I hope i'm wrong, but this is my take on the Doug/Carol situation from last night. The revalation that Doug has been visiting the babies all along was a bone thrown to the D/C diehards in an attemp to smooth things over and not to have any hard feelings about this mess the writers have created. So we wouldn't be so mad at Doug and hate the writers and hate the way the shows gonna end. They keep mentioning him in such a way that makes me believe that CAROL will leave to go to Doug. So I don't think he will be making an appearence to come get Carol. The effort to make it look like he's been there is so we won't be so mad about Carol's solo exit. Again, I hope i'm wrong.

-- MAX (CMAXY@WEBTV.NET), April 14, 2000

Answers

I don't want to offend any Doug/Carol fans, but how can you guys say that it is the writers fault if Doug doesn't come back? I believe that the decision for Doug to come back lies solely in the power of the actor himself--George Clooney. After all, if you want to get technical, if George hadn't left the show a year before Julianna, they probably would be married now. This is just my take on things, so please don't get offended.

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

G.C. mentioned on Access Hollywood that they "the producers" (I assume) have not yet at this point contacted him to come and do a final epi for Julianna M. He went on to say that there was not any hard feelings and that he felt that they were all his friends and all. So the possibility of him coming back, I believe, is pretty much a zilch. Sad as it may be.

-- Paula (pbranden@dwave.net), April 14, 2000.

It seems that ER likes to have low key character exits. They just sort of leave (Lucy's death being a major exception). Last night it sounded like they were setting us up for Carol to go to Doug in Seattle.

-- Claudia (jl_cl@bellsouth.net), April 14, 2000.

It does make sense that they would be throwing in these mentions of him so that she can make a more graceful solo exit. And I realize GC was the one who left, but I think the writers could have shown us HER side of the post-birth phone call, or let us see the letter he wrote her. Or have her tell Greene about Doug's reaction to meeting the girls. You think that she would be excited about any of Doug's visits and at least mention them. I am happy that finally we discover that he has not never met his 6 month old daughters (which I think most of us agree was NOT in keeping with his reformed, sweet lovable character), but it just kind of came out of nowhere. Oops, we should mention this so people know what's going on. It was an afterthought, and the fact that people sat up in their homes everywhere and went "WHAT? He's SEEN them?" shows it was not inserted very smoothly. Regarding low-key exits, I have noticed that, but I was hoping we'd get a little something more from a character who has been on for all six seasons and is one of the most popular ever. I just hope it's something happy! : )

-- Becky (pattonrd@muohio.edu), April 14, 2000.

Well, George Clooney is mighty willing to return if TPTB just *ASK* him. Obviously the details of her exit will be a highly guarded secret, so whether or not he returns (I REALLY hope he does!!), most likely we won't know until her final episode airs.

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

I know we keep hearing that GC says he hasn't been asked, but--come on--we've been given distractors by the stars before, haven't we? Like he might have called them to volunteer, so they didn't have to ask him. We'll see on May 11th (JM's last epi).

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

It is possible that they are really trying to keep the lid on this. Maybe after all the word got out beforehand about Lucy's death they decided to keep this quiet. I don't know if anyone watches Ally McBeal, but one of the main characters just died. We all knew he was leaving the show but had NO idea it was to be so soon...it was so effective! Personally, I think it will be awesome if he comes back and none of us our expecting it. We only have a few more weeks to wait and see!

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

Amanda, you're right, there's something to be said of the "shock" factor. I knew Gil Bellows, who plays Billy, was leaving "Ally McBeal." I had NO idea that it would be so quickly and while I had heard a Spoiler that he would be killed off, I'd heard several other Spoilers and didn't think much of it. So it only goes to prove that shows CAN keep a tight lid on their upcoming storylines if they so choose to do so.

-- Arianne (CarolRossSusanGreene@yahoo.com), April 15, 2000.

I have mixed feelings about a Ross return. Not because I didn't like the character (which I didn't) but from the producers' point of view. On one hand you would think that a well-publicized return would be good for ratings...but on the other hand it might draw attention to the fact that Clooney has said some pretty insulting things about the show since he left.

One thing I can say for sure is that the idea some people have had about having a surprise cameo is very unlikely, IMHO. TV is a business and if they are going to go to the trouble of bringing Clooney back, they are going to make sure a lot of people watch it.

-- Rusty Priske (rusty.priske@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca), April 18, 2000.

I have also been thinking that they are just trying to keep it quiet. I realize that it is a 50/50 chance either way. Keeping it quiet (if that's what is really going on) is a great way to boost the ratings. After all, look at all the speculation it has generated. (Both here and in other threads.) People will be tuning in just to find out if he does make an appearence. After all, TPTB haven't actually said that GC won't be making a special appearance. Guess we'll just have to wait to find out! :) *sigh*

-- kristal (teetle1@juno.com), April 18, 2000.

I hope they're also tuning in to see JM's last epi. Though I'm hoping GC comes back...really really really hoping...it's really her night and I hope that's not lost (whether he comes back or not...and I really really really hope he does. :)

-- Diana (dilynne@juno.com), April 18, 2000.

It seems to be virtually impossible to guess what TPTB will do with the question of Doug's return when Carol departs, they've done so many weird and unpredictable thing so far. I'm just guessing we won't see him, which will take something away from Carol leaving. I'm really sorry to see Carol go; she really is the heart of ER. Thankfully they'll still have Elizabeth for a strong female counterpoint to all the male characters, and Kerry to a lesser degree; (she's too micro-managerial for me to get much interest in.) However, as for Doug, we'll keep our fingers crossed- assuming that's what they intend for Carol- to be with Doug! I mean, who knows? Maybe she'll marry Luka (the quintessential Mr. Dependable) and get to stay home with the babies....

-- Emma (redwing8420@aol.com), April 18, 2000.

marry luka??? that would be the worst thing ever...and they would NEVER do that. as has been stated in other threads, carol and luka seem to be clicking as friends and respecting each others respective families. whether or not GC actually does come back for an appearance, i'm sure that carol is going to end up with doug (even if we only get to see her leave with intent on going there) JMHO

-- Marcia (mlg244@is9.nyu.edu), April 18, 2000.

I agree with everybody who feels it's a 50/50 chance of his return and I, as well, really, really, REALLY hope they decided to go with the shock factor. No definitive answer has been given either way, so people will be tuning in not only to see what Carol Hathaway decides to do with her future, but also to see if GC makes a guest appearance. It would be the best thing to do, bring him back, but we'll see. Clooney rightfully feels that Margulies leaving is a big enough storyline and if he DOES return he doesn't want to steal her glory but also doesn't want to just stand there. This could be easily accomplished with having him in one or two scenes, helping Carol move or taking away her last fear or insecurity about moving, etc. However, at this point, I'd settle for a CAMEO!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Arianne (CarolRossSusanGreene@yahoo.com), April 23, 2000.