"Grey's Anatomy: " The Long Climb Back
For a while - like two years - ABC declined to send review copies of "Grey's Anatomy" to TV scribes for the simple reason that it didn't HAVE to send review copies, which meant we had to watch like civilians. But guess what? Mindful of just how far out of favor this massive hit has fallen in some quarters (if last season's endless on-line gripe sessions were good indications) it's gone ahead and sent tonight's episode out for review.
So, from a long-standing "GA'" perspective, here's my quick assessment - good, but still, something's missing. Maybe this: After two and a half seasons of emotional triage among the character mainstays, one begins to ask, how much more triage can any mainstay undergo before that little heart monitor machine attached to 20 million viewers starts to flat-line? Let's count the numerous triages under way at the moment: Izzie loves George and George loves Izzie (but now Callie is starting to suspect.) Cristina has been abandoned by Burke and she's back to square one (and confronting the classic "GA" paradox - emotional fulfillment or career fulfillment?) Meredith's on-again off-again with Derek (and I've kinda lost count how many times this has gone on) has entered another phase, which we'll call Kinda On-gain (But The Clock is Ticking...) Her sister is here now, too, which is good because this at least gives Grey another emotional crisis, and "GA" another vein to tap. Webber's trying to repair things with his wife (still), and who knows WHAT gives with Miranda Bailey. Addison's gone of course and the only guy around here who isn't dripping with angst, anxiety, fear, loathing, paranoia, or love problems is Mark Sloan. (So what else is new?)
I'm not gonna get into plot points about tonight because I've learned that just bugs fans, but tonight's theme is "addiction," along with all its various manifestations. Again, it all feels like good old solid "Grey's," but somehow twice removed, or less-than-fresh, or a little worked over just one too many times. Therein lies the challenge of any major hit - keep the show firmly tethered to the mooring that made it so successful in the first place, yet strike out in new directions as well, and make fans fall in love with the object of their affection all over again. "GA's" trying - boy, it's trying - but still...
Meanwhile, I've buried my lead: Diahann Carroll is back as Jane Burke – Burke’s tough moma - and I hope it's not giving too much away to say she arrives unannounced in the waiting room where she dispenses wisdom, reprimands, tough love, and closure. I suspect this will be the last we see of dear Jane, but who knows…
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Comments (9)
I have been a huge fan of GA, but now I am growing tired of all the whining. Meredith and her issues are ridiculous already - whatis the big deal to get to know her sister? Also, the George/Izzy thing is just downright nauseating and not believable at all. His character is too much of a wimp. I feel myself slowly but surely slipping away from this show.
I'd like to read all of this post, but there's a GIANT PHOTO on top of some of the type. Could someone at Newsday please fix this? Thanks!
I LOVE seeing Diahann Carroll on T.V. She was great on GA. Last night's episode made me think of her on Dynasty way back in the '80s. I think her storyline on GA is up, but I hope we see her resurface on the tube someplace else.
I like Grey's, but It has lost it's appeal. The George and Izzy thing doesn't do it for me, Maybe Izzy and Sloan, she changes him for awhile and we can see the turmoil he is having etc. Chritina is my favorite, she needs to act out her emotions, be more of a ballbuster, can I say that? lol And Bailey, she needs to take control everyone's running a muck.
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I'd like to take a little different tack: No matter what an actor feels or thinks, some of his or her personality as a person permeates her or his performance. It is the job of the script writer to craft a script that enhances that performer to the point that she or he is not an actor but an artist.
It appears to me that some of the scriptwriters have changed or have changed their view of some of the characters.
In addition, it appears that the joy of the show began to wane. It was said in the beginning that T.R. Knight was one of the promoters of spirit and cohesiveness. This may have changed. It was also said that Isaiah Washington was refreshed and enlivened by each new medical tool or event that the show described.
In this background, and my own opinion, the scriptwriting for T.R. Knight and Katheryn Heigl was rarely sparkling.
I'm sure T.V. Drama enthusiasts have a lot of ideas and I would like to hear from them.
Thanks to our gracious host for letting us get this stuff off our chests.
And thanks to Sandra Oh for being really great! There's a lot more to say!
It ain't over til its over.
In the new US magazine a whopping 87 percent of fans pulled said that the Meredith and Derek characters are meant to be together. Could someone please tell Shonda Rhimes? She writes for these two talented actors Patrick Dempsey and lead Ellen Pompeo like she's a bad screen writer for Saved By the Bell. These two have a massive fanbase as Meredith and Derek. This summer her blog was FILLED with GA fans pleading with her just to write them in a very real relationship...And what does she do? "Friends with Benefits" Thank you Shonda. You managed to continue not to learn a thing from your mistakes. Quick, hire someone that actually GETS what you have had since season one in these two characters and let them write a believable storyline for them. Shame on you Shonda. There's not only a reason your writers for GA did not get a Emmy nod, but a real reason for 5 million (and counting) bailing out of Grey's Anatomy for other "more quality" show options on Thursdays.
GA is one of my favorite series. However, like alot of viewers Christina & George do not fit (cut this script). Now Mark & Izzie together would bring ratings. Derek & Merideth sister would bring good ratings. Please bring back Addison her & Mark or Derek had good chemistry.
I loved the story line and loved all characters
Goerge's wife ruined the show. I think George was great till the last show with Izzie. Not believable
Meridith & Derek good
Christina as an excited. agressive surgeon made it good. The different operations made it verybelievable
So guess I didn't like George failing, which I knew from beginning that was the way the writers were going
I happened to like George;s charater before the gal who played his wife came she was not his type period. too asgressive & henpecking.
But hope it does not end
make more believable thoughts
Maybe get some new writers