I really think that anyone saying "I'm not going to watch the show now" is a bit of an idiot. Would you get to keep your job if you got angry and choked someone? I think not.
I think anyone that is a true fan of the show would at least give it a chance in the new season despite the cast change. There have been people on this site that wanted them to get rid of Meredith, the character the show is NAMED AFTER, but think that losing Burke will destroy the entire show. I think not.
Burke's plot with Cristina is obviously over, and that was his only real tie to any of the large plot elements, so where would he fit in now? What part of the plot is going to be destroyed by his departure? Oh that's right, none of them.
Dawn Says:
June 8th, 2007 7:47 AM
Better late than never. Seriously, think of the set as the place of business it is. If any of you had harrassed a coworker as he had, you'd have been escorted out that same day.
rono Says:
June 8th, 2007 7:48 AM
I really don't see the rational for firing or not renewing IW's contract. I think so much was made of what he say because of the timing of other negative events that took place at this time. IW did at least apologize and voluntarily get counseling for the remarks. For the person that stated if he had said the "N" word you know waht I'm referring to. Making a statement defaming a person race is in no way the same as calling someone "fat" "skinny" "ugly" or "gay". This is just another excuse to say well you did it and so can I. This show was good with all the characters and will definitely lose steam with two reaaly good people gone starting next season I will have to find a new favorite medical show.
Whitney Says:
June 8th, 2007 7:56 AM
That move right there is a death knell for the show. I think it was a cocky move, firing him like that. Yes, he said some really inappropriate and insensitive stuff...nearly everyone has! He just happened to say it more than once.
On the flip side, IW was getting a little cocky. Big for his breeches. Humble pie was in order, but firing him seems a little extreme. And we were so looking forward to him and Xtina reconciling...awwwwwwwwwwww!
lissagirl Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:08 AM
I am surprised that Dr. Burke is not going to be back... he was a leading character on the show and not bad on the eyes either. The chemistry between Christina and Dr. Burke was great fun to watch - because they both are such strong and confident characters. I mean really - does anyone still care about McSteamy and Meredith anymore? McSteamy needs to move on to something better, and the Meredith character really needs to get it together - she has become very uninteresting to watch. Does anyone really care if she does not take the medical exam anymore? She is just getting too boring. Sorry Ellen... feel bad for you that your character has gone in such a direction. It seems that all the strong characters are leaving the show. Everyone makes mistakes - could not IW be forgiven - I mean people make mistakes - it does seem he took some measures to correct his mistakes. I am sorry - but the show is not going to be as strong without him and honestly it is not as good as it was in the beginning anyway. I and alot of friends use to be home to watch Greys Anatomy and it was talked about at work the following day. Not anymore ... I got a feeling this show is on its way out, and what a shame as good as it was at one time. Who knows ... maybe Dr. Burke can visit Addison on her new show!
Amy Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:12 AM
I think they should put Blair Underwood in the role of Burke! Then we could still enjoy the character.
Leelee Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:12 AM
I am glad no one is rejoicing at IW's departure because it sucks! The essence of the show is that all the characters are important and have their own quirks. Without him something will be lacking. He is arrogant - on the show and obviously in real life but so what? Controversy makes the world go round and people have done much worse. Bring him back I say! We need him to see him react to having Christina around after that fiasco - Seriously!
jamie Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:24 AM
I think IW could have been forgiven after the first incident, but he sorta dug his grave at the awards show after denying that it had all happened.
Maybe they'll bring Collin Marlow back..they need a cardiothorastic sergeon! Or maybe Christina will start the path of replacing him or something.
Well, it's all very interesting, that's for sure!
Sue Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:39 AM
This is BS. The black know the N word, the gays know the F word. Grow up,we all have slang ! Are they ashamed of being gay or black ? Let's get this show all back together. Katherine was a no-body til Grey's as was George, and a few others. She needs to Thanks Washington and Oh, they were the reason I started watching. Just their name alone drew my interest. They were already some body ! Her parts are never any good anyway. She just wants someone to feel sorry for her, so boot her !
Steve Thompson Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:39 AM
This is crazy, really is! I think he was a very important force in the show that couldn't be taken away. I will never even think of watching this show ever again!
How can you fire a man after the last show, this is crazy!
horneyelevatorsinSGH Says:
June 8th, 2007 8:49 AM
o god please let this be a joke cristina needs him
Angelino Says:
June 8th, 2007 9:00 AM
Shonda,
Please bring back Isaiah. I can't watch Grey's without the one actor involved in a relationship with substance. Christina and Burke were actually having a mature and loving relationship. They had Ups and downs but handled honestly and lovingly. A testament that we all go through it. The storylines he was involed with were wonderful adn I love seeing AF-AM thoracic surgeons on TV!! Wait, he's the only one. Get it? There's no show with out him. Isaiah had transcended all boundaries starring in a television show that's so well done. Now the show is done with him? It was the wrong decision. However, TV land is fickle and maybe he'll be back. I can only hope and pray. As a writer myself I'm working on my own pilot so I can now put him in my show! Seriously, bring him back Shonda. Think it over and remember what he good things he brought to the show. I absolutely love Dr. Burke and the absolute main reason watched the pilot. Then I saw all off the other great characters and how they were developed and fell in love with the show. The writing is amazing and Grey's is the hottest show on TV. Oh, and he's gorgeous.
Brooke Says:
June 8th, 2007 9:07 AM
I am sorry, but in today's world the studio had to fire him and set a precedent that they will not tolerate that behavior. If I made a racial slur, almost chocked someone, and went around denying that it happen, I would be fired.
Why do all of you that are so Grey's Anatomy Obsessed and cannot separate the two worlds between TV and life see this? Dr. Burke's character will be missed, as will Addison's, but Dr. Burke had issues and left Christina to figure them out. Dr. Burke grew up that year with Christina, but is not sure what he wants out of life. IW put his job of ACTING AS DR. BURKE on the line, when he acted in a way that was ridiculous.
Just because he is a celebrity does not mean that his actions do not have consequences. I applaud the studio and Shonda for personally calling him to let him know. It is hard to fire someone, who does a great job at his job of acting as the character Dr. Burke, but he crossed the line.
Everyone, even celebrities, should be held accountable for their actions and not be able to use Rehab as an excuse for their behavior.
charity012002 Says:
June 8th, 2007 9:14 AM
I was really shocked when I read that he got fired. I think that the last season wasn't good all the way around. I can see the show on it's way out now. He was a main character along with Addison and with them gone it's not the same. The show hasn't been around long enough to make major changes like this. ER has done it but they were around a lot longer. It is a shame though because it was one of the best shows on TV.
DixieGirl Says:
June 8th, 2007 9:25 AM
I've been looking at some of the news articles abour this. While the GA set incident and subsequent events are obviously the biggest factor, several articles cite a pattern of disruptive behavior going back to the '90s as the root cause of the dismissal...
Kellie Says:
June 8th, 2007 9:26 AM
re: Kathryn's comment.
Its people like you who made this become a reality in the first place. That kind of mentality is killing our country. You don't know me at all. I'm not planning to watch the show ever again, but that does not make me an idiot in any way shape or form even if a 'bit of an idiot'. Why would say that?
I'm not watching the show in protest to all the tv affiliates who think I care or should care what actors think or do. I don't care if IW likes gays or not. I do, but what bearing does that have on me?? None.
ravenigma Says:
June 8th, 2007 9:44 AM
PATHETIC with a capital P.A.T.H.E.T.I.C.!! A tiny quarrel with Dempsey and a homophobic slur blown out of proportions by the media which Washigton had already apologised for suddenly equated to his termination!! C'mon!! Adults don't make such stupid decisions. GA seems to be taking the path similar to the series CHARMED. Washigton liken to Shannen Dorothy, leaving the series after season 3. And the seasons after that was never the same again. GA will never be the same without Burke and i really hate the fact that the finale storyline was all a set up to ease Burke's character leaving! Damn it! This really Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREYSFAN245 Says:
June 8th, 2007 10:08 AM
GET REAL PPL... did any of you ever stop to think that maybe the reason his contract was renewed was something other than the racial slurrs??? Yes, that was the beginning... but all of us as viewers don't know what happened behind the scences... only the actors and cast of GA knows that... maybe other things happened as well that led up to his termination... but i very seriously doubt they let him go for a couple of racial slurrs. If so, they would have terminated him at the time he said them... not months later... something else IS OBVIOULSY going on here... And as a true GA fan.. i am sorry that IW is leaving the show but... life goes on... BUT I will stick with show bc that's what a TRUE fan does... Shandra will still give us reasons to watch don't worry
DixieGirl Says:
June 8th, 2007 10:17 AM
Anybody else having trouble getting to the GA message board at ABC? wonder if they had to shut it down....
oh, and Ravenigma --- please see my earlier post. Apparently, ABC is citing "a history of disruptive behavior", not just the quarrel / slur...
Vic Says:
June 8th, 2007 10:21 AM
I thought that Washington redeemed himself by opologizing, meeting with Gay rights groups, and making the ad. But honestly, I never liked his character. I thought he was controlling and judgmental, and thought Christina was losing herself in the relationship. While Washington may have deserved another chance, I'm not sorry to see Burke leave.
Heather Says:
June 8th, 2007 10:35 AM
Has anyone ever thought that maybe that someone else will play Burke on the show just not I.W. It's sad to see him go, but just how I'm sure he wouldn't want people on the show calling him the N word, then he shouldn't be calling people names either. It is such a disgrace that he could do that, and it wasn't only that him arguing with Dempsey. His ego is wayyyyy to big for this show. Oh well someone will replace Burke Im sure ...soooo glad George isn't leaving :) Should be an interesting 4th season.
McYummyMyTummy Says:
June 8th, 2007 11:00 AM
I think that we just need to accept the fact that Burke is not coming back and for good reason. It's not a joke and this is proof that you pay for your actions. Besides there's no reason for him to come back. It'd be another "staredown" between him and Cristina. Heather, I would NEVER want another person to play Burke. You can think what you want, but that would just mess things up more. So, as far as firing Washington, I'm not that mad.
Now, what I am mad about is the fact that the people at ABC probably knew that they were going to give Washington the boot sometime, so why did they even do the spinoff with Addison. I, for one, hate the spinoff. But that aside, why get rid of two attendings? So all I can say about this is:
Seriously?
Julia B Says:
June 8th, 2007 11:39 AM
Burke and Christina are my favorite couple, and He was one of my favorite characters, but as an actor, he deserved what he got. I don't know how i'm going to be able to watch with out him AND Kate walsh. In short: Preston Burke is a good man, IW, not so much.
Esther Says:
June 8th, 2007 11:48 AM
Sad really. I can only say shortsighted of these white male media executives. There was so much you could have done to use this moment to illustrate what you can do to heal these diverse interest and communities. Instead you will drive homophobia and any sort of phobia underground and you will not be able to deal with that hate if it is unseen.
Whatever they are citing...behaviour etc. The fact that they can say that IW has became a liability - is very questionable spin, due to his utterances of the f-word, the controversy encouraged people to watch the show to see who this man and was he really that talented etc. That brought a lot of viewership to the show.
27 million viewers that propelled the show to an unprecedented #1 in its spot and #6 or #7 in all over programming behind sports and American Idol. That tells me someone made the wrong decision somewhere. The incredible potential of millions and millions of dollars of media revenue through advertisements. Front running corporations who advertise gazillion dollars, did not even pull out.
Fix it through diversity programming don't kill your cash cow. I'm from corporate North America, if it were me, I would watch that executive who couldn't find it in himself to sign IW's contract with tons of conditions - if the viewership doesn't come back 27 million viewers - that's who you should really fire.
I don't have to tune in at Season Premiere, I'm just going to wait for the Neilsen Ratings to come and I will be the first in line to say I told you so.
And IW if this happens, you are a multi millionaire son...you can write your ticket in Entertainment land because you reached 27 million people controversy or not and if firing you stops them from watching - I see that as being incredibly bankable.
Go pitch yourself a movie to the money lenders and wait for the money to come in.
As for ABC, hope you like the view in the basement ratings.
June 8th, 2007 7:41 AM
nooooooooooooooooooo! this cant be trueeeee!
June 8th, 2007 7:43 AM
I really think that anyone saying "I'm not going to watch the show now" is a bit of an idiot. Would you get to keep your job if you got angry and choked someone? I think not.
I think anyone that is a true fan of the show would at least give it a chance in the new season despite the cast change. There have been people on this site that wanted them to get rid of Meredith, the character the show is NAMED AFTER, but think that losing Burke will destroy the entire show. I think not.
Burke's plot with Cristina is obviously over, and that was his only real tie to any of the large plot elements, so where would he fit in now? What part of the plot is going to be destroyed by his departure? Oh that's right, none of them.
June 8th, 2007 7:47 AM
Better late than never. Seriously, think of the set as the place of business it is. If any of you had harrassed a coworker as he had, you'd have been escorted out that same day.
June 8th, 2007 7:48 AM
I really don't see the rational for firing or not renewing IW's contract. I think so much was made of what he say because of the timing of other negative events that took place at this time. IW did at least apologize and voluntarily get counseling for the remarks. For the person that stated if he had said the "N" word you know waht I'm referring to. Making a statement defaming a person race is in no way the same as calling someone "fat" "skinny" "ugly" or "gay". This is just another excuse to say well you did it and so can I. This show was good with all the characters and will definitely lose steam with two reaaly good people gone starting next season I will have to find a new favorite medical show.
June 8th, 2007 7:56 AM
That move right there is a death knell for the show. I think it was a cocky move, firing him like that. Yes, he said some really inappropriate and insensitive stuff...nearly everyone has! He just happened to say it more than once.
On the flip side, IW was getting a little cocky. Big for his breeches. Humble pie was in order, but firing him seems a little extreme. And we were so looking forward to him and Xtina reconciling...awwwwwwwwwwww!
June 8th, 2007 8:08 AM
I am surprised that Dr. Burke is not going to be back... he was a leading character on the show and not bad on the eyes either. The chemistry between Christina and Dr. Burke was great fun to watch - because they both are such strong and confident characters. I mean really - does anyone still care about McSteamy and Meredith anymore? McSteamy needs to move on to something better, and the Meredith character really needs to get it together - she has become very uninteresting to watch. Does anyone really care if she does not take the medical exam anymore? She is just getting too boring. Sorry Ellen... feel bad for you that your character has gone in such a direction. It seems that all the strong characters are leaving the show. Everyone makes mistakes - could not IW be forgiven - I mean people make mistakes - it does seem he took some measures to correct his mistakes. I am sorry - but the show is not going to be as strong without him and honestly it is not as good as it was in the beginning anyway. I and alot of friends use to be home to watch Greys Anatomy and it was talked about at work the following day. Not anymore ... I got a feeling this show is on its way out, and what a shame as good as it was at one time. Who knows ... maybe Dr. Burke can visit Addison on her new show!
June 8th, 2007 8:12 AM
I think they should put Blair Underwood in the role of Burke! Then we could still enjoy the character.
June 8th, 2007 8:12 AM
I am glad no one is rejoicing at IW's departure because it sucks! The essence of the show is that all the characters are important and have their own quirks. Without him something will be lacking. He is arrogant - on the show and obviously in real life but so what? Controversy makes the world go round and people have done much worse. Bring him back I say! We need him to see him react to having Christina around after that fiasco - Seriously!
June 8th, 2007 8:24 AM
I think IW could have been forgiven after the first incident, but he sorta dug his grave at the awards show after denying that it had all happened.
Maybe they'll bring Collin Marlow back..they need a cardiothorastic sergeon! Or maybe Christina will start the path of replacing him or something.
Well, it's all very interesting, that's for sure!
June 8th, 2007 8:39 AM
This is BS. The black know the N word, the gays know the F word. Grow up,we all have slang ! Are they ashamed of being gay or black ? Let's get this show all back together. Katherine was a no-body til Grey's as was George, and a few others. She needs to Thanks Washington and Oh, they were the reason I started watching. Just their name alone drew my interest. They were already some body ! Her parts are never any good anyway. She just wants someone to feel sorry for her, so boot her !
June 8th, 2007 8:39 AM
This is crazy, really is! I think he was a very important force in the show that couldn't be taken away. I will never even think of watching this show ever again!
How can you fire a man after the last show, this is crazy!
June 8th, 2007 8:49 AM
o god please let this be a joke cristina needs him
June 8th, 2007 9:00 AM
Shonda,
Please bring back Isaiah. I can't watch Grey's without the one actor involved in a relationship with substance. Christina and Burke were actually having a mature and loving relationship. They had Ups and downs but handled honestly and lovingly. A testament that we all go through it. The storylines he was involed with were wonderful adn I love seeing AF-AM thoracic surgeons on TV!! Wait, he's the only one. Get it? There's no show with out him. Isaiah had transcended all boundaries starring in a television show that's so well done. Now the show is done with him? It was the wrong decision. However, TV land is fickle and maybe he'll be back. I can only hope and pray. As a writer myself I'm working on my own pilot so I can now put him in my show! Seriously, bring him back Shonda. Think it over and remember what he good things he brought to the show. I absolutely love Dr. Burke and the absolute main reason watched the pilot. Then I saw all off the other great characters and how they were developed and fell in love with the show. The writing is amazing and Grey's is the hottest show on TV. Oh, and he's gorgeous.
June 8th, 2007 9:07 AM
I am sorry, but in today's world the studio had to fire him and set a precedent that they will not tolerate that behavior. If I made a racial slur, almost chocked someone, and went around denying that it happen, I would be fired.
Why do all of you that are so Grey's Anatomy Obsessed and cannot separate the two worlds between TV and life see this? Dr. Burke's character will be missed, as will Addison's, but Dr. Burke had issues and left Christina to figure them out. Dr. Burke grew up that year with Christina, but is not sure what he wants out of life. IW put his job of ACTING AS DR. BURKE on the line, when he acted in a way that was ridiculous.
Just because he is a celebrity does not mean that his actions do not have consequences. I applaud the studio and Shonda for personally calling him to let him know. It is hard to fire someone, who does a great job at his job of acting as the character Dr. Burke, but he crossed the line.
Everyone, even celebrities, should be held accountable for their actions and not be able to use Rehab as an excuse for their behavior.
June 8th, 2007 9:14 AM
I was really shocked when I read that he got fired. I think that the last season wasn't good all the way around. I can see the show on it's way out now. He was a main character along with Addison and with them gone it's not the same. The show hasn't been around long enough to make major changes like this. ER has done it but they were around a lot longer. It is a shame though because it was one of the best shows on TV.
June 8th, 2007 9:25 AM
I've been looking at some of the news articles abour this. While the GA set incident and subsequent events are obviously the biggest factor, several articles cite a pattern of disruptive behavior going back to the '90s as the root cause of the dismissal...
June 8th, 2007 9:26 AM
re: Kathryn's comment.
Its people like you who made this become a reality in the first place. That kind of mentality is killing our country. You don't know me at all. I'm not planning to watch the show ever again, but that does not make me an idiot in any way shape or form even if a 'bit of an idiot'. Why would say that?
I'm not watching the show in protest to all the tv affiliates who think I care or should care what actors think or do. I don't care if IW likes gays or not. I do, but what bearing does that have on me?? None.
June 8th, 2007 9:44 AM
PATHETIC with a capital P.A.T.H.E.T.I.C.!! A tiny quarrel with Dempsey and a homophobic slur blown out of proportions by the media which Washigton had already apologised for suddenly equated to his termination!! C'mon!! Adults don't make such stupid decisions. GA seems to be taking the path similar to the series CHARMED. Washigton liken to Shannen Dorothy, leaving the series after season 3. And the seasons after that was never the same again. GA will never be the same without Burke and i really hate the fact that the finale storyline was all a set up to ease Burke's character leaving! Damn it! This really Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 8th, 2007 10:08 AM
GET REAL PPL... did any of you ever stop to think that maybe the reason his contract was renewed was something other than the racial slurrs??? Yes, that was the beginning... but all of us as viewers don't know what happened behind the scences... only the actors and cast of GA knows that... maybe other things happened as well that led up to his termination... but i very seriously doubt they let him go for a couple of racial slurrs. If so, they would have terminated him at the time he said them... not months later... something else IS OBVIOULSY going on here... And as a true GA fan.. i am sorry that IW is leaving the show but... life goes on... BUT I will stick with show bc that's what a TRUE fan does... Shandra will still give us reasons to watch don't worry
June 8th, 2007 10:17 AM
Anybody else having trouble getting to the GA message board at ABC? wonder if they had to shut it down....
oh, and Ravenigma --- please see my earlier post. Apparently, ABC is citing "a history of disruptive behavior", not just the quarrel / slur...
June 8th, 2007 10:21 AM
I thought that Washington redeemed himself by opologizing, meeting with Gay rights groups, and making the ad. But honestly, I never liked his character. I thought he was controlling and judgmental, and thought Christina was losing herself in the relationship. While Washington may have deserved another chance, I'm not sorry to see Burke leave.
June 8th, 2007 10:35 AM
Has anyone ever thought that maybe that someone else will play Burke on the show just not I.W. It's sad to see him go, but just how I'm sure he wouldn't want people on the show calling him the N word, then he shouldn't be calling people names either. It is such a disgrace that he could do that, and it wasn't only that him arguing with Dempsey. His ego is wayyyyy to big for this show. Oh well someone will replace Burke Im sure ...soooo glad George isn't leaving :) Should be an interesting 4th season.
June 8th, 2007 11:00 AM
I think that we just need to accept the fact that Burke is not coming back and for good reason. It's not a joke and this is proof that you pay for your actions. Besides there's no reason for him to come back. It'd be another "staredown" between him and Cristina. Heather, I would NEVER want another person to play Burke. You can think what you want, but that would just mess things up more. So, as far as firing Washington, I'm not that mad.
Now, what I am mad about is the fact that the people at ABC probably knew that they were going to give Washington the boot sometime, so why did they even do the spinoff with Addison. I, for one, hate the spinoff. But that aside, why get rid of two attendings? So all I can say about this is:
Seriously?
June 8th, 2007 11:39 AM
Burke and Christina are my favorite couple, and He was one of my favorite characters, but as an actor, he deserved what he got. I don't know how i'm going to be able to watch with out him AND Kate walsh. In short: Preston Burke is a good man, IW, not so much.
June 8th, 2007 11:48 AM
Sad really. I can only say shortsighted of these white male media executives. There was so much you could have done to use this moment to illustrate what you can do to heal these diverse interest and communities. Instead you will drive homophobia and any sort of phobia underground and you will not be able to deal with that hate if it is unseen.
Whatever they are citing...behaviour etc. The fact that they can say that IW has became a liability - is very questionable spin, due to his utterances of the f-word, the controversy encouraged people to watch the show to see who this man and was he really that talented etc. That brought a lot of viewership to the show.
27 million viewers that propelled the show to an unprecedented #1 in its spot and #6 or #7 in all over programming behind sports and American Idol. That tells me someone made the wrong decision somewhere. The incredible potential of millions and millions of dollars of media revenue through advertisements. Front running corporations who advertise gazillion dollars, did not even pull out.
Fix it through diversity programming don't kill your cash cow. I'm from corporate North America, if it were me, I would watch that executive who couldn't find it in himself to sign IW's contract with tons of conditions - if the viewership doesn't come back 27 million viewers - that's who you should really fire.
I don't have to tune in at Season Premiere, I'm just going to wait for the Neilsen Ratings to come and I will be the first in line to say I told you so.
And IW if this happens, you are a multi millionaire son...you can write your ticket in Entertainment land because you reached 27 million people controversy or not and if firing you stops them from watching - I see that as being incredibly bankable.
Go pitch yourself a movie to the money lenders and wait for the money to come in.
As for ABC, hope you like the view in the basement ratings.