When I heard the news that Angela Bassett would be joining ER this fall I had mixed emotions. First, I am glad that this sister has a steady gig. There aren't a lot of movie or television roles for a black woman about to turn fifty. Yeah, I know that Meet the Browns has made over 40 million at box office to date but that role as well as some of her other recent turns are a long way from What's Love Got to Do With It, Waiting to Exhale or even How Stella Got Her Groove Back. But part of me is sad because of the timing. ER is going into its last year. Truthfully, I thought the show was already off the air. I know I stopped watching it at least four or five years ago. Do you know anyone who watches it? Is there even an original cast member left?
Angela is being charged with breathing new life into a show long past its prime. But can she keep ER interesting for over twenty episodes? I think that's a tall order for even this talented Oscar winner. But I am sure she will give it her theatrical best. (I will never forget her turn as Lady MacBeth at The Public Theater in New York some years back--totally over the top!) And that's why I will cheer her on even if I can't bring myself to tune in to this lifeless show beyond her debut. 







