From Stacy McKee, writer of "Raindrops..."

Originally posted on 9/25/05

I have never been as ridiculously nervous as the moment I handed in my first official draft of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head."

We're talking sweaty palms, heart palpitations - I was downright petrified. Partly because that's a little of what every writer goes through when they offer up their work for public consumption (and - let's face it - possible ridicule) - but mostly because I was the youngest, least experienced writer on staff at Grey's Anatomy - and this was my very first professional script EVER.

Yeah. I'd group it right up there with that time in third grade when - convinced the math test I was about to take might very well ruin my life - I managed to vomit all over my teacher, my test, AND the cute boy with dimples sitting at the desk right in front of me… (Andrew Montgomery, if you're reading this, I sincerely apologize.)

But (luckily) "Raindrops" didn't face same reception I endured in third grade (meaning - despite my insecurities, there was little reason for me to retreat into my office and hide under my desk) and - in the end, it was pretty incredible watching my episode come to life… both in front of the camera - AND behind the scenes.

I was struck by how even the tiniest detail on the page can have a tremendous ripple effect for the production team… For instance: Peanut shells.

I had written into my description of Joe's Bar in "Raindrops" that peanut shells "littered the floor." Now, except for a brief moment when Joe collapses, we never actually see the bar's floor. The description was, for me as a writer, there to evoke an ambiance - to give an idea of the TYPE of bar Joe would run… But I quickly learned that if it was on the page, it would be on the set.

I'll never forget sitting in our production meeting and discussing how - since the bar's floor was actually carpeted and not exactly visible - maybe I could lose the peanut shells on the floor? No problem, I said - not a big deal. So now, if you read the first line of the script, it describes: "Lighting is dim, bowls of peanuts clutter the counter, dart boards & beer signs line the walls…"

But if you look carefully, the peanut shells did make it onto the counter top.

There I was. Suddenly sitting on set - listening to Patrick Dempsey say lines I had written… in the middle of the night, cameras everywhere, with rain pouring down - not from the sky, but from the rain machine rigged up just for this scene - this scene that I had written. Me - the new kid with butterflies in her tummy and (still) a violent aversion to math tests…

Comments

[Izzie!!]

I love the Character Izzie and I felt soo horrible when Denny died and she quit the program. She has to come back-Shes one of the best charachters on the show!

[Kathryn]

I am so in love with Dr. McDreamy!!!

[janet]

Grey's Anatomy is my favorite show. My stomach has been in knots since the last episode. I cried when Denny died and I loved Alex's scoop and hold of Izzie. (I hope she comes back) I can't wait to see what happens. You write amazing characters and my favorite alternates weekly. Although I always have a soft spot for George.

[Alyson]

I love Meridith and McDreamy they are like the most romantic couple. Meridith is still falling for him and I definitley think that they should get back together!! They make the show wonderful and interestng I just wish they would get back together!

[McDreamy and Addison!!!]

Just to let you know there are many of us who want Addison and McDreamy together. Some of us want him with a strong woman - not the whinest character since Ally McBeal. There are many many of us who can't stand Meredith.

[letty g]

-love the last scene from
the bomb scene. the
conversation between
meridth/mcdreamy about the
last kiss. some of the best
lines of the show.

[Daisy]

please don't get rid of IZZY! I think she has a heart of gold and don't want to see her go!

[soph]

where the h*** did Mc Steamy go to?? lol, that one was a keeper, even if he did screw up Dereks marraige to Addison. you just make it so hard for us , don't you!! whether she picks the vet or McDreamy, its like shed be perfect with either one! personally, i'd do the vet, but she just seems to fit with Derek, doesn't she.

[Ellen]

I've gotta agree with the folks who dislike Meredith. I find her character FAR too whine-y and reminiscent of Ally McBeal. However, I absolutely love some of the peripheral characters. I think the Izzy, George and Alex characters are extermely interesting and have lots of subtle nuances to their respective personalities, unlike Meredith/Derek who seem to be one trick ponies. Great writing, though. Always fresh.

[Ryknic]

Just loved the second season opening. I mean a absoultley loved it. It was a great way 2 open up 2 the season and addy being there really does complicate things. That's really all i feel the need 4 saying. Thanks 4 a great ep!!!

[AJ]

I LOVE Burke and Christina. They are soooo good together! They are the reason why I watch the show every week! I wish the show was not so centered on Meredith. I understand it may have needed to start out that way, but the show has so many other rich characters. I appreciate that the writers have worked to develop Dr. Bailey's character, but it's odd that we never hear anything about her husband or baby anymore.

[Kathryn]

I HATE MERIDITH GREY!!! I am also mad at Derek. I think that he should have stayed with Addison. Once he made the decision to stay with Addison, he needed to stay away from Meridith. She tries to move on, and he won't let her, and then she wouldn't let him. And she is so whiney and thinks that everything is about her. She annoys the crap out of me. I watch the show for everyone else. I love Izzie and I was so sad when Denny died. I wish that he hadn't. I love George and Callie and Dr. Bailey and heck, I even love Alex. But Meridith and Derek, I can't stand them. I like Derek more then Meridith.