Grey’s Anatomy

Well, it is really, truly official. Grey’s Anatomy’s TR Knight will not be returning to the show. Here’s his official statement: “Leaving Grey’s Anatomy was not an easy decision for me to make. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this character and will miss my fellow cast and crew very much. I continue to wish them the very best, and wholeheartedly thank all of the fans who have supported me and the show with such passion and enthusiasm.”
And Grey’s Anatomy’s creator Shonda Rhimes, also issued a statement about Knight’s exit, “I think I speak for the entire Grey’s Anatomy family when I say we wish T.R. Knight the best in his future endeavors. He is an incredibly talented actor and a person whose strength of character is admired by all of us.”

I’m so sad about this news! George O’Malley will be sorely missed.

Grey’s Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes, TR Knight

Considering the fact that Grey’s Anatomy just lost original cast member TR Knight as lovable intern George O’Malley, there are a few holes to fill in the (still large) cast. Jessica Capshaw was just promoted to series regular.

Dr. Arizona Roberts will be sticking around now. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise. With Knight’s departure, there was a hole to fill. Shonda Rhimes recently went on record saying, “I love Jessica Capshaw, and when I say love I mean love. She couldn’t be a more wonderful person, and I feel like the chemistry Arizona and Callie have feels like the Meredith and Derek chemistry to me. I find them delightful to watch.”

What do you think? Are you excited that Callie’s girlfriend is sticking around this season?

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Jessica Capshaw, Shonda Rhimes, TR Knight, Grey’s Anatomy

Well, as an avid fan of Grey’s Anatomy since day one, I am not surprised that this day has come, but I’m still so sad about it. The rumors are indeed true. TR Knight will not be returning as George O’Malley on Grey’s Anatomy.

We’ve all heard the rumors for most of last season that TR was very unhappy on the show. Insiders whispered that he was disappointed with his lack of screen. We all know about the ridiculousness of the Isaiah Washington incident and things seemed to go south from there. It was rumored that Knight and series creator/writer Shonda Rhimes didn’t get along and that’s why she put his character on the back burner.

As a result, Knight asked to be released from the final three years of his contract. Michael Ausiello at EW revealed today that the deal was finalized in the past day or two and TR has been released from his contract. Ausiello says Knight is mulling a return to Broadway in 2010 in Lend Me A Tenor.

No more George. Knight apparently turned down an offer to appear in 3 episodes next season. Many fans have wondered if the character of George would live on with another actor courtesy of Sloan’s plastic surgery. But Rhimes was quoted as saying that idea is “hilarious and ridiculous.” It looks as though we finally have some closure on this particular rumor mill.

I’m going to sorely miss George.

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Grey’s Anatomy, TR Knight, Shonda Rhimes

This is for all the hardcore MerDer fans out there! As we saw in last week’s episode (recap soon), Izzie is planning Meredith and Derek’s wedding. And now Izzie has created a wedding website to keep us posted on the upcoming nupitals of Dark and Twisty and McDreamy. Check the site out here. Enjoy!

Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith and Derek

Ellen Pompeo and husband Chris Ivery announced that they are expecting their first child. Pompeo’s agent said “It is great news, they are ecstatic!” Ellen’s onscreen little sister Lexie, played by Chyler Leigh is also expecting. Leigh is set to give birth in mid-May to her third child, a girl.

So the big question is, will they hide Meredith’s growing bump like they did Lexie’s? Or will there be a McBaby on the way???

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Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen Pompeo, Chyler Leigh

This bit of casting news, courtesy of Michael Ausiello, makes my day! As a longtime fan of Gilmore Girls (and former writer of the 451 Press blog about the show), I’m stoked to let fellow Girls fans know that Liza Weil will be guest starring on Grey’s Anatomy in the season finale. Liza famously played Rory’s one time nemesis turned BFF Paris Gellar. Paris was honestly one of my favorite things about the show and memorably gave one the best freaking out speeches ever uttered on television: “I’m not going to Harvard. I had sex, but I’m not going to Harvard…Pack up that chastity belt, Gilmore, you’re going to Harvard!” Weil will guest star as a cancer patient on Grey’s that crosses paths with cancer stricken Izzie.

Also, another one of my favorite all times shows, Everwood is sending one of its alums to Grey’s. The fabulous Debra Mooney will play Owen’s mom. She will also be appearing in the two hour season finale. Grey’s is on a role, y’all! Can’t wait to see the final batch of episodes!

Fans of Grey’s Anatomy super couple Meredith and Derek, aka “Dark and Twisty” and “McDreamy” have been longsuffering over the past five seasons. The back and forth of their relationship has been at the heart of the show. There have been many, many complications over the years – Addison, the Vet, George, near drowning and most recently depression and quitting jobs. But through it all, the fans have still clamored for Meredith and Derek to end up together.

Last weeks’ episode gave MerDer fans a reason to rejoice. Finally, on the third try, Derek proposed to Meredith in the elevator in a romantic grand gesture. It was a much needed happy moment in an overall heavy episode. I was glad to see it. And Shonda Rhimes revealed at the party for the 100th episode that the May 7th milestone episode will take place on Meredith and Derek’s wedding day. But do they go through with it? I certainly hope this one doesn’t end like Cristina and Burke’s…

Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith and Derek, Shonda Rhimes

No, I’m not going to play a nasty trick on you like I did last year. Can you believe I am STILL getting terrified comments about that one? Yikes.

Mainly I want to discuss Izzie. What do we think guys? Is she staying or going? Do you want her to stay or go?

I completely believe that Grey’s has finally turned a corner and is back on track. I know most of us were ambivalent about the first part of the season. And definitely there was a mixed reaction to the dead Denny storyline. But now that Izzie has been diagnosed and is being treated, the show feels like its emotional center is back on track. The Izzie story is impacting everyone – from George to Derek to even the Chief. I’m anxious to see what the conclusion of it is.

Meanwhile, Katherine Heigl may not be so sure she wants to leave the show after all. Many news outlets picked up her statements of uncertainty. But, really, is there any way she could not know what is going to happen to Izzie? There are contracts to be signed and storylines to wrap up. So even though she said, “I was assuming that [my character's days were numbered] at one point and I got a lot of shrugged shoulders and shakes of the head, so I don’t know if that’s a yes or a no. No one will tell me and I don’t know how this is going to go. I don’t know if I live or die. I don’t know how Izzie fares” I’m not buying that she doesn’t know. And I’m starting to think that some of this has been planned to keep the fans guessing.

What do you think? And do you want Izzie to stay or go?

Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl, Shonda Rhimes

Word is out that veteran television actress Sharon Lawrence will be making an appearance on Grey’s later this season as Izzie’s mother. Lawrence was last seen as Megan’s MIA mother on the CW’s Priveleged. You might recognize Lawrence from her NYPD Blue, Desperate Housewives and a host of other television shows.

As we learned last week, Izzie is suffering from skin cancer that has spread to her brain and liver. It’s widely rumored that actress Katherine Heigl will be making her exit from Grey’s Anatomy this season, hence the visit from Izzie’s mother. If you remember, Izzie comes from a “trailer park” background, so I’ll be interested to see what direction they take the character of her mother.

And I still don’t want Izzie to die. It just seems too morbid for a show that already walks a fine line between morbid and drama. If she has to leave, just send her away for treatment somewhere and let her come back for sweeps next year. Just a thought.

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Grey’s Anatomy, Sharon Lawrence, Katherine Heigl

WOW! This is very cool news. Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey’s Anatomy will spend part of her summer hiatus from Grey’s playing Matron Mama Morton in the hit Broadway musical Chicago. But not to worry Grey’s fans – this is only a four week stint and not a permanent move. Wilson will be in the show from Monday, June 8 through Sunday, July 5.

Wilson began performing in musicals at the age of five and has appeared in Caroline, or Change on Broadway. And has since gone on to perform in numerous plays and on television. Her work has earned her three Emmy nominations. Grey’s fans have had the privilege of hearing Wilson sing on the show.

I personally would love to see her in Chicago! I bet she will be fantastic!

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Grey’s Anatomy, Chandra Wilson

I’m not the biggest fan of actress Jessica Capshaw. I don’t know what it is about her, but she just irritates me. I didn’t like her on The Practice, and I don’t like her on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Arizona Robbins. But, I guess I should get used to her because Capshaw his signed a contract to stay on the show.

The contract she signed has her appearing in all the remaining episodes this season with the option for her to return as a full fledged series regular in the fall. So, I guess this means she will be a more featured character now. And I’d assume this means her storyline with Callie will heat up.

I don’t know. Personally, I’d much rather the show focus on the core interns that it used to revolve around – Meredith, Izzie, Cristina, Alex and George. But with Izzie and George possibly leaving, that does leave some holes. But really, we’re talking about a show that without those two will still have Meredith, Derek, Cristina, Owen, Alex, Mark, Lexie, Bailey, the Chief and Callie. Isn’t that a big enough cast? Seattle Grace seems to be getting a wee bit crowded.

Grey’s Anatomy, Jessica Capshaw, Seattle Grace

We finally have an answer. So turn your head if you don’t want to know. As you recall, months ago news broke that Izzie would be diagnosed with a brain tumor this season. When point blank asked if this was true, series creator Shonda Rhimes said, “no.” Well, cut to months later when fans were left scratching their heads over the dead Denny’s return.

Now Justin Chambers, who plays Alex on the show, has told TV Guide Canada that Izzie has cancer. “Izzie has cancer, so I’m there to support her…I would expect Alex to shut down a little bit if something awful happens to Izzie, but these are opportunities to see his chivalrous side and his true love for her, so there should be some interesting stuff coming up.” I’m not surprised by this news at all. I think everyone guessed it would be cancer, an aneurysm or something of the sort. What remains to be seen is if Izzie will die from it. We all know Katherine Heigl wants off the show, but as of yet her departure hasn’t been confirmed.

So what do you think about this development? Does it forgive the weeks of having dead Denny around with no explanation?

Grey’s Anatomy, Justin Chambers, Shonda Rhimes, Katherine Heigl

Rumors have been swirling for months that both Katherine Heigl and TR Knight want off of Grey’s Anatomy. Now, sadly, it looks as though their wishes might be coming true. Cast member James Pickens – aka the Chief confirmed to Us Weekly that both actors are leaving Grey’s Anatomy.

Yes, she is,” Pickens said when asked if Heigl was checking out of Seattle Grace. “Wherever Katherine goes, I wish her nothing but the best.” And what about Knight? “He’s going too,” Pickens said. “He just wanted to pursue other career paths.”

Wow. What a blow to the show. I cannot believe that they are going to lose two original cast members at the same time! Ausiello claims insider sources say that the exit deals are not finalized yet, but it is just a matter of when.

I’m so bummed. What about you?

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Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl, TR Knight, James Pickens

Well, it seems as though we get some scoop on cast members coming and going on Grey’s Anatomy every other week. The latest news is that guest star Melissa George will be ending her stint as Meredith’s pre-Cristina BFF, Sadie. Melissa was originally scheduled to appear in four episodes. Producers and fans were so pleased with her performance that they extended her contract for four more episodes, bringing her total up to eight.

The original plan was for Sadie to start a relationship with Callie. But now that Sadie is leaving, that won’t happen. Melissa is shooting her final episode this week. Jessica Capshaw, aka Dr. Arizona is the next in line to hook up with Callie. Or that’s the rumor, at least. What do you think? Will you miss Sadie? I do admit, I liked her presence for no other reason that she was a link to Meredith’s past. I was hoping we’d find out more about a pre-Seattle Grace Mer, but I guess not.

Melissa George, Grey’s Anatomy

Two big television events are occurring tonight – the BCS National Championship game for college football matching Oklahoma and Florida and the return of Grey’s Anatomy. Which one will you watch?

Well, if you’re reading this blog, I’m assuming you’ll be watching Grey’s and flipping over to get that score during commercials. Tonight’s new episode will be the first appearance of Eric Stolz as a serial killer sentenced to death row. He will arrive at Seattle Grace with critical injuries. Stolz occasionally directs episodes of the show. Eric gave TV Guide an interesting interview and mentions a bit about what might happen during his three episode arc.

TVGuide.com: There’s a bit of a disconnect between “Eric Stoltz” and “serial killer.” One, are you glad there’s that disconnect? And two, do you think it helps you bring something different to the role?
Eric Stoltz: [Laughs] Yes, I am happy that I really don’t have much in common with killers. Absolutely. But, that being said, it’s always bracing to explore what I might actually have in common with them underneath at all. Throughout the course of the day, I do have impulses to lash out at someone or to ram the car that took my parking space or yell at the cab that splashed water on me. But because I’m living in society and want to be a good person, I don’t let those impulses out.
TVGuide.com: Is your character, William, remorseful at all?
Stoltz: You think he might have some remorse, but he could also be playing at having remorse, in order to get what he wants. Sociopaths tend to be pretty good actors. Nobody had any idea what Ted Bundy was up to for a long time.
TVGuide.com: To be clear, this story arc isn’t about whether William could get loose and go on a rampage in the hospital, but to what lengths the doctors should go to save his life, right?
Stoltz: Either of those [stories] could come to be. You never know, it’s [Grey's creator] Shonda Rhimes!
TVGuide.com: Does William’s case present divisive moral and ethical dilemmas for the doctors?
Stoltz: Absolutely. When someone on death row is brought to a hospital, doctors are confronted with their own ethical code. “Is it right to save the life of someone who has done so much bad in the world?” “What is a doctor’s job and how should one respond to this situation?” It presents a lot of interesting, rich things for all these talented actors to play with.
TVGuide.com: Particularly toward the end of your arc, you have a lot of scenes with Ellen Pompeo. Does William create any sort of drama for Meredith and/or her relationship with Derek?
Stoltz: Yes, I certainly insinuate myself into their relationship and am the source of not a little strife.
TVGuide.com: Is he a charmer despite his “shortcomings”?
Stoltz: I would like to think so!
TVGuide.com: Of course you would. What was it like becoming a part of the very Grey’s cast you raved about the last time we spoke?
Stoltz: It was a joy. They didn’t hesitate to knock me down a few pegs and remind me that I am no longer directing them.
TVGuide.com: Will there be any sort of body count during your three-episode run?
Stoltz: Uh, possibly!
TVGuide.com: OK, give us one last super-vague tease that won’t make Shonda angry.
Stoltz: [Laughs] I’ve probably already said too much.

Grey’s Anatomy, Eric Stolz, Shonda Rhimes

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