Mark Wilding on 'Invasion'...

Original Airdate: 10-15-09

I’m sure most of you have been fired at some point in your life.  I have.  In fact, I’ve been fired at several points.  Mostly from TV shows.  Mostly for a job poorly done.  I’ve been fired over the phone, in person, just before major holidays, a few months after I bought my first house – I’ve been fired a bunch.  The people who fired me all had the usual litany of predictable reasons for letting me go.  Budget considerations, you don’t write the voice of the show, we’re going a different direction.  Every tortured explanation designed to make you feel better about yourself.  And every one pretty much a lie.  Because when they fire you the truth is they just don’t want you.  After it’s done, after the axe has fallen, there’s a predictable process to the whole thing that’s pretty much time-honored.  At least in Hollywood.  First, you make sure the surviving writers don’t see you (it would be like Death coming to call).  Second, you immediately go home to your wife or girlfriend or dog and get their sympathy.  Third, you say the show was never for you anyway.  And fourth, you return on the weekend to gather your things.  It works that way for everyone.  Executives, writers, actors, directors, assistants – if you work in Hollywood you will get fired and go through that humiliating scenario as sure as the sun comes up in the morning.  

My favorite firing (at least of me) took place many years ago on a set made to look like Central Park.  It was the one they used on “Seinfeld”.  I wasn’t on “Seinfeld” at the time.  I was on a different show but I had a view of the park.  A very good view.  A good enough view where I could witness several of the writers of the show I was on being escorted to a little wooden bench in the fake park and told their services were no longer needed.  

I watched this grim scenario unfold over a couple of days from my office in the bungalow on the show where I thought I was still employed (the show shall go nameless, as shall the name of the person who fired me --- good news though, that person was fired from a show recently and it made my heart sing with joy).  A week passed and I believed I’d escaped being fired and so thought nothing of it when I sat on that same wooden bench to have a sandwich one day.  Halfway through my sandwich I looked up to find my boss standing over me and telling me that I didn’t seem very happy on the show.  I took a bite of sandwich and then replied that, no, indeed, I was happy on the show.  And he said no, I don’t think you are happy.  And THAT’S when I realized – in that very moment -- that I WAS SITTING ON THE FIRING BENCH and that maybe he wasn’t out there to have lunch with me.  And I was fired.  All of which brings me to the toughest firing we’ve probably ever seen at Seattle Grace.  That of Izzie Stevens…

Yup, Izzie is gone.  Fired by the Chief who, these days, is looking for the slightest excuse to fire ANYONE.  Maybe she went back home.  Or to visit friends.  Or just took off for points unknown.  But yes, people, Izzie Stevens, third year resident and surgical rising star, no longer works at Seattle Grace/Mercy West.  The hospital, new name and all, is in her rear view mirror.  George’s death, her stage four cancer, coming back to work too soon – it all proved too much – and now she’s headed off to God knows where.  And it was heartbreaking to see her get fired, to see her plead for her job but firings are pretty much always horrible.  And I wanted the scene to convey that sudden sense of loss, of hopelessness, and with the help of Katie Heigl’s fantastic acting, I think it did.  But more on Izzie and the broken-hearted Alex later.   

The theme of the episode was “Invasion”.  It seemed appropriate.  New doctors were coming over from Mercy West.  Callie’s Dad was paying an unwelcome visit to the hospital with the family priest in tow.  Billy the Burglar got beat up after he broke in to or “invaded” a golfer’s house.  And Arizona based her whole speech on the Japanese bombing Pearl Harbor – which was also an invasion of sorts.  All sorts of folks were coming from the outside and invading our people’s space.  The first time we see Jackson Avery, he’s jogging towards the hospital, almost running into Cristina.  And then the next thing you know he’s leaning across Alex in the elevator to choose his floor.  Annoying!  Invasive!  Just plain…rude!  And from her sick bed, where she’s recovering from her liver donation to Thatcher the previous week, an undaunted Meredith has taken charge.  “This is our ship!”  The question is, are our people up for the fight?  Well first, let’s talk about those new residents, the doctors they’re going up against…

Reed, Charles, April and Jackson.  The Mercy West crowd.  Who are just as insecure and uncertain about their new situation as our people.  And our residents are understandably nervous because, like any invader, these MW guys are a threat.  They’re smart, they fight dirty if they have to and, like our residents, they’re not going down without a fight.  Of course, our people don’t know that at the beginning of the episode.  But they sure do by the end.  They’ve been in a helluva dog fight.  When we see Mercy West’s orange-clad foursome at the end of the episode, surveying their surgical domain from the exact same place where our people were at the beginning of the episode, we know that they’re here to stay.  They’re just as determined to make this their new home as our people were when they first came to the hospital.

The new actors – their real names are Nora, Robert, Jesse and Sarah -- were a blast to work with.  I probably should have known all their credits and what shows they’ve been on before we started shooting but I didn’t.  And none of that mattered because they were all so strong.  And then when I saw them on screen, they looked great and were wonderfully believable as real doctors.  Which was a great relief and should make for a fun rest of the season.  So, let’s talk about the pairings.

Lexie and April.  We got to see a new side of Lexie.  One who could fight dirty and be a mean girl if she had to be.  That is until the passive-aggressive April herself is undone when she finds out Lexie has read her notebook with all her little self-help homilies.  That’s when Lexie softened.  Which is what you do when you’ve trumped someone that badly.  When you’ve kicked their obnoxious ass all over the place.  After all, you can only be so gleeful in victory.  When Lexie sees April tear up outside the scrub room, it makes her realize that even though April’s been pretty obnoxious throughout, maybe we’re not who we are in our worst moments.  Maybe we’re, hopefully, something better. 

Charles and Izzie.  Izzie thinks that she’s found someone who maybe just maybe, reminds her a little of George.  Certainly not a complete George replacement but someone who’s as charming and self-deprecating.  And might someday be a good friend.  And it goes to Izzie’s trusting instincts and her need to fill the void left by George that she quickly gloms onto a sympathetic soul like Charles.  But, as the Chief tells her later, it’s a different era.  The old rules don’t apply – be it with friendships or with jobs.  A lesson that Izzie learns not just once in this episode, but twice.  First when Charles brags about her being his surgical bitch and, second, when she makes that terrible medical mistake.

Jackson and Cristina.  I liked them going toe to toe and especially loved Cristina finally deciding to hold up the white flag of surrender.  Throwing in the surgical towel.  We’ve been hinting in the previous episodes that without a Cardio God, she just doesn’t have her heart in it anymore.  And as for Sandra Oh -- in the scene when she’s crying with Meredith (and pining for Burke), well, my God, she was superb. 

Alex and Reed.   As Izzie says in the residents lounge at the start of the episode, Reed is not a big person.  Still, as Alex finds out, she can flat out play this game.  As much as I loved their competitive dynamic, each trying to outmaneuver the other one, I also liked showing our doctors as less than compassionate with their patient.  I’ve visited a number of hospitals in the last few years and I’ve invariably found that our make-believe doctors generally pay much more attention to their patients than the real-life ones.  It IS a struggle to have your voice heard in hospitals, to not be ignored.  Sometimes they treat you less like a patient and more like, well, an invader.  Of course, I might be holding them to a higher standard because my only reference point is a pretend hospital.

Now, back to Izzie and the Chief and Alex.  When you tell the Chief of Surgery that you NEED this job, that you’ve got nothing else in your life, DESPITE the fact you’re married, you are in a very, very bad state indeed.   I understand the part about sneaking off without telling anyone after you’ve been fired (see above) but to just leave your husband a note – that’s brutal.  No wonder Alex has issues.  Every time he puts himself out there, gets close to someone (remember Ava?) the poor guy gets knocked back on his heels. 

By the way, in the firing scene, that beautiful shot when we come around Izzie to see all the emotions playing on her face was designed by the show’s director, Tony Phelan.  His idea was to really get inside her emotionally at that moment.  Tony had a lot of other great ideas for the episode.  Ideas I would never have thought of because I’m not a director and Tony is.  (I mostly just sat there and said “Good idea, Tony.  Hey, they’re making omelettes.  You want me to get you an omelette, Tony?  You sure?  Because they’re really good omelettes.  I’ve already had two but they’re so good I may have a third.  Are you sure you don’t want one, Tony?).  Tony’s also one of the writers on our show.  He is multi-talented.  I am not.  Still, everything you see in this blog was my idea.  NOT Tony’s.  If he does have ideas about it, frankly, he can keep them to himself.  Give him all the credit you want for the episode, but this blog, my blog, is where I draw the line.

Finally, I want to talk about Callie and Arizona.  Shonda came up with the idea of Mr. Torres showing up with the family priest.  I immediately said YES because anytime I can see Hector Alizondo on my TV screen, I’m all for it.  In the scene where he’s quoting the Bible at Callie, he really is afraid he’s going to lose her.  He’s desperate, yanking out those index cards like her very life depends on it.  It was Hector’s idea to use the cards.  He didn’t think his character would know that stuff of the top of his head, which is how I originally wrote it.  And he was right.  And it worked beautifully.  And that final scene when he and Callie are outside the hospital and he’s asking her if she’ll still get married, still have kids… I really, really liked that scene.  And I really, really liked their whole story.  All told, I thought the episode came out pretty well.  At least well enough for me not to worry about having to clean out my desk for another couple of weekends…

Comments

[Kim V]

Amazing scene with Callie and her dad! I am bawling! I am so thankful that you did that! That is truth! TRUTH!!!! WOW! Thank you!

[Caroline]

The storyline with Callie and her dad and Arizona was definitely the best I have ever seen the God v. gay issue handled on television, kudos to you for that. Also loved when Izzie called out Charles for being a jerk. I hope Lexie and April become friends - I really love Sarah Drew and I hope you keep her. The show could use a little more sweetness like Lexie (I know these new people mirror our people on purpose).

As for the rest, it was just a painful episode to watch. I felt way too stressed by the end and not entertained, which is why I watch television in the first place. I missed McSteamy, and Mark/Lexie moments. Really, you did a brilliant job, but I hope next week is a better balance of realistic drama and lighthearted moments that sustain you through the drama.

[Lisa]

I loved this episode!

Sandra Oh knocked it out of the park!! The scene with Cristina/ Meredith was awesome and made my heart ache for her! She is wandering without direction or motivation, no wonder she missed Burke, the mentor/surgeon!!!!! I loved the Mer/Cris moment on the bed watching tv! They are so there for each other!

I think Owen finally got a clue tonight that his girlfriend is a little out of sorts! So hopefully he will step up to the plate to comfort her pronto! S5 C/O really were TUNED IN to each other, it doesn't make sense that Owen doesn't "SEE" Cristina's struggle! Please stay true to the foundation you built for this couple because right now it doesn't make a lot of sense but we are not seeing much one on one conversations or time with this couple! After everything she has done for him, he would be there for her in a heart beat! Really MISS C/O "special" moments!

[HG]

I am a big Grey's fan. I have never missed an episode and I love these characters, the goods and the not so good ones. I have survived George being killed, I have survived Burke being fired, Izzie crazy head cancer romance (totally annoying btw, don't care the reason at the end)
This said, it has been 1 year since I don't write anything on the writer's blog comment, but this time I feel that I need to, just to let you know that I DON'T LIKE THE NEW INTERNS, the only one that to me is likebla is Jackson, the others, I HATE THEM, SPECIALLY THE GIRLS, I just wanted to scream at the tv last nigt and throw it away when the new 2 girls were on the screen. I sure I'll stop watching if they become regulars.
Why do you need to change something that works???? New characters? Maybe but not like this!!!! Hate them!!!!!

[Kelly]

Katherine Heigl was simply awesome. Her absence will be a huge loss to show - even if it is only for a few episodes.

[Thank you Ellen]

Thank you Ellen for shooting before you left and for coming back early. For me, easily the best part of the show were the scenes in her room. Especially with the Cristina meltdown. As far as the rest, I'll take a page from my mom. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

[Stella]

Love the writing of this episode Mark. You took a few risks (Callie and Arizona, Cristina and Owen, Alex and Izzy) and will they ever pay off I think. The show was riveting last night. And it reminded me so much of the old Greys. So thank you thank you.

[Wendy H]

If you really wanted us to hate the new doctors coming from Mercy West, you succeeded! But not until I read the blog did I realize that our Seattle Grace residents are really not that different from them but somehow we like them anyway. I fear that I may come to like the Mercy West residence as well but I dont want to because at the end of the merger some will stay and some will go. I don't want to lose any more of my friends at this hospital.

[rhett]

awesome episode. thanks so much.

[Jessica]

Just really not happy about the new turn of Grey's Anatomy -- I watch this show religously because of the characters themselves, not necessarily because of the dramas. Their connections seem real. I think this is a negative turn, and was suscipicious the minute Chief made the merger choice to save his own butt. Cared more about himself than his team....

[Nancy]

Thank you, thank you for such sensitive writing. I am a pastoral counselor and applaud the way you handled the Bible quoting scene between Callie and her father. Amazing! For Callie to keep coming back with the Jesus quotes reflects the heart of the message. And thank you, thank you for her affirmation "You can't pray away the gay." Well done.

[Tallu]

I've got to say - I loved the scene where Callie comes right back at her father will all Jesus quotes. That was truly beautiful.
And I love Meredith's bit with the tissue box, finally pitching it at Christina. It's the little moments that make this show so special.

[ole grey mer]

Loved all the scenes w/Mer & any of the regulars, especially those w/Der (thank you for that) & Christina. The last scene was amazingly heartbreaking & funny...well written.

I even liked Lexie a little tonight, though she'll never replace the Real Grey, Meredith. I noticed no Mark Sloan tonight & I actually like Lexie better w/out him.

I felt nothing for the new actors or their characters. I am not interested in knowing any more about any of them except that they will be GONE SOON so I don't have to be!

[Kate C]

I think the story lines are interesting, but I truly do not believe anyone in real life would behave the way the characters are in each episode so far this season. The reactions of the characters to each situation are so very silly and overdramatic. This show is on its way to becoming a bad nighttime soap opera. I am unable to watch it any longer. I am a very disappointed fan!

[Cloe]

The writing for Arizona to Mr. Torres, was one of the best written monologues I've seen on T.V. -- I thought it was just amazing and everything about that scene was beautifully done. The writing, the actors, the direction, everything!!

[Meko]

I like this episode. I hope Izzie will still have scenes because I am a HUGE Izzie fan on and off Greys.

[JJ]

Enjoyed last night's episode. Loved Mer in the bed cheering on the SG team. Poor Alex - he has been kicked in the teeth again!!

[Tasha]

LOVED this episode!

The Callie/Arizona/Callie's dad storyline was amazing. Jessica Capshaw and Hector Alizondo's scene together made the episode.

And that last scene with Meredith and Cristina in the hospital bed and Alex standing there about ready to cry- it tears me up just thinking about it.

Keep up the great work!

[Craig]

I loved the show last night. I feel this season is so much better than the last two because it is dealing with REAL life people facing REAL life circumstances.
I was slightly disappointed, however, with the Callie-Arizona storyline. As far as Christian faith and homosexuality is concerned, it would be nice to have a caracter with a more nuanced view than either Callie or her Dad. It is true that the Bible OVERWHEMINGLY talks more about grace and love and compassion than it does about homosexuality. It is true that there are only three obscure verses in all of Scripture that even seems to address the issue (and two of those are questionable.) But many of us are trying to wrestle with those verses that do. There are a significant number of us out there who agree with Callie's dad that homosexuality is not God's ideal, and also with Callie that Jesus' love extends past any of our predispositions. I feel that you were trying to make the priest that more complicated middle position that most of us live in, but I guess time restraints prevented you from taking it further.
Anyway, I just wanted to say that. I still absolutely love the show, and will continue watching it.

[Super Duper Greys Fan]

I love Greys and even the episodes that are just ok to everyone else are wonderful to me... but while I love the little stories being told, Calli and Arizona and Mer and Der, I am starting to feel it's a bit crowded with the new people and I am missing the older people already, I am not enjoying the craziness happening, I want our old group back.

[Sheila C.]

I absolutely love reading the writer's view on each episode. I think so far, this season is really good! I've cried in almost every one so far, so that means you guys are doing a really good job and making us believe that this is all real. :)

[missyb]

Please let us have some joy and happiness with our characters... Why all the negativity.. Let us enjoy their success for a week or two..
Sandra Oh is AMAZING!

[Ephraim]

Am I the first? The best part was, as usual, Callie. Thanks for not tying her up in that over-the-top merger invasion. Her throwing the New Testament in his Old Testament face was great.

There might be some hope for Alex's new relationship.

[Tommy]

So I just JUST watched the episode and I was totally floored. "Devastated" is probably a more accurate word. The writting was brilliant *grins*........
I feel helpless i don't know what to do now... Izzy! Christina! WTF! And Callie's sub-plot struck a debilitatingly heartwrenching chord for me, so much so that I don't even know if a thank-you is in order haha!
Wonderful job to everyone!

[Izzie gets fired]

I think it is terrible how you fired Izzie. It would have been a much better ending to her character to have let her die with George. That was such a breath taking scene when they met each other in the "after life" all dressed up. Then you bring her back and fire her. Seriously, that is not a good ending to Izzie. I'm dissappointed. I love the addition of new characters though, the show was starting to get hum drum. Thanks for the added drama!