Grey's Anatomy: Season 6

One of the earliest genres to capture the attention of television audiences was the medical drama. ‘Dr, Kildare’ and ‘Ben Casey’ had millions of Americans riveted to their TV set week after week and ever since there has hardly been a single season where this type of programming was absent. For the last six season ABC has had a top rated series that not only satisfies the requirements for medical drama but fits the bill for another venerable television format; the soap opera. ‘Grey's Anatomy’ has been a steady hit for the network albeit with the usual waxing and waning inherent in a long running show. The interest in the series was affected not only by the story lines and typical escapades but by the off screen drama and controversy generated in the tabloid media by the members of the cast. Such focus on the lives of the characters frequently became extremely annoying taking the focus on the series but the show managed to hold on as a fundamentally workable soap opera. This sixth season presented the producers with several challenges not uncommon with a show that has lasted this long. Some of the plot lines tended towards the absurdity that can only be presented with a straight face in prime time soaps. Some of the off screen drama and histrionics culminated in cast changes with a central character gone and another on their way out the door. This was offset in typical fashion by the introduction of new characters. One thing about the soap opera format the dialogue contains constant recaps of prior events so even if you are relatively new to watching it won’t take long to become oriented. If all else fails a visit to a wiki fan site should fill in any gaps. One thing that should be noted is the writing has remained very good; above the pack of teen oriented shows that dominate the prime time schedule. Another thing is although there is a whiff of the supernatural lurking in the wings but at least so far there are no lovelorn vampires or werewolves running around. ABC has released the season to DVD with the usual ‘extended edition’ fanfare. This translates to a slew of extras and some added content to selected episodes.

Shonda Rhimes is currently one of the most successful women in television having created two hit series, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and its spinoff, ‘Private Practice’. After one of the stars, Katherine Heigl, publically complained about the writers not giving her character, the beautiful, talented surgeon Dr. Izzie Stevens, proper attention the writing was on the wall for her leaving the show to pursue her growing rom-com film career. Izzie was given the standard aliment given stars thinking of leaving; a brain tumor, in this case it initially looked terminal but at least a season reprieve was gained with a fortunate remission. The collateral damage fell to the character of Dr. George O'Malley portrayed by Heigl’s real life best friend, T.R. Knight. A controversial homophobic comment against him previously resulted in a popular cast member’s departure. In the last season George had left his wife, Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) to become romantically involved with Izzie. The fifth season concluded with the lovable and slightly goofy George hitting killed by a bus while saving a young girl. That set up the opening image here at his grave side while the story examines the impact the tragedy had on the other doctors at Seattle Grace Hospital. To balance out that sad departure the writers did final give the fans something they have been anticipating since the very first episode; the marriage of Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and here long time love, ‘Dr, McDreamy’ himself, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey). He has to find some way to balance his newlywed status with his job as Head of Neurosurgery and acting Chief of Surgery. Adding to this difficult is the impending merger of Seattle Grace Hospital with Mercy West. Izzie makes a serious mistake in treating a patient and although her cancer is in remission she loses her job.

I would have some serious trepidation being admitted into this hospital. They are more concerned with bed hopping than keeping up with their surgical skills. Sure they are all written as dedicated surgeons honing their skill but the vast majority of plot lines are concerned with the relationships that shift with the tides. Dr. Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) is zealously dedicated to her career and has been Meredith’s best friend for several years now. After being left at the altar Christina has settled into a comfortable relationship with Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), the Head of Trauma Surgery and veteran of serving in Iraq. He suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ostensibly so the writers can infuse some topical plot lines. He also brings in a new character, a friend from the service, Teddy Altman (Kim Raver). A beautiful, talented surgeon that can understand what Owen went through in the war results in friction between him and Christina. Life is moving forward for Meredith’s half sister, Lexie (Chyler Leigh), better known as ‘Little Grey’. She moves into her own apartment across the hall from Callie and has been promoted by to resident surviving the drastic staff cut resulting from the hospital merger. Her relationship with her older half sister is uneasy at best with Lexie moving in with Meredith and Derek at one point.

Yes, there was still time between the break-ups and hook-ups to sort of practice some medicine. At one point a patient wakes up during surgery, never a good thing especially from the point of view of the hospital’s legal department. They do have some mundane procedures for the sake of realism but in this season the writers stepped up the drama as much as possible this was a rebuilding season for the series with a major course alteration. In all the show may have slipped a bit but it still hangs on to its intriguing wring and excellent performances.

Posted 09/14/2010