Archie Morris
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| Archie Morris | |
|---|---|
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| First appearance | 2003 |
| Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | ED attending physician |
| Children | Hana, Michael, Max, Melia |
| Portrayed by | Scott Grimes |
Dr. Archibald "Archie" Morris is a fictional character portrayed by Scott Grimes on the television show ER.
Contents |
[edit] Early career
The character of Dr. Morris debuted in late 2003, in the drama's 10th season, and was notable for providing comic relief. Morris was an inept second year resident who avoided work whenever possible, luckily he was frequently being bailed out by another resident named Coop. In the episode "Freefall" he was caught smoking confiscated marijuana by Dr. Robert Romano, but avoided punishment when Romano was killed by a falling helicopter. Unaware of the doctor's demise, Morris nervously waited at the admit desk to be disciplined, doing nothing to assist the other doctors in dealing with the massive casualties caused by the helicopter crash in the ambulance bay.
Morris's empty commitment and slacking continued when his neglect cost a patient's life who was waiting to be seen by a doctor. He abruptly quit, storming out of the ER throwing out his labcoat, only to return the next day claiming his father would pull the plug on his financial support if he didn't see this "thing" through.
[edit] Professional Advancement
Morris was made Chief Resident in Season 11, thus allowing his character to further antagonize other characters (Scott Grimes became a series regular at this time). He achieved this coveted position because of a combination of little competition (the more capable Greg Pratt turned down the post), an eleventh hour push of publications, and an elaborate presentation for the interview. As Chief Resident, Morris's inflated ego often worked against him, especially in clashes with colleagues. His leadership style was primarily delegation and micro-management, though he often acted as if he was beloved by his fellow residents and the medical students.
In Season 12 it was revealed that Morris had donated sperm many times earlier in his life. Three red-headed children and one African American child showed up at the hospital and declared that Morris was their father. Although shocked by this, his comical attempts to be a "good dad" became a recurring theme for the character throughout various subsequent episodes. Later in season 12, we learn that Morris was hired by a pharmacy laboratory; in the Season 12 finale, "21 Guns," he was preparing to leave the hospital when a shooting occurred in the ER. Morris's quick and competent response to this crisis marked something of a professional turning point for him.
[edit] Taking Charge
During season 13, Morris was hired as one of the ER's attending physicians (the slot left open by Dr. Clemente's departure). Morris began a serious effort to win other people's respect and his own. Though other doctors still did not always take him seriously, he showed a moment of both care and skill when he correctly interpreted a young man's alternating demands to be admitted and discharged as symptoms of dissociative identity disorder. Afterward, he privately admitted to Samantha Taggart that he knew "most of the other ER staff think I'm a joke."
When the new medical interns came to the ER, his attention was caught by Hope Bobeck. Morris quickly asked her out for dinner but she instead invited him to her Bible study group, as she was a born-again Christian (often praying while taking care of patients). Morris pretended to be as devout as she was. Hope and Morris grew close to each other. In the Christmas episode City of Mercy, he got through a difficult shift as the only ER attending, and at the end of the day Hope told him how much she'd learned watching him. She then asked him out for drinks, and then to see what might happen after (she seemed to be having a bit of a crisis of faith). Morris declined, much to his own surprise. He said that they might do something that they would both regret, which could stand in the way of a possibly deeper relationship in the future. He walked away and Hope was left confused and disappointed.
[edit] Trivia
Morris has four nipples; as a teenager was made fun of because of this. It did, however, earn him a date with a fellow "mutant" in one episode.
[edit] External links
- Scott Grimes at the Internet Movie Database
- Character biography at ER Headquarters
- Bio at NBC.com
- Official ER website at NBC.com
| ER | |
|---|---|
| Official NBC website | Quotes | |
| Current characters |
Ray Barnett | Tony Gates | Abby Lockhart | Archie Morris | Luka Kovač | Gregory Pratt | Neela Rasgotra | Samantha Taggart |
| Former characters |
Peter Benton | Jeanie Boulet | John Carter | Deb Chen | Elizabeth Corday | Anna Del Amico | Cleo Finch | Michael Gallant | Mark Greene | Carol Hathaway | Lucy Knight | Susan Lewis | Dave Malucci | Robert Romano | Doug Ross | Kerry Weaver |
| Episodes | List of ER episodes | Pilot |
| Other reading | Notable guest stars |
