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

[Morgan]

This episode was flawless! So much happened. Mer/Der. George finding out about Callie. Izzie opening up a little. But I'm sitting here several hours after watching on the East Coast and all I can think about is how PERFECT the Callie and Addison friendship has played out.

I was shocked. I figured that Addison would try to yank Callie bald when she realized that Mark and Callie had done the McNasty. It took me off guard to see them bonding, but I agree with what others have said. It makes sense. Total sense and I can't wait to see their future scenes together.

The way they played off one another was incredible. They both need someone and I can't believe I didn't think of that sooner!

Kudos!

[KCS]

You've never left me disappointed from day one and this is no exception. I never doubted the greatness of this show. THANK YOU!

I said in posts before that what's so great is the variety of characters and the emotions they go through. last week, i'm thinking "yeah...i guess space is a good thing"...because it's a question that was brought up in my relationship...but i related to what mer was feeling...i did the same thing she did!...and this week...I knew I was right! Screw the damn space...life is short and precious...you've got to do what makes you happy. I hope my guy caught the epi tonight cuz he needs to snap out of his tortured rut...if he's happiest with me, screw it right? :)

Nevertheless...i'm no expert on relationships and god only knows what will happen in mine. But Grey's is an absolute joy to watch and I am in love with all of it. That's right. I'm in love with a television show. It's amazes me and leaves me gasping in awe. I feel like I go on this date every week and I find something wonderful in common with the show...its like an old friend...a best friend...except i fell in love with you and and haven't stopped thinking about you since i first saw you.

Why did you make me this freak Shonda? lol

Grey's is my McDreamy.

I luv all that everyone does to make this show be.

Can't wait to go out with you next week :) C U then.

Hmmm... Addie sobbing over the dead baby and having to tell the parents. Red flag? Do I smell a reaction to something that has touched her personally? Having experienced stillbirth twins myself, I couldn't watch that scene without tears. I just. Couldn't. And it made me wonder if there are still a few unturned rocks from the Addison/Derek history.
Loved the episode! LOVED the river scenes! Seattle is one of my favorite places and it was so cool to see those location shots.
THANK YOU for bring us full circle! New beginnings. They rock.
:-)

[Angela T]

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.

Yes, two mature women bonding and not getting jealous when there's no reason to be. My second favorite part.

My first? Derek has no friends. Ha! And, yeah, Burke may have ammended it to guy friends, but really, he doesn't have any female friends either. Most beautiful words I've heard on the show.

Not much Alex. Ah well. I suppose I can wait for next week. I'm not sure I believe that Alex would share that with the Chief. Still, I take what I can get.

[a fan]

Good stuff.

Addison/Callie rocked the episode.

I love Alex. Loved everyone... the Chief was great this ep.

And Izzie needs to get back on Addie's service.

That's all I have to say about it right now. Great work!

[Sharla]

I posted recently that Callie was my favorite character and tonight you have proven to millions what I saw all along. She's got a heart the size of the Pacific Ocean, but she guards it so closely that she comes across as hard and ... dare I say it --- like a bee-yotch.

Tonight you took away that hard outer shell and let her be the hurt little girl that I *know* she is. (What is she hiding? What is her past?) It was beautifully done and her interaction with Addison was remarkable. Those two women played their parts incredibly and I can't wait to see their friendship progress.

[Niki]

God bless your ever-writing hearts! I love you guys! I won't even get into how I felt about each aspect because I wouldn't ever be done writing about it but...I'm in awe. COMPLETE and UTTER AWE. THANK YOU.

[Brianne]

i am so happy! i'm going to be honest, lately i have been so disapointed with the whole meredeth and derek situation. the whole dating both guys didn;t really work out the way i wanted, he finally dumps addison and nothing happens, she leaves finn and nothing happens, he wants space! when meredeth said that she wasn;t sure and it was too late, i just rolled my eyes and said " great, once again nothing happens" then they kiss and they end up together. i started jumpng up and down! so thank you so much for finally bringing them back! however, please please make it last a few episodes, i want the cute " put a condom in my wallet" derek and gitty "roll my eyes at you for not bringing me a breakfest bowl" meredeth . please please please make it stay! thank you!

[dafne99]

First of all, yes, thank you GOD! for putting Der/Mer together. Not that I really care one way or another, but I was just about getting sick and tired of "he's ready, but she's not... no wait, she's ready, but he's not... no wait...." Enough already! I was about to kick my TV when it looked like Meredith was going to say she didn't want to get back together! So... now that they're back, can they just stay that way & maybe fade into the background.
And get rid of Mark! What is his PURPOSE other than to sleep with every woman he sees? I'm so tired of him and I'm frankly tired of the fact that everyone has to be sleeping with someone (or sometwo, or somethree). Seriously, does everyone need to be getting so dramatically laid (or so dramatically not as in the case of the chief)? I mean, I know that "sex sells" and that relationships are a big part of life, but these are surgeons. I would like to think they've all got more important things on their mind than "whose pants can I get in tonight?"
Why can't we have more platonic scenes? Yes, the scene with Addy & Callie was great. Those two make quite an odd couple. And I am SOOO glad you kept the Richard/Joe scene. That scene really made the whole episode. It was so nice to see Richard finally see how stupid he has been with Adele. It's a good setup for when he steps down (and Burke steps in to take his place as chief).
One thing you didn't mention was Izzie and Sydney. That was a great moment when Izzie told Sydney off in the gallery. I just looked at her smugly and said, "Now why don't you tell us how 'fine' you are?" Yes, I think Sydney is about annoying, but anything that makes Izzie see how not 'fine' she is is fine by me.
I want to tell you, I liked this episode and my earlier rant was about the general tone the show has been taking on, and not anything specific to your writing. This was a good George episode. I like hearing about Joe; he seems to be a very 'together' kind of guy. I loved the scenery; thanks for the extra effort! The cases were even pretty believable. It would be nice to step back a bit from the radical, each-crazier-than-the-last cases. All in all, it was a good epi and it made me want to keep watching. Good work.

[Nik]

Wow..just wow. This episode couldn't have been any better. For the second time this year (first was episode two) I feel like I have my Grey's back!!

Before I start rambling I have to admit that I'm an Alex girl at heart. I like his good boy trapped inside a bad boy image.

I love the dynamic between Alex and George, and the scene between Alex and Chief was very touching. Here you have two character, one superior the other inferior, yet they seem to be struggling with the same theme.

I really hope we get to see more Alex and Izzie, and from the previews it looks like we do. I hope it isn't misleading, but then again, Grey's never is. Keep up the good work!

[Pleased in Palo Alto]

Yay, Mark!!! This was easily the best episode of the season. Loved the camping trip . . .

[Kari]

Ok...after a fabulous episode I was ready to be disgusted, when at the very end you had McSteamy and Meredith talking at the bar. I even said, "I'm disgusted" out loud because they COULD NOT end up together! And then you had Derek walk in and he and Meredith ended up together at the end (my heart skipped a beat when McSteamy walked out and Meredith gave him that look!) I was afraid you'd string us along even longer but you didn't! Thank you!!!! You're great, Mark!

Great episode, as usual! Grey's is the best!

[Bri]

Bravo for showing the ugly, ugly part of a miscarriage. It was unbelievably sad, and powerful, and important.

[Sun2shine]

One of my favorite epis ever! This was top out of sight GA! Thank You!

[Lorena A.from S.F.]

MARK I FREAKING LOVE YOU!!!!! I just can't stop smiling about Meredith and Derek!!!!! I was about to throw my shoe at Meredith when she said it was too late for them, i catually started crying. And then she "intorduced" herself to him, AND THEY KISSED!!!!! OMG that was so hot, and now, looking at the promo, the bathtub scene is going to be sizzling, and I seriously can't wait!!!!!! OMG, i just lost it when they kissed, i yelled, i hugged my brother, my mom looked at me like i was on crack, and then i started crying tears of joy. Thank you so much, so so so so much. You just can't imagine how i felt when i saw that scene. I've been waiting since forever. I called all of my friends and instead of talking about it, we like yelled in a very high pitched girly way.
ok, on to the rest of the episode (believe it or not, i did lke the whole episode not just the mer/der)..
the whole camping thing thing was hilarious! the cheif's realization of joe being gay was hilarious, just absolutely hysterical. i loved how annoyed derek was that everyone kinda tagged along.
i abosultely LOVED that you brought back sydney! she's just so funny. it's just hilarious to me that there could be someone so perky that they annoy izzie.
the pregnant girl that lost her baby was just heartbreaking. my mom and i shed a few tears. it was really sad. and it was sad to see how it affected addi. i like the addi/callie friendship. they need friends. i hope that you have more of a development b/w callie and meredith. they had a few good scenes this season.
i really liked donna. that was an awesome case, so kuddos for that.

thanks again mark for a wonderful episode. i can't wait to see more from you!

P.S.

Just a happy birthday wish to the beautiful, gorgeous, and tremendously talented Ellen Pompeo. Us die hard EP fans from the MB have a birthday thread going for you. Ellen, thanks for making my thursdays so much fun. it's been an immense pleasure watching your talent every week. I hope that this show opens many doors for you and that soon we get to see you in movies. I'm so excited for your Allure cover. i never buy that magazine, but i will be once your issue hits the newsstands. I admire you tremendously, and respect your talent. Once again, happy birthday! LOVE YOU!!!

your humble fan,

Lorena

[Santana]

This episode was so great.
I was so excited that Meredith and Derek FINALLY got together. Please don't rip them apart! Great funny, witty episode. It was also very dramatic and moving. Loved it!

[greyeaglemohawk]

What a great episode. The final scene with Mer/Der was well worth watching again (and again, and again). I can't wait for next week!!Is it almost Thursday yet?

[Wendy]

Thank you for having Derek and Meredith together! About friggin' time.
Suprised about Addie and Callie, yet sweet. Don't let the Addie and Bailey friendship die though.
Speaking of that, I'd like more scenes with Bailey and Derek.

[Jaimi]

Speaking of mistakes, I do have to point out one tiny mistake. In Derek's file there's a letter from Richard mentioning his passion for fly fishing (you've also brought Derek's fly fiching passion up when he catches the trout and is going to cook it for breakfast right after Addison moves into his trailer). However, you show everyone spin fishing. As an avid northwestern fly fisher(wo)man, I can only say spin fishing is not fly fishing. Wish you guys had the time to teach the cast and shed some light on an under recognized (and rewarding!!!) sport.

P.S. Loved the rest of the episode, though! But I have to admit I'm jealous that Mer gets so many McHotties to choose from :o)

[Sara]

they only said a Mc word like twice in this eppie! getting better!

[Norma]

I want to watch it again tomorrow night, but a few quick comments:
(1) I expect more from Burke. He became a surgeon because he has a driven, perfectionist type of personality. Why did that disappear? A problem shouldn't change your basic personality to a different type. How about something spectacular between Burke and his father? I mean, the guy is Shaft. I would love to hear what Shaft tells his son about dating.
(2) Derek and Mer are fine. Let us enjoy the bliss.
(3) Finn and Allison. Nude shower scene. "Make it so!"

[claire]

I feel sorry for Burke and Cristina, they are the only real couple in the show. I love the actors's acting. I don't like the "at least now", the tremorgate should end, but they "are a team", they have to be together. Great ending scene between them.

[martina]

IW and So are awesome actors. They are my reason to watch the show every thursday and I was a Csi diehard fan. Their couple has a great dynamic and I hope they will overcome the tremorgate. They are the best couple in the show and they have a true, realistic love.
Good episode, less angsty

[karen in WI]

Mr.Wilding,
Please tell me that you had to think of the 7 dwarfs as those 7 men were walking across that bridge.."Hi Ho Hi Ho... it's off to find our space we know"

* Sleepy=Preston, up until now he is till in his dream world sleepiness of whether to let all know about the tremors.

* Grumpy=Definitely our Alex, yet sharing around the fire, now the sensitivity can come forth

* Happy=Joe, he was all smiles while he was talking about his relationship with Walter.

* Sneezy=Walter and only because he seemed to be being taken of by Joe

* Dopey=George, only he would be take on a college wrestler, and over a woman who had cheated on him.

* Bashful=Dearest Derick, in all his toughness, his bashfulness on the inside finally came through

* Doc=only Chief could fill this one, the oldest and supposedly wisest. Admitted he wasn't.

YOU and the other writers, along with crew, producers, etc..continue to step up.
I have a Transgendered friend in Chicago and I can't wait to hear her take on the episode. So magnificently and factually done. Again, many many thanks for the medical staff on your crew. The baby, I don't think there was a man or woman that had become parents wouldn't have dropped tears during those scenes, the raw emotion of Callie & Addie, and the couple. Emmy time.
Mr. Man-whore Our Dr. Sloan...bless his heart, he just has to have some redeeming qualities soon. He can't be Snidley Whiplash the whole season or can he? And there was a glimpse of Nurse Tyler..more Nurse Tyler, he is just good.
Izzie and Sidney, How appropriate that she too would confess to having been responsible for being irresponsible, Chief has shared, Bailey has shared, Preston left a towel in a lady. They have all pretty much stepped up to the plate.
Cristina, feces and faces. She will continue to see Burke's face while Bailey wanted and needed validation last week.
The little boy questioned her ability as a DR. by reminding her what she was doing.
The bar scene had me on the edge of my chair literally.
The look, the hesitation, I was so thankful you all did not have Derek look back and see Mark.
Meredith was cool and she wants her Derek, her McDreamy and he loves her, with all her flaws and her ineffectual little fists.
For next week am looking forward to more. Much more.
As every week and you have yet to disappoint.

Thank you again for the work that all of you do for us.
Thank you.
And if you get the chance could you tell Ellen Pompeo our Meredith...Happy Birthday..although they are our characters, there are some of us that know they are human beings with lives
Just thankful you let them share their talents with us.
Mr. Wilding. Thank you.
sincerely
karen

Oh yes now that politics won't be so much an issue, maybe we could see what the trial study that Ellis Grey was placed in and if it has helped her? Just a thought!

[GA fan in Florida]

Seriously your best episode in season 3. However, I do think that season 3 is absolutely not as good as seasons 1 & 2. For one, everything is so OBVIOUS! The cases mirroring what the characters are going through are wayyyy too obvious! In seasons 1 & 2, they were a little more subtle. Secondly, there are too many characters and storylines and I think that's why you guys have to make the metaphors a little more obvious..... which makes me sad. And finally, the pace is a lot slower than it used to be.....i.e. the hospital scenes, emergency care, the camera movement etc. etc. I've always thought the editing, writing, pace and acting are what make GA the best show on TV, but slowly the editing and the pace are moving away from what they were in seasons 1 & 2. In any case, I will forever be a fan. (Unless of course you guys really change it.) One more thing, please do not break Cristina and Burke up. They're the only real couple you have and not everything has to be so scandalous and dramatic!