“ER” (9 p.m., NBC) reminds us that November sweeps has begun in earnest.

Fifteen years of hostage crises, shootouts, car, bus and plane accidents and errant helicopter blades can distract viewers from the fact that everyday hospital dramas can be most powerful when they are intensely intimate.

The drama returns to fine form tonight when a touch-and-go case involving a 3-year-old girl triggers painful memories for Dr. Cate Banfield (Angela Bassett). She recalls her own trips to County General with her 5-year-old son.

Banfield’s story and flashbacks all but dominate the hour, relegating a subplot about Gates’ (John Stamos) efforts to help a dispossessed veteran to the sidelines.

Banfield’s recollections include an encounter with Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards), allowing the “ER” faithful to visit with a departed favorite.

Look out for some other ghosts and ex-employees in cameos.

It’s sad to note that this “ER” reunion airs just a week after the death of series producer and creator Michael Crichton.