“Great Expectations” for Eric Buchman (and his blog)

Original Airdate: 1-25-07

I got a call at midnight last night from my Mom.  From the East Coast.  So it was 3am where she was.  She watched the show. Went online. And waited. And waited. And waited. And called.

She wanted to know where my blog was.

She called again this morning.  No blog.

Just got an instant message from her 15 minutes ago from her. Asking about the blog.

My point… I know ya’ll are a little frustrated at the lack of a blog. But no one is more frustrated than my own mom, so you don't need to worry about punishing me because I’m surely going to be grounded the next time I get back to Florida.

The thing is, I just don’t know where to begin.  There’s just so much I want to say.

Do I start by saying how thankful I am for this opportunity? I just can’t thank Shonda enough for this. And many, many thanks to Krista, Mark, Allan, Tony & Joan for guiding me through the process with such care.  To Stacy for being such a rock on set. To Debora and Kip and Zoanne and Harry & Gab for their input in the script.  To Carolina for easing all my fears and offering such great advice.  Television is a very collaborative medium, and I’m so fortunate that my first time was with such a talented and generous and considerate writing staff.

Or do I start with what a hypocrite I am?  I’m the guy who posts the blogs the writers write, so I’m the guy who harps on all them for not getting in their blogs in a timely manner.  And even though I've done two blogs in the past (this one and this one), this IS my first time writing about an episode with my name on it.  And I finally get where their brain freeze is coming from.  (but don’t worry, I’ll still harp on them!)

Or do I start with the stuff I know you all want to know about?   You see, for the first two seasons, I was the guy who read every comment.   Every. Single. One of them.

And I know what you really want to know…

And you don’t want a recap of what just happened in last night’s episode.

You want to know what happens next. 

You want to know how Cristina and Callie respond.

You want to know if Derek finds out about all the proposing and is inspired to ask Meredith to marry him.

But you know I can’t tell you that. Because as you can see in the above, I love my job.  And if I told you, I’d get fired.  My parents threatened to disown me if I didn’t tell them.  And… I still didn’t tell them.  I’ll be eating take-out for Thanksgiving this year. But at least I’ll still have my job.

Anyways…  I can’t really start out with any of those things.

So I’ll start with… sex.

Let’s talk about George having a lot of it.  We needed to show George grieving in a new way for Grey’s.  We didn’t want to repeat any beats of Izzie’s grief.  And because we knew we had to build to that proposal, we wanted to have George burying his grief in Callie.  And in a way that would bother his best friend Izzie.  We also wanted Callie to feel some remorse.  She finally got George, but not in the way she wanted. She’s gotten his body, but the underlying relationship isn’t there anymore.  So what does all that add up to?  Make George a sex machine and it’ll bother his friends, pain Callie, and be VERY different from Izzie’s mourning.

Let’s talk about the fact that Cristina and Burke are probably still having a lot of sex, despite their silent situation. In early versions of the script, we actually wanted to show just that -- Burke and Cristina having great sex, but not saying a word. Silent sex. It works in theory, but in execution (on broadcast television) how the hell do you show two people having sex, and know they’re enjoying it if it’s completely silent. You can’t have silence on television.  Unless it’s for dramatic effect… waiting for a verdict on Law and Order.  Or for comedic effect. The awkward but brilliant silence of The Office.  But silence during sex? On TV that usually conveys boredom.

Wait a second, I just remembered something. I can’t start with sex after all.   My mom is reading this.

So let’s start with…

Richard and Adele.  Richard finally goes to the board and officially got his retirement going. Which gets the race for chief going.  Which gets all our attendings acting like children.  Which gets the Nazi back.  Which leads him back to Adele’s… only to be turned away at the door.  Poor, poor Richard. Does this mean the race is over?  All that was for naught? Wait – I can’t talk about the future.  Crap.  Okay, moving onto the next topic…

So let’s start with…

The fact that this was my first time.

And how thankful I am that I did it with people who were so gentle and considerate, and wanted to make sure I was completely satisfied by the experience.

Wait a second. Sounds like I’m talking about sex again. Um... Okay then… moving on…

So let’s start with…

The Amish. Yeah, we had Amish characters fly on an airplane. But I’m told that’s okay under such dire circumstances. Their daughter is 3000 miles away and she’s sick! But wait – I don’t want to upset any Amish people reading this, so I probably should move on…

(possibly interesting tidbit: first day of shooting, a member of the crew, Ryan Blank, walked up to me to say that his father was Amish, and that he just happens to be in town for a few days… an amazing coincidence. we immediately set up a meeting with his father and our researcher and director and that’s how the Pennsylvania Dutch wound up in the episode. Mr. Blank made a CD of him saying the lines, and the actors memorized it and rehearsed it on their own. And I think they did a great job… even though I still have no clue what they were saying)

Okay. So let’s start with…

Meredith and Derek! 

Finally.  They're a topic with no more taboos. I possibly can’t ruin when they’ll get back together, because they got back together 5 episodes ago. (or 6 depending on how you count “back together”).   On the surface, their story in this episode isn’t very complicated.  They had a fight that -- compared to past Meredith and Derek fights -- was barely anything.  I mean, remember when Derek basically called Meredith a whore?  But this was their first fight as a real, honest-to-goodness couple.  And even though it was a minor fight, it’s very revealing for Meredith.  She’s not used to fighting with someone and having them come back.  We know how things are with her mom. We know her dad left even before she had a chance to ever fight with him.  We can now picture every boyfriend she ever had leaving after just a couple weeks, if she didn’t leave first.  This is probably the longest relationship she’s ever been in.  And the first with someone she feels a genuine connection with.  We might know Derek will come back – but she doesn’t. The scene at the end between them is actually a milestone of sorts for her. She has to admit just how new to all this she really is.  The woman with a habit of getting drunk and having sex with inappropriate men – is finally in virgin territory. 

You know, that’ll be good title for a novel. “The Virgin Whore” I wonder if that’s been done yet…  Just googled it. Crap. It’s not a book, but it’s a cocktail made with vodka, tequila, cranberry and apple juice, food coloring, and lime kool-aid.  And you know what? Meredith might actually like that, considering her fondness for tequila.

Okay, I’m off on a tangent… That’s not a good sign. Means I need to pick a topic with more going on… hmm… 

Let’s start with…

Alex and Addison. Ouch.  That’s all I can say.  I watched the episode with a group of friends, and when Alex says “you’re my boss, what was I supposed to do?” (when he explained why he kissed her back in the last episode) – it stung the entire room. We all felt what Addison feels in that moment.  But what’s most painful about that scene? Not that Alex effectively shut Addison down in such a cold and direct manner. But that it seems like such a waste of chemistry.  When they went into that closet, the last thing we wanted to see them do is pour water on their fire.  Okay, I’m getting frustrated just thinking about it.  Not a good topic for me.

So let’s start with… Well, what’s left? 

Mark Sloan? 

Can I just say that Eric Dane, who plays Mark, is like the nicest guy ever?  During the read thru for the episode, he paid me my first compliment ever as a writer (from a professional actor).  Sara Ramirez got to a line I wrote in the Izzie-Callie hallway scene (a line that never made it to air actually), and she totally sold it.  And Eric looked up and said “way to go, Bucky.” And what had been an incredibly nerve-inducing experience, all of a sudden became very relaxing. My nerves went away. I was able to enjoy the remainder of the read thru.

Hopefully the excised line will wind up on the DVD. I can’t tell you what the line was, though, because ABC Standards and Practices requested its removal. In fact, I can’t really talk about those network matters at all, so I guess I should choose another topic…

So…

Let’s start with… the opening credits!

Did you notice that Marti Noxon is now in the opening credits!!!  Yes, Buffy fans, THE Marti Noxon.  Or as we like to call her. TV’s Marti Noxon.  And you know what’s even better than having her here as a consulting producer for the rest of the season?  Her writing an episode.  And you know what’s even better than her writing an episode? Her writing and episode WITH Shonda.  And you know what’s even better than all that? (wow, I’m beginning to sound like game show host slowly revealing some big prize)  Them writing an episode you can see in less than a month!  Wait a second – Shonda is telling me that I’m revealing too much. I can’t say anymore, and I’ve already said too much.

Darn…okay then… I guess there’s only one thing left for me to say…

So let’s just start with the closing. 

Thank you all for watching last night’s episode.  Thank you for reading this blog. I hope you enjoyed the episode almost as much as I enjoyed working on it.

Oh, and thanks, Mom, for being so patient!
(even if you’ve been IMing me all day while I’m busy taking notes in the writers’ room)

Comments

[Emily]

I, like your mother, have been going insane waiting for the blog. The wait was totally worth it though. Last night's episode was amazing, the blog was amazing, you're an amazing writer. Congratulations on your first episode, which was honestly, in my opinion, one of the very best of the season! Your parents should be very proud! ;)

Everything about this episode was perfect, and I was completely dumbfounded with the Burketina proposal - I already knew about the George/Callie (we need a name for those two) proposal because I'm a bit of a spoiler whore. The Meredith and Derek fight was great. I love those two, really I do. You portrayed how McDreamy is really McDreamy perfectly in that scene. Seriously, perfect. I loved how the attendings were acting like children, but I couldn't help feeling a little sorry for Mark. I honestly don't think he has what it takes to be chief, nor does he have the seniority in the hospital. I was a little embarrassed for him. By the way, I'm incredibly happy that the Nazi's back! Bailey was awesome last night.

Really, great job all around. To you, the cast, the rest of the crew - everyone. I can't wait for next week!

[Ann]

I love the scene where the mom hugs and talks to her daughter's friend...cried my eyes out. Beautiful.

[Gabriella]

Your mom wasn't the only one waiting for the blog! I'm glad she was IMing you! Ahhhhhh....as far as the show I have alot to say but I'm going to try and keep it short. Der & Mer make be believe in love again. That fun silly love! LOVE IT!! Also LOVE Burke's proposal. Simple, spontaneous, PERFECT! Still don't know about O'Maily and Callie. I can't imagine them together, is it real this time? Or is he just on emotional overload? Hmmmmm.... As far as the Chief getting the door slammed in this face!! He deserves it.. waiting so long to make-up his mind! Could be too late! VERY Curious to see how that turns out. All in all I'm addicted to the show! Thanks for the entertainment! You guys make me cry every week! Stop! (not really)

[Reen]

The double proposals left me a weeping mess. Seriously. Loved the look on Preston's face when Christina broke the silence, and for his proposal. Kudos to both actors for nailing it. UH OH! Marti Noxon writing an episode means "bring on the pain!" I am now officially worried. And yet excited. Does that make me strange?

[Kristin]

Totally lame. And to think that I wasted precious time reading this.
Better luck next time.

[Cindy]

I luved the episode. And please can we have more ADDISEX!!! I love those two together, they have amazing chemistry and they just have to hook up or otherwise i am going to be very mad!!! lol And yes the scene where alex burned addison was very hard to watch! I want HOT addisex in the linen closet!!! please!!!!

[Rikki]

Way to go, Bucky!

[Lin]

Oh how dare you! Behaving like a good little worker and not giving us the spoilers we need to go on in life. You can always find another job ;)
WE NEEED ANSWERS!
I stayed up ALL night (seriously) waiting for this blog and by 8AM I was so exhausted I had to close my eyes. Then I wake up and its still not here...I nearly cried!

The episode was so great last night, I loved it! Kate Walsh was amazing when Alex told her he didnt want her, secretly I think he does ;). She looked crushed, and if he really doesnt want her than someone has to...this woman needs some sex! Its almost painful watching her :( Then the whole 4 of them sitting and waiting for the cheif, ohh how great! Now the ass kissing begins lol!!

Thursday better come soon *sighs*

[Haylie]

wow that episode was just amazing. especially with that izzie saying to george about the pain and it not going away i relate to it so much after losing 3 weeks ago from today my last grandfather and both of whom i never got to say goodbye but on another happier note damn florida ok that almosted made me fall out of my chair as i live in florida

[Jules]

Loved the episode bucky! Well worth the wait from Monday to Thursday. I must vent though...This is not directed at you or any of the writers BUT I can't even watch Burke let alone listen to him. Two weeks ago when George consulted him on his father's condition all I could think was T.R is a great actor. How else could he show that kind of respect to Mr. Washington.

I used to really like Burke until Mr. Washington (I can't even write his first name!) showed us who he really is. Now, he may be a bit outspoken (cough!) but he is a great actor. The proof is that I fell for the character and not the real person.

Preston needs to go!

I feel better, thanks.
Can't wait until next week.

[SRG]

Everytime I think this show can't get any better, it gets better. It shows the talent of the writers who just keep coming up with better and better story lines and the way they tell it. You guys are wonderful. I wouldn't begin to tell you how to do your job, just keep on doing what you're doing!!! Kudos on the BEST show on TV. By the way, can you do something about the commercial? There are just too many of them!!! :-)

[Leah]

This was definitely my favorite episode of the season so far, and without doing a thorough catalog of every episode that I've loved, I might go so far as to say that it was my favorite episode of the series thus far.

The Amish storyline was absolutely heartbreaking, but perfectly done. And it seemed to tie so many threads together so beautifully.

Thanks for the episode...adn thanks for the blog! I've been checking all day. If I had your IM, I'd probably have been IMing you too!! :-)

[Mindy]

OMG OMG OMG! the episode was great! i loved that scene between Mer and Der. and the end I was not expecting TWO proposals! I want it to be thursday so I know what happens next! oh and I was up till almost 3am waiting for this blog to comment on this episode, lol! this show has a great writing staff, seriously!

[mom and uncle gene]

Uncle has no computer:)....so he says how awesome his nephew, the writer, is...and Mom (me) loves the blog and the fact that you have made me famous :) I love you

[nicki]

Loved the episode, one of my faves this whole season. Really awesome! Mer/Der are the show for me, ved their scene, but at the end of it, it would have been nce for them to show some passion for each other and throw off each other's clothing and finally get the reunion sex that we never got! I am really disappointed in the way that storyline has gone. Don't make them boring! And let them have sex! They had more passion when derek was married to another woman! And please don't break them up, because I honestly wouldn't make it!

[bg45]

I loved christina's speech. I loved burkes propsal.
"marry me christina yang"
so much love
i hope she says yes

[ObscureAllure from the MB and a Grey Girl]

Way to go, Bucky!

:)

GREAT EP - and welcome to the Clamity!!!!

-and a question- who DOES read the comments now if you don't???

oh and PS - Hi Eric's Mom!!!!!

[KimS]

Thank you for an amazing episode, loved it. A Derek/Mark scene!!! - I've been waiting for that ever since the one small moment in the OR; hoping for more. Enjoyed the scenes with all the attendings together, its something we haven't seen before. The Mer/Der scene at the end was perfect, absolutely perfect. I also really enjoyed everything else in the episode - Izzie/George, George/Callie, Cristina/Callie & Cristina/Burke. The storyline of the Amish friends was so touching. Thanks for a wonderful episode, for keeping Mark in Seattle and for a wonderful blog.

I am truly happy that Mer/Der are back together. I hope they stay that way. But could you make them a little bit more fun?I mean Burke and Christina have more fun as acouple! You have turned mer/der into almost a married couple. They go to work, they don't interact at work much, then they go home and go to bed.
I miss the elevator scenes, etc. I want them to stay together! But I just want them to have a bit more fun instead of blahness. What happened to the "great stuff" we were promised? Because snoring, bad breath and fighting over that is not great. It was funny and cute but not great.
And I dont understand how two of the most boring couples can get engaged/married and yet Mer/Der who have suffered the most get nothing? Not even a bit of fun?

[Lisa]

this episode was absolutely wonderful! i loved the cristina/callie interaction, although wouldn't callie be penalized for being so careless with her patient? it didn't seem like she was being a good doctor. and the little meredith/derek spat was very nicely resolved. i must say, two proposals on one show sounds like a recipe for jumping the shark, but when i saw the episode it was just so beautifully portrayed that i know the show will continue to succeed.

and by the way, MARTI NOXON OH MY GOD!

[Tara]

Can George and Izzie just hook-up now please? LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

[La Phoenix]

You know, I loved this episode. And that's a big deal cause I hated last week's own (and most of the episodes this season)

So what I liked:

* Mer/Der: This was a shock for me, since I normally loathe the couple, but that scene at the end where Derek tells her he's still coming back no matter what is just about the sweetest thing I've seen on TV. I was totally squeeing inside and tearing up. That has NEVER happened before with any Mer/Der scene that I've watched. I loved it because it effectively answered her fears about abandonment that played out over the last 2 episodes. Nice continuity.

Alex/Addison: Heh. I nearly died laughing during the closet scene, and I've been chuckling about this for the whole of today. Ads, I love you to death, babes, you know that, but I think I love Alex more. What a way to get put in your place! The expression on her face afterwards is priceless! I mean I felt her pain, but I just love Alex's bluntness and that "I'm not that into you, sweetheart" attitude. It's amazing that of all the interns Alex would be the one to reference the inappropriateness of an intern/attending hook-up. But you know, I have a feeling the gentleman doth protest too much...

* Four words: The Nazi is back! Praise the Lord.

* The subtle reference between George and Izzie's loss and the Amish girl who was shunned having to give up her friend. Good work there.

Dislikes:

* Bang: I thought I'd never say this, but I've been hating Burke recently. A lot. And hello Burke: Your girlfriend - your ultra competitive, must always win girlfriend - has just conceded and broke down and talked about the reason you stopped talking in the first place. You get down on your knees apologising for your role in the fracas. You do not demand that she marry you and act like you're God at the same time! Jesus, even George had a little speech before the "Marry me" part.

* Question: If they're Amish, how was the daughter able to "call" them? By homing pigeon?

* Inconsistency much? You have Burke in two scenes saying he's pretty much shunning leadership roles and that he doesn't deserve the role of Chief, yet have him fighting with the others over his running for the position? Doesn't add up.

Generally speaking, however, I enjoyed this episode; so much so, that I rewatched it when it was finished (especially the Ads/Alex closet scene - I'm still smirking!) I hope to see much more of your writing on the show!

[Niki]

best eppy is such a while. i was so sad when George's dad died and the previous episodes were great but something was lacking and i think you brought it back! you're amazing, dude. thank you so much. you totally captured the essence of Grey's from the past 2 seasons. love ya for that!

kudos.

[Karen]

Amazing episode. One of the best of the season!! So much drama, fun, sadness all rolled into one.

I loved MerDer's milestone at the end of the episode when she realized he'll always come home to her. I just want more of them, they don't get that much airtime as a couple anymore. Can they work on cases again at the hospital please? They are actually the one couple I want to get married and have babies. lol

Dinner party was hysterical!

[Anne]

I loved last nights epi, how you could see it unfolding. You could see all the points there for Christina, yet you just kept hoping she was GETTING it!! And she did! YAH!!!
Loved that the Nazi is back, I loved that she was going for what she believed in because she believed in it,not for kudos. I loved how you saw the opening for Izzie to give her $$ away, and she didn't just say I will give you money. No, she named it, it was awesome! Denny was important to both of them. It the name was perfect!
My hubby said the moment Chief went home and Adele opened the door- she has moved on. The VO nailed it- sometimes the expected becomes the unexpected. Next week should be great!
Keep at it guys! It is coming together and is smashing!!