Brian Tanen on "Almost Grown"...

Original Airdate: 10-21-10

For those of you super-fans looking at my name and scratching your heads, you’re not wrong – I’m new. 

Before starting the job, I had actually never missed an episode of the show.  You’d think that having been a Grey’s fan from the start, I could just slide right in and know exactly what I was talking about.  But you’d be wrong.  The show is rife with back-story, and characters, and details.  It’s a delicate balance finding medical stories that are strange and interesting, without being too wacky or impossible.  Watching the other writers break stories, I realized quickly that each episode is its own little puzzle to solve.   And with many of the writers having been there since the beginning, I felt a bit like a kid at Thanksgiving – are you guys sure you want me to sit here with the adults?  Because I’m pretty comfy here at the kiddie table.

Which brings me (in my roundabout way) to this episode.   We really wanted to do an episode where our residents were forced to “grow up” in a way – to be taken from their respective comfort zones, and thrown into the fire.  Shonda pitched a “Residents-take-point-day” – a day where our doctors would take charge of patient care from start to finish, without the guidance of their attendings.  All the responsibility, no safety net.  It’s one thing to want to be a surgeon, but another thing entirely to hold a drill in your hand, and burrow into a person’s skull.  

For Meredith, the challenge wasn’t the least bit daunting.  Mer probably didn’t have much of a childhood, what with Ellis being all career-obsessed, and Thatcher being absent. The idea of “no safety net” doesn’t much bother a person who never really had one to begin with.   I think Mer had to be an adult at a pretty young age, and this is why she’s so strong when life throws her an endless number of curveballs.  In fact, Mer is so sure she’s ready for the day’s challenge, she barely remembers that she has to compete with Jackson for the brain surgery.  He hustles her into believing that he’s a klutz with the surgical drill, and then he kicks her ass during their skills lab competition.  It’s a pretty childish way for Jackson to earn some adult responsibility, and karma turns out to be a bitch when he botches the surgery he stole out from under Meredith.  If you’re noticing that Jackson’s been a little off his game this season, you’re onto us. Something’s up with him.  Stay tuned. 

Alex finds himself on a slam-dunk case featuring his two favorite specialties – plastics and peds.  It should be a no-brainer for him, but he runs into a bit of snag with his thirteen-year-old patient’s mother – who’s suddenly reticent to let her kid have surgery for his gynecomastia (aka “man boobs”).  The tricky part of Alex’s day is “parent management.”  He knows he can rock the medical, but how do you convince a very strong, vocal mom with cold feet? Because sometimes stepping up to the plate isn’t just about excelling at surgery; it’s about standing up for the patient.

For me, Cristina’s reaction to this “residents-take-point-day” is the most interesting and unexpected.  In any other season, Cristina would have relished this kind of responsibility, but in light of her recent trauma, she spends the episode looking like a deer caught in headlights.   I love the scene where the Chief hands out navy blue scrubs, telling the residents that they are attendings for the day.  Sandra Oh played the scene beautifully as though the navy scrubs were a punch to the gut.  With only a look, we know that she is not up for the challenge today.   And though Cristina ends up with a win, we can tell that she’s still a shadow of her former self.

I’d be completely remiss not to mention the superhuman efforts of Chandra Wilson on this episode.  The episode was a little light on Dr. Bailey, and the reason was because she was behind the camera, directing the thing!  Is there anything this lady can’t do?  Aside from being an incredibly talented actress, Chandra is also an accomplished director – this being the third episode of Grey’s that she has directed.   On more than one occasion, I’d walk onto set and find Chandra alone, talking to herself, lining up every camera angle of the upcoming scenes in her head.  She sort of looks like she’s conducting an imaginary orchestra when she does it, and it’s kind of funny and amazing to watch. 

Finally, what’d you all think about the Chief’s cryptic suggestion that things would be “different” around Seattle Grace in the coming weeks?  In the previous week’s episode Chief Webber was scrounging around for money, and suddenly in this one, he’s got a million dollar surplus?  I’m sworn to secrecy, but I can safely say that next week’s episode is a doozy, and completely unlike any other episode of Grey’s Anatomy you’ve seen before…

 

Comments

[nyla]

(welcome Brian, and great job Chandra!)

I loved seeing the fab3 in action - Mer and Alex taking charge and rocking their cases, and Cristina taking a step towards the girl we all know and love.
Callie was a trip with her intimidation tactics, and while I thought Bailey had the best presentation (simple can be the most effective/efficient!), I can see why Owen got it. I was a bit surprised that Derek wasn't chosen, but props to Chief for not playing favorites on a personal (re: Ellis) front.

I'm glad you mentioned that there's more to Jackson being off his game - he's an Avery for goodness sakes! But at least you guys are going to explore the reason for his downfall.

It's pretty lame that Lexie is the only 3rd year. I'm sorry but I just can't take April that seriously and if anything she should be a year behind like Lexie - at least they could be competition for eachother.

[Sara]

Welcome Brian. You did a great job with your first episode. I like you blog too (no mention of April or Teddy so that is a plus in my book).

First, I loved seeing Meredith shine as a surgeon. She is fantastic this season and I can't get enough of her. I love Ellen Pompeo and hope she one day gets the critical recognition she deserves. I loved seeing Derek's pride in Meredith. I love them together with all my heart. I just wish we got a little more mer/der. For example, it would have been perfect for the end scene to be a little more celebration and less worry about Meredith having memory issues. We want a little more lovin with those two. But, honestly, I'll take ANYTHING you give us with mer/der. They are the reason I watch this show.

Second, I loved seeing Christina get her groove back. I was starting to worry. Starting to get a little depressed. She is brilliant and we saw some of that tonight.

Loved seeing Alex grow and shine. Can I tell you how much I love the Fab 3. I love them. I love it when you focus on them.

Mark was hilarious tonight. I also liked Lexie. I really like Lexie and Meredith together. It was nice to see them working together and I like this more balanced Lexie (not so Little Ms. Perfect).

Here is what I'm NOT loving. Yep, you know. April. I'm not sure what you are trying for with her character. I just can't relate to her and feel like she is getting too much screentime.

I'm also not a huge fan of Teddy. She was okay tonight, but she feels out of place. There are too many characters on the show and Teddy just doesn't fit. I think she had a purpose last season, but not anymore.

Thanks for listening. Keep up the good work. (and more mer/der next time.)

[Neah]

Good episode. It had a fair showing of all the characters and I appreciated the focus on everyone's career advancement. Meredith, Lexie and Alex were all terrific, and I really enjoyed Callie - SR has great comic timing. Arizona was more enjoyable then she has been in a while, and the chief was pretty great too - very funny in his interview scenes.

[RivieraDrive]

Favorite episode of the season! Loved it. Love the manboobs kid.

[Jenna]

Loved this episode! Meredith kicked butt like we always knew she could :) It was painful to watch my favorite...Christina, flailing but she'll find her way back. (Right?!?) I really liked her little scene with Owen. Owen's argument was the best too, I was glad he won. I'm super excited for the documentary episode next week! :) Keep the bright spot of my Thursdays comin guys!

[PamelaJaye]

Welcome!

I'd love to know when our residents became 4th years.

I'm happy to find out what year Jackson and April are.

And I dearly love to see Meredith do a great job and be proficient - and the same goes for Lexie (though Mer is my favorite)

I love to see eps that are about teaching and learning.

On the other hand I really disliked Callie in this - her competitiveness reached "mean" levels, against her own girlfriend. Bad Callie!

One more thing - why did the Chief ask Bailey to give up her clinic - and then it was never mentioned again?

Great episode! (I watched it twice)

[kira]

Amazing, as always.

[Joanne]

Another fantastic episode but again I have this horrible feeling that something is rong withh Meredith. That scene at the end with her and Derek and the house keys, as insiginficant as it seemed, set off all of my alarms, bells and whistles.

[stingo]

Dear Brian,

It definitely shows that you're a new writer because... it's the best written episode of the season, so far! It was quite fresh and innovative in terms of action and dialogue.

Looking forward to the next episode(s)! You made this huge fan very curious!

xoxo
Stingo

[Gem]

I enjoyed this episode - thanks! The residents all did well (with the exception of Jackson) and I enjoyed seeing Cristina and April interact. Definitely a good episode for the first one you've ever written!

The attendings competing was hilarious. Not so keen on Callie psyching out her girlfriend, though.

[MDLove]

Meredith Grey is awesome. She was so confident, bossy and rocked that surgery. A Neuro goddess. :) Aww Derek. He was so proud of his wife. The look in his eyes when he saw her. Brilliant. PD can act with his eyes. He also broke my heart. He is scared like us that Mer will get the Alzehimers. He didn't win but I am pretty sure that won't stop him. He is going to try his hardest!

Alex was amazing too. He also rocked and Cristina was also a doctor.

April. Seriously? You're made for Neuro? LOL. I was happy that both MW's Jackson and April screwed up.

[Emma]

Great episode! And please let me say it once more:

SANDRA OH IS AMAZING!

[Erine]

The scene with Owen and Cristina was one of my favorite scenes on Grey's in 7 seasons. Thank you thank you thank you!

[Julie]

"I'm not used to failing" - Seriously, April, seriously? So she's not only utterly incompetent but also completely lacks any kind of self-awareness?

Other than the April stuff (who makes me want to switch the channel everytime I see her or even hear her voice) however, the episode was fantastic. I loved seeing Meredith and Alex rocking their surgeries. (I'm saddened that this will probably be the only time we'll see those characters wearing the navy blue scrubs...they look/ are so awesome in them)
I was glad to see Cristina manage to be a good doctor in the end, overcome her own problems in order to do what was best for her patient. I enjoyed the Cristina/Owen scene too, which hasn't happened in a very long time.
I thought the attendings' scenes were very well done too (though as always, I could've done without Teddy). Callie's scene with the Chief was hilarious, Derek's was touching and somewhat heart-breaking. As much as I love my couples/relationship-stuff in general, I think it was great to have an episode that focused more on the characters as individuals. I hope that the coming episodes will be similar to this one...and I sure hope to see more episodes written by you!

[Chip]

Thank you for another great episode! This is reminiscent of Gray's past. Every episode I have felt engaged and excited for the upcoming week. It feels like you are taking the time to tell us the story this season. Things I love:
-Meredith/Derek interaction
-The chief is really the chief again
-Cristina and Owen fighting together through PTSD
-Lexie's journey
-Alex's growth

This is so reminiscent of Season 1 but with the added bonus of the growth and maturity of our favorite characters. Thank you!

[guest]

Thank god they got a new writer, great job! !this was like the old greys of seasons 1 and 2. haven't seem an episode this good since merediths ferryboat accident. shepherds speech, mere and alex kicking butt in surgery, speeches to the chief, avery failing but having to put on a happy face, great!

[Jessica]

Cristina should have taken up Owen's offer to kick his ass! It might have made her feel better! I love those two! Crowen forever!

[Jen]

Loved the episode last night!

It was so fun watching the attendings give their pitches! So happy Owen won, because it was the best presentation and in light of the shooting the most prevalent.

Loved the interaction between Cristina and the patient Roy. It was nice to see a flicker of the old Cristina tonight. Also LOVED Owen offering to go to the alley so Cristina could kick his ass! LOL I simply adore these CO moments. Any time Kevin McKidd and Sandra Oh are on screen together it is pure magic whether it is a comedic or dramatic scene, just perfection.

[TJ]

Enjoyed that episode.
The best moments for me were seeing Arizona and Derek smiling under the masks.
Derek and Lexi were so proud of Mer.
Alex and Mer nailed their surgeries they've grown so much.
Like seeing Lexi and Mer working together.
Nice seeing Cristina slowly but steady coming back to herself again.
Callie was funny good comedy timing.
Mark's presentation was hilarious telling the chief he is not sleeping with anyone from the hospital.
Liked Bailey's presentation taking care of the hospital first then do flashy procedures.Bailey has a point.
Bailey should of won the million grant.

[Jonathan R.]

brian, awesome episode tonight!

Loved, loved, loved that Meredith got to perform surgery all by herself, no Derek, no Chief. And I can't wait to see what you guys have in store for the whole baby story for Meredith. Glad that Meredith is "front and center" once again.

And Christina. I am glad you guys are taking your time with her, getting here back to her old self. I think you guys are doing it right, by showing that sometimes it's not easy to get over trauma and be normal again. Keep up the good work!

Alex was rockin' tonight!!!!! In my opinion, He will make an awesome Peds surgeon.

Tonights epi was old Grey's at its best! Thank you Brian for writing, and Shonda, thank you for seven years of an amazing show! Cannot wait for next week's episode!!!!!!!

GREY'S ANATOMY ROCKS!!!!!!

[Angela]

Brian, last night was amazing. I really liked how in a huge cast, everyone had a turn in the spotlight last night. I like how you laid out Cristina's careful return to medicine, in baby steps, by taking an interest in Roy. No, she is not a sourpuss!

[Kiki]

Thank you for another lovely Cristina and Owen moment. I'm not sure what happened to Owen in Season 6 (Evil twin, perhaps?), but I'm glad to have the real, Season 5 Owen back. He's the one we all fell in love with. So nice seeing him support Cris in her darkest times. WE always knew that these two loved each other in a way you only find once in a lifetime. Thanks for agreeing with us.
And kudos to Ellen Pompeo this season. Really loving Mer this season.

[Sam]

Meredith Grey is made of awesome and Derek was so proud of his wife. :)

[Roselle]

Thank you so much for a great episode for Owen. I love that you had him being a real badass doctor rather than just Cristina's husband. (Yes I am a staunch and loyal Owen fan.) I especially enjoyed how you wrote his presentation to the chief. He was professional and emotional at the same time. There were so many layers to his presentation. He was still haunted by Percy's death, but I feel like he was as haunted by the devastating losses he experienced in Iraq. Congratulations on joining the writing staff and keep up the good work.

[Lisa]

Welcome, what a great epi for your first one.

So happy to see Alex and Meredith succeed in their surgeries.

Cristina and Roy scenes were great! Sourpuss! LOL Loved their banter.

Owen was so checking out Cristina in those scrubs! SMIRK "you can kick my ass"! - so funny. Love sweet and sexy Cristina/Owen. Was so nice to see Cristina smile just for a moment and loved that Owen was able to help her. Please keep this CO magic up like S5!