I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks as though Susan might/could be leaving at the end of this season, unless they renegotiate her contract. I've searched the spoilers and all I can really find is her attending Abby's graduation with Luka. Before that -- nothing. After that -- nothing.
And the worst part is on IMDB.com, under Sherry Stringfield's bio. It says that she negotiated with Warner Brothers to come back to ER for three seasons in June 2001. So, like I said above, unless they've had more talks at the bargaining table, this might be it for her.
As for Gallant, it's definite -- "Will be leaving "ER" by the end of the 2003-04 season to co-star in the new Fall 2004 NBC cop drama "Pearl City"." It will be based in Hawaii. Another cop show????

We'll see.
I sure hope Laura Innes doesn't look so painfully lost in future episodes. I couldn't quite tell what she was trying to convey when she was desperately struggling to get to Henry (although I *know* what it was supposed to be). However, to me, it was almost a crazed looked. I'm just not comfortable with sad Kerry or desperate Kerry yet. Innes' facial expressions don't come through very well sometimes. When the whole Kerry/Kim saga was going on, it was more natural and she looked hurt and heartbroken. I just didn't see it this time around.
Innes can look pretty stern and unattractive when her character is angry or upset. But when she's off camera and not in character...wow!
http://www.advocate.com/html/contents/a873cov.asp (Not gonna post the pic here, although it's clean. And yes, it's a magazine of the alternative nature. And no, she's not...she's just plays one on TV.

)
I was sad, but I knew it was coming. The custody battle will last into next season (which at least means Weaver will come back). I still don't know the outcome. I'm not sure if her character will change for the better or worse. I hope for the better. I'd like to see Elizabeth Mitchell (Dr. Kim Legaspi) return since the actress isn't currently doing anything. There seemed to be a big fan base for the Kim/Kerry coupling. Although it would be interesting to have something within the cast, if it were possible.
Next week's Friends is neither new nor the clip show. There are two -- TOW Joey Speaks French and TOW Princess Consuela. Then, it's a two-hour Apprentice finale with the winner being announced live. No ER.