“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

[Theresa]

Are you kidding me, seriously? Not a mention, word, phrase anything to do with the closing moments of the show? No reference to not one but two "will you marry me?” Hello? From the person who has read every single comment? I don't want to know how they respond, yes or no doesn't matter. But a mention as to the state of mind that led to the proposals, to the whys, to anything to do with the guys point of view would be nice.

[Kristy]

I was SHOCKED by the ending last night. I did NOT expect either proposal AT ALL! Seriously! My mouth dropped open and then again! I really believe that Burke and Christina should get married. Callie and George...not so sure. I think George is coming from a wounded place because of his father's death and is trying to fill his empty heart with a marriage.

The free clinic thing and Izzie paying for it...saw that coming the instant the clinic was brought up.

I have always been one to not fixate on Mer/Der and haven't minded that you haven't been spending as much time on them, but come on already...show them all hot and bothered! We need a little McDreamy action here! It is getting pathetic!

Still love Addison...but, what is happening with the Alex thing...it stagnated.

Anyway, thank you for letting Christina give in and talk to Burke. THANK YOU for moving that along (and in a big way with the proposal).

[Tish]

Thank you for the confirmation about Marti Noxon. I noticed her name in the credits and checked IMDB but didn't see anything about her working on Grey's Anatomy. I think she'll be a great addition to the show.
Also, how much do I love T.R. Knight!! I've always felt like his character is the heart of this show and I feel that way even more especially in the last few episodes. Great job everyone!

[Kristy]

Oh, forgot one thing. What the heck was going on with that marathon runner. You really didn't say why he started to swell up and Callie had to slice him open. You just left that story hanging in the wind...

[Melissa]

Marti... the Marti and Shonda... I think I am going to faint. As if it couldn't get any better!!

Great Episode last night!!!

[Lesley]

Awesome episode! It was wonderful, even if the last scene with the Amish friends was absolutely heartbreaking. But just one thing about the proposals (not that I didn't love them)--what was with those looong pauses? I know you have to draw out the suspense and get a good look at their reactions, but seriously, I was wondering if Callie and Cristina had suddenly decided not to speak to George and Burke. That was a lot of silence. So please, pretty please, give us answers next week!

[Heathah]

Congratulations on a great episode! The writing was superb. I enjoyed seeing the different sides of Bailey. It was great to see her searching for something more meaningful in her life. I loved her surpised reaction when the Chief said she'd be Chief someday. That conversation gave her the guts to get those signatures and not take no for an answer! I hope she opens that clinic, with Izzie's help.

I loved the dinner party scene at the beginning of the episode! The looks Cristina shot Burke were priceless! haha

There's definitely some chemistry between Addison and Alex. I can't wait to see how that develops. Thanks for a great episode!

[Stac]

First can I say, I miss the podcast's with Shonda. I hope she will do more soon (Not that the other writers podcast's are not good but...)

This Episode has to be one of the best of the season so far. Every single thing about it either made me laugh or cry. That's the reason I love Greys.

Whatever happens please don't leave out the Izzie and George friendship scene's. I watch this show with a large group of people every Thursday (about 30) and we all LOVE their moments together. We also love that you have given more attention to ALL the actors on the show.

Thank you for giving us all an hour every week to lose ourselves.

[Angela T]

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.

All I can say is YIPPIE! Now, I know sex rules and professionalism is for the birds here, and they're going to get together at some point (you can't fool me), but I was sooooo glad to hear someone finally say that they didn't want to be just another intern (sad that the word another fits in here) sleeping with an attending. I love that Alex wants to be able to work with Addison without all the awkwardness of being in a relationship. Heck, look at Christina and Burke. And, I really didn't get the feeling that Addison had fallen so hard for Alex that she's suddenly all wounded because he wants to be *gasp* a professional. I mean, they spend all their time working, and except for one kiss and one almost kiss, it's not like they gotten really personal. If that's the case, poor woman really does define herself by having a man. Addison is too awesome for that. Please don't make her pathetic. Now, I can at least watch them be the mentor and student (nothing wrong with focusing on that relationship) pairing - that is, of course, until you put them back together as just another pair of people who don't understand that sleeping with your boss is so not a good idea.

As far as the fight between Meredith and Derek, a fight is something where two people get their licks in. This was more Derek snapping at Meredith for no good reason, and her running after him, calling his name. Ooh, she mentioned Richard was retiring and the chief position was opening up. That's not priveleged info. Even if knowing it does mean Mark will stay. Poor widdle Derek. *pats him on the head and sticks a pacifier in his mouth*

[Michelle]

Congrats on the episode, Bucky! I LOVED it...great cliffhangers at the end too! This was definitely season-finale-worthy material!

(P.S. I'm predicting that Callie will say no and Christina will say yes.)

[Rosa]

Mer/Der's scene when Derek tells her he's still coming back no matter what is just about the sweetest thing I've seen on TV EVER. I loved it because it effectively answered her fears about abandonment and moves them forward to a being able to get a proposal of her own.

*hint hint*

Alex shutting Addison down was awesome. Totally cool how he put her in her place.

Please give us more MerDer togetherness at home and at the hospital.

[Lisa]

Eric,Congratulations on your very first episode, it really is great to hear that someone that has read all our comments wrote an episode, because you know what? You perfectly got what we love!

It was an amazing episode, I laughed, it had sweet moments like Rachel and Jillie goodbye, Izzie and George, the attending on the hallway acting like the interns, Nazi back, Callie and George, and last but not least (actually the number 1 on my list) that Mer/Der scene, Derek's speech was great, and a big step forward to them, maybe he didn't propose, but he made a great commitment to her, and it felt like sorry for the other time I was an ass, but now I'm not leaving. Love it.

Burktina, not feeling it at all, but what can I say? It's not like you can write that story off the show. Or can you?

I have to admit I was a little bit worried since you wrote a blog on the past about Mer/Der saying how difficult it would me to Mer to trust Derek again, but as always, Grey's surprised me and show us the commitment Derek is amking now, because that face in the end of the scene? Tells me he might want to stick to Mer instead of ending like Richard.

Congratulations, and Good Luck to all the cast on Sunday! Hope Grey's got recognized again, because you certainly deserve it.

[Angela T]

Heck, I forgot something. Please have Alex interact with the other interns more. And, not just a 30 second scene in the locker room at the beginning of the episode. Meredith and Alex were both working under Mark this episode, and they didn't share one conversation. I miss Alex competing with Christina, his non judgemental friendship with Meredith, Izzy is way more bearable around Alex, and I miss the animosity between him and George. Alex is the former Dirty Uncle Sal. He should still be a part of the intern family.

[a girl]

Eric I loved this episode. Thanks for tying up so many lose ends for us (the Chief/Adele situation, Izzie's money, Bailey's un-nazi-ness)!! I loved how the interns had the focus of the episdoe. Cristina, George, and Izzie all had a lot of sceen time and I loved it. Grey's is right on when they are the center of the episodes, like they are supposed to be.

Cristina - I love her. She is my favorite character because she is just so herself in everything that she does. I loved how she gave in and talked first, yet it wasn't complete giving in. It was in her Cristina way. I also loved when she told Callie that they weren't friends. It was like she read my mind when I was watching that scene. ha!

Izzie - I love Izzie. She was lovely in this episode. Her 'holier than thou' attitude seems to have taken a hike. She was so sweet with George, though it would have been nice to see her distain for Callie come out. Because it seemed unusual that she was nice her even though she has hated her for so long. I love how she hates Callie. It always makes me laugh so hard whenever it comes up.

Meredith - She didn't have a very big part in this episode, which I can understand. However, her last main story line was in "Don't Stand so Close to Me". I guess I am just impatient for her to have a main story. :D

George - lol man was that a funny story! I hope he does shed some tears over his father though. It doesn't have to be the same as Izzie I just don't want his grieving to just involve his ways of coping and have the emotional upheaval expressed in tears be absent.

Alex - Loved him. His evil spawn-ness was back. I hated him being all nicey-nice. It was sickening and pathetic in a way that wasn't really Alex like. I am so glad that he shot Addison down. She so deserved that after all the people she has used in the last year (Mark, Derek).

Bailey - She is awsome. My second favorite character on the show. I was rooting for her to be chief even since the possiblity of Richard quitting popped up. She is the only one on the show who has her act together.

The Attendings - I thought that all the attendings were a mess and were even more immature, needy, and whiny than the interns. They have completely fallen apart as of late. I am so glad that was addressed in this episode because I was wondering if we were just supposed to accept the fact that their personal lives have invaded their work to the point that there is absolutely no separation.

Callie - Even though I don't like her please don't change her attitude and her Callie rudeness. Her character was so full of personality when she was introduced and it did fade away a little bit but she still had her uniqueness. I think that you all are changing her personality because she was not very popular at all in the beginning. Please don't do that. Let the character's write themselves, don't change their personalities to please the audience.

I loved the Burketina proposal at the end. I actually screamed with joy and shock.

Thanks for giving us the only (imo) Mer/Der scene that had any chemistry or purpose since they got back together. I felt like the other scenes were blah but this one reminded me why I fell in love with them in season 1.

Also this episode too felt like the old Grey's!! I felt that that was missing at the beginning of season 3 but this episode was just amazing!

Thanks for writing this fabulous episode. Keep it up!

[Linda from wisconsin]

This was the funniest, enjoyable blog ever!!! BTW, I was holding my breath that McSteamy would leave. He is soooooo naughty! I like my McSteamy served up saucey! :0
Keep up the great work!

[Marie]

What an amazing episode!! I loved it, it could show us a little bit of Mer screen time, but the last scene with Meredith and Derek made my week.
Can't wait to next Thursday, Alzheimer Ellis lucid for more than some minutes??!!! The doctors on the floor of the OR???!! What the hell is going on? Am I dreaming?.. Can't wait!!

[Cynthia]

In a former blog, I proposed to the guy (Kip possibly?) that wrote "Where the Boys Are"...I would like to resend that proposal and propose to you instead for giving me my new favorite episode of the season. This episode just did it for me...I was totally satisfied and happy afterwards in a way that has carried over to today. I even stayed up, like your mother, until 2:30 this morning waiting for this blog (I was also watching the episode over and over again though, so it wasn't a total waist of my time) and then I finally went to bed. ;) This episode reminded me of first season GA though...the humor, the great one-liners...everything about it was so good...and I have never missed an episode since day one. Anyway, one of my favorite lines? 'Mine isn't quick, it's epic'; and 'the people...are mean' and 'the Nazi is back' and Callie's whole sphill at the beginning! Everything about that episode just left a smile on my face. :D

I think all of my absolute favorite parts happened at the end...especially all of the attendings sitting there in a row after being yelled at by the Chief! :D :D :D It reminded me of the Season finale when the interns were in 'time out'. And Burke telling Mark that he wouldn't be Cheif...oh, I absolutely loved it!!!

I'd be lying if I said that I hadn't watched the Mer/Der scene less than 100 times. It was just soooo cute! And I have to admit, I was a little bit worried by the Mer/Der of the episode because I remembered the blog that you wrote back in August about Meredith being able to trust Derek again...I was really kind of petrified about what would happen to them in this episode. :P But Derek running around totally pissed off was really hott! :P

And the proposal scenes...wow. I think the thing that really made me like them was the camera work, really. The way it moved back and forth between the characters and everything. And the music, of course. T.R. Knight deserves an Emmy for his performance over the past few episodes for making the transition between loveable cuddly George to trainwreck George to the George that proposed to Callie.

So, once again. GREAT EPISODE.

[Beth]

We were watching it in the basement of the dorm, and there was group screaming at the end.

And, I admit, I yelled at Alex.

And I also admit that at work last night from 11pm-1am, I had this open, and was clicking refresh ever few minutes.

Great epsiode. I love the Amish, and the storyline made me cry. The only thing I didn't know is how one would get in contact with an Amish person when there is that much distance between you.

Excellent episode. I loved Addison's line to Mark at the end.

[Jennifer]

GREAT GREAT GREAT!!! And the blog was definitely worth waiting for!

[D]

I couldn't help feel like that Jillian girl with the cancer is Izzy's daughter she gave up. I'm calling it. She looks nothing like the Amish folks and looks a lot like her...

[Lisa B]

I just have to say i REALLY REALLY Hope Christina says Yes! I love Burke and Christina so much, They are my favorite couple, and I want them to get married! Callie will hopefully say yes too...george is so fantastic, and he is hurting and the hurt mad ehim realize his true feelings for callie, I am kinda scared thoguh next weeks episode looks pretty intense, from the previews...but I can't wait! Congrats on your first episode it was a good one, and I hope that is not the end of addison and alex that would be a waste!

[Joy]

Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!
Those were the words that ran through my head, and came out like a chant, from the first moment to the last of this episode.
Amazing! This episode was absolutely amazing! I am breathless until next week.

Subtlety? As in skillful, clever and crafty??? You've shown us your ability in that area in SPADES!
WELL DONE ERIC!

[Arestia]

First off... awesome episode, i loved it, especially the whole 'attendings acting like annoying yet funny 6 year olds' (no offence to 6 year olds)... the whole thing was just great!!!uber great!!! GRAND!!!
and i am sure you wont offend the Amish, for I doubt they will be on the internet reading your blog...
and i love how you start your blog with sex... i mean, there is no other way! (so i might be a 'virgin whore', only because i like saying it... or typing it...and i am sure i would like drinking it too)
and the whole silent sex thing... i so think it could work... i mean, all you have to do is add some random 20's music in the background and sub titles ... like a Chaplin film, or a D.W. Griffith thing... just think of Lillian Gish or something, and the silent sex will work...(its all about the facial expressions)!!!
or do a sort of Monty Python thing and have a random old man commentating - that would be funny!!!

OHH Marti Noxon... the idea that Angel and Buffy are in some way connected to Grey's, makes me oh so happy!!! (seems like all my favorite shows are connected to greys - freaks and geeks, scrubs, buffy, arrested development - woot woot go team Grey's!)
okay so obviously i am rambling and probably seem kinda crazy...
all i want to say is, great episode, love your blog, and I cant wait for next week... ohh and random thought... if Alex doesnt make a move on Addison, can i? i will totally be a new character, possibly the youngest intern EVER!!! and steal Addsion away... okay so not happening, but a girl can dream...

p.s. when i first saw the promo for next week... being the weird person that i am.. my first thought went to zombies - and how all the doctors will turn into crazy zombies... and the only repelent are apples (get it.. hehe a apple a day keeps the doctor away - okay so bad joke) anywho.. cant wait.. even if they dont become zombies...!!!

tata

[Leash]

Great episode, I loved the Meredith and Derek stuff, it was real.

George's proposal was so heart-breakingly beautiful, the dialogue and the delivery were both flawless (as was Callie's reaction!!) It's funny because my cousin just lost her dad and reacted in a really similar way (not the sex, but the avoidance and throwing yourself into someone she love and whom her father approved of). Very realisitic and quirky.

I'm disappointed that there's been so much going on with other storylines that Mark's character has been stunted. I like that he's the bad guy, but he's self destructive behaviour and man-whoring almost feels two dimensional. We see glimpses of depth and you know that there's some good there so stop teasing us, or at least tell us why he's such a schnicklerfritz!!

Once again, GREAT EPISODE! WONDERFUL DIALOGUE and FANTASTIC blog.

[sarah]

I LOVE THE IZZIE/ GEORGE relationship.
heigl is such an amazing actress. I don't know how she will take the proposal though, i hope they add in a lot of the reaction of their friends.