Photos
Video
Seriously . . . let's discuss 'Grey's Anatomy'
Backlash is a funny thing.
I’ve talked about this before but it is in a TV viewer's innate nature to build something up only to tear it down. I think that’s what was happening to Grey’s Anatomy at the end of last season and the beginning of this one.
Now something even more serious is going on.
Apathy.
Everyone I talk to seems to be indifferent to the show. Many I talked to didn't even tune into the show's return last week. That’s not a good sign. It’s much better when people are angry with a show because it means they still care.
I, too, felt a little ennui while watching last week’s episode. Now that we know that Derek and Meredith will be together "for good" before the end of the season, all his scenes with Rose seem a little sad to me. Like "oh poor Rose, she doesn’t know she doesn’t stand a chance." Why even bother watching those scenes if we know they are going nowhere?
The rest of the characters appeared to be running in place a little bit. George is mopey. Lexie is needy. Christina is power hungry. Izzie is annoying. They all are really in need of a great story line to settle into.
And I can’t quite figure out what the show is doing with the whole Erica Hahn and Callie Torres situation. I’ll be quite disappointed if they take what could have been just a female friendship that would unsettle Christina and make it romantic. I’m obviously totally fine with either or both of them being gay (and that's been the speculation about Erica since she joined the series) but it annoys me that TV constantly plays to this sort of male fantasy stereotype. Because women can just be friends who spend a lot of time together. Putting Callie and Erica together romantically would seem like a ratings stunt to get everyone talking.
But the good news is that both Addison (Kate Walsh) and Ava (Elizabeth Reaser) return this week (Thursday at 9 p.m. on ABC) which should jump kick me out of my current state of world-weariness with the show.
What did you think of Grey’s last week? Or are you even still watching the show? What about Erica and Callie? Talk about it below.
Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for April 28-May 4
I have to tell you I was in a little bit of denial about the CW’s "OMFG" campaign for Gossip Girl. I think there was part of me that thought, "well a network can’t possibly really being doing that" and just ignored it. And honestly I’m surprised that the CW got away with it and there wasn’t more of a brouhaha about the campaign. It is kind of funny to think of network executives, well past the age of these trendy Upper East Siders, dreaming up a campaign like this. It all seems rather silly, doesn't it? Michelle Trachtenberg begins her four episode guest star stint as Georgina Sparks Monday at 8 p.m. on the CW. And next week a character comes out. I’m curious to see how the show handles that story line and I really hope they really treat it responsibly. What did you think of the "OMFG" campaign? Talk about it below.
I find it kind of interesting that One Tree Hill is still pursuing the Lucas/ Lindsey romance and not putting Peyton and Lucas back together. I’m actually not sure I want Lucas with either of them. How about you? Are you rooting for Lindsey or for Peyton or for somebody totally new entirely? This week Lindsey returns to Tree Hill for Jamie’s birthday (Monday, CW, 9 p.m.).
House is back with four new episodes Monday at 9 p.m. on FOX. One of the big story arc for the remainder of the season is Wilson’s relationship with Amber and House’s reaction to it. I’m really glad they found a way to keep Anne Dudek on the show for a little while longer but I remain very concerned about how little we’ve seen of Cameron and Chase. I kind of feel like if the show doesn’t find the right place for them soon (fearless prediction alert), they won’t be on the show this time next year. The other great thing about House returning to complete the season is that we will finally get to see the big two-part episode the show had planned to air after the Super Bowl but couldn't due to the writer's strike.
In a continuing trend, Andi finds out about Sam’s deal with the devil on Reaper (Tuesday at 9 p.m. on CW). It seems like more and more shows are doing this – letting characters in on the main characters not-so-secret secret (honestly how long will the new DA be in the dark on Moonlight?) But I think it’s a good move for the show because hopefully it will jump kick Andi and Sam out of the holding pattern they’ve been in.
No sooner had I told you that repeats of the The Unit would begin airing this week when CBS made a scheduling change. Now new episodes of Shark will air Tuesday at 9 p.m. on CBS and episodes of The Unit are nowhere to be found (a repeat of CSI air immediately after Shark.). One of my favorites, Paula Marshall (she totally won me over when she was in Out of Practice), joins the cast as a prosecutor who will work with Sebastian (hmmm. . . .I wonder if that’s TV speak for romantic interest).
Robin Williams guest stars on the 200th episode of Law & Order: SVU (Tuesday at 10 p.m. on NBC). Williams plays Merritt Rook, an engineer whose powers of persuasion have a criminal effect. The episode is fairly thought-provoking and Williams truly disappears into the role.
The scheduling shenanigans continue on ABC this week. Women’s Murder Club returns with new episodes Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ABC (that’s the Boston Legal time slot). The good news for Jericho fans (and everyone else) is that Gerald McRaney guest stars as Lindsay’s father. Joel Gretsch (Tom Baldwin on The 4400) begins his recurring role as Lindsay’s boyfriend. And fun random fact for all of you, Gretsch is married to Melanie Shatner, who is the daughter of William Shatner whose show, Boston Legal, is being booted to Wednesday night at 10 p.m. on ABC. By the way, this all puts Men in Trees out of its time slot and off the schedule until the end of May.
My Name is Earl is quickly getting to the point of since I can’t say anything nice about the show better to say nothing at all. I found last week’s episode to be bordering on painful to watch. I know the show thrives on Randy’s simple mindedness and is not exactly rooted in reality but I always believed the characters at some level. But last week when Randy was pushing around a still comatose Earl in a shopping cart, well that was too much for me. Was it too much for you? Thankfully Earl is out of his coma this week (no more wacky sitcom in his dreams) and trying to find Billie.
Nina Garcia and Christian Siriano guest star as themselves on Ugly Betty (Thursday, ABC, 8 p.m.). And things get a little dicey for Betty when an off-her-meds Renee becomes convinced that Betty is in love with Daniel (although you can’t really blame Renee for worrying about that since I think that exact thing has happened in other incarnations of the show). I used to enjoy the love triangle brewing between Betty, Henry and Gio but after last week I’m a little all set with Henry and I kind of want his story line with Betty totally wrapped up. My other word of caution is to Amanda, who is so wonderful on the show. I think Amanda is the kind of character who is in danger of becoming a stereotype of herself and all shtick. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen to Amanda.
Jericho may be cancelled but its stars are popping up everywhere. Sprague Grayden guest stars as the best friend of a missing lottery winner on Without a Trace (Thursday, CBS, 10 p.m.). And Jack investigates Brian Donovan, the father of Samantha’s baby. Even though it was ridiculous that Jack would leave the hospital and survive the whole day in his condition, I really think this story arc has been great for the show this season.
It’s a wonderful Smallville when Clark finds out what life would have been like if he had never arrived in Smallville. The story line is quite convenient because Tom Welling actually directed this episode that airs Thursday at 8 p.m. on the CW.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is back as the boys’ father on Supernatural at 9 p.m. on the CW.
That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Wednesday with this week’s familiar faces, thoughts on Brothers & Sisters, and more. Have a question, seen a familiar face, want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Have a great weekend.
I must be ahead of the curve. I stopped caring about Grey's Anatomy after the preposterouis Izzie/Denny arc.
Tom | Apr 28, 2008 12:29:28 PM | #I look forward to your thoughts on last night's BROTHERS AND SISTERS. I, myself, was very upset with it and I believe the plot twist on it could result in irreparable harm to the series.
marky | Apr 28, 2008 12:30:36 PM | #I was avid about "Grey's Anatomy" right up to the season 3 premiere (Izzie on the floor, right?). Loved Denny even though it was ridiculous. After that, I was content to watch in online a few days or weeks later, but no rush. I'm more concerned about the added gore (chainsaws and bears in particular). I kinda remember Shonda saying she didn't like up close surgeries, so they fudged around them on purpose. It was my "safe" medical show that wouldn't get too graphic -- no more! This week was ewww, after ewww, after ewww.
Elisa | Apr 28, 2008 12:46:11 PM | #Ok, I still lie Greys, but my issue with it is, there is always the gross scene in the beginning where I say Ewww! a million times and cover my eyes, then it just levels out to what it is. Im still watching. If I may change the subject and offer my cheesy quote of the week already from bart simpson:
"for once im glad I had a cow, man."
Ken | Apr 28, 2008 12:46:21 PM | #I am still watching Grey's but I no longer feel truly invested. I didn't even Hate George and Izzie together (which set off many other fans) but I just can't seem to care what any of the characters have going on.
I predict that maybe Hahn is interested in Callie, but the feeling isn't mutual. That would be interesting and would clear up the question of Hahn's sexuality. But I, too, am disappointed by the release that Meredith and Derek will be together by end of season. I like Rose, but don't really care about her, since I know it won't last.
I can't wait for wednesday's post to her TV Gal's opinion on Brothers & Sisters. I am quite miffed about the de-Walker-fication of Rebecca and need someone else's opinion.
Oh and on the Gossip Girl front... I read a spoiler, which I won't reveal here, but I am very, very disappointed in the choice for the gay character. Way too stereotypical and obvious.
I hope they don't make Erika a lesbian because then Sloane would believe that being gay is the only reason a woman wouldn't be interested in him! I agree that the scenes with Rose seem pointless since we know that Meredith and Derek are getting together by the end of the season. Also, since I hate the Ava character, I am really not thrilled with her being pregnant ... assuming that this is going to be a whose-the-daddy storyling. Ugh.
EiEiOh | Apr 28, 2008 1:01:04 PM | #I'm with Tom, I called it that the Izzie/Denny storyline would kill the show. Mind you I said it in his first scene on the show. Then again it took about a full year (Denny appeared at about the 1/2 way point in year 2 and the 1/2 point in year 3 is when the show died). I still watch the show - kind of like I did with 90210. I just hope I don't have to hang on for 6 years like I did with 90210 before just dies. Perhaps I'll drop the show. I rarely do - I have with Friends and ER - but when I do I usually go back to them (like I have been doing with Friends and ER) on DVD. I find it much easier to watch shows on DVD years later than I do at the time I lose interest in them. I find I appreciate them more at that point.
Last point about Grey's, I totally didn't have that reaction to the Callie/Hahn storyline until TV Gal pointed it out - i.e. potential lesbian angle. Perhaps this is the "BIG KISS" surprise that Shonda Rhimes talks about when giving away future plans (like she did about Derek and Meridith getting back together by the end of the season).
As for House I actually have the opposite reaction. I thought that Cameron and Chase will be back as a part of the team to start the new year rather than them being permanently replaced by the new team.
Rishi | Apr 28, 2008 1:04:29 PM | #I think that Grey's misses Isaiah Washington as an actor and his character, Burke, was an essential connector. Christina's character has been aimless with out Burke, and Derek and the chief have been without strong a professional peers. I think Shonda Rimes did her best writing for Burke and it help cover up the weaker character development and storylines.
Dex | Apr 28, 2008 1:05:37 PM | #I actually stopped watching Grey's regularly when Meredith fell in the water (last season? the season b4?) and I realized I didn't really care whether she drowned. I had been kind of meh up to that point, but was still watching.
Jen | Apr 28, 2008 1:17:31 PM | #Oh, I almost forgot. I agree with Mandy that the character chosen to be gay is so uninspired. And the spoiler was given out on E! news with no spoiler warning.
Jen | Apr 28, 2008 1:19:20 PM | #I loved the Denny storyline - even if it was outrageous- and loved Izzy back then. I've always disliked Meredith and in fact, didn't watch Grey's regularly at first, because she bugged me so bad. Then the other characters won me over.
However, after Denny's death, things just started going downhill, and I think the absence of Burke and Addison are two big parts. The best "couple" right now are Derek and Sloan. If things don't pick up soon, I am going to go back to watching CSI and not even DVR'ing Greys.
Ali | Apr 28, 2008 1:21:32 PM | #I couldn't disagree with you more about Grey's. I thought "Where the Wild Things Are" was absolutely fantastic - funny, smart, and touching, with a lot of great dialogue. It has been one of the most well-written shows on TV since its premiere, and with very few mis-steps, it continues to be so. I love the use of theme and metaphor, which was especially well done in this episode (the whole animal instinct thing worked well but was not over-done), and I love the parallels between the doctors and their patients. Also, I think the Meredith in therapy storyline is being handled very well so far - Amy Madigan is a powerhouse actress, she was great last week and I'm sure she will just get better. Looking forward to some great scenes between Madigan and the always fantastic Ellen Pompeo, who is the main reason I watch Grey's. There's a lot to like about the show. And other people must think so too, since Grey's was the top primetime performer in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
Chloe | Apr 28, 2008 1:27:27 PM | #Grey's is no longer must see for me, but I still watch it several days after it airs. Knowing that Derek and Meridith will somehow find their way back to each other does make the whole Rose thing rather non important. I think this could either be the beginning of a new chapter for Grey's or the begining of the last page. I just have to say that I really enjoyed Moonlight last week and it was good to be reminded how much I love that show. I am also looking forward to Women's Murder Club, I hope that people tune in with the moved. I know so many people who got out of the TV habit during the strike and that could be bad news for some of the shows that are on the "bubble"
Hettie | Apr 28, 2008 1:31:25 PM | #Actually, I think the BIG KISS surprise is Erica & Christina. And I too became indifferent once Izzy/Denny played out to its ridiculous middle.
KristenLC | Apr 28, 2008 1:32:52 PM | #I agree about Grey's, it went from "must see" to "maybe catch" for me. Meredith drags the show down. She's forever unhappy and her "S&M" relationship was ridiculous. I'm tired of her and her issues and couldn't care less about she and Derek, would rather them move along to others to breathe some life back into each of them. Its "maybe catch" because of the characters Alex, Mark, Cristina and Derek as I still find those characters interesting.
Like others, would love to hear opinions on last night's B&S (far better show than GA). I hated the de-Walkering of Rebecca.
Claire | Apr 28, 2008 1:34:11 PM | #I still watch Grey's but usually days later. I don't really care if I miss it anymore. It went down with the stupid NDE and Meredith & Derek. Knowing they are getting back together doesn't make me want to watch, just the opposite. They're never ending drama is tired and the show should have moved on.
Callie & Hahn being the kiss would seem like a ratings stunt. I'm guessing the kiss will be the ever boring Meredith & Derek. Yawn.
Denise | Apr 28, 2008 1:50:25 PM | #I stopped watching Grey's when Meredith was flailing around in the water. The woman is eternally unhappy and its just annoying to watch. Nothing but moping even after she had her McDreamy and her McLife (which she whined about losing a season earlier). Season 1 was great and fun, season 2 was excellent and made you feel for the characters, season 3 stunk. No desire to find out if season 4 is any better, I'm guessing Meredith is still whining.
Connie | Apr 28, 2008 2:01:21 PM | #I stopped watching Gray's sometime last season. I just couldn't stand all the "romantic" (actually anti-romantic) ups and downs any more. And frankly the characters were getting TOO flawed.
Glenn | Apr 28, 2008 2:10:28 PM | #I only read recaps for GA now. If there is some storyline for some of the characters I would probably watch it again. Season 3 wore me out and I haven't watched since episode 3 of season 4. Meredith, her problems and Meredith/Derek and their on/off story is just boring after awhile. Its the same thing over and over. I waited and waited to see story for others and it just never happened. I overloaded on Meredith to the point of complete apathy about the character. I tuned out so I didn't have to see her anymore.
Can't wait for Wednesday's column about Brothers & Sisters!
Juliana | Apr 28, 2008 2:39:00 PM | #I am apathetic just because I don't want to care, and have Grey's throw more crap at me. I enjoyed the episode, but I think that it is going to take until closer to the SF to really see if things have changed or if they are still going down the path of the last few episodes of S3.
M | Apr 28, 2008 2:43:04 PM | #Shonda Rhimes is just flailing. She had a great start, but now just seems to latch onto anything that looked interesting, and resets all the subplots back to status quo ante afterward. An example: Izzie and Denny. Falling in love with a patient was a big development for her, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan certainly gave the show a lift. Then they killed Denny. The subplot with Izzie's suspension churned a bit, then they reset things and brought her back. Same with the subplot involving Denny's money: a total reset.
Now we hear that the initial (even before starting at Seattle Grace) romance, Meredith and Derek, is being reset again.
If you want to make episodic TV you've got to plot things out in a consistent manner. There's no reset button. Rhimes apparently sucks at story arcs, and that's why you don't need to watch every episode of "Grey's Anatomy".
Henry | Apr 28, 2008 2:56:41 PM | #I don't watch Grey's...never have. So, as a former employee of a CW affiliate, I'll comment on that. IMO, CBS and Time Warner should have kept The WB brand for the merged network. The Frog had brand recognition that "The CW" will never have. The whole CW line-up, save "Smackdown" is comprised of series that were either on The WB, or would have felt right at home there. It's in it's second full season now...and people are still wondering what the heck "CW" means...Country & Western?
Why re-brand the network, when you're just going to put out a line-up just like The WB?
Looking forward to the new WB website.
I am really surprised at all of the negative comments about GA. Personally, I thought last weeks episode was GREAT! It reminded me of the old "Grey's". Everybody was so upset with the up and down with Mer/Der (me included) that I figured the majority of the fans would be thrilled to know they will be together soon. So, since I'm such a huge Mer/Der fan, I was thrilled to get this news and it certainly does not bother me to see Rose with Derek because I know it will not last! I don't feel sorry for her because she should have known what she was getting herself into! Naturally, season 3 was very sad and depressing and I truly hated the fact that Mer/Der broke up in the last episode before the strike! I think SHonda has had the time to go back and rethink things and thats why she realizes that these two belong together and Meredith and Derek need some help to get to that place. I think it will be great to watch their journey together as well as the others characters! Everybody needs to give Shonda a chance to get her show back on track and I think she is doing just that! Its certainly worth the wait to me! You can't throw in the towel yet, epsecially if you are a TRUE GA FAN!! And the ratings were good this past week. CSI was only a couple of ratings points ahead of GA and GA naturally won the demo 18-49 as usual. I think as the next few episodes continue to close out season 4, everybody will realize that GREY's is back. Its still a must... to talk about it on Friday mornings at my workplace! cAN'T WAIT TILL THURS. NIGHT!
GA Fan | Apr 28, 2008 3:18:22 PM | #any word if this is the last season of Smallville?
Any idea about if the Fall Lineups will be announced when they normally are, the 2nd or 3rd week of May?
I just read about 2 Rob Thomas projects (Veronica Mars creator) and someone posted a rumor that Kristen Bell is cast in 1 of them.
Kyle | Apr 28, 2008 3:56:50 PM | #I'm getting a little tired of all the gay being thrown in my face wherever I turn. I know it's fashionable these days, but it stills weirds a lot of us out. They make it seem like there are a lot more gay people than there are, and that it's just fine with everyone. Neither is true, and I worry that it will encourage more kids to go down a sad road.
Jessica | Apr 28, 2008 4:18:25 PM | #
Zap2it Twitter Talk
