Last night’s episode of ER showed doctor and lesbian mom Kerry Weaver (portrayed by actor Laura Innes), starting a new relationship after a long drought. That’s one more lesbian kiss for network television.
In what could be a first for a network show, however, the episode featured not one, but two LGBT storylines, as Dr. Gregory Pratt struggled with his brother’s coming out. This also makes Pratt’s brother the second black gay character on network TV, although there are still none in major roles.
(And in case you’re wondering: Dr. Weaver, who used to be one of the few regular TV characters with a disability, underwent surgery last season so that she no longer walks with a crutch. The move seems to be because Innes was experiencing back pain from her gait as Dr. Weaver, however, and not because, as I had cynically speculated, TV executives had agreed to a law of the conservation of disabled doctors, and Fox’s House was in the ascendant. Interestingly, though, Innes directed an episode of House this season.)
ER still deals with diversity and LGBT issues better than most network shows. Among other things, they’re to be commended for avoiding the “lesbians searching for sperm” shtick when Dr. Weaver’s previous partner got pregnant. There are rumors that Innes, the show’s longest-standing main actor, will be leaving this season, however, making it unlikely we’ll see Weaver’s new relationship develop.
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