Mark Wilding on "Where the Boys Are"

Original Airdate: 11-09-06

Mistakes.  I’ve decided to talk about mistakes.  My mistakes.  The characters’ mistakes.  And the mistakes I made which led to the characters’ mistakes.  Already you’re probably thinking “What??  Can’t I just enjoy this blog without the stupid build-up?”  The answer is no.  Don’t worry.  Read on.  It’ll become clearer.  Last night’s episode was called “Where the Boys Are”.  Which was my first mistake. 

When I suggested that song title to the writers’ room, I got a lot of blank stares.  The Connie Francis song, I said.  You know…Someone waits for me?  A smiling face, a warm embrace?  Two arms to hold me tenderly?  And, pushing on -- despite all the puzzled looks from my fellow writers, the people who I thought would at least pretend to be supportive – I told them that what made the title so VERY, VERY clever is that the episode’s about where the boys literally are and where they are emotionally.  See?  Pretty clever, right?  Right??  Again, more blank stares.  Connie who?  Okay.  My first mistake.  Pitching very old songs to a very young writers’ room.

And now for my second mistake.  Or at least what I thought was my second mistake.  Seattle.  Yes, those pictures on your TV screen really were Seattle.  That Space Needle in the background when Derek’s sticking the Chief’s suitcase in his Jeep-looking vehicle?  That’s the real Space Needle.  We didn’t CGI it or go to LAX and shoot that futuristic looking restaurant that may or may not revolve and that could maybe look like the Space Needle if you were flying at ten thousand feet and there was enough smog that day.  And the woods?  Those are REAL SEATTLE WOODS. 

I know because I was there.  And I insisted that we fly up a crew and they be there too.   Because I thought it was really, really important that the woods look like Seattle woods – with their towering pines and moss-covered trees and mountains covered in clouds.  As opposed to the eucalyptus trees and dry brush and blue skies that you tend to find in your basic L.A. forests. 

On my first visit to the place, though, it rained.  Hard.  Really hard.  And living in L.A. where you think the weather in other parts of the country must somehow be just like L.A., I didn’t exactly come prepared.   I wore a cotton shirt, flimsy golf jacket (no hood) and sneakers.  Yes.  BIG MISTAKE.  BIG STUPID MISTAKE.  I was freezing cold and soaking wet before it was even 11:00 o’clock in the morning.  And even though the water dripping off my face looks like it could be tears, it really was just rain.  I want to clear that up because there’s a video of a soaking wet me that circulated around the Grey’s offices for the better part of a week.  I wasn’t crying.  Okay?  Still.  Letting someone film me?   A very bad mistake.  And the thought did cross my mind – if only for a second – is shooting in the rainy Seattle woods really the best idea?  Or was it a mistake? 

Then I was saved.  Our extraordinary line producer Rob Corn made it all happen.  We found the locations.  We shot great stuff.  And there was next to no rain (great job Rob!).  Plus, all the outdoor stuff looks FANTASTIC (great job director Dan Minahan and great job, Director of Photography, Herb Davis!).  So, to quote Ronald Reagan, “Mistakes were made.”  But Rob Corn saved me from those mistakes!  Thank you again, Rob. 

And now onto the actual episode...

My next mistake might have been the theme of the episode.  It was Outside/In.  Thinking you can recognize a problem by what’s on the outside while somehow underestimating or not recognizing what’s going on inside.  Yeah.  That’s a lot to bend your mind around.  For example – Jamie’s a healthy-looking young girl on the outside; on the inside she has a dead baby.  Donna isn’t happy being a man.  She wants to undergo the final step in becoming a woman so that she can finally have her outsides match her insides.  And then there’s Derek, who thinks that being outside in the woods will help him with his inner turmoil. 

Don’t get me wrong.  Outside/In was a serviceable theme.  But it might have been a mistake.  A better theme might have been “couples”.  Because, it turns out the episode revolves around couples and how happy or unhappy they are.  I didn’t really notice this until Shonda mentioned the idea of couples while we were in editing.  So now I’m running with it.  Because, hey, it’s Shonda.  It’d be a mistake not to.

So.  In no particular order.  Our couples --

Ted and Jamie -- the couple with the stillborn baby.  A happy couple.  She slipped and fell in the shower.  She made a mistake.  We never actually answer the question of whether that led to the death of the baby.  Because, at the end of the day, that didn’t seem as important as what she and Ted actually have to go through.

Vicky and her transgender husband Donna.  An unhappy couple.  Donna thinks what Vicky’s doing is a big mistake.  Deep down, she really doesn’t want her to do it.  And she ends up staying with Donna because that’s what makes her happy.

Joe and Walter.  Another happy couple.  Although by the end of the trip, Walter clearly thinks it was a mistake to have gone camping with these guys.  By the way, that scene at the river with Richard talking to Joe and realizing how much they have in common?  We almost didn’t shoot that scene because we had a full shooting schedule and I wasn’t sure if we needed it.  And not shooting that?  That would have been a TERRIBLE MISTAKE.  It’s one of my favorite scenes in the episode.

Richard and Adele.  “I miss my wife”.  What more do you have to say?

Addison and Callie.  A surprising couple.  That scene where they’re both sitting together on the floor at the end was another one of my favorites.

Cristina and Burke.  Burke’s not happy with Cristina and how she’s coming to dominate his life.  That’s why the camping trip.  But he sees the anguish that George is putting himself through with Callie and thinks he may have been a little rough on Cristina.  Which was a mistake.  He returns and they’re reconciled.  At least for now... 

Derek and Burke.  An unlikely couple.  Derek thought it would just be the two of them getting away to the mountains and now all these other bozos are tramping along after them.  And at the end of the day, being in the great outdoors didn’t really solve anything.  Except to help him realize how foolish it was to come out here in the first place.  And Burke’s not that nice to him until the end when he offers to talk about Mark Sloan.  Which doesn’t make them a couple but makes them friends… of a sort. 

Mark and Meredith.  Mark spends the whole episode telling Meredith that they’d make a better couple than she and Derek.  And Meredith’s maybe a little tempted but…talk about mistakes.  That’s certainly one she’s not about to make.  Is it?  Which leads us to…

Meredith and Derek.  Who wind up together at the end of the episode.  And as much as he thought he needed space, at the end, he’s where he’s always wanted to be.  Pressed up against Meredith.  With next to no space between them…

As for me, the next time I go to Seattle I’m bringing layers.  Lots and lots of layers.  Some mistakes you only need to make once…

Comments

[Rachelle]

THANK YOU!!! Mer + Der are together, starting over and I'm so excited!!! i was getting a little worried when mcsteamy was all over mer but i knew she couldn't make that mistake. could she? all episode i missed the mer/der tension and then in the end was what i waited for for 1 1/2 seasons.. they have a chance at a real relationship. no mcvet, no mcwifey.. just the two of them.. yes! yes! yes!

[Bobby]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
for Meredith and Derek. You absolutely, without a doubt, SERIOUSLY made my day.

I'll probably write more later, but I had to get that out.

(THANK YOU)

[Alyson]

YES YES YES
I am so very pleased with that episode. It was serious yet humorious. I love it. Finally you put an end to the Mer/Der back and forth stuff. Hopefully they can stay together this time.
Good job guys!

[pdhooked]

A PERFECT episode. I hope this is an end to the Mer/Der torture for just a few weeks at least.

Thank you for a wonderful night!

[Kelly]

I have to admit, this episode was not my favourite. In fact, since I've not been able to watch for a couple of weeks, I was asking a friend if it was just me - if the show was "normally" like this and I had just been away long enough to snap out of the magic, or if it was just this episode.

So, I appreciate you talking about the episode and the mistakes of it. In fact, I really like your blog post, so I now wish I'd liked the episode better!

That said, thank you thank you thank you, as a former Seattle-ite, for actually filming there. It made me miss home, but also just so happy. I used to write for a Seattle blog that does weekly Grey's roundups, and the geography issues with the show really drove us up the wall. So thanks, for the time to get it right.

[Natalya]

When I think about Meredith and Derek, I wonder if they're "hugging people" cause I have barely seen them like hold each other... I know that's really weird to say but I hope they actually hug sometimes (hint: Bath scene comin' up) so i don't know why im moaning.
I guess i just want you to make them a couple not a sex and work only. HUGS! HUGS FOR EVERYONE, cause seriously, every character on this show NEEDS A HUG!

[Alex Fan, Christina Fan, Greys Fan...]

AWESOM.EPISODE.

First time commentor but- seriously- SERIOUSLY must say this episode had me on the edge of my seat. (Most of the episodes do, but tonight this awesome mcpossum episode played and- whew! I say WHEW!)

HUMONGOUS fan of Alex, and learning more about his past, and trying to just be "one of the guys"- trying so hard- aw, kudos, Mark, kudos. I can't wait to see what will happen with him next. (And from the preview, it looks pretty freakin' nerve-twisting enticing).

Burktina is really heating up! Preston Burke- oh, how I feel for you! Christina as well. They both really are a team, the big question is, will they go down like one? (The probability of that seems unlikely for now, if Izzie can be OK to come back so should Burke and Chirstina once they are found out, since it's so going to happen, eh?)

Callie and Addison= pwn sauce. That was awesom. Addisons done some (insert cuss word) things, but I don't think she deserves to be abused by McSteamy wandering and such. (Although she does need to feel repentence, of course.) Some episodes Callie rules others she's "meh". This episode she was definetly cool, and the stall season- ah, how thatmade me laugh.

The Chief. What can I say? Awesom.

MEREDITH AND DEREK ARE TOGETHER. HOMG! It's finally happened! Hopefully, it will keep happening. I must admit: I thought for SURE Meredith was going to flicker over to McSteamy or walk away from both. THAT KEPT ME ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT RIGHT THERE WHOAS D:

VERY glad she followed her heart. Now it looks like she's following to the bubble bath and being happy. (Oh ho ho ho!)

Insanely envious of Alex still liking Izzie. Don't know how that's going to work out!

So much pwn sauce beyond regular pwn sauce of pwn sauce, you know? I'm so excited for the next episode! Keep rockin' Greys!

Whoo!

[Victoria]

I love the fact that you guys don't play into the whole rainy Seattle cliche. You showed bits of Washington that are truely beautiful. THANK YOU! It might be a good idea though to wear more layers. Especially this time of year!Thanks for the great blog!

[amy]

great episode! Finally it all makes sense. keep it coming!

[Ann N.]

I loved Addison and Callie. LOVED!

Great episode, as always. The outdoor filming was superb, and I agree, the Richard/Joe moment was one of my favorite scenes. Cheers for the Cindy/Izzie talk, too!

Thank you!

[Rebekah]

This episode was fantastic. You made me laugh. You made me cry. You broke my heart. And then you put it together again.

Addison and Callie were totally wonderful together. Thank you for letting us see Callie finally break a little. Watching her cry was so sad. She made me cry like a baby. And Addison? Dude! Kate Walsh is incredible, but she totally rocked tonight!

I loved the guys doing their bonding trip that wasn't... LOL.

And Mer/Der! I'm all aflutter with happiness.

Seriously! Keep going with the Addison/Callie friendship! Now they need to move out of the hotel become roommates!

Thanks for the great episode. You are definitely a keeper, Mark.

[Cinny]

Will you marry me Mark Wilding?

This was the best written episode of the season...the balance of comedy (Geoge Alex slap fighting :D and the Chief walking along behind everyone else with his roll along suitcase and picnic basket) and drama (the still born baby...the transexual patient) provided me with an excellent rollercoaster of emotions.

I loved the Callie/Addison tonight...I would like to see more of them in the future because they are such polar opposites: the only thing they have in common: screwing over someone they loved for Mark!

The Burke/Derek moments were really good as well. And I liked the end where they bonded a little over talking bad about Mark and realized what idiots they were.

Alex/Chief...one of my favorite parts of the episode. I like the Alex/Chief moments...way back to the first episode when Webber took him down a peg over the pneumonia patient, to the monologue in the finale, right up to this one.

I have to admit: Mark concerns me. At least he admitted to the fact that he broke Derek...but actually telling Mer that he was poisonous? That was a bit to far. And trying to take her away from Derek? I thought that Mark wanted to friends again with Derek...why would he risk being friends with Derek to just get into Meredith's pants? It isn't healthy, Marks obsession with Derek.

And my favorite part of the whole episode...Meredith/Derek at the end. I have been waiting so long for this...for them to have a real shot at a relationship and being happy. And it was Derek's turn to beg...to be the ham, persay. And Meredith looking back and seeing McAsshole...this has been the only good thing that McAsshole has done: being the catalyst for Mer and Der to get back together. And seeing history repeat itself, only Derek begging this time...I was just so happy when she introduced herself to him...maybe happier than finale sex or the 'I love you' at the end of the 3X01...it was the best. AND THEY FINALLY KISSED!!! I have been waiting seven episodes for that kiss...and it finally happened, and it was perfect.I literally couldn't stop smiling for hours after it happened...

Now, I just have to beg you...DON'T LET THE WRITERS SCREW THIS UP!!!

Thank you so much for writing the best episode of the season. :D :D :D

[Samantha]

I just want to say this was my favorite episode this season.

[Sara]

BEST. Best blog, best episode! Yessssssss!!!

I normally wait a couple of days and read others' comments before I leave my own, but I couldn't wait this time. What an amazing job. Just when I think you're going to make us wait until the final episode to put Derek and Mer together, you surprise us again. And I'm with you.

Thank you for filming in Seattle--I live in Tacoma, WA and it truly was beautiful scenery! We go camping every year, and your episode made me want to learn how to fish. As for the character development, I finally see Mark Sloan as a person with a heart who makes--that's right--MISTAKES. For once, Callie showed compassion and I can say I'm finally starting to like her. The medical cases were intriguing and heart-wrenching. I swallowed a nickel when I was 5--who hasn't swallowed something?

I'm rambling here, because there's so much to say about this episode and about you writers... It is not only my favorite show, but the show closest to my heart out of ANY show I've ever watched in my 24 years. And I've had some formidable favorites.

I won't say any more, because I'm sure you know that the show tonight was so genius and beautiful in many ways, but I do want to say that next week looks FABULOUS!

Okay, one more thing. Thank you for Derek's simple line, "Please." That'll hold me over for a week. :)

[yabu28]

YES! You've got your mojo back!! You made me laugh and cry in equal measures.

Great episode!

Yeah, I have high standards for GA. Today you met it! Woohaah!

[shan]

its really bothering me that i cant remember the exact words (or close to them) that were used be tween mer and der at the very end of the show to nite ...
some thing a bout hi im derrick hi im meredith can we start over no you walked a way and its water under the what ever and then thay kiss ... pls help me remember bc i just loved it !!

[Meredith (Seriously)]

Welcome to Western Washington - we love the rain. You're lucky you weren't trying to shoot last weekend - we had record rain and some people came home to find their houses FLOATING down the street. Maybe you could work that into a storyline next time you shoot up here!

[Sophie]

Thanks for such a wonderful episode! It really was amazing. The end was PERFECT...I've been waiting for that for too long. This show just keeps getting better and better and I really hope you guys can keep up the great work for a long, long time!

[Kellso]

I spent 2 weeks in the summer watching all of season 1 and all of season 2. I got hooked! This by far is my favorite episode!

I LOVED THE WHOLE FREAKIN EPISODE! All i can say is WOW. I kept looking at the clock and hoping that time was going to stop, and the show was just going to keep going! Loved the boys camping. Loved Callie and Addison. Loved seeing Derek interupt Meredith and Slutty Sloan at Joes.

I love Derek and Meredith.

I have to say that i have also been waiting for a REALLY LONG time for Alex and Izzie to get back together. I LOVE them together. That's one of the main reasons i watch. Hoping to get more info on Alexs past. Izzie is good for him.

Keep up the awesome work!

[Jenn]

OMG-
the wait until next week is already torturing me.

And yay for Meredith resisting McSteamy. Good job.

[MCJenna]

Seriously... I am going to bed a happy girl!

This is my birthday week and you all were just so sweet to make my FREAKING YEAR. I've been waiting for this since season 2 first aired. Oh my lands, you've made my night, my month, my year my LIFE!!!!!!!!!

I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!

[dlferriola]

What a great episode, you did a great job making us hold our breath. The ending was excellent and unexpected. The hour flew by. Thank you for bringing Derek and Meredith back together. It was the most touching scene.

[Liz]

All I can say is WAY TO GO MAN!
Haha, this episode was the best yet.
I loved it.
And now the torment begins...because I offically cannot wait until next week.
THANK YOUUU <3

[jessica freels]

nice work. I liked the slap fight. I didn''t by that Sloane thinks that highly of merideth. Sloanes a man whore. Thank god she saw that.
And the Cristina thing. wow. After Bailey realized what she did...well Cristina deserves to sift through poo.
I loved Callie and Addison. Thats a group I would drink with. I want more of Alex though. I want more about that bar he grew up in and his father. Now we know why he fought so hard for Joe when Joe got sick in season one.

[grey fan]

loved the callie addison friendship. why only now? and finally, mer and der together at last. and george? who does he think he is thinking he can do better than callie. he's doing to callie what mer did to him. move on callie. forget george the hobbit.