grey's anatomy finale
I had my last final today, so now I'm freeeeee! Well, for awhile, because my summer courses start June 5, but they're online so I don't have to go to class, and the summer's only 12 weeks and then I have to start all over at a completely new school...but! At this precise moment right now, I'm free, free, freeee!
So. I can play catch up. I'm a couple episodes behind on Lost, and I still haven't watched the Prison Break finale, but both of those shows have pretty much lost my interest this season. And hey, why is it that Alias gets about 100% better just by having Sark around? Mmm, Sark. I have been watching these last few episodes, and while they're nothing exciting enough to post about, I do think they're going out with style.
And, finally, I finished the Grey's Anatomy finale!
You know, I'm really impressed with Grey's Anatomy. They took me on a complete journey with the narrative in this finale, with natural ups and downs, and by the end I do believe I was exactly where they intended. That impresses me because they (consistantly) manage to provide this organic drama in a ridiculously fun way. Because, let's face it, this is a fluffy show. And they hit some really strong, honest character notes, yet never take it so deep that you forget you're watching a primetime soap opera (one that manages to do the ultimate prom cliche, and pull it off brilliantly) and start to demand "more reality." On any other show, I would think I was being generous to say the characters were deliberately written to be so painfully flawed and yet *still* loveable, but with this show? The writing really, almost always, takes care of itself. It's not work to watch it, because the characterization is close to flawless.
So, that's the basis of my Grey's Anatomy cheerleading, because I want to have darn good reasons for ignoring the haters, and hey: I do. I also think Sunday nights are the perfect time for their weird and wonderful blend of fun & drama, so I'm not pleased that the show's being moved to Thursday nights. Ugh.
I have never really taken a stand on the Meredith/Derek/Addison issue, and that's exactly why I think it's a truly great TV love triangle. I enjoyed Derek/Meredith while they were together. Addison has grown on me (a lot). As for Dr. McDreamy...well, his behavior has not always been excusable, particularly in the last couple episodes of the season, but I've been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. There have been times--like after the bomb scare episodes--that I really wanted to see Derek and Meredith back together, and yet I was so glad the show didn't go there, because he's *married* and omg, yes, let us NOT forget adultery is wrong. And yet I was never completely over the...possibility. Just like Derek and Meredith never have been. By the time Derek and Mer actually did get together in this episode, my first response was: OMG. Derek is a complete jerk. I am so over the Meredith/Derek! And I think it was written up to that point to make me feel *exactly* like that. I might not think they knew what they were doing (so often show runners do get confused about what emotional beats they are hitting, let's be clear about *that* fact) except that GA has never steered away from the tough parts of life. They don't fade to black. They show Meredith and George in bed, and the harsh, cruel reality of that intimacy. They show Meredith and Derek's dog *being put to sleep* (again, I was sitting there with tears in my eyes going: I do *not* want to see this, why aren't you cutting away? why aren't you cutting away?). That's what really elevates this show above so many other shows, for me. They don't cheat when it comes to emotional reactions and their genesis. So, while I feel disappointed in Meredith (though her response was totally in agreement with her character) and have very little sympathy for Derek (who I'm beginning to think, really IS an arrogant bastard with no remorse...but we'll see), and I feel *so* sorry for Finn (this is the first thing I've liked Chris O'Donnell in since Batman Forever, and yes, I did like that movie), I think that they executed that scene perfectly and it came--I'm going to use the word organically again--at just the right time in the narrative. Things have to change. (I'm glad Addison had that look of recognition at the end, as well, because Addison is way too smart to not see the signs).
Cristina and Burke...wow. I recognized Cristina's reaction to Burke's injury-necessitating neediness all too well. But I expected Burke's reaction to her inability to support him to be anger, and it wasn't. I can't tell you how pleased I was that they didn't go that route, because all of Cristina and Burke's sweetness is really only acceptable if they can be such a sweet couple and still be *themselves*. Burke's response to Cristina told me that he really does know who she is, and he really does love her for that. How much do I love Burke right now, btw? Of course, that would make it really hard for me to see them split up, so thank goodness Cristina went to him in the end.
Can I also note now that I'm relieved they didn't have a traditional cliffhanger? I've grown a little impatient with these shows that leave somebody on the table flatlining, etc, and that really would not be true to what GA is. I mean, we're all coming back next season because we love the rhythm of the show, not because we want to see how much everything changes. Though I'm assuming, given that Katherine Heigl's movie career is starting to take off, that Izzy won't be there next season and that sucks because I'll really miss the 3-girl dynamic. Those 3 are so completely contradictory it's unfailingly fun to watch them interact. Callie won't quite make up for it. Sigh.
But as to Izzy, there was indeed a point when I felt like she'd gone completely psycho insane (though Katherine Heigl was *really* acting all-out throughout these episodes). But ultimately I don't think they really went too far, because there are so many medical shows that make some doctor get "too attached to their patients" and it's this *thing* that comes up in every damn show and never really gets as serious as this did. So I think that's awesome that they *went there,* quite frankly, and that's that. The ongoing conflict between her and Cristina was really well played out: better to run towards or run from? Yeah, so I'm on Cristina's side, and it's obviously the rational choice though for Izzy, it wasn't a choice at all and obviously things did not turn out well (though I felt like she'd not only crossed but stampeded across a Line, I was devastated for her when it all fell apart, because...Denny's speech! and the happiness! the sense that finally, finally, it had *happened* and their lives made sense together! *sniff*), so that's why when she said at the end that she wasn't a surgeon, it sounded like honesty and not a nice exit line made up for television.
As a side note, Alex only seems to have anything to do when they throw him into storylines with Izzy. He had some nice, kind moments with Izzy toward the end of the hour, and there was his whole football metaphor, so I do hope they're positioning him to have more to do next season.
George. I have never been a George fan. Apparently his appeal is all about being "cuddly" in a non-manly, doormat kind of way. In the big George/Meredith kerfuffle, I didn't feel like I had to necessarily take sides but if I had, I would have been on Meredith's side--for the same reasons that George admitted to when he apologized to her in this episode (really, really terrific conversation, btw). But in this finale, I really liked George. He had a backbone! He said what he meant and he did it in his own time! I go back and forth on Callie, but George makes me like her more. (Her response to finding Meredith and Derek in the compromising position was compassionate, as well, and that was nice.)
So there you have it. Good finale, everybody; this show is on my schedule for sure next season.
P.S. In case anybody hasn't seen this yet, seriously DO. I actually missed the beginning of that Superbowl episode, with the girls in the shower and all, but the parallel with the men is all kinds of hilarious. It's about 3 minutes into the clip, btw, if you want to skip all the "this show is so great" speechiness.
So. I can play catch up. I'm a couple episodes behind on Lost, and I still haven't watched the Prison Break finale, but both of those shows have pretty much lost my interest this season. And hey, why is it that Alias gets about 100% better just by having Sark around? Mmm, Sark. I have been watching these last few episodes, and while they're nothing exciting enough to post about, I do think they're going out with style.
And, finally, I finished the Grey's Anatomy finale!
You know, I'm really impressed with Grey's Anatomy. They took me on a complete journey with the narrative in this finale, with natural ups and downs, and by the end I do believe I was exactly where they intended. That impresses me because they (consistantly) manage to provide this organic drama in a ridiculously fun way. Because, let's face it, this is a fluffy show. And they hit some really strong, honest character notes, yet never take it so deep that you forget you're watching a primetime soap opera (one that manages to do the ultimate prom cliche, and pull it off brilliantly) and start to demand "more reality." On any other show, I would think I was being generous to say the characters were deliberately written to be so painfully flawed and yet *still* loveable, but with this show? The writing really, almost always, takes care of itself. It's not work to watch it, because the characterization is close to flawless.
So, that's the basis of my Grey's Anatomy cheerleading, because I want to have darn good reasons for ignoring the haters, and hey: I do. I also think Sunday nights are the perfect time for their weird and wonderful blend of fun & drama, so I'm not pleased that the show's being moved to Thursday nights. Ugh.
I have never really taken a stand on the Meredith/Derek/Addison issue, and that's exactly why I think it's a truly great TV love triangle. I enjoyed Derek/Meredith while they were together. Addison has grown on me (a lot). As for Dr. McDreamy...well, his behavior has not always been excusable, particularly in the last couple episodes of the season, but I've been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. There have been times--like after the bomb scare episodes--that I really wanted to see Derek and Meredith back together, and yet I was so glad the show didn't go there, because he's *married* and omg, yes, let us NOT forget adultery is wrong. And yet I was never completely over the...possibility. Just like Derek and Meredith never have been. By the time Derek and Mer actually did get together in this episode, my first response was: OMG. Derek is a complete jerk. I am so over the Meredith/Derek! And I think it was written up to that point to make me feel *exactly* like that. I might not think they knew what they were doing (so often show runners do get confused about what emotional beats they are hitting, let's be clear about *that* fact) except that GA has never steered away from the tough parts of life. They don't fade to black. They show Meredith and George in bed, and the harsh, cruel reality of that intimacy. They show Meredith and Derek's dog *being put to sleep* (again, I was sitting there with tears in my eyes going: I do *not* want to see this, why aren't you cutting away? why aren't you cutting away?). That's what really elevates this show above so many other shows, for me. They don't cheat when it comes to emotional reactions and their genesis. So, while I feel disappointed in Meredith (though her response was totally in agreement with her character) and have very little sympathy for Derek (who I'm beginning to think, really IS an arrogant bastard with no remorse...but we'll see), and I feel *so* sorry for Finn (this is the first thing I've liked Chris O'Donnell in since Batman Forever, and yes, I did like that movie), I think that they executed that scene perfectly and it came--I'm going to use the word organically again--at just the right time in the narrative. Things have to change. (I'm glad Addison had that look of recognition at the end, as well, because Addison is way too smart to not see the signs).
Cristina and Burke...wow. I recognized Cristina's reaction to Burke's injury-necessitating neediness all too well. But I expected Burke's reaction to her inability to support him to be anger, and it wasn't. I can't tell you how pleased I was that they didn't go that route, because all of Cristina and Burke's sweetness is really only acceptable if they can be such a sweet couple and still be *themselves*. Burke's response to Cristina told me that he really does know who she is, and he really does love her for that. How much do I love Burke right now, btw? Of course, that would make it really hard for me to see them split up, so thank goodness Cristina went to him in the end.
Can I also note now that I'm relieved they didn't have a traditional cliffhanger? I've grown a little impatient with these shows that leave somebody on the table flatlining, etc, and that really would not be true to what GA is. I mean, we're all coming back next season because we love the rhythm of the show, not because we want to see how much everything changes. Though I'm assuming, given that Katherine Heigl's movie career is starting to take off, that Izzy won't be there next season and that sucks because I'll really miss the 3-girl dynamic. Those 3 are so completely contradictory it's unfailingly fun to watch them interact. Callie won't quite make up for it. Sigh.
But as to Izzy, there was indeed a point when I felt like she'd gone completely psycho insane (though Katherine Heigl was *really* acting all-out throughout these episodes). But ultimately I don't think they really went too far, because there are so many medical shows that make some doctor get "too attached to their patients" and it's this *thing* that comes up in every damn show and never really gets as serious as this did. So I think that's awesome that they *went there,* quite frankly, and that's that. The ongoing conflict between her and Cristina was really well played out: better to run towards or run from? Yeah, so I'm on Cristina's side, and it's obviously the rational choice though for Izzy, it wasn't a choice at all and obviously things did not turn out well (though I felt like she'd not only crossed but stampeded across a Line, I was devastated for her when it all fell apart, because...Denny's speech! and the happiness! the sense that finally, finally, it had *happened* and their lives made sense together! *sniff*), so that's why when she said at the end that she wasn't a surgeon, it sounded like honesty and not a nice exit line made up for television.
As a side note, Alex only seems to have anything to do when they throw him into storylines with Izzy. He had some nice, kind moments with Izzy toward the end of the hour, and there was his whole football metaphor, so I do hope they're positioning him to have more to do next season.
George. I have never been a George fan. Apparently his appeal is all about being "cuddly" in a non-manly, doormat kind of way. In the big George/Meredith kerfuffle, I didn't feel like I had to necessarily take sides but if I had, I would have been on Meredith's side--for the same reasons that George admitted to when he apologized to her in this episode (really, really terrific conversation, btw). But in this finale, I really liked George. He had a backbone! He said what he meant and he did it in his own time! I go back and forth on Callie, but George makes me like her more. (Her response to finding Meredith and Derek in the compromising position was compassionate, as well, and that was nice.)
So there you have it. Good finale, everybody; this show is on my schedule for sure next season.
P.S. In case anybody hasn't seen this yet, seriously DO. I actually missed the beginning of that Superbowl episode, with the girls in the shower and all, but the parallel with the men is all kinds of hilarious. It's about 3 minutes into the clip, btw, if you want to skip all the "this show is so great" speechiness.