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SPOILER: Fancast preview
By Metriosity | October 28, 2009 | 
Fancast has released an little sneeky peek at what we can expect from this season, courtesy of Shonda Rhimes. Also a great pic of some of the cast (Derek, Owen, Arizona, Mark, Lexie and Cristina) we assume from Thursdays episode, the Derek centered arc.
Would the New York Yankees want to brave the World Series sans Jeter, A-Rod and Posada, three of their most tried-and-true starters? Not a chance. But when faced with a similar situation, Shonda Rhimes saw opportunity, not an obstacle.
With T.R. Knight not returning this season, Ellen Pompeo slated for maternity leave and Katherine Heigl taking time off to do a movie, the creator of ‘Grey’s Anatomy‘ had the unenviable task of tackling November sweeps episodes without three of her original cast members. But rather than entertain any anxiety, “We plunged right in,” Rhimes tells Fancast.com in an exclusive interview. “We knew this time was coming so we planned for it. And we were excited about it.”
As it would turn out, George’s death in the season opener in part fed Izzie’s decision to take fresh stock of her life and skedaddle out of Seattle after being fired. Pompeo’s “absence,” meanwhile, was deftly managed by pre-filming scenes that keep Mer in the mix throughout sweeps – starting this week when Derek (Patrick Dempsey) needs her most.
Add in a bevy of Mercy West transplants, and Rhimes spied a new canvas on which to paint. “We had come into this season already thinking of ways to change how we tell stories, to make it new and fresh and richer for the audience,” she says.
Perhaps no Season 6 episode demonstrated that thinking as clearly as last week’s, in which a patient’s unnecessary death was explored ‘Rashomon’-style. Another powerful hour arrives this Thursday when Derek goes toe-to-toe with the Chief, all in the name of performing possibly life-saving surgery on one of Seattle Grace’s own.
As opposed to years past, when for example a ferry accident would tee up big drama, “This season the ‘events’ are the episodes themselves,” says Rhimes.
“The journey that Derek is on started in the first episode of this season,” when the hospital board dangled the Chief’s job in front of Dr. Shepherd, Rhimes explains. The latest beat in that arc had Derek laying the blame for last week’s tragedy at the feet of his boss and the chaos created by the hospitals’ merger.
Examining Derek’s latest crisis of conscience as an elite surgeon, Rhimes says, “I always feel like it’s really wonderful to see him struggling with what he thinks he can do surgically and what is possible.”
Meredith’s husband (via Post-It note) ran into a similar wall this past spring, when he was dealt the double blow of losing a pregnant patient and learning that his clinical trial was a clunker. The result was somewhat of a nightmare for McDreamy fans, as the dynamic doctor went dark and came thisclose to quitting.
“He’s been sort of perfect for a while,” notes Rhimes, “so it’s nice to get a chance to mess him up.” Another reason for serving up such storytelling: “Patrick [Dempsey] does an amazing job with it,” Rhimes beams. “I really enjoy watching him.”
Speaking of tinkering with something that’s perfect, does Rhimes foresee the ‘Grey’s’ ensemble as emerging from the merger storyline looking markedly different? Could any of the remaining new residents – played by Nora Zehetner, Jesse Williams and Robert Baker – prove to be keepers?
While a source tells Fancast that at least one of those three will be around for a minimum of three more episodes, Rhimes says, “We’re not really approaching it from that point of view at this point.”
Alluding to past hits (such as Jessica Capshaw’s Arizona and Eric Dane’s McSteamy) and misses (Brooke Smith’s Dr. Erica Hahn), she notes, “Sometimes we keep our guest actors… and sometimes we don’t.”
Source: Fancast.
Thank you to Megan for sending us this!
So what do you think of this interview Gabblers? Do you agree that Arizona and McSteamy are hits while Hahn was a miss? I know there are a few commeiehg in tiing in the shadows who would want to weigh in on that one! And what do you think of how McDreamy’s storyline might progress?
Take it easy! 
Topics: Blogger: Metriosity, Derek Shepherd, Gossip, Guest Stars, Patrick Dempsey, Pics / Scans / Videos, Promos & Sneaks, Reviews / Podcasts / Blogs, SPOILER ALERT, Season 6, Shonda Rhimes | 9 Comments » |
October 28th, 2009 at 05:06
I always think that Derek’s storylines are perfect xD but now, wow, more exciting than ever! I love how se struggle with himself! Love dark and twisty McDreamy
Just.. Love!
October 28th, 2009 at 05:19
So far, I want them to keep Jackson. He’s very pretty
October 28th, 2009 at 05:49
You know, after thinking about it, I don’t think Jessica Capshaw was a good addition to the cast. I mean, she doesn’t really bring anything to her performance or to the show. Such a waste… NOT!! She is by far, my favorite addition to the cast since Sara Ramirez. Not only do I love them together, but seperately they’re just as fantastic! Love them.
And I’ve never been a huge fan of Derek, I like him don’t get me wrong, but I can’t wait for the episode this week. Patrick is such a great actor, and I love when we get to see him in the spotlight. As for the newbies, I still don’t really like them, but I have a feeling Jackson will be the one to stay out of the three left. We’ll just have to wait and see I guess.
October 28th, 2009 at 06:14
this ep. should be interesting…and im interested to kno wut a peeds surgon has to do with a brain surgon this week hmmmmmmmmmmm…cant wait!!
October 28th, 2009 at 06:20
I think Jessica Capshaw, Sara Ramirez and Kevin McKidd are the best addition to the cast =)
October 28th, 2009 at 08:08
I think Jessica Capshaw is a good addition but lets not say Brooke Smith was a miss! Come on she played Hahn amazingly and then got fired for portraying the character the way she was written!!
October 28th, 2009 at 09:35
I sure love Arizona!
October 28th, 2009 at 21:22
Hahn was definetely a miss.. by far the most annoying character ever on the show… but dont get me wrong.. Brooke Smith did a great job with the role but still Hahn leaving was a pleasure to watch!
I looove Arizona and McSteamy!!
November 2nd, 2009 at 17:26
I agree with Joan! I really disliked Hahn, but Brooke Smith did do an excellent job. McSteamy and Addison have been my favourite editions for sure, I wish Addison had stayed! I think Arizona is awesome too.