Bill Harper on "I Saw What I Saw"...

Original Airdate: 10-22-09

So, my kids and I were watching this nature film about Meerkats, and at one very tense moment, a giant eagle swoops in and snatches up a terrified little meerkat and carries it off to its nest of doom to be eaten, and all of his meerkat brothers were very sad and so were my kids.  My daughter actually said: “That’s so sad.”  And I said to her “What if this were a movie about a family of hungry Eagles?  Then it would be awesome.”  

Because that’s the truth – it all depends on your perspective.  Facts are facts but the Truth – the Truth is all about perception.  It’s personal.  It’s the reason we have a justice system.  Because several people can come away from the same event with very different stories, based on who they are and what their situation is and how they perceived what they saw.  The Truth is their truth.   Truth is perception. 

This is something I’ve believed for a long time, so I was really excited when it was decided that this episode would be a very different kind of episode than we usually do -- something we’d talked about doing for a while -- a “Rashomon” Story.  

A Rashomon story isn’t a new idea – it’s named for a 1950 Kurosawa film, in which a crime is depicted from the conflicting points of view of four witnesses, the truth lying somewhere in between their stories.  Nor was it a new idea for Grey’s – like I said, we’d been wanting to do something like this for three seasons, but for one reason or another, we hadn’t.  But now there were great reasons to do it…

With Izzie having just left Alex in the wake of her firing and Meredith recovering from Liver surgery, we knew we’d be missing a couple of our regular people.  And the merger of Seattle Grace and Mercy West has brought a handful of competitive new residents.  And with them, we had the opportunity to have a look at Seattle Grace from a different perspective, through the eyes of these relative strangers.  We also knew that one of the Mercy Westers would be fired, as fallout from the merger, just as Izzie was.  So it was a great way to pit the residents against one another.   And we could get a fresh perspective on these new interlopers as well.  

You know that thing they say about rattlesnakes?  How they’re more threatened by you than you are by them?  That’s how I felt about these Mercy West Residents, who had our residents so threatened last week.  In the previous episode, when April’s passive-aggressive haughtiness was unmasked, her insecurity and exposure really put me on her side.  And, clearly, it had an effect on her, too.  April starts this episode with an attitude of not fighting the home team, but being a team player.  Just bringing her best self to the job.  It’s Reed whose competitive fires have been stoked, and she’s grumbling from the very beginning about how much Alex and Cristina have it out for them.

And the different structure of this episode gave us a great opportunity to see it. Cristina handing off Cathy Becker’s charts, for example:  from Cristina’s point of view, she’s just handing off cases to available doctors, solving a problem.  From April’s point of view, she’s snarkily palming off crappy cases onto the new kids.

And Charles sees Alex as a self-involved douche, ignoring patients and taking personal calls.  And, from his point of view, it’s the truth.  But when you see the story from Alex’s perspective…

Poor Alex.   He’s coming apart.  With Izzie gone God knows where, it was fun to use Alex’s relationship with his phone to tell the story of his tenuous connection to her.  And when he finally gets a connection, when he finally gets through to her, it’s in the height of the chaos – the worst possible time.  And when these new (from his perspective) idiots can’t save a patient by themselves… he has to make the right choice, he has to hang up, even though he knows he might not ever get her back.   So Reed and Charles see a selfish maniac shoving his way in to recklessly treat  -- maybe kill -- a patient.  But we get Alex’s story, and we see Alex doing the right thing, saving the patient, even though it might have cost him the only good thing he’s ever had.   

Meanwhile, Lexie comes across the patient in the midst of a struggle she’s having  -- against herself.  Another theme that kept emerging for me as I wrote the episode was Responsibility.  As everyone is seeking to find out who was responsible for Cathy Becker’s death, it looks for a while like it might have been Lexie.  But in the end, Lexie steps up for the patient she is ultimately responsible for, and gives him the care he needs. 

One of my favorite parts of this story is actually what it reveals about Arizona – Her commitment to helping this poor kid suffer his unbearable agony is no surprise.  But her anger and impatience at a young resident who can’t control her feelings is a color of Arizona’s character we hadn’t really seen yet.  She’s a hardass teacher, and I don’t think we knew that about her.  

And Richard.  This merger is clearly not going the way he might have hoped -- it’s barely underway, and things are getting more and more chaotic.  He drives this episode with command and control, pushing to get to the bottom of what is essentially a murder mystery in his hospital.  And in the end, from his perspective, he’s on top of it, he’s solved a problem.  Only to find that -- from Derek’s perspective -- he is the problem. 

But is that the truth?  Is this all Richard’s fault?  The Merger, the firings, Cathy Becker’s death?  From his perspective, all he’s ever done is try to save this hospital.  So the truth depends on where you stand, what you saw. Facts are much more easy to deal with.  Truth is messy, way too personal and, as Meredith points out, way too full of questions.  Like, where is Izzie?  Is she coming back?   How far can this hospital be pushed before there’s a breaking point?  And the same can be asked of Richard and Derek’s friendship.    

This episode was a really different one for us – part murder mystery, part puzzle, and, in the midst of this unusual framework, hopefully you felt it was your same Grey’s Anatomy – where our doctors struggle to connect with each other and connect with their patients.  It was a challenge and a lot of fun to figure out, and I hope you enjoyed it too.  I want to say a quick thank you to our cast and crew, who were called upon for more work than usual in shooting this episode, and the episode’s director, Allison Liddi-Brown. And to you, as always… thanks for watching!  

Comments

[Ami]

Loved this epi. Absolutely LOVED IT. Best one this season

[mary]

I wasn't so sure I would like this episode given no Izzie, no George, and basically no Meredith, but I have to say I LOVED it. It wasn't a typical Grey's and for that I really enjoyed it.

[Jenny]

"hopefully you felt it was your same Grey’s Anatomy"

Seriously?!

This episode couldn't be FURTHER from 'my Grey's Anatomy'. This show has been butchered.

If anything, this episode was clear proof that there are TOO MANY CHARACTERS. Most of them I could give two hoots about. It is downright ridiculous and not anywhere close to 'my' Grey's Anatomy. And what is the most disheartening, is that I feel the writers don't even know what Grey's Anatomy is anymore. Because it certainly isn't the crap we've watched over the last few seasons. And what is even more sad, is that I don't think it will ever get back to the greatness it once was.

I was one of the biggest fans of the show - watched since the pilot, bought the DVDs and watched them over and over, read the blogs, chatted on the boards, bought all the music...I lived for Thursdays (and prior to that, Sundays) My life stopped when the show came on - you could say I was obsessed a bit.

Now? It's on my DVR. Last week I gave myself a pedicure while half-watching. This week? I paid my bills during the show.

It's nowhere NEAR 'my' Grey's Anatomy. Good luck in getting it back.

[AM]

Great episode. One of the best of the season thus far. Thank you.

[Miami Fan]

It has been a very long time since I wrote on blog, and did last week, not pleased with it at all, but now, reading yours wanted to say the following.

First, it was a very good show. But, not the reason I watch Grey’s. So, if this is the new direction of the show, it is one I’m unlikely to follow. I was hooked and continue to watch for the relationships of the original cast and really the twelve regulars, the rest, including the medical cases I like in the foreground, not the other way around.

This show, again, was very good and kept you wondering what next, but I was not vested in the patient since she know was already dead as it begins. No reflection on your writing, just my interest on the show, tonight’s episode I felt had I watched the last five minutes I’d have been up to date with all I wanted to know, Derek’s speech to Webber was well deserved. It would have been a great episode for a two hour show, if the other hour was character development of the Grey’s cast we love. Talk merger away, but I have no interest in any of those mercywesters, and my interest in Grey’s will remain as long as PD/EP are part of the cast, but that is just me, only one viewers opinion.

Thanks for the blog and its tone, it was good to feel there was no condescension toward the viewers as we continuously get from twitters and other writer’s blogs. I think it would be interesting if someone wondered why the writer’s blog has gone from close to 1,000 comments to less than 300 each week. You’re a good writer, hope we get to see your “perception” of some of the twelve during the rest of this season.

[Mari, from Brazil]

Why I didn’t like this episode? I could say simply because it hasn’t Meredith and Derek enough. But truly? It wasn’t this.

The problem is: A patient die and we need an interrogation process to know why?

1 – Karev worked with Owen in 5x20 and he was in charge of the ER that day. George reported to him. 5x22 Callie was in charge and Owen said to George that trauma is a team sport. He could save the patient’s life because he had George to cover for him. Today no one was in charge. And still there’s no chief resident.

2 - I wasn’t surprised. I’ve seen a lot from ER and all GA to know better about how critical is to missing something in the initial patient examination. I saw April miss it. So no mystery.

3 – April did the firsts charts notes. Her name was at the chart first. It was her patient initially. Richard asked to Owen “Who got the chart first?”but he should just look at the chart and see it was April. Didn’t need to ask.

4 – Between the scene where Derek called “time of dead” and the hallway scene, Owen should’ve come to the ER look at the chart and realize what killed the patient. He would ask himself why her lungs collapsed in the first place and then realize. Something should’ve been missed from the initial examination. He’s too good to not know. And so is Richard. They would’ve call April and asked about it directly. Don’t need and interrogation to figure out “why the patient die?” The interrogation should have figure out “why April missed it?” But just that.

5 - April made a mistake. Richard’s system is chaos. But Owen is the head of the ER. And he is too professional to left the ER without knowing how chaotic it was. Owen knows a lot about chaos to don’t have under control. He simply wouldn’t do like this.

I’m sorry but all the plot lost sense. It was fun, good interaction but too naive.

Good to see how Arizona is a good man in the storm.
Please Mark, bring the beard back! Sweet scene with Lexie.
Great to see how Derek is still Richard’s friend besides all Richard has done.

But even an exhausted Derek would have kissed Meredith. So please more MerDer scenes!

[Beth]

I have to say that I didn't enjoy last night's episode. It was too graphic and too intense to make for enjoyable watching. I watch "Grey's" for escape and I recognize that its a drama, but this is the first episode ever where I considered turning it off midway through.

[Kristin]

Great episode. Well written, acted and directed! Kudos to all.

[mslmom]

I really liked this episode. It was shot beautifully and I kept trying to figure out who was ultimately responsible.

I still miss George though. Just sayin'. :)

[Denise]

I think that although the episode was well done, it still failed to fill us in on details of the main characters' private lives like the old Grey's used to do so well. What happened to the whole C/O "soulmates for life" love story? Has that just been put on the back burner? There haven't been any private moments between C/O since episode 1. They are the only reason I watch the show, and now it's like the whole Season 5 story line didn't happen. When the writers and powers to be know that this is a very popular story line with the fans, why have they just forgotten it and bring in yet another new character to come between C/O? Can't we at least get a few moments/scenes of happy times between these two before bringing on the angst? Every week, I've looked forward to seeing Sandra's and Kevin's awesome chemistry being acted out on screen, just to be so very disappointed that the two best actors on the show aren't being utilized by the writers/producers the way they should be. Please, give us more amazing C/O scenes so that I/we can continue watching this show and this couple, the greatest couple on TV at the moment in my opinion!! Oh, and please get rid of the MWesters soon! They add absolutely nothing to the show. Don't the writers realize that we, the fans, are already totally invested in the original characters and their backstories, love lives, etc. We don't need these new people to make the show more interesting. We already have great actors and interesting story lines for Mer, Cristina, Izzie, Alex, Lexie, etc. This show is getting overly crowded with new people that we don't need and/or don't care about. Please pay attention to what the fans have to say. After all, w/o the fans there would be no show.

[Michelle from MI]

I really liked this episode. Yes, it was different, but good different. The thing I like the most was the end when Derek was telling the Chief he need to reexamine who was REALLY at fault, that ultimately it was him who caused this.

I've been yelling at my TV for 3 weeks now, willing the Chief to "man up" and handle this merger the way a true Chief should. He is their leader and he's not leading them. The chaos was caused, as Derek said, by too many doctors who don't know/trust each other, but also by insecurity and fear. They are all so afraid of losing their jobs, that they've forgotten what their job is - to practice medicine and save lives.

I really think that all of you writers are doing a fantastic job! What really scared me about this episode is that things like this really happen. I really hate when you make me realize "real" this show can be. :)

[Chantal]

I agree with Derek. In the end it's Richards responsibility to make it work in SGH. This competitive thing is logical but not good for the patients. He could have done things differently, take action sooner so that a merger wouldn't have been the only option in the end.
Great writing, it was a thrilling episode to watch!

[Wthfth]

Oh HOW I LOVED THE EPISODE. It was great. I could not stop watching. Thank you so much. Very creative and you are right, it is always interesting when we hear a story from different perspectives. I Really liked it. Last Week I hated the new people, but it is somewhat like life, I mean I know it is a show, but we (the viewers) sometimes feel or create a connection to this characters and it was like anything that has to do with a change. New people.. eww we dont like, but then things change. I am not saying I would like all of them to stay, but at least the Karev look-a-like, he is ok. Not to sure about short hair girl... anyway. Great episode. Thank you so much for all your efforts.

[Debbie]

Reviewers are trashing this episode, but I really liked it. It's nice to have something different for a change.

[Nakia]

GREY'S was AWESOME last night!! In all the seasons..this is my favorite!!
I was worried that I might have a problem with the 'new guys'...yano if it's not broke don't fix it..kinda attitude that I had. I was wrong. Grey's is getting back to what made me watch it in the first place and I'm excited to see what's going to happen the rest of the season!
THANKS FOR SUCH A GREAT GREAT SHOW!!!

[redivycub]

Nice work and one of the better episodes in a while. As much as I hate the direction this show has taken, an episode like this was needed. All shows do it and you did it well.

[Frannie]

Great episode! I was mesmerized from beginning to end. The director did an excellent job. This wasn't your typical "Grey's" episode. A nice change. Do it again sometime.

[sherry]

Too many people to try to be interested in, where's Bailey? Did you see her on last week's Private Practice. That was the Bailey of the old days. We don;t get to see her anymore and she made Grey's what it was. Her writing, the line's she'd get, her relationship with the other doctors. Cristina used to be kick ass and now she's kinda blah. Lexi was a brain and now she's stammering in every conversation and can't make a complete sentence. Not sure what's happening here but it's kinda painful to watch.

[Stephie B]

I liked this episode. Different and exciting. The only thing that sucked was that I knew it was going to be April that kicked off, because there was an article that came out late summer telling us who was joining the cast of Grey's. I knew April was not joining the cast, so that was kind of a bummer.
I also thought of something important. I have been watching reruns of Grey's on Lifetime every evening. Last night they showed the episode where Bailey gives the clinic to Izzy. I realized when the Cheif fired Izzy... he did not say who will now be in charge of the clinic. And I am also kind of pissed because Izzy donated 8 million dollars to the hospital and they fire her??? That is not right....
Love this show. Keep up the good work... but please explain things to us devoted viewers who never miss anything.
Thanks

[Pattie]

Wow. It was intense, intense, intense! I loved how each POV revealed something new. Very well done.

[Cynthia G]

BRAVO!
As a devoted viewer from the start, and a physician, this episode was refreshingly different and well done. The show was sinking into soap opera status, and I was mourning that change this year. This was thoughtful and provocative, and much better than the ridiculous competion between residents in past weeks. Hope the non medical viewers can appreciate it.

[Tiffiny]

I just wanted to say I have watched Grey's Anatomy from the very beginning, and this episode was by far one of my favorites. I love the way you made mystery last up till the very end. My husband never watches with me, and he was actually interested just as much as I was. It was a nice refreshing change. I would love to see more episodes like this in the future!!!

[Priya]

I liked seeing Arizona as a hard-ass teacher. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite characters and I think the actress that portrays her is awesome! Thanks for writing in that scene between Lexie & Arizona. I really like seeing how focused & job-oriented Arizona is--loved tonight's episode!

[cc]

It was a cool episode. And i love the music you use, but sometimes the music is so loud it drowns out what the actors are saying...

[Barbra]

I really enjoyed this episode. It was different which made it very fresh to me. My only complaint is the lack of Mer/Der. My biggest positive-NO IZZIE!