Isaiah Washington Returns to Grey’s Anatomy — HOORAY!

Of all the exits on Grey’s Anatomy, Isaiah Washington hit me the hardest. I realize the circumstances surrounding his exit demanded his departure, but nonetheless, he left a hole that the cast never quite recovered from. Dr. Burke served as Dr. Shepherd’s nemesis, with the two often challenging each other’s power at the hospital. Though Owen Hunt essentially took his place, he never quite served the same purpose, and Patrick Dempsey’s character has felt slightly stunted every since. Furthermore, he had great chemistry with Sandra Oh, which has also been unmatched. It’s recently been revealed that Washington will return for a one-episode sendoff of Dr. Christina Yang, and I could not be happier. Here’s hoping his appearance extends beyond that. Hear that Shonda Rimes?

’12 Angry Men’ at the Pasadena Playhouse — A Full Review

(L-R) Gregory North, Adam J. Smith, Bradford Tatum, Robert Picardo, Jason George. Photo by Jim Cox.
(L-R) Gregory North, Adam J. Smith, Bradford Tatum, Robert Picardo, Jason George. Photo by Jim Cox.

For those unfamiliar with the film and television production of ’12 Angry Men,’ the legendary plot all takes place in the jury room, as each juror deliberates the fate of a young man accused of murder. While 11 of the jurors enter the room convinced of his guilt, one is not. The lone juror slowly persuades the pool to pick apart the evidence piece-by-piece, and what follows is fascinating.

Director Sheldon Epps stayed true to the original production, except for casting six black actors on the jury, including lead actor Jason George, who is known mostly for his television work (see ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Mistresses’). George’s approach to the role was less subtle and more determined than his predecessors, almost bordering on smug. It’s a near impossible task to portray subtlety on stage, especially when the lead is fighting for something with consistent conviction. I would have preferred a more understated performance, but he certainly had a steep hill to climb. As for Gregory North, he was nothing short of brilliant. He’s the antagonist to George’s character, and his unwavering insistence of the defendant’s guilt is simultaneously dogmatic and effortless.

There’s a few things of note in this production. First, it was a bold choice for Sheldon Epps to cast six black jurors, most notably Jason George as the lead. Though I applaud the monumental idea, it warrants some changes to the play that he didn’t make. For example, many of the jurors are unequivocally convinced of the young man’s guilt because of his race. Their racist stereotypes are at times boisterously expressed, a choice that seems unbelievable when surrounded by 6 other minorities. Even racists are rarely that bold about their bigotry, especially in this type of setting. If it were me, I would have kept the lines, but had one character whisper it to another, rather than yelling it in front of the others. The other option is to have the character look directly at one of the minorities when saying lines such as, “You know how those people are.” Without that change, the dialogue seems odd.

The other issue is the stage blocking and pacing. There needs to be pauses in the dialogue to build the necessary tension for which this story is known. Without that, some of the biggest reveals in the play are blurred, and the epic reaction from the audience is lost.

Despite some minor failings, this play is worth seeing. It’s a classic story that is also unfortunately timeless. The same racist ideas and sad jury failings are just as prevalent today as they were many years ago, and the story is engaging throughout.

The play runs now through December 1st. Get your tickets HERE.

THE VERDICT: 3.5/5 DISHES

Ellen Pompeo Finally Talks About Katherine Heigl Drama

greys-anatomyThere’s a fine line between trash-talking and being honest, and in an interview with The New York Post, Ellen Pompeo mastered that delicate dance. When asked about Katherine Heigl’s much-talked-about exit, Pompeo said, “When Katie left, it was tough. You could understand why she wanted to go — when you’re offered $12 million a movie and you’re only 26. But Katie’s problem is that she should not have renewed her contract. She re-upped, took a big raise and then tried to get off the show. And then her movie career did not take off.” Pompeo’s insight is especially unique, given that she’s never talked about the controversy. As for Heigl, she’s still a victim of the backlash associated with her much maligned motormouth.

Sandra Oh Leaves Grey’s Anatomy — Goodbye, Dr. Yang

This news is devastating. Sandra Oh has officially declared her decision to leave Grey’s Anatomy when her contract expires at the end the upcoming season. Oh is an original cast member, and in my humble opinion — is the heart of the show. Her acting skills caught my attention in ‘Sideways,’ and she’s since solidified her chops with a character that is both strong and vulnerable, a delicate balance that only the best can achieve. Click HERE to read what series creator Shonda Rimes had to say about her departure, and watch the clip below to see Sandra Oh at her best.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 9 Episode 2 Sneak Peak — Recycled Storyline

Be careful, Grey’s Anatomy. If you don’t quickly abort ship with the Derek’s-bum-hand storyline, you’re tedering on copying your own Preston Burke’s-bum-hand storyline. I know it’s been some time and there’s only so many ways to write conflict, but this one seems way too close for comfort. Get creative and pull the plug quickly. Watch a preview of this Thursday’s show below.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 9 Promo — Did Anyone Survive?

The only thing clear about the promo for Season 9 of Grey’s Anatomy is that nothing is clear. My guess is that everyone else survives. Why? Because I don’t know any actors that would consent to a guest appearance after not having their contract renewed. Shonda Rimes would have had to terminate them at the end of last season. Watch the ridiculously vague promo below.

Grey’s Anatomy Finale — Owen Fires Teddy

The acting on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ is the best I’ve ever seen on television. Series creator Shonda Rimes resurrected it from the dead, and then effectively duplicated the quality of the first two seasons. It’s a task I’m not sure any other series has executed. Watch below to see Owen fire Teddy. As an aside, I really hope Kim Raver gets her own series. I loved her on ‘Lipstick Jungle’, and I loved her on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

Grey’s Anatomy Plane Crash Spoiler — Watch the First Seven Minutes

I’m not sure when Grey’s Anatomy became Lost, or how Shonda Rimes could dream up another catastrophe, but she’s done it again. As if a bomb in the hospital wasn’t enough? Watch the first seven minutes of tonight’s show below. Apparently one person dies — and if I had to place a bet — I’d put my money on Lexie. But that’s just me.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Addresses Abortion — Great Episode

I have to give Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rimes a lot of credit. There are very few shows that can climb out of a writing slump so successfully. The show has been completely resurrected, and it’s better than ever. In the scene below, watch the very gifted Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd discuss abortion.

Katherine Heigl Wants to Return to Grey’s Anatomy — Shonda Rimes Laughing?

When actors become breakout stars of a television series, they inevitably want out of their contract to star in movies. Studios get angry, actors become defiant, and finally, after a predicted media meltdown, the network and studio decide they would rather have to rewrite a story-line than deal with a difficult, unhappy actor. But the actor soon discovers that the movie business brings more fame than money, because offers, no matter how big, are few and far between. Such was the case with Katherine Heigl, who kicked and screamed her way off of Grey’s Anatomy until she was finally released from her contract. And like the many actors before her (see David Caruso) — she wants back in. Shonda Rimes is probably tickled pink.