Debora Cahn on "Brave New World"...

Original Airdate: 10-16-08

To the dermatologists of the world:  We love you.  We really do.  We think you do fine work.  Important, difficult work.  Life saving work.  We all love you here at Grey’s Anatomy, and we’re a little concerned that you might not take tonight’s episode in the spirit it was intended.  Light-hearted!  No lack of respect!  We kid, and we kid from love!  I thought it was all going to be fine, and then I heard, one by one, that every Grey’s writer had made an appointment with their dermatologist this week, BEFORE the episode aired.  Everybody wanted everything checked before we pissed off every dermatologist in the land. When one writer did it, I thought it was cute, and a little paranoid.  But when the emails started pouring in… “Going to be 10 minutes late this morning, have appt with my dermatologist,” well, then I started getting worried.  We love you, dermatologists.  Please don’t hurt us.  See, it’s Cristina that thinks surgery is harder.  Not us.  CRISTINA.  When the writers of “The Shield” portray junkies calling police officers “f-ing pigs,” it’s not the writers who think they’re f-ing pigs, it’s just the junkies.  Right?  Cristina.  Yang.  Don’t hate us.

A word about diaries.  When you find your mother’s diary, don’t read it.  DON’T READ IT.  I tell you this from experience.  I found my mother’s diary.  Not really a diary, a suitcase full of stuff she wrote for a writing class, but one of the assignments was to keep a journal, and my sister said DON’T READ IT and I read it, and I’m telling you.  DO NOT READ THE DIARY.  If they thought you should know, they’d have told you.  And so I say to Meredith:  Good on you for not reading it for a whole episode.  And I say to Cristina:  Lay off.  She doesn’t want to read it, don’t tell her to read it.  And I say to Derek:  When you find the mother’s diary in the back of the closet under a pile of magazines, LEAVE IT UNDER THE PILE OF MAGAZINES.  But even more importantly, I say this to the diary keepers of the world:  What the hell are you thinking?  You really think nobody’s gonna find that thing?  You really think that the box in the back of the closet is a secure location?  That an old sweater and a pair of long underwear’ll throw everyone off the trail?  You’re dead, and your poor child/spouse/best friend is tasked with going through your stuff, and they see the box with the sweater and the long underwear, and they think, I’m not going to touch that pair of long underwear, it’s clearly a box of old winter clothing, let’s just close it up again and bring it right over to Goodwill.  No, people.  Anyone who hasn’t had a lobotomy is going to move the long underwear aside, and find the diary, and read it.  And let me tell you, that little tiny lock can be picked with a bobby pin.  If you feel you must put your feelings on paper, destroy those pages once a year.  If you feel you must have a way to reconnect with your younger self, run the bonfire once a decade.  And when you find yourself visiting an oncologist or cardiologist with some regularity, take it as a sign to THROW OUT THE DIARIES. 

Ellis Grey.  What were you thinking?

I know, you wish I were talking more about the episode.  And the characters.  Problem is, I’m in the middle of writing episode 511, and my head is totally in the middle of the season, so if I started talking about the characters, I’d inevitably wander into what’s going on with them in the middle of the season, and that’s the kind of thing that REALLY pisses Shonda off.  So I’m gonna stop.  Sorry.  That’s it.  Dermatologists and diaries.   

Comments

[Amy]

I thought last nights episode was not as good as the week before. Yang hanging out in the Dermatologist part of the hospital while her beeper is going off is not the real Yang. She wants action, not a skin disease. Alex doing that with Izzy's patient was just a common move by the Alex we all know-the jerk. He only opens up to Izzie once she freaks on him or he is drinking or just feeling sorry for himself. Please Alex, Grow up. I felt sorry for Lexie. I mean she helped George study vigoriously for his retake and he doesn't even include her in the celebration. I want more Lexie and Mark. that is where the chemistry is. Mer and Der...okay I'll admit I used to watch because of these two but now I think they are annoying. It was the right move of Der to freak out on Izzie and Alex for their childish behavior in the surgery room. Erica and Callie: please keep developing this story line. This is the one couple that actually has true feelings for each other. They are not forced. This is the first relationship for Callie that does not lead to sex after the first date. They truly like each other and want to make it work. Please give Bailey a love life or maybe she can become Chief. Bailey is the funniest yet most in depth character on the show and I feel she is not getting the credit she deserves. I'm sick of the Chief and his yelling. Stop already. I felt the bar was lowered on this week's epi but I'm excited to see what they bring us next week.

[eschewobfuscation]

This episode was *fantastic* in so many ways. THANK YOU for bringing all of the characters back around to who they really are (rockstars, all of them). Izzie finally grew a pair, in a good way; Cristina's wandering pulled them all back to the wonderful hanging out-ness that used to be; Meredith managed to not be whiney and annoying and was great on cardio (who knew?); Hahn got to give Yang some credit but then threatened Meredith (anyone else remembering her very beginnings with Yang?); and Callie and George each finally got to get their spines back and move past the scared wet noodle arena they've been stuck in. Not to mention the fact that the Callie/Erica story line was actually handled realistically, instead of the typical rushed way that shows seem to think this all goes down. Bailey was pure genius this whole episode... So good.
All around, this was Grey's again.
THANK YOU!!!

[tld]

Loved it!
One of my favorites for sure - Callie, Hahn, Bailey - amazing writing and acting!!!

[Ashley]

I thought it was one of the best George episodes ever!!!! I love George, and to see him mature right before my eyes..made me want to cry!!!

GO GA WRITERES, GO GEORGE!!!!

[Bonnie]

Seriously, one of my favorite things about this epi was that it was about how angst-ridden people who've had more difficult than normal lives watch groups of shiny, glowy people and sometimes wish they were one of them; but then again think calamity makes life interesting and makes the good stuff mean more in the end. I was looking forward to hearing more of about that in this blog and all I got was diaries and dermatologists. BOO!

[Debbie]

George and Izzie scenes, finally, thank God, alleluliah. I have rewatched their scenes 20 times on YT so far. I am so happy. I still want them as a couple but I will wait forever if I have to. I am just glad we are getting scenes again and my George was all so amazing. Thank you.

And Alex so does not deserve Izzie.

[Shelton]

As a Gizzie romantic fan who totally missed their friendship too, thanks for their scenes. Thanks for ther pep talk George gave Izzie. That is the George I love so much. He got lost somewhere but you got him back, thank you.

Mark was oh so great too.

The only bad thing about the episode was Alex again. Are you trying to make us hate him? Because it is working.

I also loved the George and Lexie scenes.

[Michelle]

Aww George. He is DA man. TR is so funny and amazing. I loved his pep talk with the girls,, especially Izzie. I missed them.

I will always root for Gizzie to get together in the end, aalways, but I also adore their friendship.

I am also a Gexie fan so I hope he notices her. Is it me or did Izzie look jealous of Gexie? A George, Izzie and Lexie triangle would be great!

[Carrie]

While George was the man, ALEX continues to annoy me. OK so I can't be mad at Ava, so you are my punching bag Izzie. Really? Are we suppose to root for those two? Especially after seeing how much George gets Izzie and is amazing with her. I will never root for AI, Alex is way too much of a jerk and I am starting to get very tired of all his excuses.

It was fun and for the first time this season, I liked Cristina. More Meredith/Derek please. Naked Patrick was good, but naked Mer/Der in bed even better.

[Callie]

Alex is a jerk yet again. I am done with the excuse.

You are doing a great job though because I am torn on who I want George with, Izzie or Lexie, I love him with both. I do wish he would notice Lexie before some (like Mark, please no) steals her away.

And more George and Izzie scenes please, they make me smile.

The first episode I have enjoyed since 4.7 so great job.

[Greysfan]

Thank you thank your for coming BACK! The magic returned with this newest episode. The crazy folks that hang out in coma patient's rooms (or derm offices) are back and I love them. Not gonna lie, you guys almost lost me as a fan last season. The magic just wasn't there. And then starting off this season with more Mer/Der drama didn't help. I was almost done. But last night I felt that wonderful Greys magic again. Loved Izzie telling Alex off, loved the crush that Lexie has on George and LOVE LOVE LOVE Erica and Callie...please let that work. Those two women have a TON of chemistry! Thanks again!

[Cheryl]

I have been reading people's past comments and how they felt that Grey's was back and I wasn't feeling it. Fan of the show, I tune in every week regardless. (See, I am not a quiter.) I have been waiting and waiting. (I have no patience so this was an achievement for me). Last night was honestly was the first night I enjoyed the episode like I use to and it was GREAT! I mean the whole thing all the way through. I didn't think to myself that something was corny (for real, that military guy that was sucking face with Christina. Corny. Way corny. Painful corny.) or that something was lacking. High fives all around. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[Sarah C]

I keep a diary regularly, but every now and then, I'll leave little reminder notes to my future-children (if they ever happen to find them): "Dear children, This is not your mother. This is a former self. While writing this, you did not exist, and as a result I can be selfish and have kept this journal. But as soon as you're in my arms, these diaries will no longer apply. Please realize this." I doubt I'll ever leave them around to be found, but just in case ..

Lovely episode. Thank you so much. I laughed more than I have in quite a while, and scene with the trailer at the end was perfect. Absolutely wonderful. So thank you, thank you for the warm fuzzy feelings last night.

[Farrah]

My George is back, thank you thank you thank you. He is so sweet and nice and cool and wonderful. He really should be a dad too. He is so great with kids. And we got Gizzie sceens, finally. I did feel bad for Lexie, I hope he notices her, I love them together, although I still root for Gizzie. Alex was blech as always so I won't even mention him.

[J9]

Okay. Still getting better.

I feel like the old Christina is coming back. That is good. And the old Izzie, and George.

And Meredith, she is getting stronger. Though at the end of the episode, I wish there had been a hot and steamy Mer & McDreamy moment, more than what there was, rather than her again running back to Christina.

Anyway. My point is, I'm going to keep watching. As long as the soapy drama stays as minimal as possible (for Greys!) and things stay as realistic as possible.

Thanks for a better episode.

[Another Greys Fan]

Great show!! I'm really enjoying this season so far! Thanks to all of the writers!!!

[LaRue]

Another charmer of an episode. It is so nice for the mood to be light for awhile. Don't get me wrong-I don't trust you guys in the slightest. It's almost too quiet. I know in my heart of hearts you're gonna get us with the Thanksgiving episode. But I'll enjoy the walk down the primrose path for now.

I adore Bailey. What a woman! OMG! Africa?? Motherland?? EMBASSY?!?! Too funny.

Derrick - did he sustain a head injury recently or is he really that stupid?? What would possess him to resurrect Ellis' ghost by hauling out her diary?? I know he just happened across it, but it was actually a bell he could have unrung.. how often does that happen in life?? But no..he wants Mer to face everything head on right. now. Back off. Like he doesn't have avoidance issues. I believe we all remember the whole "oh i forgot to mention I have a wife" bombshell.

On to Alex. We have consistantly forgiven him when he's a jerk because we know there's a story there that will explain it all. We've invested, it's time for the payoff.

Lastly, Callie and Erica. I know Erica said she's never done this before, but I keep seeing glimpses that this might not be her first rodeo. She's just a little too quick to address Callie's concerns. I don't know. I guess I'm still trying to decide if I like her or not.

And that's my 2-cents about the things that stuck with me this episode. I will say one more time.. it's really nice to have things lightened up for a change. It's a reminder of why we've devoted 4 years to these people and why - after 4 years - I'm actually posting a BB comment, disecting them. Hope the other shoe doesn't drop for awhile. :)

[McGirl]

I really wasn't impressed with this episode. Greys is losing its UMPH. Bring back the UMPH!!!!!

[Sharie-OR]

I don't know what to think of this episode except to say it was OK! I do want to Congratulate George! I too just passed an exam in the medical field and it was stressful waiting. Great acting TR with that and the boy!!
The one thing that stood out this week was on at least two occasions you repeated a scene that was done early on in the series. Of course now that I sit and write I can't think of them....grrr.
Maybe others noticed it too?

[713hollywood]

Gotta say i loved all the great resident commadery. And George? So adorable. Izzie and Alex? Hilarious. She went 'wild west' on his ass. Loved the whole dermatology idea. Its got fruity drinks, warmth, light and people who love lotion.

Okay. I thought the diary story line was a really interesting concept. But, i was really disappointed when we didn't find out ANYTHING that was in the diary. Nothing. Zip. Was or wasn't Mer in it. Were scary things talked about? What did Mer think about reading it??!? I swear, i was really looking forward to learning more about Ellis and as a result, more about Mer and her relationship with her mom and childhood. But. We. Got. NOTHING. That was cruel. And totally unfair. Maybe it will come up again? I hope so.

Also Derek? Why were you being all mopey and emo when you saw Mer in the bar? And just left after giving a woeful/longing look? She never said she was mad at you. Couldn't you just walk over there and talk to her? Socialize with her and her friends? Are you a pariah? Are you a martyr?

Loved the epsiode though. Looking forward to next week.

[die hard grey's fan]

Debora - I totally loved this episode... this is the GA I love and remember... solid focus on all the characters - esp. George... he finally got a good story line - this episode shows exactly why he's a great doc...

I just LOVE Bailey - even her rants :)

Keep it goin... Rock on!!

[raprilc]

This was the best episode I've seen since seasons one and two. I'm so proud of you guys and so happy I stuck around.

[HeartSleeve]

As a lesbian who loves the storyline between Erica and Callie, I want to say that at their ages, I think the 'vacation to Africa' would have occurred about 20 mins after they had their first kiss. But I like how you are stringing it out and I love the sexual tension and general heebie-geebies you are allowing them to feel. But Bailey's original look, and then her subsequent and generous exploration for Callie's benefit was WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION. You are pushing the lip of the envelope in the detail of this storyline and it is utterly delish!

And it looks like George is finding his calling or specialty - peds surgery. Bravo!

And as a writer who has always kept a journal (and has them stashed everywhere) I really appreciated the comments of Deb Cahn above. No matter who else reads them, the results can be corrosive to a relationship. There can be no defense that rings true once your private world has been discovered.

Thanks for the cautionary tale.

[Jen]

Two words: "Local cuisine" .. We had to rewind the episode because we were laughing so hard, we missed so much of what was said next.

Thank you.