Debora Cahn on "Sometimes a Fantasy"

Original Airdate:  10-5-06

So I’m one of the new kids.  There are some new writers on Grey’s this year, and at the beginning, being the new kid felt alarmingly like it did when I was nine and went to sleep-away camp with a bunch of girls who had Jordache jeans and I didn’t have Jordache jeans and I was really convinced it was going to be the end for me.  Everyone here on the staff was incredibly sweet and welcoming, and yet still I had major “What the hell do I wear today” anxieties, and “Oh my god, I just spoke a sentence that used the word ‘like’ fourteen times” anxieties, and… all the anxieties really.  I had them all.  You’d think that past age 30 you kind of get that crap under control.  Apparently not.  So be patient with my blog, because it’s my first blog, and I don’t know what I’m doing.

The nervous condition came and went over the first weeks on the job, but I think I officially got over it dealing with Cristina and the chicken.  Cristina’s decided she’s going to help Burke get back on the horse after his hand surgery, (so sweet, so generous, so unexpected from Cristina) and she’s going to do it by having him practice operating on dead chickens.  So when it came time to shoot the episode, there were long conversations with the fantastic production team about the hacking of the chicken.  Was it just a chicken breast?  Was it a whole fryer?  The folks from sets and props had to design a cutting board that could be built into Burke’s counter top, so it wouldn’t fly off the counter, as there was a lot of concern about Sandra Oh getting hit in the face with either a meat cleaver or a chicken.  The conversation continued when we hit the stage to rehearse the move with Sandra.  Could she get through the bird in one hack or would it take two?  (I thought it should be one.  It was important to me.  I don’t know why.)  We had rehearsal chickens. We had stunt chickens.  We discovered that the stunt chickens, which had balloons inside them instead of bones, emitted some sort of evil stinky salmonella gas that threatened to kill Sandra on the spot.  It was scary.  In the end, she made it through in one incredibly satisfying hack.  The whole thing just made me really happy.

That and the threesome, which was pretty happy-making too.  I think if I was having a dream about being in bed with Derek Shepherd and Finn Dandridge, and my roommate woke me up, I’d come at him with a salmonella-coated meat cleaver.  The dream scene, which turned out so beautifully, was a riot on the stage.  Ellen and Chris and Patrick couldn’t stop laughing.  Not for a minute.   And yet it came out looking so dreamy and idyllic.  And even after the dream, Meredith is so optimistic, so idyllically happy about the prospect of dating two men at the same time.  It never worked for me – dating more than one guy at a time.  I’m married now, and so I look back fondly on my playing the field days, but it was always a nightmare when there was more than one person in the mix.  I couldn’t keep it all straight.  I couldn’t remember what I said to whom, and who had told me the story about putting a dead cat in their freezer.  It wasn’t dreamy and idyllic, it was stressful.  And yet Meredith seems to handle it so well.  Better than the guys, certainly, who get so wrapped up in the competition, they can’t seem to focus on the girl.   

And then there’s George, who’s so focused on the girl he can’t think straight.  But not in a good way.  She’s in his space.  It’s one of those you-don’t-have-a-place-to-live-and-we-sleep-together-half-the-time-anyway-so-why-don’t-you-move-in-with-me impulse moves that are always a terrible idea.  Terrible.  And yet it happens all the time.  Particularly in places like New York, where the rent is through the roof, and so it seems totally reasonable to ditch your crappy 6th floor walk-up that you share with three friends and somebody’s unemployed cousin Waldo and move in with your new dude, even though you’ve only had three dates, and you’re not sure what his last name is.  I’ve been there. It’s a crappy idea.  It never would have occurred to George and Callie to shack up that early in the relationship.  But she was homeless and it seemed like the polite thing to do, and suddenly he’s made the offer and backing out of it seems rude and horribly cruel, and yet he can’t handle this.   And so he’s a basket case all day.  TR’s performance of “Robin, he just marches into the Batcave, like, here I am, give me some tights, I’m gonna borrow your towel” could not have been more fabulous.

And how about Supergirl?  First of all, I still can’t believe we landed Little Miss Sunshine.  Abigail Breslin may be the best actor I’ve ever seen.  She’s ten, or nine, or some young age where she shouldn’t be the best actor anyone’s ever seen and yet she’s amazing.  And how adorable is Alex with her?  Just when you thought you couldn’t fall any more in love with him in, suddenly he’s being nice to children and it’s all over.   

But my favorite thing might be Addison slapping Mark.  It was Shonda’s idea.  I thought she was insane.  I said, “She’s trying to let him down easy, he just flew across the country to scratch her itch, she’s buried her about-to-be-divorcee devastation in his very well defined chest, he’s proclaiming his true love, she can’t slap him in the face.”  And Shonda replied, “Yes.  She can.”  And so it went in the script, and sure enough, Shonda was right.  It was amazing.  Kate Walsh pulled it off brilliantly.  She’s as surprised as he is, when it happens.  It’s a panic move.  She smacks him because if she doesn’t, she’ll just kiss him again, and then her clothes’ll be off again, right there on the floor of Joe’s Bar, and she can’t have that, she has to get on with her life. 

Izzie’s trying to get on with her life too, in an incredibly valiant way.  But she can’t.  It was heartbreaking, watching her standing outside that hospital all day.  It was 95 degrees out when we shot it, and she’s wearing Denny’s sweater, so on top of the emotional devastation, we were a little worried Katie Heigl was going to pass out.  Katie was fine.  But Izzie was wrecked.  She thought that she could take back her life, through sheer force of will, but it’s too much.  We all wanted her to walk through that door.  We all wanted to believe that she could bounce back.  Still be a doctor.  Be a superhero.  Step out of the wreckage, brush herself off, and walk on.  But she can’t.

It was incredible to watch, and incredible to be a part of.  I’m still nervous most of the time, convinced that at any moment they’re going to turn to me and say “You, you don’t belong here, away with you.”  But until that happens, it’s a great ride. 

Comments

[shelley]

WOW what a great episode. I have to say my favorite part was izzie in the end when Alex was like "does it hurt" izzie's face right there was heartbreaking!!! you could feel her pain. and then when he said where? and she said everywhere, WOW. I really hope she can become a doctor again, i have to say after this i'm a little worried, and if she doesn't come back i'm not going to be happy at all. I also thought that burk and izzie's shot was nice, and at least she was for the first time in awhile smiling at the end YAH, but i'm still pretty worried, i liked how she was lieing on the ground on the first episode and the second was baking and now standing, it is very realistic, she went through some horrible events. PS i like the whole show and to be fair the derek / fin thing was very cute.

[Lina]

I just want to make sure there are some corrections made from now on in the episode, if possible. Burke would not be seeing a PT for a Brachial plexus injury, or any injury to the hand, most likely, more than likely, he would be seeing an Occupational therapists, they deal with hands and function a bit more than PT. Please fix this. Thanks

[Leash]

Fantastic job, I love the greys writers blogs so much because they're always so eloquent and thought provoking. So thanks to all the writers for taking the time to write these on top of your workload.
Debora, thank you for your wonderful insight and an awesome first episode!!!
You get extra points for the threesome!!

[Liz]

First comment, yay!
Awesome episode, you did well:)

[Val]

Wow, what a great show..We had a girls night in party to watch it. "seriously" you know what you are doing..

[Sandra]

Great Blog Debora!!!

[Barbara]

I definitely am a big fan of Grey's Anatomy and got caught up on the second season in three very blissful days once the DVD came out. However, I am really disappointed at this love triangle with McDreamy, Meredith and Finn. Meredith has turned into a whiny and unlikely protagonist of the show. Last season was so epic because you could tell how emotional everyone was about the patients and each other. This season it is like a three ring circus with the love triangle. I will keep on watching and hoping for more thoughtful but equally drama filled shows.

[Jena]

I love the show, love it!
Is Mcsteamy a regular cast now instead of a guest star?

[Molly]

Looks like the new kid fits right in! Congrats...it was a great episode!

[Lisa Marie]

Ok, I love Greys, but honestly,.. this episode bothered me in places. I feel bad... I mean... for Debora.

The energy was just different this show.. and I can't quite figure out why.

Meredith just seemed really selfish, and the scene at the end of the date with Derek and Finn, just wasn't plausible to me. Who rants like that? I guess Meredith does. :(

Maybe I'm still trying to deal with the fact that she chose to date both of them. It just doesn't seem fair to Finn, since she will most likely chose Derek.

I love how Finn isn't intimidated by Derek, and he's all about fighting for Meredith.

And I love how cocky Derek is about *his* girl. Almost like he knows he's going to win her in the end.

Izzie is really having a hard time, and I feel for her. I get that she is still mourning and trying to get her act together.

Callie is coming on too strong, and O'Malley is having a hard time dealing with it.

I loved the superhero girl. I like that the main part of the show was once again circling around a rare medical case.

I've grown to love Addison, and I feel soo bad for her, because she really really tried to save her marriage. Derek just went through the motions. I guess in his own way he did try, but not as much as she did.

Mark is hot, OMG, he is McSteamy Hot!! I love that he digs Addy, and I look forward to watching their relationship evolve.

The scene with Addy and Meredith in the storage closet was so real. Great writing there!

I'm a die hard fan, and I will continue to watch. I just hope it doesn't get too soap opera-ish.

I love how Christina realizes that she is an integral part of Burkes recovery and that he needs her. And in her best way she will be there for him. :)

The actors are exceptional, I love every one of them.

I look forward to next week, see how things pan out. I can hardly wait for tommorrow night when it will air again and here online, so I can watch it over and over!

Debora, I'm sure the other writers are embracing you and welcoming you aboard. Be proud of yourself!!!

Namaste'

[SF]

This was the best episode I have seen in a while - everyone was playing their good old selves again - not too melodramatic and it was just so satisfying! The patients were more believable and we connected to each one. If you (Deborah) have anything to do with this, which, of course, you do - then thanks!

[Jaye]

You did a great job Debora! The dream scene is one I too hope to have with those 2 guys! OMG!

This episode all around really rocked. It was nice to laugh a little through it, because most of the time, I just end up in tears. Of course, the Izzie story line brought me there again tonight, it was still good to laugh.

Write more for us. And Shonda, great slap!

[Jannarama]

That opening scene wasn't just a dream, it was definitely a FANTASY!! I'm a huge Billy Joel fan, so I loved the title!!

It was awesome seeing Abigail Breslin. She and her brother Spencer are so talented, it's SCARY!!

Kudos to you for a great show! Thanks!

[Jayne from MI]

LOVED every minute of it! Thanks for the return of the great medical stories (although a little short). I love to see Derek and Finn making a game of this, because, really, how can you not? It is impossible to date two men at the same time, it will just get ugly...it's only a matter of time. (I'm rooting for Finn!) Keep up the good work...more episodes like this one...I can't get enough!

[Jessica]

Hey, great job on the episode!!! I loved that threesome scene- it must've been SO difficult to shoot.

George...oh, George. He should've just SAID something. Loved the comic-book nerdiness, though. I totally fell in love with him when he started rattling off information about superheros. :)

[Lina]

Oh, and i meant to comment that these have been awesome episodes. LAst weeks shocker was great, but I just loved this week. I love seeing Cristina break out of the non-compassionate, fighting her love type of way, but now...she is just evolving....

Awesome job! Keep it up!

[Lisette T]

LOVED this episode. GOD, you guys are so good at that whole "teach the interns a life lesson through the fragile ass patients" thing. LOVED Burke being vulnerable and resigned to having to heal. LOVED the Dirty Mistresses trying to work out their s**t. Hate (HATE!!!) McVet. Can't he just, go? Can't he just DIE?? I mean, come ON, Strawberry Ice Cream HOMEMADE by a patient?? WTF?? Please let the strawberries be tainted with E. Coli, next week Meredith is vomiting out of some Strawberry residue gastric distress, she finds it was caused by the Ice Cream, NOT a pregnancy, and BAM! McVet is Gone. I'm not even a Mer/Der freak, i like them, but they don't rock my world like BurkeTina do....but the vet HAS to GO!

PS: I'd die without my one good night of Television. GA makes my whole workweek fly by! And tomorrow i get to gossip about it all over the office, AND THEN catch the RERUN!! LOVE you people!! MUAH!!!

[Theresa]

Keep up the awesome writing! You are 100% in step with the tone of this show and your surprises were great!

[Kayti]

Amazing episode. Absolutely amazing. I seriously loved every single part of it. I mean, I say that about every episode, but I seriously loved this. It's going down as one of my top five episodes. :]

Anyway, I don't even know where to start. I just love love love it all.

(And next weeks promo! OMIGOD!!)

[Na]

Debora, Welcome!

Good job. One hack. It was surprising & very effective.

Thank you all for the 'dating' idea. But most of all thank you for having Meredith come out of her stupor. Her telling them both off & leaving them standing on her front porch is the first time I've liked her in a long time.

Love Dr. Red & Dr. McSteamy. Slap & all.

Love Dr. Bones, Dr. Red, Dr. McSteamy & the Chief all checking into the same hotel.

Enjoyed the whole show.

Thanks

[Susan]

Having Alex be so wonderful with is such a smart way for him to begin the season. And this following on the heels of him carrying Izzie out of the room...Of course he'll be a jerk again, but this is so good now. Also, Mer's fantasy...how funny, and what typical guys, to get into the competition and not the woman and her feelings. Great touch. The scene with all of the "homeless docs" at the hotel was fun, too.
Jordaches or not, you belong!!

[Jen]

You definitely fit in. I loved the episode!

[Lola]

Really good episode, but I am just a little confused on the timeline. George said Callie has been living there for a week. So does that mean Mark has been in town for a week? If so, that is the longest booty call in the history of the world. Cristina said Burke has been in PT for 3 weeks. So if the season picked up right after prom... has it been 3 days, a week, or almost a month? This is important, considering the promo for next week. *cough cough* How long ago the exam room tryst occurred is very, very important

[Jess]

OMG I FREAKING LOVED THIS EPISODE!!! You are wonderful and i enjoyed your BLOG thoroughly!!! keep up the good work!

[lavendar35]

Great episode...great storylines, lots of laughs...You did a fabulous job! welcome aboard...so love the comic book nerdiness, and what meredith said at the end of her date was so rich, i loved it!

Thanks for the great episode!