion was yelling at Abby. With what he's been through, I thought he might call for security, but he came over to see if she needed help himself. I did think they would have called the 9th floor (I think it was 9?...gyn clinic) and warn them that a maniac was coming up. Mark saying that his mom's meatloaf was one of the few recipes of her's he could remember and then his dad asking about the missing boiled egg was a wonderful piece. I found the meal very touching. It's going to be very sad when Mark's dad dies. Lucy--finally! And I'm glad people missed Kerry--or at least her skill of organizing. I think she'll help Carter in future epis. Everyone else has personal issues: Mark (his Dad), Elizabeth (Mark and his dad), Carol (Doug? Luka? Doug? Luka?), Benton and Cleo (you can fill this one in), Romano (well, I don't know his specific problem but he'd never notice anyone having issues anyway). Whew! I wanted to get on the net and write all day but didn't have time for a break. I'm glad to get all of that off my chest.

-- Diana (dilynne@juno.com), April 14, 2000.

about the maniac husband.... i wondered, as i watched, when the man started getting irate, why they didnt call security over right then? he should never have been allowed upstairs in a mood like that! he could have been an obsessed psyco, who knows? another Paul sobriki, or just a very violent man. should they let someone like that go up to gyn? or anywhere for that matter?

-- Alexis (lexicat1@webtv.net), April 15, 2000.

Thanks Diana! I know what you mean, I know that certain people will comment about Carter, Lucy, Carol, Doug...and I am so glad to be able to discuss everything after it. I love hearing comments, so if anyone has anything more to say, please do.

-- Elaine (mrsclooney78@hotmail.com), April 15, 2000.

I was sort of annoyed to hear that Doug has seen his girls. I'm glad that he has contact, but really, if he came and saw the babies, and Carol saw him, how could they not get back together right then? With the way Carol is walking around almost in a trance these days (obviously with Doug-on-the-brain) you would think the moment she saw him holding his daughters she would melt. So hearing that Doug has seen them didn't ring true for me. (By the way: "Tess Ross"? Yuck!)

Cleo got into trouble the last time she brought Benton in on a case (the constipated Mr. Grunwald). When will she learn? I am so glad Elizabeth "pulled rank" on Peter. Someone really needs to put him in his place, even if it always seems to go right over his head. The only thing I didn't like about Elizabeth's reaction was that some viewers might construe it as jealousy that Peter is now with Cleo. As if!

I'm tired of Peter and Cleo being overly demonstrative in the relatively public space of the hospital. It doesn't seem like Peter to be so "out there" with his private life. Yosh's comment that he could really use a good discussion was so funny, though!

I would like to kick Mark in the pants! He is being such a jerk and making the short time that David has left miserable. I know he is supposedly "blinded by emotions" but this is crazy! David could have been seriously hurt trying to navigate all that medical equipment in the dark, and the portable potty was just too much. Let David have some dignity! I don't know how much longer I can watch this story. I don't find it poignant, just annoying!!

-- Annie (GoldenLaur@aol.com), April 15, 2000.

When I said the Mark and David Greene storyline was poignant, in my mind I was specifically thinking of the dinner scene. That was so touching and had me in tears! From the spoilers for the next epi its sounds as though we may have some more memorable father/son moments. This storyline is all together so sad and I wish Mark could just be happy for once!

-- amanda (amanda.rehm@home.com), April 15, 2000.

I'm confused about something, maybe someone can help me. When Carol said that Doug has seen them (the babies), did it state that he'd seen them in person or that she's been sending pictures to him. I had a telephone call that I had to take and missed the rest of the conversation with Luka. Also, I agree with the "Tess Ross" yuck comment. I'd also like to add "Kate Ross" not as bad, but slightly "yuck".

-- Carin (cdenisehaze@usa.net), April 15, 2000.

The inference, IMHO, was he's seen them in person...possibly more than once. Who knows when or where this was supposed to have happened since their November births.

-- Diana (dilynne@juno.com), April 16, 2000.

Obviously, this title was dedicated to Lucy, but I think it worked on a lot of different levels for most of the stories, either in earnest or ironically.

-- Rachel (rachelrr@ivillage.com), April 17, 2000.

The title could refer to Carol and Luka ironically. Or Luka and his dead family. Carol and Doug (since we got the extremely understated bombshell!). The leukemia guy and his wife (ironically). The pregnant lady and her husband (ironically). Benton and Cleo (yucky). Mark and his dad or Mark's dad and Mrs. Fredrickson (the swedish lady) again, ironically. Basiclly. most of the stories were about matches.

-- Rachel (rachelrr@ivillage.com), April 17, 2000.