Katherine Heigl (Izzie) said recently that Isaiah Washington (Burke) thanked her for publicly denouncing his use of an anti-gay slur against fellow co-star T.R. Knight (George).
Here's what she said in a recent article by the Associated Press:

"Isaiah thanked me, which I didn't understand," the 28-year-old actress told Entertainment Weekly. "He was almost grateful. I don't know Isaiah well, but he takes his work seriously and he loves his character."
Washington. Heigl said she was "furious and frustrated" at the time, so she leapt to
Knight's defense.

"He made a big mistake, and it was thoughtless and boneheaded, and I think he's very sorry and embarrassed," she said in the magazine. "This is something that will have changed the scope of his life."
Heigl, who stars in the new Judd Apatow-directed comedy "Knocked Up" (see Gary Cogill's review HERE.), speaks out in the interview, too, about her protracted contract negotiations with ABC. The bottom line, she says, is that she wants "the same respect they're showing the other actors."
And she says she doesn't like the label that seems to go along with a woman who stands up for what she wants.
"In this town, women who don't just snap and say, `Okay, yessir, yes ma'am,' start to get a reputation for being difficult," she says. "But within the last five years, I've
decided it's not worth it to me to be pushed around so much."
Heigl, who calls "The Notebook" one of her "all-time favorite movies," says she'd rather laugh than get too serious when it comes to movie roles.
"I just want to play happy people," she says. "I'm a commercial kind of gal, and yeah, I would love to do a `Monster,' but I don't have any grand aspirations to do my Academy Award-winning movie. I love Kate Winslet, but I know I couldn't have her career."

I was thinking last night about why this show --- although still one of my favorites -- has been frustrating me so much, and here are some of my reasons:

1) Not everyone in the ensemble can be damaged. I can't think of ONE character who is the comedic relief or the anchor for the other misfits. They are all damaged. So, there is never any relief from the problems each one is having. Alex comes about the closest to having any stability at all and that's a stretch. Shonda has managed to peel back too many layers on these characters methinks. You?

2) There is no happiness anymore. Is anyone happy on this show? Callie seems to be the only one who manages a smile anymore, but we know she also has issues.....mountains of issues.

3) Everyone is making speeches. The speeches are all incredibly written...but nobody talks like that do they? When is the last time you had a friend make an incredible "speech" to you when you were having a tough time. They are too well-written. Does that make sense? Izzie was the first, she rubbed off on George, now Callie makes them too. ENOUGH! Just have some dang conversations. My speech to George about wanting to have a baby would have gone something like this:

Callie: George, I'm 30, I'm married and my hormones are suddenly telling me to have a baby. I feel like I am running out of time. What do you think?

George: Are you kidding? We just got married and we live in a hotel and you were just made Chief Resident. Don't you think that might be enough to handle right now? Can we talk about this later at home alone?

But, no we get a modified rambling speech. I want to hear some dialogue, not monologues!!!!

Other thoughts:
Great: 1) Derek is going to fall in love with Meredith's sister (?) next season-- is that
her half sister?

2) Is Burke really gone? Is George really gone? Kind of bizarre that the two feuding off-screen are the two that we can't be sure are coming back. Considering that pink hair we saw on T.R. Knight yesterday, I am wondering if he is out completely? Or maybe just a hiatus, so he is expressing himself? I haven't even read the gossip blogs yets, so I may be missing something. Note: I don't think either are leaving...nothing on the gossip pages, and even Shonda mentions George below. Isaiah may be the only one with a chance of leaving.....please say it isn't so though..I love that character.
3) Richard will be chief again?

4) Will we have new cast members based on the new interns? What will the original cast be now? Regular doctors right?

Shonda Rimes explains a little bit of what has happened and where they are going on http://www.greyswriters.com/ This excerpt makes it make more sense and makes me look forward to fall:

So that’s it. That was our season. I did my level best to burn it all down this season, to burn it to the ground so that we can have a place to build from next season. Burning it down was hard. But next season…oh, next season is all about the fun and the pain and the new beginnings. Because our interns are going to become residents. Because everyone is single again -- well, there is the little matter of Izzie and George and Callie…but still…

…the future is wide open, people.

And finally..Sandra Oh is by far the best character and actress on this show. I LOVE her speeches! She is incredible. Love her!!

A line from one of the closing scenes sums it up for me:
"Something stinks in here."
That came from one of the new interns entering the lockerroom once inhabited by my formerly favorite people, but the words mean something entirely different for me... A dejected fan.
There were a few bright spots, sure.
There were a few interesting plot lines introduced that will be carried over until the next season.
(Who the heck is Lexi Grey?)
But I'm sad.
And mad.
And Shonda Rimes, yes... I'm one who is shaking my fist at the heavens.
But we all really knew the outcome couldn't be good, didn't we?
I mean the title was a dead giveaway: "Didn't we almost have it all..."

"Put me out of my misery."
I had so much hope at the beginning of this show when I realized the previews had edited Derek's comment to Meredith about meeting a woman... That his rant was more of a pleading. A "snap out of it" slap in her face. I didn't wonder any longer about what he wanted. He wanted Meredith.
Finally, Derek told Meredith she was the love of his life. But she kept leaving him behind. Not her friends. Him. He needed her to put him out of his misery. And well, she did.
Dammit!

"I don't feel like myself."
Cristina tried and tried to be what Burke and the moms wanted her to be. I applauded her for that. But the choker's double meaning made me cringe. I really thought she might go through with it... for him. For Burke. For all the wrong reasons. While I'm a sucker for a "happily ever after," I was on Cristina's side when she said, "He's gone. I'M FREE!" and relief and sadness spilled out from her all at once. It was sort of sad to hear how "proud" her mother was to see Cristina in her wedding gown. But NO. She's not "emotionally stunted." She was being true to herself. Being Cristina. I'm sad to see Burke go. And boy did he clear out and go! But I'm glad something, someone stayed true to form.

"Give me a reason to stay."
Alex tried to do the right thing and send Ava/Rebecca back to her "good guy" husband. I wanted him to take her in his arms and give himself over to the love they obviously had for each other. But he didn't until it was too late. There's not much else to say.

"Married's married."
Yeah. Whatever. Izzie said that to Alex about Ava, but what has SHE been doing to George and Callie? Her speech to George before the wedding seemed strangely reminiscent of the "pick me, choose me" speech Meredith gave Derek oh so long ago. And we know how that turned out. And having a baby? Please! Callie was just named Chief Resident, but her hormones are kicking up so ... HEY, let's just get knocked up and make this rocky marriage even rockier? I'm really, REALLY sick of all that Gizzie junk. I LOVE George. I hate that he's (apparently) leaving. But what a mess that all turned out to be. I never could stop thinking about Izzie losing Denny. And then she falls hopelessly for George? I will say that no matter what happens with George... the scene in the church with Izzie alone in a pew and Callie lurking, stalking almost, behind her laid the groundwork for hell-to-pay next season.

"He's a better man than I thought."
My favorite part of the whole show was the Adele and Richard storyline. Hallelujah. They found each other, again. I nearly cried when we found out Richard was the father of the son they lost.

"Do it over."
What in the world? Derek turned DOWN the job as chief? Why would throw it back to Richard? Isn't it what he wanted professionally? Isn't that why he came to Seattle in the first place? Unbelievable. Was he giving it up for Richard or for Meredith? Will he go back and say, "Uh, nevermind... I'll take it." And isn't the demanding role as chief what destroyed Richard and Adele? But I suppose, poor little broken, sad Meredith needs her father figure. (Sorry to rag on Meredith... but honestly! Enough with the dark and twisty! She had a good thing!) Maybe Richard CAN do it over. The Right Way. Maybe that's why Bailey wasn't chosen Chief Resident, too. I'm just guessing Richard made that call. Maybe he saw she was headed down a dangerous road that could cost her her family. He certainly made it clear to Addison that she needed to get a life.

SIDEBAR HERE...
Wait! Was that a promo for "Private Practice" already? The body's not even cold! But then again... that road is looking more enticing since my favorite show is feeling like a complete train wreck. (Well.. not completely...but almost!)

OKAY... I'M BACK...

So many disappointments.
So many unhappy endings:
George.
George and Izzie.
George and Callie.
Cristina and Burke.
Ava (aka: Rebecca) and Alex.
Addison.
Bailey... Poor Bailey!
And... *sigh*...
Derek and Meredith.
AAAAAAAAAAH.

(Do you see me shaking my fist? Do you?)

"It's over."
I have to say I watch this show as an escape from reality. George (and the writers) made it clear, though, that they want us to know... Life Happens.
And when Life Happens, the song playing in the background at the end of the show is so true: All we can do is keep breathing...

Well, I'm certainly not going to hold my breath until next season.
I'm not sure I'll be back.
The previews better be pretty darn good to get me back.

As for my favorite line... "Did you sniff too much glue as a child?"
Well... did ya?

http://www.tmz.com/2007/05/17/t-r-s-new-flamin-red-do/

For all of us that are afraid to shake things...get ready...Addison is definitely moving to a new town. ABC announced this morning that "Private Practice" will debut on Wednesdays at 8p.

Here is the description:
Private Practice”

From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe-winning creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” comes a story about new beginnings and old friends. Addison Forbes Montgomery is a renowned neonatal surgeon, respected by her friends and colleagues at Seattle Grace Hospital. Deciding she can no longer healthily co-exist with her ex-husband, McDreamy, and her ex-lover, McSteamy, Addison heads to Los Angeles for sunnier weather and happier possibilities. Reunited with her once-married, newly divorced medical school friends, Naomi and Sam, Addison joins their chic private practice. Featuring an all-star cast including Kate Walsh, Amy Brenneman, Tim Daly and Taye Diggs, “Private Practice” tells the story of a woman unafraid of change and willing to begin a new life.

So weep now and ENJOY the new show next Fall!!!! You gotta admit, it will be great to see Amy Brenneman on a show like this and Taye Diggs and Tim Daly are so, so nice to watch. Did you know Tim Daly was 51 years old? I read that yesterday! He is so HOT for a guy in his 50s!

I think I hate Derek

Curious what your favorite Grey's star makes each episode?$$?
According to E! : http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=4ace33ea-903e-4637-8769-4ead26babe60&entry=index

CRISTINA AND BURKE'S WEDDING DAY ARRIVES - ALONG WITH
THE INTERNS' EXAM RESULTS -- AND A SUCCESSOR TO THE CHIEF IS NAMED,
ON THE SEASON FINALE OF ABC'S "GREY'S ANATOMY"
Guest Stars Include Diahann Carroll as Jane Burke, Loretta Devine ("Crash") as Adele Webber
And Elizabeth Reaser ("Sweet Land") as Ava/Jane Doe

"Didn't We Almost Have It All" - Cristina and Burke's wedding day arrives - along with the interns' first exam results - and a successor to the Chief is named, as Callie and George make a big decision about their relationship, on the Season Finale of "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, MAY 17 (9:00-9:07 p.m., ET) on WFAA-TV.

"Grey's Anatomy" stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Isaiah Washington as Preston Burke, Katherine Heigl as Isobel "Izzie" Stevens, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, T.R. Knight as George O'Malley, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Kate Walsh as Addison Shepherd, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres and Eric Dane as Mark Sloan.

Okay, I just didn't really like this episode other than the fact that I was so happy to see Addison in her normal place on the normal show.

-It was nice to see Callie happy, even though we did get some of those daggers being shot at Izzie (for good reason)

-I did tear up a little when Richard hugged Meredith - "You're not my father" - come on, he is a much better father than her real father. What crappy parents she had.

-Derek is now McWishyWashy. I can hardly stand him now

- I thought Bailey's vulnerabity showing when discussing Chief Resident with Callie was so strange; that's not the Miranda we know and love. I like her being mean, not soft and vulnerable!!

-George is making me CRAZY! God, just choose someone and move on

-Izzie & George did their speeches again that I am so tired of!

-And, of course the strongest actress on the show, Sandra Oh, still makes me laugh with her great lines. I especially loved the previews for next week when her mother-in-law removes her eyebrows. That was so funny.

That's it. Didn't like it. Want the old Grey's back!!

Who knew? If you didn't catch the interview with (my favorite!) Chandra Wilson in this weekend's Parade magazine, there's a link below. She's a Texan! We KNEW there was a reason we liked her so much!

See Parade's interview with Chandra HERE.

Look: It's Callie with a new and improved indignant look on her face....NOT. ARGH! Remember the days when I said she was starting to be my favorite character? What the !@#$ was I thinking?

EXAM DAY HAS ARRIVED FOR THE INTERNS -- AND NOT EVERYONE IS READY --CALLIE'S SUSPICIONS OF GEORGE AND IZZIE GROW, AND CRISTINA STRUGGLES TO WRITE HER WEDDING VOWS, ON ABC'S "GREY'S ANATOMY"

Loretta Devine ("Crash") Guest Stars as Adele Webber
Elizabeth Reaser ("Sweet Land") Guest Stars as Ave/Jane Doe

"Testing 1-2-3" - The interns take the biggest test of their careers, their first-year medical exams, as the residents attend to three injured mountain climbers. Meanwhile Callie's suspicions of George and Izzie grow, and Cristina struggles to write her wedding vows, on "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, MAY 10 (8:00-9:01 p.m., CT) on the WFAA-TV.

Hmm. Well. Hmm. I am not totally sold on the new spinoff of Grey's. In fact, I did not like the first 20 minutes of the show within the show at all and was ready to turn it off and wait for next week. But, slowly, I started to like the characters....a little. I love Tim Daly, but he seems to be in every show that fails on ABC: Eyes and The Nine. I really liked Eyes, but it was canceled nonetheless. And I also love Taye Diggs, but he also just had a failed show: Daybreak. However, I found myself liking Amy Brenneman a lot and Tim Daly. The best scene in the whole show within a show though was the actual surgery scene when Addison delivers the baby. It was great.

I have been saying that I don't want Addison out of Grey's Anatomy because she brings a wonderful dynamic to the collective cast. I wonder if it will feel the same when she is gone. I found myself almost relieved every time we returned to the Seattle Grace set....and tense when we were in the LA clinic.

But, you know....it's gonna happen, so let's move on.

Does everyone related to these people have to die? I was shocked when Meredith's step-mom died. And I was even more disappointed when her reaction to the death was to knock back a few tequila shots with friends. I know that a slap by her grieving dad would drive anyone to drink, but it seemed totally cold. Was that what Derek was responding to when he looked in the window at the end? Was he there to comfort a grieving person only to find her finding solace in friends and alcohol - again drowning her emotions? He really is giving up on her. With Addison gone, where will he turn his affections? Perhaps we will be introduced to a new female character when Addison moves on?

I'm so over Izzie and George. MOVE ON!! And all of Callie's looks of indignation are wearing me out too. MOVE ON!

Again, the most stable couple on the show are the most unconventional: Cristina and Burke. But the looks on their faces at the end sort of looked like they might be trying convince themselves they are happy...or they are saying they are happy because they are too afraid to let go?

So, where do we go on this show if all of these relationships are resolved and dissolved? If Derek and Meredith break up, Burke and Cristina break up, Callie and George and Izzie break up, Addison leaves and McSteamy? Will we be facing Alex and Ava, Burke and Izzie, Derek and Cristina? Really, they can't do that...so what's next?

And was that Miranda laying on the floor in the previews? I'm pretty sure it was. So, now once again, we have someone in the inner circle dealing with health issues.....first Izzie and her breakdown, Meredith and her near-death, Burke and his hand, George and his dad, oh and Izzie and her long-forgotten daughter, Meredith and her mom and her step-mom.

Okay,okay, I'm not sounding like a fan today am I? I am, but I am getting worn out with the same telling of a slightly different story!

NEW YORK (AP) -- Isaiah Washington, who came under fire after using an anti-gay slur, will appear in a public service announcement on behalf of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
"We're gonna have -- I want to say at least two versions of it at this point. We may broaden our message a little," the actor's publicist, Howard Bragman, told The Associated Press in a phone interview Wednesday.

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