Was Patrick Dempsey Fired From Grey's Anatomy?

This post was previously posted back in May 2015 around the same time as the Season 11 Finale was shown. I have posted it again, as there were mistakes in the first post.

Well, I totally missed this news, probably because I had not watched the final four episodes and did not want to be spoilt. I only had a chance to watch on Sunday, 17 May. So, I had not read any gossip regarding Grey's Anatomy, I doubt I would have enjoyed the final four episodes if I'd read any spoilers. I knew Patrick Dempsey was leaving the show before I watched the episode in which he died, however I had no idea what happened. All I knew was that Derek Shepherd was going to die before I sat down to watch.

"She's Leaving Home" was the best episode on Grey's Anatomy in a long time, and I watched it twice, blubbering like a baby most of the way through it. I don't know if I will be able to watch that episode again without losing my shit. I was not crying over Derek, it was more about everyone else who has been left behind to grieve and Meredith.

So onto the real reason I decided to pen this blog. I have to admit I was shocked to learn that Patrick Dempsey was fired. Journalists are saying that Shonda Rhimes fired him, but that can't be true. Ms Rhimes has said in the past that ABC make these decisions.

It was also implied that Shonda and Patrick were not getting along at all, which is not surprising. She is probably upset that she had to let her beloved McDreamy go, and is probably angry at his behaviour at the same time, whatever that might have been.

The only thing Ms Rhimes is guilty of is perhaps letting her anger at Patrick dictate the script in "How to Save a Life" given she wrote the episode, in any case I went over this in my last post summarizing Maxine's review on Spoiler TV. So let's move on.

I kind of feel bad now for getting angry with her a few days ago when I found out that Patrick Dempsey had left Grey's and this was before I watched the episode in which he died. Shonda Rhimes gets a lot of criticism and abuse from the fans sometimes and some of it is justified and some of it is not. The fans who threaten and swear at her, need to see a Shrink. Seriously!

She is going to have to work hard to make this show great without Derek Shepherd, and you know what, given that we have really only seen him in about ten or eleven episodes this season, this could be doable. My only concern is how many MerDer Shippers will ditch this show and how this will affect the ratings. She did not get this fabulous show on the air using magic, her creativity and ideas are what made this show what it is.

As for the gossip regarding the affair and all the fuss over cast and crew spilling the beans, well one gossip site will tell you one story and another will go the opposite way, so it is a little hard to believe these journalists. Grey's Anatomy has had it's fair share of off-screen antics, I think the fans are kind of getting used to it. Another thing that is suspect about this is the when James Pickens came forward, he said nothing of the affair, the article with his interview quoted another source as the one who claimed this happened, so it is a little suspect. Or perhaps Pickens is still under a non-disclosure agreement regarding on set misbehaviour.

One thing that has not gone unnoticed is the pictures I have seen of Patrick lately, he certainly is not smiling and he looks pretty pissed off and a little sad. I can't blame him, he just lost his job and a pretty steady income. But, if he was up to no good and the rumors about the affair are true, then he probably only has himself to blame and in saying that, I acknowledge that we will never know the entire story anyway, when it comes to celebrity gossip, the fans never get the real dirt.

In wrapping up this post, I will say that I am going to miss Derek, I am not a MerDer Shipper or even a McDreamy fan, but I liked Derek for the most part. He did have his moments at certain times where I got annoyed at the character, and called him a McAss, but that is the writing, not the actors fault. Good luck Patrick and I am sorry this had to happen.

I believe this picture is the article that I heard was deleted.

It really must be rough on these actors, especially if this crap that gets printed is not even true.

I am so glad I chose to see the final episodes of Season 11 before I went trolling the Internet looking for gossip and info on why Patrick Dempsey left Grey's. I was convinced he wanted to leave as he has said for years that he would be leaving soon. To find out he was fired was a shock. I could not understand why he would not just see out his contract and leave after Season 12, but it was not up to him.

Wow! I never saw this coming, not in a million years.

What about you? What do you think of this recent new? Do you believe that Patrick had this affair on the set of Grey's? Hit the comments and tell me what you think.

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Source: Radar Online

Photo also courtesy of Radar.

Copyright © 2015 Janelle Coulton

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Grey's Anatomy News And A Premiere Date

Executive at ABC Hints to E! Online That Patrick Dempsey Wanted Out of His Role As "Derek Shepherd."

Paul Lee at ABC spoke to E! Online recently saying it was "a difficult decision" to kill off the character of Derek Shepherd. Lee also commented about the relevance of Grey's Anatomy in Season 11, and how proud and happy he is about this. Mr Lee commented on the way Grey's Anatomy is back in the national conversation, which I think is his way of saying that Grey's Anatomy is a topic of water-cooler conversation.

The ratings certainly have been nothing to sneer about, they have been great for a show in it's 11th Season. And with Season 12 having not long premiered, the ratings are doing a lot better than I had predicted. 

Anyway; back to Mr Lee at ABC. I have to agree with him about how Grey's Anatomy affected fans in Season 11. I found the writing to be absolutely fantastic. My only criticism was the episode penned by the creator of the show herself, Shonda Rhimes: it was disgraceful, and totally disrespected Patrick Dempsey, his character; Derek Shepherd and the other actors on the show. 

Where was the proper goodbye? It was non-existant. Derek dies by a truck, how cliche' and dies with a bunch of strangers. Anyway, I have had my whinge about this on another post, so I will shut up now, however the farewell of one of the most popular and much loved favourite characters should have been done differently. Whatever the circumstance surrounding his departure, he deserved better and it would not surprise me if he never speaks to Shonda Rhimes again.

Paul Lee also hinted that it was Dempsey's choice to leave Grey's Anatomy, telling E! that the star had "lots of interests" other than the show, and his passion to race cars and build that career.

Really? Mr Lee; are you sure? While it makes no difference to me whether Dempsey stays or goes, I think the fans deserve the truth and the truth is that Dempsey has wanted to leave for a while now. However, he just went through a divorce earlier this year, why would he give up around $300,000 per episode when he is contracted to the end of Season 12. Why would ABC let their star actor go until his contract ended. Does not add up people?


We are not stupid. It is expensive to race cars and a divorce when you have three kids is expensive too. Perhaps Dempsey is a billionaire from all his car racing and acting jobs, but I don't think this is true. Dempsey, to my knowledge has never won a race. He has placed a few times in race where the prize money is not that big, so racing has to be an expense, not an income. He is yet to become a Formula One star who wins races all the time like Mark Webber and other professional race car drivers.
Racing was always a hobby for Dempsey, that he wanted to take in a professional direction, but unfortunately unless you are very good and sponsors come after you, you will spend many millions of dollars to race your cars.

Sorry Mr Lee, I apologise in advance, but my bullshit detector is off the charts. This simply cannot be true. Dempsey would never look a gift horse in the mouth. What is he doing now? I have heard of no acting offers or any TV show offers. Perhaps I am wrong and not searching the right sites. 

In any case he is gone, I don't believe the rubbish being told to the fans and I knew it was coming anyway. I heard a rumor he was on the way out and sure enough the next episode I live streamed, he died. I loved the actor, but was never a fan of Derek Shepherd, especially after he kissed that girl in Washington. Shonda really pissed me off with that piece of ugly writing.

It was always clear that when Derek Shepherd's time was up on Grey's Anatomy, he would be killed off. No one would believe him leaving Meredith permanently. It was like Mark Sloan. He would have never left Sofia, whether Lexie lived or not.  I was not upset as a fan of McDreamy, but I was very upset at the way it happened, the writing of the episode, the choices made by the writer and the bullshit and lies that followed.

This stupid policy to keep all events secret is stupid. If Grey's get publicity, it is better for the show. If the news is too negative fine, but give us a few spoilers now and then, this show would get more viewers if Shonda would loosen up a bit. 

Speaking of lies, well there have been many on the Grey's set and a fair amount of drama and cover ups, beginning with the Washington fiasco. I am literally over the lies, and would love to know what the truth is. Perhaps when Grey's Anatomy ends, someone will write a tell all book.

Is A Love Interest For Meredith On The Cards For Season 12?

With the death of McDreamy is it possible a romance will happen between Alex and Meredith? I have heard whispers that it might be on the cards and I have even heard that some fans would support a romance between these two. I cannot believe any fan in their right mind would support Alex and Meredith as a couple.

God, I hope not! Please Shonda Rhimes. No. Meredith and any love interest makes me vomit in my mouth a little and the thought of her and Alex makes me want to heave. This is not because I am a heart-broken shipper, but because if the writers pair Meredith up with another man, it disrespects the relationship that grew for MerDer over the last 11 years.

Shonda has said no, but we all know she lies too. She hates giving the fans any kind of Spoilers and forbids the cast from talking about what's coming up. I always believed this to be a mistake.

Premiere Date Announced

Grey's Anatomy will return on the 24th September 2015. This is a little over a month away, it is actually amazing how fast the time has gone. Three months has literally flown by.

It will be interesting to get a look at the first lot of ratings for the new season, as I will be very intrigued at how Grey's Anatomy will do in the ratings, now that McDreamy has gone. Dempsey is a huge loss to this show, but I am hoping the fall out is not too bad and the real, die-hard fans like myself stick it out and are loyal to the show that has entertained many people for 11 years now.

ABC may well lose most of the MerDer Shippers, which often happens when a major character is killed off on a popular show, but I have to say that this is their loss and also why I refuse to ship any couple or character on any show. It is upsetting enough to lose a character that you like, and for some the show might be unwatchable without McDreamy.

Had you asked me in Season 8 if the show could survive without Derek Shepherd when we thought he might die in the plane crash, I would have had serious doubts about the shows future. I am actually feeling positive about the future of Grey's Anatomy. I think it will be on TV for more than one more season, if the ratings stay reasonably stable.

In fact, I think the departure of Cristina Yang hurt the show more than the death of McDreamy will. Mind you, this is just my opinion and might not be the case, as I have no idea how many fans are not planning to watch because their favourite couple are done.

So I am looking forward to the start of Season 12, I just hope it is as good as last season was.

Now it is your turn, tell me what you think about Dempsey leaving, McDreamy's death, and whether you feel Grey's is over after this season. Hit the comments with your thoughts.

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Re-post of My Opinion On Derek Shepherd's Death

My Verdict On Derek Shepherds Death On Grey's Anatomy

Yep, well I just watched the episode again and I am about to watch the final three episodes for this season. I also have read a couple of reviews, one from my favourite Grey's Anatomy writer at Spoiler TV. Her suspicions match a little with mine, that I believe the episode was a great big Eff You from Shonda Rhimes to Patrick Dempsey who plays the part of Derek Shepherd. Patrick Dempsey is a well-known and popular actor, excellent at his craft and loved by many fans.

I will concede that the first part of the aftermath of Derek Shepherd's death was done well, there was a funeral that we saw 15 seconds and we were told Cristina Yang did attend, this is enough for me, it might not be so for other fans, however if Cristina had been ignored and not given a mention, I would have been pissed. I felt that the short moments of grief we saw were well done. And the credit goes to Stacy McKee who should have written "How To Save A Life" Shonda Rhimes; what were you thinking? You just cannot help but to inject your personal issues into certain story-lines. I hazard a guess that you force your writers to do this too, because this would not be the first time.

Okay, I will get off this topic and move right along to what the fans have said and Maxine who reviews Grey's Anatomy at Spoiler TV, I cannot provide a link here as it it against the rules, however if you are a die hard fan of Grey's, you will know where to find Spoiler TV.

I don't think it would have mattered whether Derek died at GSM or the useless hospital where he was treated by equally useless doctors who were not trained in trauma or even set up for it. But, I hated the fact that he narrated his own death and I actually do not believe he would have even been in once piece. That truck hit Derek directly on the driver's side of the car. The fact that he reached for his phone while in the middle of the road, doing a U turn pissed me off and I knew before the truck hit him that going for the phone was a mistake and what killed him. Also, what happened to there being no phone reception where he was?

Some of the above, I have drawn my own conclusions, however Maxine has opened my eyes to the fact that Rhimes, while it was sheer genius on her part when she created Grey's and kept it going 11 years with the show still dominating the demo ratings on a Thursday night, she cannot seem to keep her personal crap out of the script. Shonda; put down the god damned crack pipe and write like a writer would who loves their characters. Did Patrick Dempsey really get a good send off in episode 21. I don't believe so, and I would have also expected Meredith to at least call his family or at the very least; Amelia.

As for the funeral, we did not see his family there, so I guess we just need to assume that they were in fact there. I will never believe that they were not on the first plane when they got the news. Meredith should have been there at the hospital long before the mistakes were made, at least she would have had a chance to see her husband before he ended up brain dead. Could it be that Shonda does not like the character of Meredith Grey. It seems in Shonda's world that a woman cannot have it all. A happy family, kids, career and whatever else without tragedy after tragedy happening. Many fans are pissed about this and feel this is Shonda's attitude.

Please do not misunderstand me; I am fully aware that Patrick Dempsey wanted out of Grey's, he has wanted to leave for years and killing him off was the only scenario that makes sense. Meredith and Derek were endgame and would never have divorced. Shonda has probably lost the ratings of most of the MerDer Shippers and the McDreamy fans and will need to rebuild to get the show back on it's feet and still dominating the demo ratings.....she has a hell of a task ahead and this would have been the case, no matter how she chose to exit McDreamy. I have my doubts that Grey's will go on any longer than one more season. Who knows, maybe she will put some magic out of her butt and this show will be great for years to come. As Maxine said, "Grey's is still a relevant show." 

I love the show, and hope it is around for ten years time, providing the writing is good. Maxine was spot on when she said that Season 11's writing has been excellent. Even the crappy filler episodes like the penis story line and Bailey and Ben's story with Ben's brother were entertaining because of the excellent writing. No sooner does Ms Rhimes pick up a pen and it goes to crap. Sorry Shonda, but it is true.

I have watched the first part of "She's Leaving Home" and I am starting to think that some of Shonda's sins can be forgiven, this episode was excellent, one of the best and I don't think I can watch it for awhile or I will end up in tears again and in saying that; Stacey McKee penned this episode, so I had high hopes that it would not go to crap and honestly I do have to praise them for the final two episodes of the season, they were excellent too.

Stay tuned for my next TV Show Rant. Oh and before I forget, goodbye McDreamy and I truly am sorry for all of the MerDer shippers. You guys must be livid with anger.

This post is also posted at PersonaPaper

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Janelle Coulton is a Freelance Writer who has been writing about Grey's Anatomy for around four years now. She never misses an episode and her blog is her labour of love that she works on when she is not writing for clients and online writing sites. To find out more about Janelle, you can visit her profile or visit her website: Jel Writes - Freelance Writer



Copyright © 2015 Janelle Coulton

Latest News On Grey’s Anatomy

When Grey’s Anatomy returns in September we are being told to “buckle our seatbelts.” According to popular website Wetpaint, Meredith and Derek are set to face some difficult challenges within their marriage. Rumours of Meredith dying have been denied by TVLine, however it would seem that the couple are at an impasse when it comes to the choices they are making regarding their careers.

Problems for Meredith and Derek

When we last saw Meredith and Derek, Meredith told Derek that she cannot move to Washington. She also told Derek that she feels as though he thinks his career is more important than hers. Does this ring true? I think it does. He did, after all break his promise to give her the time she needed to work on her research and cement her career in General Surgery when he accepted the offer to work on research for the President of the United States. You can understand his dilemma, but it was a shitty thing to do. Frankly, I can see their marriage becoming a long distance one in the not too distant future and a good story arc for both characters.

Shonda and Co are Already Working On Season 11

Even though Season 10 just finished in Mid May, Shonda and her writers have been at work planning Season 11. From what Shonda has said on Twitter, it looks as though the creative process has begun. She tweeted recently that she has a sinus infection and that she had, had a great day in the Grey’s Anatomy Writer’s Room.

Shonda also confirmed that the writers get all of June off. That's good to know, as you would think the the writers would need to rest and recharge their batteries and return fresh to begin creating the next season. Not much has been said about what is in store for Season 11, however once the writers and actors return to begin filming, which usually happens sometime in July, I am sure that we will hear more about where things are going for Season 11.

Meredith Has Another Sister

I am not going to say much about this, as it is a story that just does not make sense and does not please me at all. In short; I don’t relish the thought of watching Lexie 2.0. If Maggie Pierce (I think that’s her name) turns out to be Richard Webber’s daughter, and it’s pretty clear that she is, then it is a great story for his character. As for Meredith, we’ve seen it all before. I will elaborate on this story further on my blog when I have time as I have quite a lot to say about it.

Are you looking forward to Season 11? Hit the comments and let me know.

Sources:

TVLine

Wetpaint

Shonda's Twitter

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Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo Ink Two Year Deals

This is the news that fans have been waiting for, last week, Spoiler TV announced the news that Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo who portray Derek Shepherd and Meredith Grey respectively on Grey's Anatomy have signed two year contracts. This means that they will remain with the show, should it go on for twelve seasons.

Spoiler TV reported below:

Great news, Grey's Anatomy fans: Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey have signed new two-year deals to remain with the show, TVGuide.com has learned.

The deals with Pompeo and Dempsey, who have played Dr. Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek Shepherd, respectively, since the show's debut in 2005, will see the actors stick around at least through Season 12. ABC has yet to officially pick up Grey's for Season 11, but it seems more than likely now that the two leading stars have signed on. 

However, they won't be joined by other Grey's original Sandra Oh, who announced in August that she was leaving the ABC medical drama after 10 seasons.  

To comments on this turn of events on Spoiler TV, follow this link below.

http://www.spoilertv.com/2014/01/greys-anatomy-patrick-dempsey-and-ellen.html

For fans of Grey's Anatomy, this is fantastic news, however there are some fans who would be happy to see the show end at Season 10, given that Sandra Oh is not returning to the show after the Season Finale of Season 10.

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Patrick Dempsey Interview With Ausiello - A Grey's Anatomy Movie?

Recently Michael Ausiello from TVLine caught up with Patrick Dempsey aka Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy.


Patrick Dempsey spoke about why he chose to renew his contract and how he would like to see the Series Final play out. Part of the interview is below, and you can read the full interview at: TVLine.com



TVLINE | You re-signed for two more years last May — how come?

Patrick: "Job security. You look at what’s going on in the world and how difficult it is to get a job. Actors who have been on other [hit] shows aren’t working. I’m like, you know what? Why not [stay]? It’s here. It’s still going. Everybody’s working really well together. The scheduling is working out this year. And it’s still amazingly popular. I had a long time where I wasn’t working. I was struggling. So why not? And the money’s good. I would be stupid to say no."

TVLINE | How do you think the show will end?


Patrick: "Gosh. I hope it’s not something traumatic like another plane crash or somebody getting run over by a bus. I think [life will] sort of just go on. I think it would just go out very simply — and leave it open for the movie." [Laughs]


I think there are many fans out there that are with Patrick on this topic. The drama and tragedy has all gotten a little too much for fans of Grey's Anatomy lately. As for the comment about a Grey's movie, well that would be interesting. 

Read the TVLine's full interview at the link below:

Michael Ausiello TVLine




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Copyright © 2012 Janelle Coulton

"Spoiler Alert" McDreamy's Sister Visits On Grey's Anatomy

It was recently reported on Zimbio.com/TV that Derek's sister will visit Seattle Grace. Now it is not clear which sister will be visiting, however we do know it will be one of the two sisters that viewers are yet to meet. Kathleen; the psychiatrist, or the unnamed sister that has been referred to in previous scenes.


The role is being played by Neve Campbell who is most well known for her role on Party of Five. We have met Amelia (played by Caterina Scorsone) and Nancy (played by Embeth Davitz), so this will be one of Derek Shepherd's sisters' we have not been seen on Grey's Anatomy. It is highly likely given Derek's serious hand injury that it will be Kathleen, the psychiatrist that comes to visit, as Derek needs all the support he can get at the present moment.

Derek has also lost two people that were very close to him. Lexie who was his sister in law, and resident at work and Derek was close to her as a brother in law, mentor and co-worker. Derek also lost Mark who was like a brother to Derek. During their childhood Mark spent a lot of time with Derek's family because Mark's family were never around. Mark and Derek were best friends and brothers. Even Derek's mother gave Mark some motherly advice on her visit to Seattle Grace in Season 5.

So Dr Derek Shepherd has a lot to deal with. He may possibly never operate again; he has lost his sister in law and a man who was like his brother. So it stands to reason that he would need a lot of support and who better than his psychiatrist sister? This is looking like a very interesting storyline for Derek Shepherd and Patrick Dempsey, the actor who plays him, however I'm not getting my hopes up just yet.


Update: 21 October 2012; New broke last night that Private Practice has been cancelled. Could we see a Shepherd family reunion with Amelia visiting Derek too? Caterina Scorsone is a very talented actress, so it would be surprising if ABC and Shonda Rhimes choose not to negotiate a contract with her. She could be Seattle Grace's new bad-ass neuro-surgeon if Derek's hand really is out of commission. I guess we can speculate all day. What do you think about this idea? Have your say in the comments, or on Facebook or Twitter.



Source:
Zimbio.com/TV

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What Happened Out There? - Grey's Anatomy: Remember The Time - Season 9 - 2

Australian Airdate: Tuesday 09 October 2012, @ 9.45pm


Stranded In The Woods - Grey's Anatomy Returns To The Crash Site





After the confusing time-jump of last week's episode of Grey's, viewers will be taken back through the two month aftermath of what happened out there in the woods. We find out how the doctors coped with their injuries, and we also find out a little more about the reason Mark Sloan fell into a coma.


Remember the Time will largely be remembered by most die hard Grey's fans as one of the best episodes over. All the actors in the episode really brought their A game and there is some impressive acting by Sandra Oh (Cristina), Sara Ramirez (Callie), Ellen Pompeo (Meredith), Patrick Dempsey (Derek) and Eric Dane (Mark). 


The only criticism I had with this episode was figuring out where they were at time-wise, however this has always been one of "Shondaland's" failings. The time-line fairy at Grey's Anatomy has always been questionable.


Anyway enough said; I wouldn't want to spoil it for the Aussie viewers. I will be back with my review later in the week.



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Copyright © 2012 Janelle Coulton

Grey’s Anatomy Season 8 Rant and Rave - Part 1

Season 8 of Grey's Anatomy in mine and many fan's opinions' totally kicked ass over Season 7. The general feeling from the first nine episodes was that the creators were well aware that they may lose some of their major players; the six original stars whose contracts were up at the end of Season 8. 


This is most likely why most of the focus was on the original characters: Meredith and Derek, Cristina and Owen, Alex, Richard and Bailey. In the first couple of episodes the focus was squarely on Meredith and Derek's marriage and story with Zola's adoption. Cristina's story arc was focussed more on her career, rather than her personal life, with Shonda saving Owen and Cristina's drama for the later part of the season. Callie, Arizona and Mark were mostly back stories throughout the first few episodes. Richard and Bailey also took a bit of a back seat, with Bailey being portrayed as very angry and upset until sorting out her differences with Meredith in Episode 8, Heart Shaped Box. This annoyed many Bailey fans, as they had to sit through many episodes of her being less than happy. However we all know Shonda Rhimes does not do happy.




Meredith and Richard 


Season 7 also started out well; however the time jump of a month after the shooting upset many fans. I was on the verge of forgiving Shonda as the first half of Season 7 was pretty good until the Callie, Arizona, Mark triangle.  So many fans hated this story arc mostly because it was such a cliché. This seems to be typical of Shonda Rhimes and her team of writers, however the focus on most of the original characters in the first half of Season 8 for me; all was forgiven. It just seems as though Shonda and her writers start out so well, and then don't bring the good stuff at the end. Her finales are always well written and entertaining, however the huge tragedy endings to the season are getting old. Season 7’s finale was actually a refreshing change and yet still a cliffhanger that kept all of us wondering for four, long months. As a fan, I loved it.

         

Never get tired of seeing these two


Baby Zola was the cutest and the scenes with Meredith and Derek were so adorable. The first two episodes where they lose Zola was heart breaking and I didn't expect it to happen so soon, I was expecting trouble with Meredith and Derek's marriage and the adoption process, but it was a shock it came so soon and that baby Zola was given to them about three months later according to Shonda's timeline. That seemed a little fast for an adoption, however I know nothing about the process so who knows?





Meredith is so pissed at being fired


Meredith's firing came as no surprise; it's what should have happened in the circumstance and very real; however Chief Webber stepping up to take the blame kind of threw me for a loop, I was not expecting that, I was actually expecting Alex to step in; in what capacity I do not know. Then when Dr Webber resigned as the Chief of Surgery, basically firing himself; Derek and Meredith's marriage seemed to be in all sorts of trouble and Derek's 'holier than though' attitude upset many fans. It almost seemed to me that Shonda was trying to create dislike for Derek amongst his fans, should Patrick Dempsey decide not to re-ink his contract, because at the time he was misquoted as saying he was not coming back in Season 9; however as it stands right now, all the original cast have signed new contracts for two seasons.





Bailey and Torres Supervise a Gunther


The Gunther was the best part of the Season Premiere, it was the funniest thing I've seen on TV in a long time; especially the part with Cristina and Alex when Cristina accidentally stabs with a syringe in the OR and he codes. Alex yelling "You Crazy Bitch!" "You almost killed me!" at Cristina was hilarious, best scene from episode two, by far. And when Alex helps Meredith after her and Derek lose Zola was beautiful. I was in tears when they walked out together. 


April never quite got the hang of Chief Resident by the mid-season hiatus she was still struggling. However by season's end I guess I got used to it. All the other residents still gave her trouble no matter what she did, however who could Owen have chosen realistically? Not his wife, not Meredith (after what she did with the trial), not Alex after he narked on Meredith, not Jackson who walked away from Dr Webber's trial. So April with her checklists and procedures was the logical choice. Even in the OR in Suddenly, Episode ten when Cristina bags her out to avoid talking to Teddy about Henry; she lets it go and takes orders from Cristina later when the surgery is done. A Chief Resident does not do that; Bailey would not do that.

                

Derek, Mark, Webber and Owen after he punched someone

Meredith and Derek finally make it back to each other and a happy place, no matter what happens with Zola. However; Cristina and Owen are avoiding the fact that she has just aborted their child and this story arc continued on through Season 8; with no resolution. Meredith's solution to saving her marriage is migrate over to OBGYN for a while, and not work with her husband who says he cannot trust her. She thinks that she is enjoying delivering babies and making life however, she is really marking time trying to figure out what kind of surgeon she wants to be.

                             

In Put Me In Coach  Meredith gets a dressing down from Bailey and Webber and she ends up on Bailey's Diabetes Trial, even though she was working on it in secret the whole time. Webber tells her to get out of those ridiculous pink scrubs and get back to the work you were born to do; being a surgeon. He forces Bailey to put Meredith on the trial, and in Hope for the Hopeless; the halfway mark of the season, she decides to be a General Surgeon like her mother and Chief Webber who is already her mentor anyway. Many fans were against this choice and were hoping to see her working with Derek, including myself; however I got to like the fact that Meredith was forging a career of her own instead of being in Derek's shadow, which is what would happen if she'd stayed working with her husband as he is the famous neurosurgeon on the show.


So when all is said and done; I felt that the first part of Season 8 was excellent. I felt that Shonda and her team were really giving their all, however as you will see in my next post: Part Two of my Grey's Anatomy Rant; my opinion is less than flattering. Part Two will be posted in a few days.


Best Scenes: Teddy and Cristina in Suddenly when Cristina breaks the news about Henry.
Alex and Cristina in She's Gone - all their scenes.
Meredith and Derek's reunion with Zola in Suddenly.


Best Quote: Alex's "You Crazy Bitch.....etc." 
Meredith's speech to Owen about Cristina wanting kids.


Worst Scene: Owen's confrontation with the patient in What Is It About Men?


Shonda and her writer's really rocked it with the first half of Grey's Season 8, however the closing part of the Season did leave a lot to be desired. However I will discuss that in my next post. Thank you all for reading.


Until then; have your say in the comments or connect with me via Facebook or Twitter





To read more about Grey's Anatomy: Please visit me at: Janelle Coulton@Suite101 



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Copyright © 2012 Janelle Coulton