'Grey' Area
Is ABC's fan favorite about to experience a downfall? Our columnist seems to think so, and offers her reasons why.

By Amanda Koehler
Collegian Editor
March 21, 2007

Last year, I was bitten by a bug – the Grey’s Anatomy bug. From the first episode I watched, I was hooked. Along with many other American viewers, I held my breath as the doctors and interns dealt with the bomb situation (RIP, Bomb Squad Guy), drooled over the first appearance of McSteamy and cringed when I witnessed the awkward George-Meredith hook-up. After watching the two-part season finale in May, I was convinced that the third season would be spectacular. I wanted to see how Izzie dealt with the loss of Denny, how Burke would recover from being shot and if Meredith would pick McDreamy or McVet.

But after a few promising episodes last fall, I am starting to worry about my friends at Seattle Grace. I am becoming disinterested in their lives; I don’t care whether Burke and Cristina ever get married or if Dr. Webber retires. What changed my obsession with TV’s favorite drama? I blame poor plots and behind-the-scenes issues.

My first problem with this season concerns Izzie, who used to be my favorite character. Denny’s death seems to have changed her personality. Gone is the sunny, positive Izzie, and here, hopefully not to stay, is insensitive and downright nasty Izzie. She has been mean to everyone, especially her supposed best friend, George. Her hurtful comments on his relationship with Callie make me want to throw something at the television. And (spoiler alert — don’t read if you haven’t seen last Thursday’s episode!) her implied drunk tryst with George was the last straw. Hopefully, she will wise up soon, and I will stop hating her character so much.

Despite the double proposals this season, the romantic relationships aren’t that interesting either. All the hype about an Addison-Karev match turned out to be nothing more than a kiss. Meredith and Derek’s relationship has also been pretty tepid; apparently, they aren’t watchable unless they are at odds.

After a nearly month and a half of reruns at the end of 2006, viewers were ready for some amazing storylines. In February, a ferry boat exploded, and this plot ran through three episodes. This seemed like something new and different, especially with a change of location as the interns and doctors went out into the field to work. However, then the writers screwed it up by putting the show’s main character in mortal jeopardy (which seems like a great idea for a ratings boost), having her be in between life and death and able to communicate with some dead characters. Can we say hokey?

What may be worse than what’s occurring on screen is what’s going on off screen. In the past few months, the show has received quite a bit of negative publicity. In October, Patrick Dempsey (Derek) and Isaiah Washington (Burke) got into a heated argument on the set. Later, it was revealed that during the fight, Washington used a homophobic slur when referring to co-star T.R. Knight (George). Washington later entered a rehab facility – rumor has it that this was an order from ABC.

Even more upsetting, The Wall Street Journal reported a few weeks ago that there is a Grey’s Anatomy spin-off in the works. The new show would star fan favorite Kate Walsh (Addison), and Taye Diggs is already signed on to the project. Grey’s creator Shonda Rhimes is writing a back-door pilot, which will air after an episode of Grey’s, to test out the spin-off. It will feature Addison deciding whether or not to take a job offer at a different hospital. If the spin-off gets the go ahead, she will take the new job. Reportedly, the spin-off has caused hurt feelings among the Grey’s cast members.

This boggles my mind. Creating a spin-off for a beloved character of a popular show that is only in its third season? What is Rhimes thinking? Come on, Shonda – don’t change the formula. Stick with what works!

And, Shonda, take some advice from a disgruntled fan: get your characters back to their normal, pre-season three selves; create better storylines and, by all means, let Addison stay at Seattle Grace.

koehlera1@lasalle.edu