Zoanne Clack on "The Time Warp"...

Original Airdate: 2-18-10

Lectures. Shonda told me at the beginning of the season that she wanted an episode on lectures, and I was the one to do it. Since my life was spent in lectures. The first two years of med school I practically lived in a lecture hall. Or the library. (Or at least that’s the story I like to tell, really I spent a lot of that time reading scribed notes from the lecture hall ‘cause I just couldn’t take all those lectures!) But even so, I felt well equipped for the job. But considering I had a problem making lectures interesting in my own life, how the heck would I make them interesting for millions of people? This was my dilemma. Then came a big break. RICHARD!!! I admit, I have a bit of an obsession with Richard… an addiction, if you will. He’s always suave, always collected, and always, coool. Even when he’s drunk in a bar doing the electric slide, he’s cooool. And SO MANY people have asked me what is to become of him now that he’s drinking again. I only hope this episode serves to address at least some of your many concerns. In the writers’ room in previous seasons we had talked about someone giving a “last lecture,” a la Randy Pausch’s last lecture. The thing I loved about Randy’s last lecture (you can look it up on youtube, he was a Carnegie Mellon professor who was dying of cancer) was not the fact that he talked about how to achieve your childhood dreams. That was great, but the thing that resonated most with me was the fact that at the end of it, he revealed that the lecture was not for the students, not for faculty… but for his kids, his family. It was for his legacy. I figured Richard should have that same opportunity: a chance to make his legacy great, to reignite his fervor for medicine. Two episodes ago, he was disillusioned, sad… ready to chuck it all. If he was going to give a last lecture, it was important that he give it on a topic that was heartfelt – something that was not just about teaching the residents, it had to be something that was all about “getting his groove back” (and not in Stella’s kind of way). Here at Grey’s Anatomy, we had our own lecture series at the beginning of season six (which other writers have talked about in past blogs) to give creative presentations of season six ideas. Krista Vernoff’s presentation concluded with a motivational speech that called for us to stand and repeat her call to glory over a rousing rendition of “Gonna Fly now,” the theme from the movie “Rocky” (which apparently came on completely by accident because it happened to be the next song on her ipod). We left re-energized, ready for our upcoming season of work. I wanted our residents to have that feeling coming out of Richard’s speech, which immediately led me to the Hippocratic Oath which all new doctors say upon graduation from med school. But when I was looking for it on the internet, I realized it’s actually a bunch of latin words and weird oaths swearing to healing gods and stuff. Not at all what I remember saying at my own med school graduation. Even the modern version seemed dry and out of touch. I had to keep looking for something that resembled what (I think) I said, and finally found “the Physician’s Oath,” which was adopted by the World Medical Association in 1948. THAT sounded right. And THAT is what Richard says. But what case would he talk about? We’d always talked about doing a flashback episode, and from day one, season 1, Shonda had always emphasized that Richard and Ellis got together at least partially because of the fact that they were the only Black and the only Woman surgical resident in their class. Being the outcasts, they were naturally drawn to each other (and passion did the rest). They were residents in the early 80’s and of course the BIG thing about the early 80’s was that weird new disease they eventually called AIDS - I think one of the most chilling lines in the episode is when Young Richard says, “They could find a cure for this tomorrow, or next week,” because you know he probably really believed it… and here we sit 18 years later with no cure… (but at least it’s manageable now). What better case to highlight Richard and Ellis and their irresistible draw to each other. There was nothing that could keep them apart, and a patient like this, an outcast himself, could only pull them even closer together. And, as one of the crew members put it, what a cool way to tackle racism, sexism, and homophobia in one fell swoop! Side-note: It was so fun to recreate 1982!!! The crew worked SO HARD to make this happen and did an AMAZING job. We COMPLETELY RE-DID our whole set. Walking onto the stage was like walking into our very own time warp. Everybody’s clothes were different (though a lot of those styles are coming back!), hair (hopefully not coming back), decorations, charts, tv’s computers... and can you believe smoking in the hospital (not even in just designated areas) WAS STILL ALLOWED???!!! How great was it to see the Young Richard/Young Ellis dynamic? Ellis was a force to contend with. Shall we say she was … a “maneater?” (If you don’t get this reference you either didn’t listen closely during the episode or you were born much too far into or after the 80’s.) There were basically two categories that were prevalent among female surgical residents in those days: feminine, or macho. I’ll give you one guess as to which one Ellis was. She was a surgeon first and only incidentally female. She put her defenses up immediately against any challenge to the way she thought the world should be, and lashed out whenever her plan was interrupted. Is it any wonder that Meredith ended up so dark and twisty? But through it all, I feel like her bond with Richard gave her a chance to let her guard down. But it’s not all about 1982. We also get to see Richard as he became Bailey’s mentor, helping to shape little Mandy Bailey into the Miranda Bailey we see today. Remember the episode in season 4 where the bus full of high school students flooded the ER (“Forever Young”) and we saw Bailey crushing on Marcus King? We wanted to answer to question of how Bailey went from “geeky Mandy” to “Bailey the Nazi.” As short-sighted as her nemesis resident Nicole was, I think she taught Bailey a thing or two about how to be tough. And the Richard we saw in 2006 makes Callie shake in her shoes a little bit. Not enough to stop what she’s planning on doing, but enough to maybe think twice about it (although not for too long – she’s bullheaded and headstrong which is why we adore her so). This was the Callie that existed at Seattle Grace as a ghostly figure that didn’t know or interact with our original Fab Five, who were interns at the time. She existed right under our noses as Derek chose Addison, Burke and Cristina were going public, and Alex and Izzie were trying to make things work. But hey, now that we know that Alex had a little “chick on the side,” is it any wonder that he couldn’t really commit? And speaking of Alex, Alex is a man who knows what he wants and somehow figures out a way to get it. He talked and flirted his way onto the coolest of the cool surgeries – a guy with polio. He picked up on the fact that Callie was a little impressed… one might even say, “obsessed,” by the “heart in the elevator guy” (remember when she first met George? That girl had a thing for the “heart in the elevator guy!”). So once Alex weaseled himself onto the case, he could see what a badass she was, and that, I must say, did not fail to turn him on. He had to get on the case because polio is nonexistent these days in all but like 4 countries in the world because of the massive immunization campaign that went on after the vaccine was invented. This would probably be his only chance to be face to face with it. So over a period of months, they were able to untwist Sunder’s legs, straighten them out, lengthen them, and make him actually walk again, like he could when he was a child. And confident Callie was at the helm. Okay, rewind, back up… “confident” Callie? Where was “confident” Callie on that stage? My God, I’ve never seen such a bad case of stagefright in my life. I felt like a little piece of me died up there with her. Didn’t you just want to rush up to her and help? Hold her hand? Push her off the stage? Can you imagine being in that audience? Hello! Breathing salts! I love the dichotomy of how together and badass Callie is but public speaking takes her down. In 2009, public speaking was rated the number one out of American’s top 10 fears. NUMBER ONE. Above heights, enclosed places, planes… way above drowning. Which involves DEATH. Public speaking made Callie it’s bitch… until Alex saved her. Arizona tried to save her, but alas, it was Alex who ended up saving her like she saved him in 2006 when their surgery got harrowing (despite the web of lies he had spun to get himself on the case in the first place). When she started to just have a conversation, mellow out, and talk directly to Alex, she got more comfortable and was able to turn into our 2010 Callie. I think this public speaking fiasco helps to reveal that she has her own doubts and fears, and that even the seemingly insurmountable ones can perhaps be overcome. And so, to all you fans, to all of you loyal followers, I hope you enjoyed the cut away from the traditional Grey’s episode, and that you caught the many references to past seasons that are scattered throughout like fairy dust. And to those of you who did not appreciate this foray in to the lives of the adults (vs. the kids – the residents), we’ll be back to normal with the next new episode. Until then… …Let’s do the Time Warp again! (Rocky Horror fans out there? Anyone? Anyone?)

Comments

[Hek]

Did not like the Alex and Callie hookup

[Anne]

Hmm well an interesting episode and your notes explain it nicely. I liked the lecture idea and the lectures done. Chief was amazing and so was Miranda. Callie well she came around and inspired minds too what you can do. Obviously the lectures were a success as it stimulated all audience to participate and learn (and get candy).

I thought in the flashback that the chief should have talked to the resident and Bailey. Both were wrong. Bailey shouldn't have talked to her resident like that but her resident should learn from Baileys comments and put more effort into diagnosis. Who wants her doing a diagnosis - not me! I'd take Bailey over her.

The flashbacks achieved their purpose but I much prefer watching present day.

I understand the hospital boards position and not sure why Richard came to Derek about coming back when he should have gone to the board I think.That would have been a good scene Richard, the board and Derek. I hope the chief does take the job Derek told him about as he is a good chief and surgeon. I want him to show the board he deserves his job back. Derek will be happy to go back to surgery I'm sure.

[Dars]

"the many references to past seasons that are scattered throughout like fairy dust."

I loved the way Bailey/Mandy(?) picked up Dr. Baylow's "bottom of the surgical food chain" speech pretty much verbatim in the pilot episode, when she delivered it to Mer, Cristina, Izzie, and George.

And the SCUT speech - SCUT was mentioned in early Grey's episodes.

And of course, the return of Callie's basement apartment.

What were some other throwbacks?

GREAT ep, Zoanne, and great blog as well! You address many of the questions the fans I was live-chatting the episode with had as it aired.

[Anne]

One more thing - the scene with Meredith and her mother and Thatcher - heartbreaking. Poor little Meredith. Just wants a bit of mommy's time. And am I wrong but I think Ellis may have started Richard on the road to alcholism.

[Lisa]

Zoanne,

I'm more than sorry for you because Shonda gave you the job of writing this episode, because, as much as it pains me to say it. It was horribly boring.

Nothing new happened, except Callie and Alex, wich is pointless now, (and talk about a kick on the gut for A/I fans).

People can skip this episode and they will not miss a thing.

Thank you, maybe you'll spare me the use of sleeping pills if I ever need some.

[Kristin]

I thought this episode was amazing & really gave us a chance to get to know more about the character who haven't had alot of their background explained. We've been with Meredith, Cristina, Izzie, Alex, & even Feogre since the first day they were interns. We've seen them grow, but before now we hadn't seen much of the attendings and what made them grow as physicians.

Very well done episode!

[Priya]

I really hated seeing Callie flip out up there. It was painful to watch because I've really grown to love this confident, cool character. She's probably may favorite female character on the show, apart from Christina. So I didn't really like that bit. And watching ole Arizona trying to help. Man, that was painful. What I did like---was the Richard & Ellis flashback. Those two actors did a great job, I thought and I would love to see another episode with the two of them.

[Andrea]

I'm upset. You tainted the "heart in the elevator guy love" Callie had for George, now it has some weird Alex sex connected to it first. I loved the idea of George being the guy that got Callie, but now you changed it to Alex already had been there done that to it. I've been watching since the first episode and haha I can't believe how mad I am. It's silly... it's a television show, I know, I'm just so let down, changing something so sweet from the past. And of course Alex and Callie have a romp in bed, something Callie and Arizona have yet to have. Bleh. I did enjoy Bailey, wonderful Bailey calling that woman a fool. It was like BAM now she's Bailey. But I dunno. Nice to see Sara a bunch, too bad I wanted to punch my screen. Also "...until Alex saved her. Arizona tried to save her, but alas it was Alex." Then that look Callie gave Alex...I will stop watching if you go that route. What a punch in the gut. It's like no matter how sweet and there for Callie Arizona is she's no match for the guys Callie's slept with in the hospital.

[whatifonly]

Not to be picky, because I loved the episode and the blog - as ever. But 1982 was 28 years ago. So it is actually more than a quarter century since the advent of AIDS.

[Anne]

I was also disappointed in that the promo for the episode that gave the impression we would see our Grey's characters history in flashbacks but we only saw the chief, miranda, callie and alex. What about Derek, Mark Sloan, Arizona? I'm sure they have moments in medicine that made them the surgeons they are today.

[K.Mack]

I have to say that this was an amazing and beautiful episode. The AIDS case was particularly brutal and stunning. I know how hard it is to be gay in 2010 but seeing a tiny fraction of what it meant to be gay and HIV positive in the 1980's was devastating and, I think, important.

My least favorite thing is the idea of Alex and Callie together but I am a woman loving woman who likes my women to love women. I'm sad that Arizona couldn't be the one to save her but I suppose your partner can't always be the one to save you. *sigh*
In any case this was a mindblowingly good episode.

[Alisha]

Arizona helped Callie out!!! By demanding Alex to help because he was there... Does Callie get around or WHAT! Seriously!!!

Fantastic episode... Loved it

[Jose R]

Great blog! Very funny!

[Sarah in Mpls]

I enjoyed this episode; it was very enlightening. As a fan from the beginning, I loved all of the references to the past storylines.
The one scene with Ellis and Richard talking and Thatcher bringing Meredith to see her was heart-breaking! It was a VERY powerful scene that pretty much said it all about Meredith’s childhood-excellent job! The patient with AIDS, brought back all of my memories of when the disease first came to light, especially the paranoia. Assuming the patient was going to die was also heartbreaking.
Seeing Bailey turn into the Nazi was great too. And the chocolate – hysterical and seeing Cristina get motivated by it was hysterical. I loved the scene where the Chief takes her into his office and tells her to pretend she’s getting reprimanded.
And as for Callie, I could barely watch her on stage. I kept yelling “somebody help her!!” I’m glad that Alex finally did. And who knew they slept together? Eeww! The “elevator surgery story” made me miss George. Even back then he was the go to trauma doc.
The one thing that bothers me, is now that the Chief has gone through rehab, he has to report to Derek as an Attending? That wasn’t the deal. I don’t see how that will happen. How humiliating!
I did miss the interaction between Derek and Mer – even if it’s only a short moment.
Overall, it was a great episode but I also look forward to the next one, in the old format.

[Heather]

I was a bit disapointed at first because it wasent telling the story of the 'storylines' that we all want to know more or, Lexi/Sloan, Owen/Cristina ect, but it was good. Showed Richard at his best and how he got there and his speach made me cry. And good work on getting Derek to get him there. I hope to see Richard thank Derek eventually because even though he wanted it, he didnt want to see his friend go down. And a new bitchness to add to Ellis grey, she made him drink ! He needs to go see Owen/Mer's shrink :)

[Famous Artist]

oh my. until tonight, this season of GA has been my favorite. this episode, though rife with cool parts, was not even close to being one of my favorites.

it did not hang together very well. i would rather have had three separate lectures. the ins and outs from "today" and "then" would have been enough of a confusion, but do-able. To have the three stories with the "todays" and the "thens" twisted up with two other sets of "todays and thens" was just too much for me. It was too hard to follow. I think your audience could have more easily figured out the weaving without all that confusion.

But I did like Derek's reaction to Richard, Callie's stagefright, and Amanda saying "supercilious" because I think she has used that word before. The oath, from Richard, and the staff response to that. Those were some of the good things.

[Jennifer]

Great episode! The best things was not having to suffer through the boring, terribly written Owen/Cristina/Teddy triangle. Kevin McKidd and Sandra Oh are exceptional actors who deserve better material. Didn't miss Teddy this week. She's a pathetic, horribly written character that doesn't fit on this show. I didn't miss Mark this week, either. That saddens me, he used to be one of my faves.

[moredarkpastisay]

i LOVED the GRID/AIDS case and how touching and encouraging Ellis was to her patient. the sensitive way the writers handled the case is worthy of praise; and the bond Ellis formed with Richard. . .the love, the start of something lethal and twisty, was scary. But how they got through the case together, although a tragic story, inspired me beyond expectations. plus richard's revision of the physician's oath was endearing: it was heartfelt, undiscriminating, inclusive. just embodying what it truly means to be a healer. GENIUS.

don't even get me started on the mandy story. it was a real high five moment when she got to her toes and told that belo who's boss, or shark, whichever is applicable.

callie! i almost forgot. with the shaking and hurling and constant worrying, hilarious; i didn't know public speaking was her heel, with all her confidence and bad-ass prowess.

ADORED the episode. it felt a little bit rushed though, but overall, it was FANTASTIC ride through time space continuum that surely won't be the last. . .um. .or was it?!?! WE'LL SEE.

[Sonja]

But what I want to know is... is the Alex/Callie *puke* history going to affect Arizona/Callie relationship :P

Great ep btw. You did well!

[neha]

yeah the episode was interesting.. but once is enough.. don't do the time warp thing again!being back to the normal is the best!!

[Leslie]

Wasn't sure what I would think going in, but I really really enjoyed it. Nice work pulling together the past and present! Loved little Meredith - how adorable!!

[Gala]

Excellent episode. Loved it!

[CJR]

Great epidsode, great blog... only one problem... 2010-1982 = 28 years, not 18.

Fun change of pace.

[Samantha]

Loved IT! Loved, Loved, Loved it. Everything about it was great!

Thank-you!

[yop]

I think that was a good episode.........the good choice for the rythm of the episode was to mix the flashbacks and jump from one to another.

I just don't see the point of callie/alex celebrating...don't understand the purpose of it.

oh it was arizona who convinced Alex to help callie since he was on the case too....so in a way yeah she 'saved' her too.