It's a relationship-driven doctor show where each case is a metaphor for an obstacle a character is facing, everyone has sex, and repetition of a word or phrase means it's the Theme of the Episode. Tearful speeches are its bread and butter. The entire cast is extremely attractive. But what separates it from a large-budget soap opera that just happens to be on prime time is its A) cast of amazing actors, B) self-awareness, and C) unique voice.
I won't go through the entire cast list praising everyone, because it is a huge cast, but I certainly could. Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, and Katherine Heigl were rightfully nominated for their Emmys through the seasons. New additions Kevin McKidd and Jessica Capshaw have done a tremendous job too. However, I couldn't say the same for this season's Mercy West-ers - indie queen Nora Zehetner and hottie Jesse Williams don't shine quite as brightly. When Ellen Pompeo and the rest of the original five interns leave the show (TR Knight already gone and Katherine Heigl possibly being phased out) I'm not convinced the some-12.5 million viewers will stick around to watch the bland younger crew tough it out.
Grey's Anatomy is a drama, foremost, and the viewers' investment in the characters and their relationships is the principle draw of the series. Shonda couldn't have picked a better original cast. The first two seasons of the show, Grey's was the number one drama on television. It had perfect amounts of romance, angst, outlandish medical cases, and quirky Shonda-esque dialogue. Arguably, after Kate Walsh left for her spinoff Private Practice, the show got a little bumpy. But despite it all, the emotional side of the show (which is, granted, pretty much 100% of it) was constantly heartbreaking. It always contributed to realistic character development, which I appreciated.
I have a lot more to say, but I'd rather bullet some stuff about Thursday's episode:
- Arizona and Callie are my favorite couple on the show right now. After Meredith and Derek got post-it-married, their relationship hasn't been the first thing I think about when I watch anymore.
- I love when the show puts different combinations of characters together. Arizona and Alex this week was super cute, and you could tell how much Alex has changed since Addison.
- Sandra Oh is impeccable; her final scene with Owen was completely convincing and heartbreaking, as usual. I was surprised she hadn't told him about Burke yet. She also got some good lines: "Please don't cry on my ass."
- I think Lexie is a very endearing character. I'm sure everyone thought she was annoying at first, but she really grew on me. When she teared up in the elevator I really felt for her, which I wouldn't have done a season or so ago.
- I don't like Kim Raver's character. I think Teddy is a good person, but an unnecessary obstacle in Cristina and Owen's already difficult relationship.
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