Melissa Nann Burke: March 2009 Archives

After 15 seasons, the last episode of "ER" is set to air 10 p.m. Thursday. In this thorough piece, the LA Times explains why the show was more than just a hit:

Expanding on the realism of such groundbreaking 1980s dramas as "Hill Street Blues" and "St. Elsewhere," "ER" in turn started a creative movement toward lifelike authenticity in specialized settings that has deeply influenced later hits such as the forensics-themed whodunit "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and the White House drama "The West Wing." In real life, "ER" even inspired more students to study emergency medicine, and at least one study found it helped educate consumers about healthcare.

Tony Award-winning British actress Natasha Richardson died today after suffering a head injury during a beginners' ski lesson Monday north of Montreal. She was 45.

Richardson, who had two sons with husband Liam Neeson, was the daughter of Academy Award-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave (at center in photo) and descended from at least three generations of actors. Also pictured is sister Joley Richardson (at right).

Newsweek, the NYT and the Times of London have remembrances.

I hope this accident underscores the importance of everyone wearing a helmet when skiing, snowboarding, riding your bike or whatever. Be safe.