While ER may have strayed far from its original cast and formula (which is to be expected after 15 seasons), the 14 year old pilot (which Crichton penned) still stands up as great TV. It introduced us to a little tiny Noah Wyle, gave George Clooney some much needed drama cred and grabbed us from the get go by nearly killing off Juliana Marguiles' suicidal nurse Carol Hathaway. Such a fresh faced new cast, and the pilot was so bloody, making an irresistible combination.

So for that Michael Crichton, we TV junkies will always remember you fondly.