NBC considering more 'ER'

That pesky, stubborn "ER." The medical drama, once a lion of primetime, has declined in the ratings year after year. NBC finally decides to conclude the show and orders a shortened run of 19 episodes.

So what does "ER" do?

Starts winning its time period.

The past two weeks, "ER" has trounced heavily promoted newcomers "Life on Mars" and "Eleventh Hour" on competitive Thursday nights despite having a weaker lead-in than either show. That "ER"  has been on the air for 14 years makes this all the more remarkable.

Now sources say NBC has been talking to producer Warner Bros. about, um, maybe, uh, how about a few more episodes? Such a move would bring the final season's total to the standard 22. Nothing is official, mind you. This is just conversation. A verdict is likely to be made by the end of the month to prevent any disruption of production.

But really, NBC Universal wouldn't want to give up a longtime asset that keeps winning its time period.

That would just be nutty … right?