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Post by ~M on Sept 10, 2009 16:32:58 GMT -5
As we reported earlier, Katherine Heigl is taking a break from Grey's Anatomy to film a movie. That news alone was enough to cause a stir among fans this afternoon.
But what's shocking, and what shapes the entire sixth season of the series, is why recently married cancer survivor Dr. Izzie Stevens is vanishing for multiple episodes.
The reason for the leave of absence?
According to inside sources, this season of Grey's Anatomy is overwhelmingly defined by the merger of Seattle Grace and its oft-mentioned crosstown rival, Mercy West.
Reportedly, Seattle Grace is about to double in size, bringing in a slate of new doctors and paving the way for shake-ups in the season(s) of Grey's Anatomy to come.
What does this merger mean for our favorites?
Well, Dr. Izzie Stevens is getting fired. Yes, fired, as in dismissed or downsized. Izzie gets laid off in the big merger and vanishes for a handful of episodes.
The shake-up also provides cover for Ellen Pompeo's maternity leave.
She'll fade into the background while new doctors, administrators and nurses (played by Robert Baker, Jesse Williams and Nora Zehetner) fill in gaps regulars leave behind.
Producers are, however, working to keep Meredith Grey in as many episodes as possible. Ellen is banking footage for her leave by shooting scenes for two episodes at once.
The Seattle Grace-Mercy West merger storyline is part of a long-term plan hatched by producers and ABC execs to make Grey's Anatomy a viable series for years to come.
They are thinking ER style here - 15 years or more.
No matter which stars are pregnant, moonlighting, looking to get out or otherwise unavailable, the writers want a large, expandable palette of characters and situations.
So, going forward, if Patrick Dempsey needs to shoot a movie (he will, later this season), a new and improved Seattle Grace offer wiggle room in schedules and stories.
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Post by ~M on Sept 10, 2009 16:33:18 GMT -5
Katherine Heigl will be taking a five-episode hiatus from Grey's Anatomy to film the Greg Berlanti-directed romantic comedy Life as We Know It, EW reports this afternoon.
Grey’s Anatomy producers have accommodated Heigl’s busy schedule before, but this is the first time they have given her permission to leave for an extended period.
Heigl’s absence "will be explained on screen," although it’s not yet clear how.
The fact that Katherine was granted such a lengthy leave is surprising in light of the public tongue-lashing ABC president Steve McPherson gave her last month for complaining about a 17-hour work day on the set filming this coming season.
Also, Heigl’s departure - which starts this month and will kick in on screen around November - will almost certainly overlap with co-star Ellen Pompeo’s maternity leave.
Translation: Grey’s Anatomy will be without Izzie and Mer at the same time.
What do you think prompts Izzie Stevens to temporarily check out?
Of course, Grey’s Anatomy boss Shonda Rhimes said over the summer that this kind of change would be in the air this season: "Eventually, everybody is going to leave the show,” she said, referencing T.R. Knight’s exit and the temporary loss of Pompeo.
"So we’re looking at [ways] we can mess with the structure now. Season 6 is about finding the longevity of the show and figuring out if there is a future beyond these characters.”
Not so coincidentally, Grey’s Anatomy recently announced it was adding three new doctors to its rotation at Seattle Grace Hospital: Nota Zehetner, Robert Baker, and Jesse Williams are joining Seattle Grace as recurring residents /medical professionals.
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Post by ~M on Sept 10, 2009 16:36:37 GMT -5
TV Guide has a brief note on Grey's Anatomy in its weekly spoiler Q&A today. Nothing really new here, but still, worth sharing. Here's what they have to say:
Q: So sad that T.R. Knight (George O'Malley) is leaving Grey's Anatomy. What can you tell me about the big sixth season premiere Thursday, September 24?
A: While pretty much everyone at Seattle Grace is shaken by George's departure (and in some cases very shaken), Derek somehow keeps it together. That might be because McDreamy's got something bigger on his mind: the promise of becoming the next chief of surgery
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Post by ~M on Sept 10, 2009 16:37:01 GMT -5
As we inch closer to the Season 6 premiere of Grey's Anatomy just two weeks from tonight, more details of the big two-part episode are coming to light.
Here's the latest from Entertainment Weekly and its resident sleuth Michael Ausiello ...
Q: Can you please tell me if there are any good Owen and Cristina scenes in the Grey’s Anatomy Season 6 premiere? I know they won’t have sex in the episode, but will the tragedy of George O'Malley's death bring them closer together?
A: They have a really moving hand-holding scene. Does that count?
Q: After watching the Grey’s Anatomy premiere can you please tell me anything about Mer-Der? What's to come for them this season?
A: If you were among those who thought the Post-It note wedding was some kind of bad joke, there’s a scene at George’s funeral that should put a smile on your face.
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Post by ~M on Sept 10, 2009 16:39:46 GMT -5
The first episode of Season Six of Grey's Anatomy is very dark, as the cast hinted and creator Shonda Rhimes has flat-out stated throughout the long offseason.
In the opinion of some, the show's executive producer may have tried to ease viewers in to a George-less Grey's Anatomy, it just wouldn't work. He was too special.
Even if there are fans who may not have liked George, in Seattle Grace, everybody liked him.
Just how beloved George was is clear in how people react to his death.
Good Mourning" ...
There will be:
•A severed arm •A short, strange funeral scene •An appearance by George's mom •Talk about George's male anatomy •People reacting in strange, strange ways to his death. While there were those who did the requisite crying and staring into space, Grey's Anatomy fans should watch out for one or two pronounced, life-changing reaction.
In short, the episode is all about George O'Malley, and rightly so.
Meanwhile, the person least affected with George's demise gets her own plot line. Arizona Robbins will try to do her job as virtually everyone around her is still reeling.
As seen in one of the promos, there is also the matter of the Chief and Derek in talks over the Chief of Surgery position - but "in talks" may be too soft a term.
The talk between George's mom and one of the surgeons may prove to be one of the more heartbreaking scenes in an episode that in itself is heartbreaking.
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Post by ~M on Sept 15, 2009 17:06:09 GMT -5
We know she survives her operation, but how does Izzie handle her condition as Season 6 of Grey's Anatomy progresses? That's the subject of a note in E! Online's spoiler Q&A today.
See what you think about this piece of Izzie gossip ...
Q: So excited for Grey's Anatomy finally returning next week. What can you tell me about Katherine Heigl's character, Dr. Izzie Stevens? She's my absolute fave.
A: Izzie grapples with her cancer throughout the beginning of the season.
In the season premiere, Bailey informs Izzie she's no longer a surgical patient but is still a cancer patient, and we will see Izzie spending a lot of time with a cancer support group.
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Post by ~M on Sept 18, 2009 10:34:04 GMT -5
Is George really dead? Is Izzie leaving for five straight episodes or just an episode here and there? What do the looming layoffs at Seattle Grace mean for our residents?
Michael Ausiello of EW dishes on all of the above in his spoiler column today. Check out what he has to say about Grey's Anatomy and chime in with your comments ...
Q: I saw the first five minutes of the Grey’s Anatomy premiere on YouTube. Is there a chance George isn’t dead? Lexie seemed pretty convinced of this!
A: Yes, there’s a chance. A really, really small chance. Tiny. See where I’m going with this?
Q: So now that Katherine Heigl is adopting a child from Korea, does that re-explain producers’ decision to let her off the hook for five episodes of Grey’s Anatomy?
A: That’s not what I’m hearing. As I originally reported, all indications are that she’s taking off to make that Greg Berlanti movie. By the way, I’m now hearing that the five episodes Katherine will be missing may not be consecutive.
Q: Can I please have a Grey’s Anatomy scoop?
A: You may. The looming shakeup at Seattle Grace will have everyone fearing for his/her jobs. That includes Cristina, who is forced to consider the unthinkable: a career in pediatrics.
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Post by ~M on Sept 24, 2009 19:53:59 GMT -5
What's to come with Mark and Lexie this season? This little spoiler-teaser from today's E! Q&A hints at what sounds like a very cool scene in the season premiere ...
Q: Any scoop on Mark and Lexie on Grey's Anatomy?
A: Mark and Lexie may be the cutest twosome on Grey's Anatomy, and the cuteness continues in Thursday's premiere, when Lexie confides in Mark about her feelings regarding George's demise. It's a quiet, gentle scene in the locker room, and we think you'll dig it!
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Post by ~M on Sept 24, 2009 19:54:58 GMT -5
Today's TV Guide spoiler Q&A focuses on a question many of us have been asking throughout the offseason as a "transitional" Grey's Anatomy begins to take shape: How will things change with some of its mainstays out of commission for significant periods of time?
Here's the latest dish on that, plus a bonus Private Practice item ...
Q: How will Grey's Anatomy write around the absences of Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl?
A: The show will shift its focus to more character-centric episodes, executive producer Krista Vernoff says. One hour will be almost exclusively dedicated to Derek and a patient.
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Post by ~M on Oct 1, 2009 12:10:11 GMT -5
Is trouble on the horizon for Mark and Lexie on Grey's Anatomy? You knew there had to be. Here's what executive producer Krista Vernoff tells TV Guide about that couple ...
Q: Do you have any Mark/Lexie scoop for Season 6 of Grey's Anatomy? Love them!
A: I know you won't believe it, but they're going to have problems. "They've got some obstacles for sure, but some of our more emotional moments have come from them," Grey's Anatomy executive producer Krista Vernoff reports.
That doesn't mean the coupling won't survive, however.
"We've done a lot of stories about people coming together, and now we have an opportunity to tell stories about people who are together," Vernoff says.
Now that's something we doubt people can argue with.
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Post by ~M on Oct 1, 2009 12:10:30 GMT -5
The insightful Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly has unearthed some good Grey’s Anatomy gossip for this week's episode and beyond. Here's what he's got:
Q: All I ask for this morning is some scoop from one of my “G” shows: Glee, Greek, Gossip Girl, or Grey’s Anatomy.
A: Here’s something on Grey’s Anatomy: Seattle Grace’s merger with Mercy West claims its first victim this week. (Hint: The pink-slipped party is female and has been around since Season One. And no, it’s not Meredith. Or Izzie. Or Cristina. Or Bailey.)
Q: Is there any good Grey’s Anatomy scoop?
A: There is if you’re a Calzona 'shipper: Seattle Grace Hospital's token lesbians make it official this week. Well, at least officialish.
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Post by ~M on Oct 14, 2009 12:58:44 GMT -5
Here's a little excerpt from E!'s spoiler Q&A today regarding Chandra Wilson. It's nothing we don't already know after her interview yesterday, but here goes anyway:
Q: So excited to see Bailey on Private Practice this week, but does she cross over from Grey's Anatomy for personal or professional reasons?
A: According to Grey's Anatomy star Chandra Wilson herself, "[Bailey]'s being overprotective of a patient, so it starts on Grey's Anatomy, and of course, the surgery can only be done in L.A. at St. Ambrose, so she ends up there with a patient."
Paul Adelstein (Cooper on Private Practice) adds, "[Bailey] takes us to task. She's a truth teller, and her writing is truth telling, so she comes in and busts us all down to size pretty good."
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Post by ~M on Oct 15, 2009 10:55:28 GMT -5
Michael Ausiello of EW answers several Grey's Anatomy-related questions in his spoiler mailbag today, and the topics vary widely, from layoffs to MerDer to Burke.
Here's what he has to say about ...
Q: Is it at all possible that Shonda Rhimes would bring Isaiah Washington back to Grey’s Anatomy for even one episode now that T.R. Knight has left the show?
A: Listen to me very carefully, because I’m only going to say this once: Never. Gonna. Happen. But Washington kinda-sorta gets a shout-out in this week’s episode when Owen-lovin’ Cristina utters three shocking words: “I miss Burke.”
Q: Sounds like you’ve already seen this week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, so I’ve got a good Q: Any good Meredith-Derek scenes?
A: Nothing stands out on the Mer-Der front, but there’s a memorable Mer-Cristina-Alex scene at the end that will have you crying and laughing (and in that order).
Q: Any Grey’s Anatomy scoop?
A: You already know that someone gets fired in this week’s episode. But what you may not know is that someone gets fired next week, too!
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Post by ~M on Oct 15, 2009 10:56:47 GMT -5
As we're all well aware, Seattle Grace as we know it will be rocked to its core tonight.
That's because the merger with Mercy West Hospital isn't just on the horizon, it's really happening. And as the sneak previews showed, it's worse than our favorite docs thought.
One of the new doctors bringing the drama. Young redhead Reed (Nora Zehetner).
TV Guide caught up with the 28-year-old Zehetner (Brick, Heroes) to get the scoop on what's coming up. Expect a lot of fighting, new relationships and much more ...
Q: Did you have fun taking on this persona unlike anything you've played before?
Nora Zehetner: Yeah, it's different. It's probably the most grown-up role I've had.
My friends laugh whenever I tell them I'm playing a doctor. The doctor stuff is really hard, not just the medical terminology, actually the multitasking. Doing surgeries or medical procedures while saying lines, it's like rubbing your head and patting your tummy at the same time.
Q: Isn't it rubbing your tummy and patting your head?
Nora Zehetner: [Laughs] You can see I would not be very good at the multitasking if I can't even get the expression right.
Q: So tell us about Reed and the other doctors coming into Seattle Grace.
Nora Zehetner: It's like going to a new school. It's like two schools being merged together and you're trying to figure out where do I fit in? You want to be the best and do the best job. We're worried about our jobs. Reed's very feisty and a very hardworking doctor. She's maybe a little overeager, trying really hard.
Q: Which Seattle Grace doc would you say is similar to Reed?
Nora Zehetner: Maybe a bit like Cristina [Sandra Oh], maybe a bit like Karev [Justin Chambers]. In terms of how motivated she is, maybe Cristina. I definitely butt heads with quite a few of the characters. It's kind of in her nature; she can be a little abrasive.
Q: Are these new doctors welcomed into the hospital?
Nora Zehetner: No, there's enough fighting between the Seattle Grace doctors to get the best surgeries and establish their place. They're now getting along and are more established in their roles, so to have people come in and shake that up, I don't think we're very welcome.
I don't think we're very happy to have to go into a new place and re-establish ourselves. There's a lot of jockeying over surgeries and a lot of drama.
Q: Since there are so many people around, does it almost make the hospital fall apart even more?
Nora Zehetner: Yeah, it's definitely much more chaotic, which is not the best thing in a hospital.
Q: Is there anyone Reed actually gets along with?
Nora Zehetner: She's very good friends with Sarah Drew's character, April, whose one of the new doctors coming in. I think the Mercy West doctors are somewhat friendly. Whether they were good friends before that, I don't know, but once you go together, you band together because it's us vs. them.
Q: Do the four new doctors bring any secrets over to Seattle Grace that we'll discover as we get to know them?
Nora Zehetner: Everybody has secrets.
Q: Fair enough. There are a lot of hot doctors at Seattle Grace. Will any of the Mercy Westers go after any of the men?
Nora Zehetner: Yeah, they're all hot. I don't know about that yet. Everybody at some point has some sort of romance on that show. I hope so. I don't know with whom yet.
Q: Who would you like to see Reed get with?
Nora Zehetner: I can't choose. They're all very attractive in their own way. Who would you choose?
Q: No judgment. McDreamy, McSteamy and Alex Karev.
Nora Zehetner: [Laughs] I also think Kevin McKidd is super sexy.
Q: Him too! So no sharing any kisses yet?
Nora Zehetner: No, but I keep making this joke during all the surgery stuff. I'm, like, just throw me in that make-out closet, I'll be fine there, I don't need to do surgeries, but I should probably not say that as it is a show about surgeries - partially.
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Post by ~M on Oct 22, 2009 14:35:11 GMT -5
Was Chandra Wilson's awesome stint on Private Practice just the first of several such crossovers to come this season on Shonda Rhimes' sister shows? Here's E!'s latest ...
Q: I loved last week's Grey's Anatomy-Private Practice crossover with Bailey! She killed it. Is there anything good you can share on Grey's Anatomy or Private Practice?
A: I'm told by insiders that there should be at least two more crossovers before the season is through, though they have yet to hammer out specific details.
Who do you think should do the crossing honors?
As for one particular rumor going around - that there will be an upcoming plot involving for Justin Walker (Dave Annable) of Brothers & Sisters to cross over to Private Practice (Justin is now in medical school), a rep at ABC says that's actually not happening.
Aww. Too bad. But there are other good options.
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Post by ~M on Oct 22, 2009 14:35:35 GMT -5
What's the latest with Arizona and Callie? Are we going to see them becoming more, um, intimate this season? Is the fact that we haven't yet a sign of trouble?
Here's TV Guide's take on that subject in its spoiler Q&A this week ...
Q: Are Callie and Arizona going to make it on Grey's Anatomy this season? They are great, butdon't seem as intimate as Callie was with Dr. Hahn (Brooke Smith).
A: Just because we haven't seen Callzona's sexy time on-screen, there's no reason to believe the ladies have intimacy issues. "I'm sure they've done it. I mean, come on!" Sara Ramirez said.
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Post by ~M on Oct 22, 2009 14:35:51 GMT -5
Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly fields several Grey's Anatomy questions this morning in his weekly spoiler Q&A. Will we hear from Izzie? Is the Chief in trouble?
Let's find out what he has to say about this evening's episode and more ...
Q: You were right: I was crying during the final scene of last week’s Grey’s Anatomy. My heart broke for Alex. Please tell me you have some good news about him.
A: Alex does make contact with Izzie this week. That’s the good news. Here’s the bad: It doesn't look like she is coming out of hiding anytime soon.
Q: I’m a huge Kim Raver fan and I’m thrilled that she is joining the Grey’s Anatomy cast. Could you give us some scoop on her character?
A: She’s basically Cristina’s worst nightmare: a heart specialist who used to play doctor with Owen. That’s right, Owen’s ex is going to be Cristina’s (potential) mentor! Cue the dramaz!
Q: I have a feeling the Chief will get axed on Grey’s Anatomy.
A: A word of advice: You’d make a terrible psychic. The Chief is not the one who gets fired. BTW, unlike Izzie, the doc getting pink-slipped this week won’t be back.
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Post by ~M on Oct 29, 2009 16:31:04 GMT -5
What's the latest with Izzie and Alex? And is there any romantic story line coming for a certain hunky new addition to the cast? Here's what E! Online has to say about both topics ...
Q: I can't believe Izzie left Alex on Grey's Anatomy! Will they get back together soon?
A: All we can say is that Izzie will be back soon. Katherine Heigl is back on the set of Grey's Anatomy this week, along with fellow new mom and cast member Ellen Pompeo.
But no promises about an Alex-Izzie reunion.
I mean, if you were Alex, you'd be pretty pissed at Izzie right about now, wouldn't you? Hmmm, maybe Sarah Drew should move in for the kill (if she didn't get fired, that is).
New Grey's Anatomy cast member Jesse Williams.
Q: That new doctor from Mercy West with the green eyes on Grey's Anatomy is so hot. Is he going to have a Seattle Grace romance any time soon?
A: Dr. "Beautiful Green Eyes" is still on the market, Jesse Williams himself dished. "Jackson's about working and just kind of being really effective and not being involved in the business of 'he said, she said' and backstories and stuff," the Grey's Anatomy addition said.
However, he is quick to add: "But who are we kidding? It's Grey's Anatomy. I'm sure there is something around the corner. I'm just waiting to hear
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Post by ~M on Oct 29, 2009 16:31:22 GMT -5
What does the future hold for Cristina and Owen? Are the rumors of Kim Raver joining the cast and wreaking havoc on them true? Let's see what TV Guide says ...
Q: Any news on what's ahead for Cristina and Owen on Grey's Anatomy? I really like them together and don't want Kim Raver's character to break this couple up.
A: Sorry, Lisa, but Raver's Teddy is definitely going to be an obstacle to Crowen. What might surprise you, though, is that Teddy won't be the first bump in the road.
Word is sparks are going to fly between Yang and new Mercy West doc Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) in the November 5 episode, a week before Teddy scrubs in.
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Post by ~M on Oct 29, 2009 16:31:49 GMT -5
Its been hinted for some time at a rough patch on the way for Mark and Lexie. But here's another piece of the puzzle courtesy of Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly.
See what you make of this item ...
Q: I love Grey’s Anatomy but what’s this I hear about trouble on the horizon for Mark and Lexie? Who is this supposed mystery woman from Mark’s past?
A: From what I've gathered thus far, I believe she hails from Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles and has McSteamy DNA coursing through her veins.
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