Heroes Update Straight From Hiro's Mouth; Mekhi Phifer Plans to Leave ER

In many ways, the heartbeat of the TV Critics Press Tour comes down to this: skillful cocktail party talk.

During the day, of course, TV networks offer sprawling press conferences with all the shiny faces from their newest offerings. But in the evening, when all the talent, producers and executives are crowded into bustling parties with finger food and blaring music, critics work the room with digital recorders in hand -- trying to pry new pieces of information from lips loosened by a little alcohol and a party hearty spirit.

Tuesday night, NBC turned the top of the Beverly Hilton hotel parking garage into just such a party scene, importing an impromptu version of its hit reality show The Singing Bee featuring a game TV critic trying to remember song lyrics competing against actors from Friday Night Lights and the new series Chuck. As dancers in Bee costumes worked the stage, castmembers and producers from shows such as Heroes, ER, Medium and Saturday Night Live mingled with critics and each other, offering a few tantalizing clues about next season's shows. For example:

Heroes star Masi Oka confirmed that his character Hiro's sudden landing in fuedal-era Japan in last season's finale will be a major story arc for the series, lasting 7 or 8 episodes. Classic Star Trek actor George Takei will return as Hiro's dad, and even though they have already filmed three episodes of the show, Oka couldn't say when or exactly how the father character will appear. Since Heroes took off, fueled by reaction to his comic fanboy-turned-supergeek character, Oka described a jet-setting lifestyle including a major part in Steve Carell's upcoming Get Smart remake and publicity trips to Monte Carlo. "Words can't describe the change that's happened in my life," he said, refusing to speculate on the show's chances for snagging an Emmy nomination when the announcement comes Thursday, perhaps for fear of jinxing it all. "We've won the lottery and we're living the dream."

ER co-star Mekhi Phifer says he expects to leave the show this season, amid rumors that NBC may only air one more season, anyway. He expects Danny Glover to return as his father, for a final season delving deeper into his character's personal issues before he heads off the show to resume his film career, preparing to have a child with a new fiancee. "Right now, it seems like it may be our last year, anyway...I think I've run my course and it time to make moves," said Phifer, whose headstrong Dr. Greg Pratt has become a central figure on the series after five seasons. "Seems like my time has run it's course."  

Comments

[Coco]

OMG.... the episode aired in the UK two nights ago... I have been crying since! It was so sad to watch it and over the years watching ER I have creid a few times, but not like this. Mekhi was so believe, though I still think, OMG, he's dead. I'm so sad.

[Ericka]

I have to agree with some of the comments. I never cried so hard about that show, until Pratt's last night. I too have been a Fan of ER and that was the most heart ache for a character leaving the show. I love Dr.Greene, but Dr. Pratt was the center of the show with all the originals leaving. Great ending for his character..a tear jerker but a good one. I will miss ER greatly.

[Kim]

I love ER and have been a loyal fan since day one. I loved Mekhi's character. And now I understand why Mekhi is moving on-because he is a brilliant and I mean brilliant actor that deserves an Emmy for his last eppy and he is truly Oscar bound. I have watched the show 2 more times trying to convince myself that it is just tv...it ain't working! The more I watch the more upset I become. That in my opinion is the true meaning of great acting; when you can make someone believe over and over with the same or greater emotion. Can't wait to see Mekhi in something else alive and well because my brain cannot let go of the fact that he is a dead man!!!!
Kim

[lisa]

I was so sad to see Dr. Pratt go. He was the only reason I continued to watch ER. His performance in his final episode (without saying a word) was the best I've seen from any actor in any venue. I will never forget the fear in his face. I cried for days afterward.

[Destiny]

I have followed Mekhi's career from the start and when I watched the fear in his eyes and the tears streaming down his face, I knew exactly why I always knew that he would develop into an extraudinary actor. His performance was breath taking. It was Emmy Quality. If he doesn't win an Emmy Award for this I will be greatly disappointed. This was top of the line. He had to reach deep down inside to pull off his last scene. Only the best of the best can do that and indeed, he is the best of the best!! I am truly proud of him and I am looking forward to seeing him in the future!! Way to go Mekhi!

[TB]

I just finished watching last night's new show. OMG! Pratt is dead. I was so upset watching him cry that I just started bawling the moment Neela began operating. I've watched ER from the beginning and have cried over every character that left - no matter how they left. Pratt's death is second only to Dr. Greene's. I've loved all of the characters - past and present.

ER has always had shocking, believable storylines and as much as I hate that Mekhi is gone (and several others) - he is a brilliant actor who will continue to surprise us. And I will continue to watch it till the end … and in reruns. Love you ER!

[erica]

I love Mehki. I hated to see his character exit in the manner that it did. I wish him all the best in his endeavors.

[carin bertelle]

I watched last night's episode just to find out if Dr. Pratt had survived. I surprised myself by crying my eyes out. His acting was so believable, with the fear in his eyes and the tears streaming down his face knowing he was in trouble... it sent me over the edge.
I love Mekhi Phifer!

[Eric Deggans]

I hate to say it, but i agree. I still watch ER, and I had tears in my eyes during last night's episode...

I am so sad to see Dr. Pratt leaving. I really do believe that Phifer's character added true pizazz to the ER storyline. Phifer is however a wonderful actor, and I am sure will not have any difficulty getting other roles. I am just really sad to see him go. I cried through the entire show of his exit. Very emotional.