Grey's Anatomy

You heard it here first... (Well, maybe you did...)

2008-03-03T16:52:21Z

Well, we predicted it, didn't we? (see January entry)
I mean it was a no-brainer, really. A gorgeous -- and not-to-mention pretty good -- actress starts making lotsa movies... it's logical her TV career will start to wane.
It seems newlywed Katherine Heigl wants to take her leave of Grey's Anatomy. Could it be? No more Izzie? Well, the "27 Dresses" and "Knocked Up" star is rumored to have asked producers to let her out of her Grey's contract. They just might kill her for it, too. I mean - on screen. Some media outlets claim Heigl suggested she get killed off the show and go out with big... ratings. We'll see.

Grey's Anatomy... LIVE!

2008-02-18T23:21:33Z

Now that the Writers strike is over, we Grey's fans can't wait for our next fix... er... episode. Well, apparently the writers are so excited there's word of a LIVE show. On February 14th - Valentine's Day - creator Shonda Rimes showed fans a little love and got everybody excited about the next installment called, "Good Medicine." But then ... I had such a let-down. I got all excited thinking we were going to get to see something either really cool or really bad - but either way it was going to be "Grey".. and naw. It's not. It's a fundraiser for all those people who didn't make any money while the writers were walking the picket line. Shonda says:
"For one night only, the casts of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice are coming together for a live performance! An unforgettable evening of laughter and song to benefit crew members who were affected by the strike. ... FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY, February 29, 2008 at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles, CA we are presenting GOOD MEDICINE. A little singing, a little funny, a lot of raising money." Tickets are $85 on Ticketmaster.com blah blah blah.
I can't help but recognize the irony here. The writers' battle over money ended up creating collateral damage by hurting others financially. This must be kiss-and-makeup time. Anyway. I digress. I'm actually glad they're trying to do something for the crew people types.
Bottom line: We won't get a new show until the end of April.
Stay tuned.

'Dr. Karev' in a psych ward

2008-02-11T21:28:59Z

He may play a doctor on TV, but actor Justin Chambers (Dr. Alex Karev) was recently an in-patient ... in a psychiatric ward. Word is that he's doing "just fine" following his psych ward stint. A Chambers rep said the actor checked himself in to UCLA Medical Center, last week, to get help for a sleeping disorder. He was apparently suffering from exhaustion. People magazine quoted Grey's cast mate James Pickens, Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber) as saying Chambers is "doing great."

>>People article

Paging Dr. Sloan

2008-02-11T21:11:13Z

The man who plays an over-the-top handsome, egotistical, womanizing plastic surgeon recently underwent a procedure to battle skin cancer. Eric Dane who plays Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy revealed recently to OK! magazine that he had developed skin cancer above his lips. He had the growth removed. Doctors apparently froze it off using liquid nitrogen.

>>OK! Magazine

The drought may be over

2008-02-11T21:06:59Z

But we'll still have to wait a bit for new episodes. Still.. the writers' strike appears to be over, and ABC has said it will ask those writers to get to work on new episodes of its top rated shows. That, of course, includes Grey's Anatomy. In case you're wondering, some other ABC shows that will go back into production are Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Ugly Betty and Samantha Who? New episodes of the Grey's Addison spin-off, Private Practice, will likely wait until fall.

Could Izzie be leaving?

2008-01-03T21:40:56Z

Actress Katherine Heigl (Dr. Izzie Stevens) married musician Josh Kelley Sunday, December 23rd, in front of a small group of family and friends in Utah. The photo you see here was released by OK! Magazine.
The pair had a Christmas-themed wedding. That dress reportedly cost a measly $8,000! And it seems like Heigl is ready to move on to the next relationship pretty quickly. She wants kids. Lots of them. And pretty soon. We'll have to see if that affects her plans to remain on "Grey's".

Of course, with the writers strike lingering on, the future of "Grey's" is anyone's guess. In the meantime, don't forget about an All New episode coming soon. It's next Thursday, the 10th..

CLICK HERE to link to the OK! Magazine online article.

New Episode! (But just one...)

2007-12-27T18:03:15Z

Well, I wasn't (entirely) crazy. There IS a new episode of "Grey's Anatomy" lurking in TV Land. And we now have an air date. After weeks of reruns, "Lay Your Hands On Me" will air Thursday, January 10th.

Here's ABC's synopsis:

"Lay Your Hands on Me" - Bailey's family faces a medical trauma, just as her marriage is falling apart; a surprise visit from George's mother comes as a shock to both Izzie and Callie; a faith healer challenges Erica and Alex's beliefs in traditional medicine; and Derek must deal with the aftermath of his kiss with Rose, on "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 on the ABC Television Network.

Guest starring Glenne Headly as Elizabeth, Debra Monk as Louise O'Malley, Cress Williams as Tucker, Lauren Stamile as Rose and Carol Locatell as Mai.

"Lay Your Hands on Me" was written by Allan Heinberg and directed by John Terlesky.

Waiting for word... or entire scripts, as the case may be

2007-12-18T22:25:11Z

We're all waiting for word of what's to come of our favorite drama series in view of the ongoing writers strike, but so far, ABC isn't saying anything. What we do know is that the 8c/9e time slot held by 'Grey's Anatomy' on Wednesdays will be filled at the end of January by eight new episodes of 'Lost'. But that is only half the number of episodes 'Lost' fans had expected after a long, eight-month hiatus.
We also know, now, that ABC's late night talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' is going back on the air January 2nd -- without writers. Why?
"Though it makes me sick to do so without my writers, there are more than a hundred people whose financial well-being depends on our show. It is time to go back to work," Kimmel said in a statement released by ABC.
Kimmel joins Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien in crossing the picket line. Apparently, the Writers Guild of America is working on a deal with David Letterman's production company. We'll see how that turns out.
The Oscars and the Golden Globes must go on ... but without writers, as well. The WGA refused to let writers work on those shows, either. The guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are wrangling over compensation for burgeoning digital media. The strike is now in its seventh week. Talks have broken down many times over that period of time, and as of this writing, no new negotiations are scheduled. In 1988, a writers strike lasted five months.
Unless we're surprised, ABC is promising another rerun this week: 'Let the Truth Sting.'
There are published reports that at least one episode was shot after the writers walked out... and without creator Shonda Rimes' input. We know that episode hasn't aired. But it just might Thursday the 20th. Another report is touting the return of Debra Monk as George's mom, Louise O'Malley, set to air... yes... Thursday the 20th. So did somebody let the cat out of the bag? Even so, that would probably be the end of any new episodes for a long, long while.
Guess that'll give us time to catch up on what's going on with Katherine Heigl's (Izzie Stevens) wedding to singer Josh Kelly. They're expected to marry this weekend.
Stay tuned...

"Crash" Part 2 Music

2007-12-07T19:18:24Z

I couldn't help notice the music in the opening scene of "Crash" Part Two. Odd but oddly appropriate, huh? It was "Creator" by Santogold.
"Circles" by Natalie Walker played when Meredith told the young widow the surviving paramedic's message.
And "Feel It Coming" by Sara Melson closes the show with Meredith, Cristina and Lexie dancing.

Rerun planned 12/13

2007-12-07T19:12:06Z

That's the bad news. But for those who love Diahann Carroll, you'll get to see that whole (awkward!) post-wedding-breakup game of hide and seek Cristina pulls off, for a while anyway. "Love/Addiction" - you may remember - also brings out the fighter in Alex.

"Crash Into Me - Part Two"

2007-12-07T09:46:39Z

Well, with the writers on strike you're stuck with me, I guess. Sorry about that. I've been looking for comments from the writers about the latest "Grey's Anatomy" offerings, but I guess blogging qualifies as work... so their little fingers are staying away from the keyboard in all fashions. Bummer, too. Because I would love to know more about the making of last night's show.
I have no knowledge of what it takes to put together a show each and every week, but I'm certain that there are tons of layers to it.
It's funny, for the first time since I started watching the show I caught myself admiring the technique of the directing, writing and editing while actually watching the show. I had to back it up a couple of times because - even though I was really into what was going on - I was also taking in the transitions, camera angles and physical stamina of what some of those actors must have had to have for this episode. I know we were supposed to understand that all of this was happening simultaneously. It worked. I felt like I couldn't take a breath. Couldn't move a muscle. The tension, stress, fear, worry bore right into me. I took it on, too. Wow. Great stuff.
Now, if you're still with me... onto storyline observations.

]]> Timing.
That's the one word that ticked through my head.
It's all about timing. When and where we meet people who affect us so deeply that we must know them. We want them to become part of our fabric.
Meredith was a little bit too late with her revelation to Derek that she wanted him to date only her. It was a pronouncement, really. Not a tender exchange that said "I love you." It was a "so there!" And he's probably gone. Nurse what's-her-name is already in his path and tingling in his cells on the heels of their scrub room kiss. Nurse what's-her-name readily admits she's not perfect and that she seems perfectly fine with that. There's potential there. A relationship journey could be open-ended. Not so with the struggle of loving Meredith. It may be too late.
Timing.
With a hospital in crisis and not enough OR's to go around, Bailey is stuck working on a Nazi wannabe while her marriage is falling apart in the waiting room. Poor George. He should have said... no. But he wouldn't, would he. He's George. He's a fixer. He wants to help. Bailey's marriage is in trouble, and a simple lunch with her husband could have made up a lot of ground for them. Healed a lot of open wounds between them. It just didn't - and really couldn't - happen. But that's Bailey's life, right? She does have a choice, yes. And she has chosen... medicine. For her husband the choice is take it.. or leave it. My heart aches for them. There's never an easy answer when duty butts up against your real life at home. It's a vicious tug-of-war.
Timing.
Izzie and George. It's not a secret that I have not been a fan of their romantic relationship. Then those silly Grey's Anatomy writers have to go and script a scene like that. It's just not their time to be together - like that. The delicate way they spoke to each other about their love was packed with all the finality of knowing they were going nowhere now... but without seeming to mourn their romance like it was dying or dead. It's alive. Somehow. But they can't nurture it and let it grow. Not now, anyway. But maybe... just maybe... someday? Such hope! And isn't that just exactly what we'd expect of our sweet Izzie and George. Hope.
Timing.
Boy did Ava's timing screw everything up. But then, if she hadn't pretended to be a doctor watching the surgery... and let the cat out of the bag about Alex... Lexie wouldn't have ended up in the room with ruptured artery man. How sweet he was! The splattering of massive amounts of blood onto Lexie's clothes and face and arms... that's sort of what the whole episode felt like. Like.. Oh God, could this possibly get any worse? Stop the hemorrhaging! Stop the pain!
Timing.
Tragedy did bring Lexie closer to Meredith, at least in physical proximity. And it happened through Cristina, oddly enough. She is, after all, Meredith's best friend and she showed she does realize what's best for her... connecting with her sister. Cristina the Resident marked a milestone, too, when she reached out to her intern... who just happened to be Lexie. She embraced an opportunity to share a human moment. A teaching moment. Progress, huh? I like her again.
Timing.
Ava and Alex are doomed. He called her on it, didn't he. He pulled no punches. Good for him! He does deserve better. I think we all thought Ava/Rebecca might be the one for him. We were wrong. It's time for he and Lexie to get real. They need each other and with the train wreck that is MerDer... we need someone else to root for.

"Crash Into Me - Part Two" Preview

2007-11-26T22:56:25Z

"Crash Into Me, -- Part Two" - In the stunning conclusion of a two-part episode, Meredith furiously works to save the life of a paramedic trapped inside an ambulance, as her sister, Lexie, holds the life of a patient in her hands; Derek must rely on the help of a nurse to save a patient's life, as Bailey struggles to balance her personal life with her work, on "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6.
Seth Green ("Austin Powers," "Robot Chicken") Guest Stars as Nick.
Emmy-Nominee Elizabeth Reaser Returns as Ava.
"Crash Into Me -- Part Two" was written by Shonda Rhimes and Krista Vernoff and directed by Jessica Yu.

"Crash Into Me"

2007-11-26T22:23:45Z

What a downer for Thanksgiving, huh? Not to mention it was one of those (dreaded) "To be continued..." episodes. Oh - and we have to wait TWO WEEKS to find out what happens next. (The 29th is a rerun, in case you didn't know.) Things like this really make me unhappy.
I'm sad about Miranda having trouble at home. I sort of wondered if that would be an issue. After all she did have a baby last season, and while we're supposed to believe they have the perfect, understanding marriage ... A Baby Changes Everything... as they say. Please, please, please let them figure it out.
Derek absolutely cannot leave Meredith. Cannot. Nope. I know we all want what's best for him and blah-blah-blah, but I just don't want him winding up with the nurse... no matter how appealing and sweet she might seem. Here's my prediction on that... He is going to start seeing her because he wants a real relationship. Maybe they even date a bit, do the nasty. But I think he'll eventually realize that in his heart of hearts, he really wants and needs Meredith. Despite being broken and needy and unable to commit, she completes him. And the nice-nice way of life with the nurse just won't cut it. But I think we're getting on the relationship roller coaster with McDreamy. Buckle up.
The whole paramedics injured thing was absolutely heart-wrenching, and once again, we saw Meredith and the chief having special moments. I love that dynamic. I love that he's "there" for her. He needs her, too.
Man... Alex is in trouble! For me, it's a no-brainer. As much as I LOVE Ava, he really could have a connection with Lexie. The two of them really have a lot in common and seem to "get" each other... not to mention neither of them are MARRIED. Ava/Rebecca (apparently) still is. That can make things a little sticky, right?
Izzie and George are so over... romantically anyway. Finally! But can they be friends? Most people think they can, but most aren't able to pull it off. It would be nice, though.
Touchy topic with the swastika-tattoo guy. It's hard to imagine that there really are people out there walking around like that, and there are real, well-educated doctors -- and other caregivers -- who have to treat them. I can't imagine what I would do in that situation. The Hippocratic Oath begins "First, do no harm..." but when you are facing someone eyeball to eyeball who has no regard for you... how do you put that away? I liked the way Bailey did it. Way to "rise above."

"Forever Young"

2007-11-20T22:07:32Z

My apologies. All I can say is Thank Goodness that the shows are online. I have to rant a minute. I have this unbelievably expensive HD-DVR so I can capture my favorite shows ("Grey's Anatomy") in HD and watch it whenever I want to, right? Watch as many times as I want to, right?. But network shows started doing these (stupid) Super-Sized episodes and the blasted DVRs aren't smart enough to figure out what's going on. So - my show got nuked. See me shaking my fist at the DVR? See me?
Okay. Sorry. I feel better now. Sort of.
Back to our regularly scheduled programming...
THAT'S SO HIGH SCHOOL
There's a little High School left in all of us. No matter how grown up or how successful and happily-ever-after we become, there's always that little twinge of who we were. If you think about it, it makes sense. High school is such a rite of passage. Forget the three-R's, the ACT, the SAT and AEIOU. It was about expressing ourselves. Chasing dreams. Wishing and hoping for the fairy tale to come true. Our emotions weren't tempered. Not one bit. We felt everything at full tilt. Love. Lust. Hope. Disappointment. Elation. Competitiveness.
We wanted desperately to be part of the pack. Usually the popular pack. Most of us weren't. But that didn't stop us from standing on the outside looking in. And sometimes, just sometimes, we would get included for a second. And it was glorious. But not really. It was all an unreal world. Except it wasn't, at least for the Chosen Few. And it's all part of our modern-day fabric no matter how hard we deny it. Maybe it's just a thread by now, but it's an important part of the pattern.
It's just not fair, really.
There are people in this world that we still allow to make us feel worthless... no matter how successful we are.
Bad hair-dos, braces, band uniforms... in my case, French Club (Yes. Seriously.)... those definitions follow us. But what's wrong with that? We found a place to belong somewhere, right?
It still never helps when the Object of Our Desire happens to be one of the Cool Kids. In high school, most of us were willing to do anything to feel that ray of sunshine upon our faces. And it doesn't really go away once we grow up, does it? There are still the cliques and the Cool Kids.
But what's so true in "Forever Young" is that you can't judge a book by its cover. Derek was a saxophone-playing band geek with acne and frizzy hair. Bailey (aka Mandy) was an oboe-playing band geek with coke bottle glasses and and no self-esteem. Stunningly beautiful Izzie was the pregnant girl from the trailer park who was shunned. That's a long way from Homecoming Queen.
High school never leaves us. We may overcome it. We may put it away, but it's always there. Isn't it? What would you do if the one person you wanted to impress, love or be-loved-by from high school walked back into your life? How would you behave?
Yes. So much of that time was not real life. People were superficial. Still are. But eventually we find our way. Even if we have to pretend, sometimes, that we're not affected by the Popular Ones.
The thing is, though, sometimes pretending is the best medicine.
Someone told me not to worry about what other people think of me because they're probably more worried about what I think of them. I think all of us - no matter how far up the ladder we go in our respective lives, jobs, careers - worry that someone will see through our facade and catch a glimpse of that bad hair-do and braces.
But even if people do see that... who cares? There's an awkward teen inside them, too.
MEREDITH & LEXIE
We all have expectations and assumptions. And yet, there are still people in this world we can't face truthfully.
Thatcher Grey couldn't face Meredith truthfully. He couldn't let her know he is really a drunk with no control over himself or his life. He had to concoct a story about it being Susan's birthday.
Didn't Meredith assume Lexie's life was perfect with their dad? That he was the loving, wonderful father that (damn it!) she didn't get to know. Reality check. I so love, though, how Richard really steps in as a father figure for Meredith. She needs him. I think he needs her, too. I was glad she let him in.
By now we know that Lexie is broken, too. The Grey girls really have more in common than they'd like to believe. I wonder what they'll do with that knowledge. I hope they find a way to get closer.
I see something percolating between Lexie and Alex. He really understands her. He's walked a mile in her shoes. He knows her pain, and while he's able to be a shoulder to lean on ... he's also stripping away some of his hardened layers. He almost seemed wounded when he told Lexie about having to start cleaning up after his dad when he was only seven years old.

Preview: "Forever Young"

2007-11-14T23:40:25Z

A SCHOOLBUS CRASH FLOODS SEATTLE GRACE WITH TEENAGERS, DEREK GOES OUT ON A DATE WITH A FELLOW DOCTOR, AND MEREDITH SEES HER FATHER FOR
THE FIRST TIME SINCE HER STEPMOTHER'S DEATH, ON ABC'S "GREY'S ANATOMY"

Jeff Perry Returns as Thatcher Grey, Kali Rocha Returns as Sydney Heron
"Forever Young" - The ER is filled with teenagers after a schoolbus crash, Bailey treats a patient who was her high school crush, Derek goes out on a date with a fellow doctor, and Thatcher enters the ER looking for Meredith, on "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 (8:00-9:02 p.m., CT) on the ABC Television Network.
Guest Starring Jeff Perry as Thatcher, Kali Rocha as Sydney, D.B. Woodside as Marcus, Lauren Stamile as Rose, Madeline Zima as Marissa, Brooke Nevin as Tricia and Stephen Sowan as Danny.
"Forever Young" was written by Mark Wilding and directed by Rob Corn.