Grey’s Anatomy

Are any of you guys following the Writers Guild of America Strike? I’ve been keeping a pretty close eye on it and it looks as though television as we know it is about to come to a screeching halt. Most scripted television shows will be able to show new episodes until January and then we’ll be inundated with reality television. Yesterday, the cast of Grey’s Anatomy, including Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, James Pickens Jr., Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Justin Chambers and TR Knight spent their lunch break on the picket line with the writers.

The cast was finishing up shooting the last scripted episode of Grey’s. According to TR Knight, “We’re supposed to be going until the end of May and right now our last shooting day will be Tuesday or Wednesday. As actors, we’re paid a different way than the writers, but there’s also the crew to keep in mind. They are out of work as of next Wednesday.” Katherine Heigl said, “You’ve got to have a story. You’ve got to have a story in order to perform anything, to have any ideas on where to go and what to do, and where the character, story lines, arcs, everything. They’re everything. We can’t do it without them.”

The strike started on Monday when the Writers Guild of America and Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers couldn’t reach an agreement on payment for writers for work sold on the Internet. The strike looks to be a long one as no new negotiations have been scheduled. The last Writer’s Guild strike was in the late eighties and cost the industry half a billion dollars. This strike is expected to last many months and cost the industry close to a billion dollars. Crew members will be out of work without pay. Patrick Dempsey told the media that this fact upsets him “profoundly, but at the same time the writers deserve a better break.” The cast of ER is planning to raise money for their affected crew members to help them pay their mortgages and car payments. This is such a sad situation all around. Hunker down, y’all, television is about to get really depressing.

Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey, Ellen Pompeo, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, James Pickens Jr., Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Justin Chambers, TR Knight

Ready for it? Joshua Jackson known to many as Pacey on Dawson’s Creek will be joining Grey’s Anatomy for “several episodes” beginning with episode 11 this season. Word on the street is he’ll be playing a doctor. Hmm….wonder if the might be a love interest for someone? Perhaps Meredith? Because, meanwhile, much to the chagrin of Meredith and Derek fans, Derek will be getting a new potential love interest. Lauren Stamile of The WB’s Off Centre will have a major recurring role playing opposite Patrick Dempsey. No one knows for sure yet that she will be his love interest, but I’m guessing she will be.

So what do you think of all the guest stars, recurring roles and new characters this season? At first I wasn’t too sold on Edward Herman as Norman. I particularly didn’t like him working with Alex. But after last week’s episode and his fun interaction with Meredith, I hope he sticks around for quite a while. And I like Lexie. I like that Lexie and Derek are becoming friends (even if Meredith doesn’t like it). She’s the anti-Meredith – the bright and shiny Meredith - the Meredith that wasn’t rejected by her father and wasn’t raised by the harsh Ellis Grey. Lexie’s presence provides a good balance for the show. I’m very interested to see those two develop some kind of relationship. And it looks like Lexie and George will be friends. And of course Elizabeth Reaser comes back this week. I think most of us are very excited to see how her story plays out with Alex.

Thoughts?

Grey’s Anatomy, Edward Hermann, Joshua Jackson, Lauren Stamile, Elizabeth Reaser

Well, I already told you that Patrick Dempsey was on the cover of this week’s Entertainment Weekly Photo Issue. And low and behold on Justin Chambers and Elizabeth Reaser are on the cover of this week’s TV Guide! October is definitely the month of magazine covers for our friends at Seattle Grace. In the article, Justin and Elizabeth talk about their on screen relationship and (spoiler alert!) it sounds like the two are definitely going to hook up on the Halloween episode. Series creator Shonda Rhimes told TV Guide that Alex will grow up and fight for what he wants this season. Elizabeth Reaser has signed on for an undisclosed number of episodes, so looks like she’ll be sticking around. One question, though, what about her kid? Oh yeah, and her husband? I’ll post the picture as soon as I can find it. It is so new it isn’t even on TV Guide’s site yet!

And Katherine Heigl graces the cover of In Style. Depending on which issue you got, she either appeared as a brunette or the blonde Heigl. In the article she says, “In a town of blondes, going brunette is a little more exotic, but my producers won’t let me do it.”

And Kate Walsh is on the cover of the October Marie Claire magazine. She talks about her wedding and how excited she is for her new show Private Practice. All of this publicity can only mean good things, right? I know some of us have been ambivalent about this season so far, but I have a feeling some good stuff is just around the corner. And as long as Patrick Dempsey keeps showing up in my mailbox, Entertainment Weekly can count on a lifetime subscriber!

Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Justin Chambers, Elizabeth Reaser, Kate Walsh, Katherine Heigl

In case you missed the memo, this just in – Patrick Dempsey, aka Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy is HOT. As in, slap your momma hot. Or dead sexy. Or whatever other term you can come up with for hot. Patrick graces the cover of this week’s Entertainment Weekly. This week’s issue is the annual Entertainment Weekly Photo issue and my oh my did they pick some good ones of Mr. Dempsey. The photos were shot by James White and were inspired by Steve McQueen.

In the interview Patrick talks about his upcoming movies. Up first is the fairy tale Enchanted where he literally plays Prince Charming (a single, divorced father) that falls for a cartoon princess (Amy Adams) who comes to life. The movie will be out in time for Thanksgiving and should boost Patrick’s career even more.

As for Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick says, ”I’d like to see him marry Meredith, all the relationships on the show are deeply flawed, but I think there should be a healthy one to be found somewhere.” He also admits he’s quite amused by the “McDreamy” catch phrase. And he admits that his on screen work on the show is getting a bit repetitive. His next Movie is Made of Honor where he plays his best friend’s male bridesmaid in an attempt to win her love. All of his work is leading to one end; he wants to move back to rural New England and race cars and only act when he wants to act. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen for some time because I sure would miss his pretty, scruffy face, wouldn’t you?

I love how awesome Patrick is, too, you know. I’m just saying, it ain’t all about his looks. ha!

Source

Patrick Dempsey, Grey’s Anatomy, Steve McQueen

Over the summer I wrote about Patrick Dempsey visiting The Children’s Hospital of Alabama. While he was there he visited a patient named Addison Sewell. Addison is battling leukemia. Patrick was in the Birmingham area racing his car over at Barber Motorsports Park and he dropped by to pay her a visit. I know I posted it before, but check out the super cute video.

During his visit Addison gave him an orange bracelet that her friends and family wear to support her. The bracelet has her name embossed and it also says, “Stay Strong.” Patrick promised to wear it during the second episode of season four of Grey’s Anatomy. Guess what folks? He’s a man of his word and he wore it last Thursday night during the “Love/Addiction” episode! You could easily see it during his first scene – where he was talking with the Chief about the surgery board. The Birmingham local ABC Affiliate ABC 33/40 interviewed Addison in a piece that aired after the episode was shown. Once again, I just have to say how much I love Patrick Dempsey. It’s so nice to see stars that are good people that do good things.

I only had one comment on the “Love/Addiction” recap. An informal poll of discussing it with my friends shows that overall the episode was enjoyable. I’m hoping the show has turned a corner and won’t head back down that dark and twisty path that it did the entire second half of last season. I have missed the fun and the FUNNY. I’m hopeful that Shonda Rhimes will keep her promise of trying to balance the drama and the fun this season.

Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey, Shonda Rhimes

USA Today has an excellent article on Grey’s Anatomy. It is a bit spoilerish, but mostly it has a few fun quotes from the actors. Check it out.

Grey’s Anatomy

WOW! Color me surprised (but happy)! Katherine Heigl picked up a win for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama at the Emmy’s last night. I loved her speech - it was heartfelt and funny. The funniest moment came before her big win when she presented an award with Kyle Chandler and they said her name wrong. Walking up to the mic, she immediately corrected them. When they announced her name (correctly) for winning, she looked at her mother and said, “sh–” causing the telecast to bleep the sound out for a moment. Her Grey’s family stood and clapped for her and fellow nominee Chandra Wilson blew her kisses during her speech. Too cute. Congratulations!

In other Emmy news - Patrick Dempsey looked very, very nice.

Unfortunately, Kate Walsh rocked a great dress, but instead of her normal hair, she brought along a red ferret that tried desperately to escape from her ear.

And Ellen Pompeo also suffered the wrath of a bad stylist trying to make a statement. Sandra Oh looked great, though.

Chandra Wilson looked fierce. (I’m assuming this is her husband, but I couldn’t confirm it).

TR Knight gave BFF Katie a nice big hug before she accepted her Emmy.

Sara Ramirez was pretty in pink. (I know, cue eye rolls for stupid joke).

Eric Dane attended along with his wife Rebecca Gayheart. Here’s TR fixing his tie.

And of course creator Shonda Rhimes was in the house.

And yes, James Pickens was there, too, but I didn’t find a picture.

Grey’s Anatomy, Emmys, Katherine Heigl, Kyle Chandler, Shonda Rhimes, TR Knight, Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, Patrick Dempsey, James Pickens, Eric Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, Sara Ramirez, Kate Walsh

One of my favorite things about Grey’s Anatomy is the music. They always manage to match the perfect song with the perfect scene. I’ve become a huge Anna Nalick and Jem fan since hearing them first on the show. Next Tuesday, September 11, the third Grey’s soundtrack will drop. Here’s the tracklisting:

“Young Folks” - Peter Bjorn & John
“Again & Again” - The Bird And The Bee
“Something In The Water” - The Jealous Girlfriends
“Sealion Woman” - Feist
“A Cold Wind Will Blow Through Your Door” - Bill Ricchini
“Falling Or Flying” - Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
“Come To Me” - Koop
“Running On Sunshine” - Jesus Jackson
“Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” - Robert Randolph
“Million Faces” - Paolo Nutini
“Breathe In Breathe Out” - Mat Kearney
“Moon And Sun” - Gomez
“Sun Comes Up” - John Legend
“Keep Breathing” - Ingrid Michaelson
“The Story” - Brandi Carlile

If you buy it on iTunes, you’ll get these bonus tracks:
“The Great Escape” - Patrick Watson
“Black Cat John Brown” - Alamo Race Track

Or, if you don’t own the first two soundtracks, you can buy all three in a boxed set. Pretty cool.

Grey’s Anatomy, Grey’s Anatomy Soundtrack

As always, turn your eyes away if you don’t want to know!

From Mike at TV Guide:

Question: Do you have any good Grey’s Anatomy scoop?— Helen
Ausiello: Since Burke’s never coming back, Shonda Rhimes went and got the next best thing: his mama! Yep, Diahann Carroll’s returning in this season’s second episode when she shows up at Seattle Grace to get that choker back from Cristina. Needless to say, her return is shocking — and potentially clarifying — for Yang. It’s also funny as hell. In fact, I hear the entire episode is high-sterical. There’s also apparently some great stuff with Chandra Wilson as Bailey struggles with no longer being the boss lady.
Question: There’s a rumor going around that there’s a big Mer-Der sex scene set in a shower in Grey’s third episode. True?— Danny
Ausiello: False… although the word “bathroom” is uttered at least once in the episode.
Question: Have you heard anything about Edward Herrmann’s character on Grey’s Anatomy?— Siobhan
Ausiello: I hear Grandpa Gilmore’s playing the world’s oldest intern.

Ok, I LOVE that Mama is coming back and I also love that Ed will be an intern! YEA!

Grey’s Anatomy

Kate Walsh is reportedly getting married this weekend. According to Just Jared:

According to People, Kate, 39, and Alex, 36, will marry over Labor Day Weekend at California’s Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. According to their source, wedding planner Jo Gartin will help kick off the three-day event with a rehearsal dinner on Friday and end with a post-wedding brunch on Sunday. The Saturday reception will reportedly be held outdoors at the inn’s Casa Elar, a Spanish-style estate, where the pool will be covered to accommodate some 110 guests.

If this is true, hopefully we’ll see some great pictures next week!

Kate Walsh, Grey’s Anatomy

All you TR Knight fans can breathe easier. Rumors have swirled that TR only signed on for 12 episodes this season. Not true, according to E! I have a feeling he’ll stay put - who wouldn’t with that salary hike?

Grey’s Anatomy, TR Knight

Sara Ramirez is currently appearing in print ads for the ubiquitous Got Milk ad campaign. The tag on the ad says “Great Anatomy.” Nice and clever, huh?

Sara Ramirez, Grey’s Anatomy

Look away now if you don’t want to know!

Ava (Elizabeth Reaser) will be back on Grey’s Anatomy this season. Hmmm…maybe Alex will have a love interest after all. No word on how many episodes she’ll be in yet.

Grey’s Anatomy, Elizabeth Reaser

Katherine Heigl walked the red carpet in LA yesterday for the premiere of her new movie Knocked Up. Kate Walsh and Sara Ramirez showed up in support of Katherine. Here are some super cute pictures. Enjoy!

Katherine and fiancée Josh Kelley

“No seriously, I’m totally engaged, too! I’m just as engaged as Kate Walsh is, y’all!”

Sara Ramirez supporting Katherine.
Callie would NOT approve.

Kate Walsh and new fiancée Alex Young

“Seriously, he’s mine, bitches. Back off.”

Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl, Josh Kelly, Kate Walsh, Alex Young, Sara Ramirez

TV Guide has spoken to Isaiah Washington’s rep and it looks as though Preston Burke may be back next season. His rep told the AP “We fully expect to be back. The deal’s not done, but we have no reason to believe he won’t be putting on the scrubs.”

We have a long summer to wait and find out.

Isaiah Washington, Grey’s Anatomy