Reading this review some of you may draw the conclusion that I don’t like Grey’s or that as a minimum I’m picky and pedantic. So be it. The truth is I love this show, it’s been good to me and for me these last 10 years but I seem to live in a state of perpetual disappointment with it at the moment. There are so many great actors, writers and directors involved but week after week at least one of that triangle is lacking. I fear that this week our writers were struggling with the vast amount of story telling needing to be told. We were short changed on most story lines in a similar way to the second half of season seven.
Note: I mostly refer to writers in the plural in reviews when discussing storylines because these are generally multi-episode and thus are built by the collective of writers. I think the ‘collective’ have struggled to deliver the amount of stories they’ve had to tell. This episode however is not poorly written by the individual, Austin Guzman, but he struggles to maintain the balance so we get unsatisfying time jumps, too much story told off screen and flashbacks. It's rather a messy litter tray.
“Take it Back” was not a bad episode. It was mostly enjoyable, but I fear this is only because I am that loyal fan that will remain optimistic despite declining passion by the makers.
So let’s start with the brilliant stuff. And I do mean brilliant. Justin Chambers and James Remar. What a shame we only ever had a handful of episodes with these two wonderful sparring partners. We’ve seen a great deal of death on this show but rarely have we seen one as uncomfortable as this. Jimmy’s death was real, bittersweet and brilliantly portrayed. Alex’s heart is hidden beneath layers of carbine, created by his lost relationship with his absent father, but even he could not let his dad die without hope of closure. Was this Alex or the doctor in him? This was by far the very best Alex moment in the last five seasons, probably since Izzie.
And this makes me angry. Shame on you Shonda for forcing us to wait so long to dig into Alex.
Unfortunately the other side of this story is the farcical continuation of the Alex/Jo show, by way of a proposal that wasn’t actually a proposal (two proposals in one episode...well well well). Jolex is fast becoming the Slexie 2.0 without the chemisty (no, there is no chemistry between these two actors, any chemistry you see is merely the oasis of Alex finally finding love in a very dry desert) or the charisma of Mark Sloan. The older attending with the younger resident was not a story that deserved repeating and if it is repeated they should have improved upon it, and they haven’t. I want to say that I can’t see Alex and Jo going the distance but I feel that Shondaland will persist with it and force this pairing forward.
The second element of the show that really worked well came in the Jackson and April package. Though I’ve always liked the character of April Kepner, I have never been a fan of Jackson but even I can see that this couple do work. The clichéd ‘I love you’ cliff hanger at the mid season hiatus didn’t work for me but the romance and passion that oozed out of these two in 10.13 has not been seen on this show for some time. (If you’re still smarting at me for dissing Jolex, then think about the comprehensive slow burn satisfying way they developed Jackson and April over time and then think about the way they manipulated and manufactured Alex and Jo to be together almost instantly). Indeed, I was swept off my feet. April Kepner has always been the strong character that the writers haven’t made the most of, however, in 10.13 they finally brought her to the big table. I’m guessing that with the departure of Sandra Oh, the producers have to start casting the understudies in lead roles.
Now...perhaps I’m out of touch with Grey’s gossip so please fill me in...when is ABC going to offer Jason George a regular contract? The man is good. How is it he’s been hanging around our lovely Bailey for years now but we only ever get bits of him, small snippets, tasters. I know he has other commitments...has he made a commitment to Grey’s? The idea of a ‘big dog’ in the puppy kennels is very amusing and I love that he fronted up to Bailey finally and is staying at GSM as a surgical resident. Jason, you have such a great character and you’re such a great actor, please stay.
Ps. You’re hot too, and there’s a dearth of hot men on Grey’s at the moment.
Pause for a moment to miss Mark.
I’m done with the good bits, let’s move onto the car crash.
Meredith and Cristina have made up, have they? Did I miss it? I only know they made up because mid hiatus I saw a tweet from Shonda telling us they made up because apparently I wasn’t the only one who missed the fact that they made up in 10.12. What a let down that storyline was. I was all for a dagger shoved in their friendship right up to season finale. Actually what I really wanted was a true recognition that these two ladies have changed so much since they started their residency and that friendships must adapt and change to survive. I think I got wallpaper over cracks. The fact that these characters are now happily operating together and intervening when Alex wanted to kill Shane is good entertainment, but it’s too safe. Once upon a time Grey’s wasn’t safe. When did it become so?
Speaking of Shane. Am I the only one who thinks that Shane filed the complaints? There was a working assumption that it was a ‘she’. There are two ways this story will go – one, it will be the second half of the season story, and therefore run through many of the doctors’ stories. Two – focus will be on it for one or two episodes before business as usual. I hope it’s the former.
Shane is the most obvious resident on the basis that he is actually not a nice guy. I say that unobjectively because I don’t like the character but I also think it's true. Where are his redeeming qualities? On what basis would we/could we/should we 'like' this character. The drama will be higher if it's the least suspected. He actually initiated the benefits relationship with Cristina. This could be Cristina’s big ‘end’ story...the thing that motivates her to leave.
Yes, in theory, all of the residents could potentially complain on the basis of all three points, however:
Jo – is in love with Alex and vice versa. Their story is really the non-proposal.
Stephanie – not sure she’d go up against the Averys. She’s too broken hearted.
Leah – so much of her liaison with Arizona was off-screen that it’s difficult to feel the power behind the story, despite the fact that she is the most obvious candidate.
I could be wrong – and as you will all know, I frequently am J It’s probably the most obvious resident and the least complex story.
Did you all notice that Owen The Aggressor is back? I guess it was only a matter of time before he put in an appearance. His gentle softly softly approach has been his mask for some time now. Mask. The theme of the show. Actually it wasn’t, it was about choices and making big decisions and all of our doctors were doing this – marriage, jobs, houses – but the episode was also about hiding ourselves behind the masks we wear. The cat was more than light entertainment. Owen came out from under his mask, to reveal his true self and his feelings. Arizona’s comment about ‘regreting the decision in a year’ was a long awaited openness. Jackson and April continue to hide. Shane was unmasked by Alex. Alex had a temporary one only to remove it again by the end. This metaphor worked for me better than the big decisions because it seems to dig a bit deeper.
A quick mention for the other two stories going on which barely registered on the radar.
Derek and the President? There are two flaws with this story which bother me – firstly I am annoyed that the only thing that can trump Meredith is the highest power in the land. Really? Secondly the writers had to find a flaw in Derek but they really didn’t. He was a kid in high school and made a bad tackle. Derek even tells us that both of them were aggressive players, therefore telling the audience that his action was partially justified. A better flaw would be making a bad tackle while at college as an adult, where he can justifiably take some responsibility. That would provide him with a dent in his armour I could believe in. As it is his guilt is misguided, though generous. Just like with Webber they are struggling to find good stories for Derek and this little flaw is not cutting it with me.
Callie and Arizona – I’m so confused by this story. They’re on. They’re off. They buy a house in three weeks. The confusion continued with Arizona’s line “it’s not my home anymore”. I can believe that, however recalling Callie’s words about moving out of HER apartment after Arizona slept with Lauren I might question whether it was ever her home.
I didn’t hate this episode honestly, but it’s not one I will choose to watch again. No, I will watch the Alex bits again and again, especially the death bed scene. It reminds me of the dark twisted Grey’s of yesteryear. I vote for an Alex Karev, paediatric surgeon, spin off series where he's all bad-ass and falls in love with a grown up...
In the meantime I wait for 10.15, anticipating an improvement. I've no idea what's expected in this episode but it's written by Joan Rater, seasoned Grey's writer, perhaps equilibrium will be restored. We have to get through 14 first though.
Sorry, I didn't like it. And I don't agree.
ReplyDeleteDidn't like what? The episode, or the review. And what is it that you don't agree with?
ReplyDeleteOh dear friend welcome back.
ReplyDeleteI was content with the episode, I found it amusing/entertaining. I really enjoyedvthe big cat and Callies awful attempts at being funny, I found it charming.
I believe the derek/secret thing the mer/cristina friendship is just the beginning of a larger arc....idk w here they are goin but I believe other things will happen there is more then what meets the eye.
Im so over alex and jo.
Im goin with crazy lea or Stephanie I think shane maybe too fried to sue. Lea is vindictive andbat crap crazy enough to do it.
I need more and I want more ben brilliant that he is a resident now.
More chief needs to be had (webbe) of course
Owen is not fooling anyone he mad atshane bc he tapped cristina, anyone ca see that he needs to get over it.
Calzona idk im just waiting and watching this one
I agree with you, Jo and Alex seems too fast, quite fake and forced. Perhaps due to Camilla Luddington's acting, or lack their of, but I think the tardy story arc these two had shared should take part of the blame as well. It would be surprizing if there would be as much people engaged in those two as there were for other major couples who developed throughout multiple seasons. It was like, poof! Hey, I'm Jo, the pretty intern. Hey, I didn't sleep with Karev within the first couple of months so I MUST be special. But hey, I was a foster child and slept in car! Yey, I'm a perfect fit for Alex! OMG! Overall, your review was a fun read! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI really loved the episode, Jackson and April's storyline was amazing. I do agree with your opinion on jolex there is no chemistry it feels as if the writers suddenly went "we need to give a soul mate to Alex crap we forgot!" Which actually they probably did although I do like Jo.
ReplyDeleteHello! "Content" is a good word to use but too much for me. It was "passable" :)
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in what you say about Derek and his big secret and Mer/Cris - I would love a bigger story but I fear it's done now with them.
I was never ON Alex Jo in order for me to be OVER them.
Totally agree - more chief needed..the real chief. Thanks chica.
I love your assessment of the situation :). With Alex and Jo unfortunately all elements have been done badly. For me they are not a credible couple as I'm not emotionally engaged in them at all.
ReplyDeleteI've been out of touch with spoilers so on this you have a point. Given Arizona has bigger sub plot going on with Callie my next choice would be Stephanie. Jackson getting suspended for humiliating the intern in public....? Who knows. It's not a story I'm interested as none of the interns have hooked me in.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The writers did exactly that. They woke up one morning and that was their epiphany - get Alex a soul mate quickly. Quick romances work but that depends on the immediate chemistry of the actors.
ReplyDeleteI loved the episode, and probably one of the few people who did understand meredith and christina were ok. In the season finale they both accepted they changed and they cant expect from each other not to. Also i didnt found the friendship fixed, but that they are trying to save it. Thats at least how it came across to me. Jo and Alex dont interrest me either. And love April and Jackson.
ReplyDeleteIn 10 x 15, it is said that Arizona is having a very bad day. A suspension could fit right in to having a very bad day. Why would they introduce a new peds surgeon, a man in his late forties, Dr Oliver Lebackes?
ReplyDeleteI so understand where you're coming from...I'm also a huge Grey's fan and I would never let the show down but to my regret, I must admit that Grey's is slippin'. Can't the writers come up with better storylines? I've written better fanfics about the show than (most) recent episodes. I'm glad Ellen en Patrick signed on for two more years but something must change in the writers' room...and fast!
ReplyDeleteIts sad to say for i love Grey's but its anemic,bone weary tired,for me the only good thing about this show is April and Jackson. You and I were both anti Jackson for the last 2 seasons but i have come to love their relationship. They gave the show the shot of adrenaline that is desperately needed!
ReplyDeleteI hate to be the bearer of bad news ( in case no one else has told you yet?) but Jason George landed a roll on another show....sorry!
And yeah,what the hell are they doing to Alex? I'm heartbroken and disgusted with this relationship Shonda put him in. There is zero chemistry between Jo and Alex,and the little twist they are putting them in with this new rule is going to just make it worse. After all this time Alex deserves more,an adult relationship with someone on his level,not Jo...
Here i was thinking Stephanie was the one who ratted them out to HR,but i can see Shane being the one. The more i think about it the more i like it...I
And UGH,I gotta say,i am having a real hard time with those 4. I never liked Stephanie,Jo,Shane or Leah but that's my problem,i'm sure they are here to stay...but it's too bad,nothing like loving a show and having it ruined in part by those four characters!
I really don't know what to say about Callie and Arizona.I never liked those 2 together,but then again i never cared for the Callie character,so i guess that is why. If they make it great,but i only hope that storyline doesn't drag into ext season?
Not much going on with Meridith and Derek at the moment even with the president.Ever since she had the baby it seems they don't know what to do with those characters,and they already signed up for 2 more seasons. I wonder what is i store for them?
Well,now that i bitched about the show i can say I still love it,will watch it till they fade to black for the last time...at least till the next time i get fed up with them,ha!
Thanks for a great review,i always look forward to your posts.Till the next time!
I've seen an on set photo of him with Arizona and Alex all in scrubs. This would not be if she was suspended, though she could be being supervised.
ReplyDeleteI think I was just sooo disappointed with the Mer Cris make up.
ReplyDeleteThey're so boring though. Patrick signed because he needs the money to fund his extra curricular activities. Ellen I'm guessing knows a soft gig when she sees it.
ReplyDeleteI sort of guessed that about Jason George. That's a fails on shondas part. I wonder how self aware she is about the failings of interns?
ReplyDeleteI don't think she is blind to it,i honestly don't think she cares. The fans let it be known how unhappy people were with them,she had the chance to get rid of them before this season started or during this season but they are still here...
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
ReplyDeleteTo be fair most people hated the mercy west interns I hated April but now I love her and other people do to. Although I'd rather see grey's go out on a high note and not be dragged out. Also your so right about the Alex and Joe thing it does feel slightly childish but above all it just feels forced, it fails in comparison to other grey's relationships that have developed over time.
ReplyDeleteJason George has juggled Grey's Anatomy, Mistresses and the Witches of East End within the last year, in addition to appearing in a play. He is a very busy man. The fact that they made him a resident probably means that we will see him more often but he will still recur. For example, he is in tonight's episode but not in 15 or 16. He recently took a picture with the other residents and they were shooting 19 last week. He is also filming Mistresses right now. The man must never sleep.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, great post! Agree with the Alex-Jo thing- 'Forced' is too light a word to describe that mess! I got that Mer-Tina made up before the mid-season thing, but that was, again, abrupt. It was the same last time too- Ugly fight, then Mer goes to the execution and starts crying and Cristina's the only one who can comfort her, then they're back to being kinda over-close BFFs- Like nothing ever happened! Atleast this time, they referred to their quarrel, instead of just pretending it never happened! I never saw April-Jackson coming, at the end of S8, but it made sense to me- Very 'Harry Met Sally' or something like that. Plus, the actors actually have chemistry, unlike You-Know-Who :) The new residents- Still don't like'em! Still want Shane to be killed off, still don't care what happens with the others! And THIS particular board approving the non-fraternization rule: Is it ironic or hypocritical? I can't seem to decide! But seriously- How does something go from a consensual, adult (though unprofessional) relationship to sexual harassment based on how things end? Crybabies, the whole lot of them! Yes, They should all have had the impulse control to have kept things professional, but once you make the choice, you cannot claim harassment if it doesn't end well! Yeah, Avery humiliated Sephanie, but it's not like he planned it- If she were honest, she'd admit that! She still gets to be upset, but she has to see that he never intended to humiliate her- It just happened! Cristina-Shane... I hope I never have to see that again-EVER!
ReplyDeleteI think I got wallpaper over cracks.
ReplyDeleteThat pretty much sums up how I feel about the 3 week gap. It just seems so lazy to me, like the writers decided they have too many on going storylines and they tried to resolve some of them that way but alas, it didn't really work out. It came across as a reset button instead of a continuation of current events.
What also bothered me is that for some of the characters it seemed like those three weeks never happened, namely Jolex and MerDer. How does one get engaged and not talk about it for 21 whole days. And the fight between Mer and Derek sounded like something that would happen at the day of the wedding and a few days after but not three weeks later. Some characters made a 180-turn (Calzona, Bailey & Ben, Cristina & Meredith) and Shane's meltdown was diminished to him making a bad choice.
I really wish they would have taken the time and show us more of what happened in those three weeks, I feel like we missed out on a couple of crucial and character-defining moments. I'm really disliking the show's emerging trend of letting things happening off-screen. One of the few times were that really worked was Jackson and April deciding to elope.
I think they've thrown any concept of "Let's take our time to develop this storyline" out the window- So all they need is a minute or so: "Leah, Stephanie, Jo, You're fired. Shane, you're dead!" Story told, problem solved :D
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is Shane. A doctor gets suspended in 10 x 15. In 10 x 16, Shane is screening candidates for Cristina's clinical trial. I don't think she would allow Shane to be on her trial if he was the one who complained and she is the one who got suspended. So, I am going with Leah, since Stephanie seems to be too obvious. The only reason Owen was acting the way he did is that he was jealous because Shane had slept with Cristina.
ReplyDelete