Grey's Anatomy, Reba and The O.C

April 20, 2005

The best thing about writing a television column is that fellow tubers consistently suggest shows they want me to watch. Sometimes, the result is a stinker. (Hello, Father of the Pride.) Other times, bliss. (Jack & Bobby, you rock.)

This week I checked out a show that friends, colleagues and readers have urged - and in some cases bribed - me to watch. Here’s my take on Grey’s Anatomy.

I didn’t watch the first couple of episodes because the prospect of another procedural medical drama didn’t excite me. But after seeing the extraordinary ratings the show has been pulling and hearing friends rave about how good it is, I forced myself to tune in. Wow, am I glad I did.

Grey’s Anatomy has all the typical heartbreaking medical cases of any cookie-cutter medical drama, but unlike its contemporaries, it has the rare benefit of being character driven instead of plot driven. And these are some interesting characters. They’re witty and sharp-tongued. They effortlessly deliver some laugh-out-loud one-liners.

The show is named for lead character Meredith Grey, but it gives equal time to the supporting players. In a nutshell, Grey’s Anatomy explores the challenges young doctors face in a hospital and in their personal lives. The story is told with an underlying sarcasm and humor that culminates into compelling drama.

An added perk is ‘80s teen star Patrick Dempsey, who is all grown up as a flirty surgeon, and is more than intrigued with Grey.

I liked the show, despite that I’m bitter it took the slot of the brilliant dramedy Boston Legal. Grey’s Anatomy airs at 10 p.m. on Sundays on ABC. Check it out.

Reba - Did anyone else catch Dolly Parton on Reba last week? I’ve never watched the show before, but as a longtime fan of Parton, I had to check it out. The show itself wasn’t that memorable, but Parton was funny. And I’m convinced she’s discovered the fountain of youth. She looked amazing. It’s hard to believe she’s 59. No kidding. Her ridiculously small Barbie-doll waist would make even Scarlett O’Hara envious.

The O.C.- The O.C hit a creative sophomore slump this year, but it appears it’s on the way back to greatness. Billy Campbell has been a real addition to she show. And Tate Donovan is returning to Orange County as the likeable Jimmy Cooper. Add in the fact that Kirsten has been knocking back a little to much wine lately, and we have all the makings of good soapy drama. And how great was the ‘80s music this week? Last season it was Journey and last week, Poison and Whitesnake. Apparently, the writers of The O.C. are children of the ‘80s, too

Taxes - After joining all the other procrastinators on April 15 to deliver my signed tax return to the post office, I’m convinced a TV sitcom set in a post office would be hilarious primetime gold. Seriously folks, there’s a reason the term “going postal” made its way into mainstream English.

Originally published 4/20/05 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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