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

[S.]

This is one of the best writer's blogs I've ever read. Loved reading about nearly all of the characters/storylines instead of just one or two of them, and bless your soul for talking about Kate/Addison in the context of her being her own person/character instead of just a Meredith/Derek plot device. That was encouraging.

Anyway, loved the episode. Hooray for doing well your first time out. :)

[Sun2shine]

I thought Izzy's speech to George, with the no make up, was one of the best in TV. Great, good old fashioned GA tonight. Thanks for a terrific show.

I didn't like how cocky McDreamy was acting, stealing Meredith away while ON a date - LOW BLOW! but the competition btw McVet and him is interesting.

Addison is *freakin* amazing. The scene between her and Meredith in the supply closet was fantastic on her part. I feel so bad for Addison - and everytime I see a scene like that it pushes me further onto the TEAM ADDISON side. I will admit - I wanted to see a different reaction from Mere at finding Addison in tears - or for it to affect her later. Does she realize how Addison feels? Addison really did try to save her marriage - whereas Derek was to busy lusting after Meredith to give any effort. Can she see that or is she too shallow and whiney and busy demanding of flowers and chocolates to open her eyes? Talk about selfish...

Can't wait to see what develops with McSteamy. Obviously he has a thing for Addison - and she feels McGuilty for the 'transcontinential booty call' with the way she was trying to GET him to leave - because she obviously isn't over Derek/her marriage, but I hope she realizes that McSteamy finds her "wildly attractive"!

McSteamy and "ferry boats"?? Clever.

Izzie=amazing. I love how KH portrays the character. I am looking forward to the day she is able to set foot inside and discuss the possibility of her coming back as an intern.

I like how Christina is attempting to be less selfish and more of a giver. Its about time she be more supportive of Burke! Loved the chicken.

PS - KEEP THE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FILMING THE SCENES COMING!!! Its neat to not only read the writer's intentions for the characters, but to read how it was filmed by the actors/actresses. Awesome!!

[Liz from PA]

First of all, Welcome!
Its great to see a newbie around.
I think you did a great job, and I cannot wait to see what you have for the future!
I loved too many moments from tonight to name them all, but I will do my best to name a few.
The bed scene where the three pals ate ice cream, now that really made me smile because it reminded me of the old times in the past seasons.
And then there was that slap...HA! Addie & McSteamy both pulled off great expressions. Those two are amazing together, buuut I have to agree with Kate *see season twos bonus* when she says that she would like Alex and Addie to hook up.
Addie really needs to knock some of that cockiness out of that boy.
Ahem.

And for the tidbit we've all saw for next week..SERIOUSLY...MER PREGNANT?? AMAZING!
If its true then I love you all.
That twist is just what you need to edge Finn from the picture. I mean she wouldn't have to 'have' the baby, something tragic could happen...something only you amazing writers could produce......and it would be soo cute to see Derek doting on a knocked up Mer.
And again she would be the talk of the hospital...haha I adore this and its many possibilitys

[Grey's Lover]

ummm . . . so I can't get over where Burke's parents went? The last episode it seemed like his mother wasn't leaving.

[Hmm]

I'm a believer in dating, exploring options and not being rushed to decision on matters of the heart. But, this Fin/Derek experimentation phase of Mers is nonsensical. Mer and Der have supposedly been pinning since first dawn and now that they can explore with free and clear conscience, Mer sets dating parameters for a triad? Why torture Fin, an otherwise too nice of a guy who's looking for real love. The two most earnest lines of dialogue in tonights saga was Addison telling Mer enough with the face, and Derek's acknowledgment that Fin is out of his league. Watching Mer throw out ultimatums last week was cause for scratching the head. This weeks demands on being wooed...I'm calling shenanigans! Derek, might consider delivering a few ultimatums to the prom queen as well. Enough already. Neither McHuck should suffer fools lightly. Even if it is Merideth Grey.

[Melanie]

I seriously loved this episode. Not every episode can be Denny dying or Izzie laying on the floor 24/7. episodes like tonight's help us to see into the lives of the characters. We learn more about them in these types of episodes than the overly dramatic ones. Thanks for a great episode!!

Welcome to Grey's :o)

[Lucy]

Debora Cahn?! I think its a sign I watch too much tv when I start recognizing writers from show to show...

I was a big fan of the episodes you wrote for The West WIng; very glad to see you've come to Grey's.

[Theresa]

McCreepy is cut. Since super heros are sort of on-topic, let's discuss Finn. He is Super Stalker Boy. He hides out in the bushes with ice cream, and prowls the hospital looking for Mer. His super strength is his green shirt (which by the way is really starting to freak me out, does the man not have any other color in his wardrobe?)His tag line is, "When my wife died..." and he has plans, which probably involve lotion and a basket, and he disses on Der, saying he is bad for Mer. Come on now. Like Finn even stands a chance. Recognize.

No offense Chris O'Donnel...I'm sure you are very nice

[michelle]

this is my favorite episode of the season so far. i could not stop laughing in the dream. like i was cracking up. seriously. meredith is pregnant? is she? derek is the father, right? cuz she never did it with finn, right? right? or is she pregnant at all? maybe shes just sick from finn's ice cream. i love that little speech she gave derek and finn. shes so awesome. no ur awesome. and shonda and krista, you guys are awesome to. so awesome. so completley, out of this world, with out a doubt in my mind, awesome. i cant wait until next thursday. like im gonna faint from all this suspense.
meredith and derek 4ever
,
michelle

[zoe]

Congratulations on your first epi, it was great! If Mark had been half naked though, it would have been better.

I agree though that Finn is stalker creepy and is as blah as old dirty dishwater, so while I love Chris O'Donnell, please send Finn-e-toe (a term coined by Apodiform from the ABC boards) and his obsession with leprechaun-green clothing down the toilet, thanks. :) [Loved the Batman/Robin line though since COD played Batboy and we all know that Derek is Batman, that he's going to triumph]

And in Meredith's next fantasty, Derek needs to be licking scissors in honor of PD's B-movie career.

Btw, Meredith's totally not pregnant, but the scare doesn't come as a surprise, why not, have fun with it.

And lastly, in Shondaland, as always, the timeline is all screwed up. Burke has been in recovery for 3 weeks but Callie's been living with George for 2 weeks, and she moved in at the end of episode 2, which was just a couple days after the prom? And McSteamy stuck around for a week-long booty call? Hmm, I am very confused.

[Note from the Editor: Actually, Callie moved in with George after Richard found her living in the hospital in the last episode, not last season :)]

[Rie]

Love the episode...especially the dream scene!! But, shouldn't Dr. Burke be doing OT instead of PT. OT works more with the hands/arms instead PT.

[Karen C.]

Welcome!

Loved your blog, loved the episode.

Keep up the good work!

[Clau]

I loved the episode! It was great!!! This is my first time writing a comment. I just want to say that I absolutely love love love Addison. Please don't send her back to NY. She is an amazing actress and soo beautiful and classy. I also, like many other people, find Finn a little creepy. He started out charming, but now he is just creepy. What is it with him appearing out of nowhere all the time? He has to go!

[Rachel]

I'm sorry to say that this was one of my least favorite episodes...it reminded me of the first one where nothing really flows together. I miss the old grey's...and I HATE HATE HATE Finn-seriously the triangle between Mer/Der and Finn is getting a little ridiculous. There was a few parts I liked in this episode..but I am sorry to admit that I felt let down-especially after last weeks episode. I miss the way Derek and Meredith look longingly at each other, and the way Bailey is a nazi, and we need more of Christina's hilarious comments. I don't know something was missing in this epsidoe...I hope you find it :(

[dafne99]

Welcome to the family. I'll have you know I LOVED this episode! The writing was superb. Everything that each person did was completely in tune with their character. I knew at the very beginning that Izzie was going to stand outside all day. I knew Cristina needed to be slapped in the face with her own reality in order to get past her self-centeredness and I knew she was going to do whatever it took to get her "But he's PRESTON BURKE!" back. This episode was so real because lately I've been dealing with learning to live status/post tragedy and... this show was just so true to life. I love this show and you did a phenomenal job. I can't wait to see another of your episodes.

[Sara]

Ahh, Alex. He truly has gone from "Dr. Evil Spawn" to Izzie's "He's nice once you get to know him."

And Addison. I was mad at her last week, for running back to the reason why Derek is in Seattle in the first place. I want her to heal, but she needs to do it on her own, apart from the men. She's more like Meredith than she wants to admit, you know? Maybe that's why she can't get Mer out of her head.

A beautiful episode--thank you, and welcome to our family (since GA visits my house every week, I do consider that family!)

[LA Grey's Fan]

Um, seriously, Finn just gets weaker and more annoying every episode. We all know Mer and Der should be together.1.Don't make this like Friends and drag it on for 10 years. You guys are brilliant writers - even the new gal - and I'm sure you can put the love triangel to rest and still produce a brilliantly funny show.

[Claudius Maximus]

Let me bow to you and the rest of the time.Yes all of you that make Grey's Possible.

Just the coolest episode.

too much to say so cool.

Thank you for the good work .

[Beckie]

I hate to rain on the parade, but my initial reaction to this episode is: zzzzzzzz.

When Meredith tells a distraught Addison "I get that" i wanted to slap her (Meredith). She sounded clueless and insincere. Writers: Are we SUPPOSED to dislike the title character of the show? Is this your intention?

This is not good! Why are you all making Meredith intio a whiney selfish immature young girl? While most of the characters mature and move forward, she regresses. Yuck. AND Derek's smirky smug egotism? Yuck again. Meredith's little speech at the end about how she wants to be treated on a date was pathetic. Was it the writing? Her acting? Anyway, it seemed very fake.

I used to doubt I could "give up" this show. After Epsidoe One of this season, it was a possibility. Last week's energy revived interest. Then, this week had to be the dullest episode ever. The parts are greater than the whole. I love Burk, Miranda, ADDIE, Mark, George, Alex. But still, something is missing.
PLEASE don'tt turn out to be a two-season wonder. I predict numbers in the audience will drop every week, unless you all get with it and write some interest and ENERGY and make your lead character LIKABLE again. It's pretty sad when the best part of the show is the last minute of coming attractions for next week's episode.

[zoe]

Congratulations on your first epi, it was great! If Mark had been half naked though, it would have been better.

I agree though that Finn is stalker creepy and is as blah as old dirty dishwater, so while I love Chris O'Donnell, please send Finn-e-toe (a term coined by Apodiform from the ABC boards) and his obsession with leprechaun-green clothing down the toilet, thanks. :) [Loved the Batman/Robin line though since COD played Batboy and we all know that Derek is Batman, that he's going to triumph]

And in Meredith's next fantasty, Derek needs to be licking scissors in honor of PD's B-movie career.

Btw, Meredith's totally not pregnant, but the scare doesn't come as a surprise, why not, have fun with it.

And lastly, in Shondaland, as always, the timeline is all screwed up. Burke has been in recovery for 3 weeks but Callie's been living with George for 2 weeks, and she moved in at the end of episode 2, which was just a couple days after the prom? And McSteamy stuck around for a week-long booty call? Hmm, I am very confused.

[Karen]

GGGRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrr

GGRrr

<3 George

[A Fan!!]

This episode was amazing!! I loved it. Someone wrote up there that EVERYONE hates Finn, and I must clarify...NOT EVERYONE!! I love Finn. Chris Odonnell is wonderful as he is in everything he does. It is a great character. I was in angst all last season because Mer and Der belong together...but now I am torn. I love Finn, and her and Mer are GREAT together. So I am torn. That is a sign of great writing and great characters. Keep up the good work!!!

[cato]

this episode was awesome. its early in the season but this one is def. a topper (; i loved christina and her attempt to help burke, its caring and it isn't a side of Christina we usually see BUT its still christina in a "chicken-hacking" way. alex is such a love/hate character that its hard to see past his sometimes jerkiness but its going to be interesting to find out about his "past" or story since he is one of the most compassionate doctors there is, esp towards kids/youth.

but keep up the great write (;

[Lesley]

Awesome episode! You ROCKED on the West Wing, and I'm still getting over my (used-to-be) favorite show ending, and watching Grey's every Thursday is helping so much! It's definitely gone straight to the top of my can't-miss-TV list. Great job, and good luck!