Let's talk about sex
With salacious storylines concerning broken penises, Callie's
experimental period with women and the romantic entanglements of
the interns and residents, Grey's Anatomy seems like it's out to
challenge the boundaries of sex and relationships this season. I
got to find out a bit more when I sat down with some of the show's
biggest names (and sexiest stars!)
Callie and Erica's (Brooke Smith) dalliance was one that drew both
positive and negative feedback from fans. Sara Ramirez (Callie)
explains that she and Smith took part in a meeting with GLAAD (Gay
and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in order to research the
storyline thoroughly so they could be as accurate as possible.
However, while Ramirez has received positive feedback, and despite
their efforts, she's also received a letter from a fan that didn't
like the controversial storyline and vowed they were going to stop
watching the show.
"I like that Callie is sort of entering this middle ground where
she's not straight," says Ramirez. "She's not necessarily gay.
She's open to considering a relationship with someone simply
because of the essence of the person, the personality, the spirit
of the person as opposed to their gender. And I think that's
interesting."
But the ending of Callie and Erica's relationship also saw Smith's
departure from the show which Ramirez explains was abrupt and
difficult for everyone involved.
Even though the hype around the show doesn't phase them: "Let's not
beat around the bush. Publicity is a huge thing in this industry,"
says Ramirez. "People thrive on it. So it's just part of the
machinery of this business [but] it's sad when people personally
suffer."
While it can concern the cast when their fellow actors depart, for
Justin Chambers (who plays Alex Karev), it means that things are
kept lively with new actors such as Jessica Capshaw, Melissa
George and Faye Dunaway bringing new energy that keeps him on his
toes.
As Chambers suggests, new energy offers him a new focus but what is
he going to offer Izzie, with her visions of dead lover, Denny?
"She's got a disease, and she's going to fight it, and I'm going to
be there for her to support her and hopefully - you know, I went
into solo surgery. So I'm starting to take the medical stuff a
little farther than I used to and more charge and passionate. And,
you know, we'll see what happens with her and her illness and where
it takes Alex."
Chambers admits he doesn't know what's happening too far in advance
and feels the writers change things all the time and he's just not
sure.
In addition to Izzie's mental health, the other question everyone
wants answered relates to McSteamy's infamous penis scene.
According to Eric Dane, " it was the most searched thing on Google
the next day. So I think a lot of guys were worried about
it."
Although raising embarrassing health issues is part and parcel
of any medic drama, Dane who cracks his knuckles intermittently,
remembers laughing hysterically throughout the entire time they
were shooting the scene. How could you not? While trying
to keep a straight face, he went to relay the events about this
incredibly amusing scene and the parts that were
omitted.
"There was an interaction with a few more of the other doctors
coming in to check on me. Shepherd comes in to check on me, and all
he can do is laugh hysterically and tell me that I have to get
another surgeon because I asked him to operate on it. I can't
sacrifice a single nerve ending or whatever& But everybody has
their turn coming into my room and sort of having their own little
comment on it. You know, most of the response is just laughing at
me."
And believe it or not, being the centre of attention in a hospital
bed with a broken penis does have its rewards in real life,
especially in Brazil, where Dane apparently has a huge fan
club.
Surprisingly, Dane's 'McSteamy' sex symbol status is something that
rubs him up the wrong way. He explains how he's been married
for four years and been with the same woman for over
five years "so the whole sex symbol thing to me is kind of
weird. She [wife, Rebecca Gayheart] thinks it's kind of funny.
I'm not used to it. But it beats digging ditches. And it's really
flattering. When I look in the mirror, I don't think I see the same
person everybody else does. You have your own interpretation
of who you are. I kind of feel like I'm as neurotic as Woody Allen
sometimes."
It's these neuroses of the Doctors of Seattle Grace that we've come
to love - from Meredith to McSteamy and everyone in between. I'm
just glad Eric Dane isn't wasted digging ditches somewhere!
