Shonda Rhimes on "The End of the Beginning"
With last night's fourth season finale, "Freedom," creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes feels she's brought Grey's Anatomy full circle at last.
Here are excerpts of her thoughts on this two-hour episode - which should go down as one of the most memorable in Grey's Anatomy history ...
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So that was Season Four.
Right after we finished filming the finale of Season Three, I sat down with the Grey's Anatomy writing staff and I pitched them the last scene of Season Four.
That's how I do it. I start at the end.
When Season Two concluded, I pitched the image of Cristina tearing off her wedding dress and crying in Meredith's arms. For this season, I knew I wanted more hope.
I knew I personally NEEDED more hope.
So I pitched Meredith Grey standing on Derek's land in a field of candles telling Derek where the living room could be, where the kitchen could be, where kids could play.
Because I wanted them together. I HATED them being apart. It made me sad. It made me sad in a way that was bad for me and for everyone around me.
In the season finale, "Freedom," Meredith Grey finally "got there."
But I also knew that, in order for Meredith Grey to stand there in that field of candles, she had to get there. On the inside. Now I'm not an oogey inside person. I don't do warm and fuzzy and I certainly don't believe in therapy.
For other people, it's fine (yay, therapy!). For me, not so much. I write - that's how I deal with my insides. And Meredith, she performs surgery. That's how she deals.
But in order to get her to a place where she could stand in that field of candles, Mer needed a little help. Professional help. Which shocked my writers. 'Cause they know how I feel about therapy.
But I knew something they did not. Something I'd been keeping to myself for four seasons. Which was the fact that Meredith sat on the kitchen floor in a pool of her mother's blood after her mother attempted suicide.
See what I mean about me not being warm and fuzzy?
Nothing warm and fuzzy about pools of blood. Which is why I kept that to myself. When you say things like that in a writers' room, people tend to look at you funny. People tend to suggest that YOU need therapy.
So I kept it to myself. For four long seasons. I didn't even tell Debora Cahn, the writer of the episode in which Meredith CONFESSES her mother's suicide attempt to Dr. Wyatt. Not until the last possible second.
We'd have these discussions about Deb Cahn's episode in the writers' room where everyone would ask "Shonda, what is Meredith going to TELL Dr. Wyatt in this last scene? WHAT?" And I'd be all, "I don't know. Stop talking about it." And they'd sigh and shoot each other these looks.
They love me but still, there were looks.
I'd like to point out that it is RUDE not to tell details like that to your writing staff. It is cold and withholding, to use therapy-speak.
But I just couldn't do it. Because of two things: one, while I had pitched Meredith all whole and healed in a field of candles, I wasn't sure I could get to a place where I BELIEVED that Meredith would ever go to the field.
And two, I love Ellis Grey. Love her. Even though she is dead.
I think she is fantastic. And I couldn't figure out, couldn't fathom, what a mother says to her child when she is bleeding to death on the kitchen floor from self-inflicted wounds. For a long time, I felt like anything she would have said to a five year old kid in that moment would make her a monster.
Because I have a five year old kid. And I can't imagine doing something so horrible and damaging to her. What do you say to your child at a time like that? Why is your child even there? How do you redeem yourself in that moment?
Continue reading Shonda's thoughts the show's writers' blog ...
May 23rd, 2008 10:00 AM
all i can say is way to go shonda!!!
as always...
Grey's Rules!! SERIOUSLY!!!! :)
May 23rd, 2008 10:18 AM
Shonda Rhimes...you are my absolute hero.
MERDERRRRRRR<333333
May 23rd, 2008 10:29 AM
WAY TO GO CHRISTINA! I am so glad that she put hauhn in her place and webber backed her up I have my christina back yey
the episode was really good and I can't wait to see the next season great job Shonda and Co.
May 23rd, 2008 11:19 AM
Sorry Shonda, I don't agree (totally) with the other comments. For one thing, I felt that the story coming full circle happened a bit too fast. The parts I loved were that Hahn (worst character on the show--unattractive physically, emotionally and socially)--finally got her comeuppance. Why would this nasty self-centered doctor be allowed to carry on this way when she's supposed to be mentoring and teaching young doctors? How could you (writers) treat Christina, the strongest and most capable resident, like such a spineless wimp all season? Glad to see her back on her game. The Chief was also great in that story arc, as he finally took notice of how Hahn was absolutely destroying a great doctor with her nasty-ass attitude. As far as the kiss and developing relationship between Hahn and Callie, I don't buy it. Not because they're lesbians, I mean, who cares??? But because Callie, who is gorgeous, smart, funny and good, would NEVER be attracted to that ugly witch. I never understood how McSteamy could recite his lines about how "hot" (????) Hahn is, and keep a straight face. McSteamy and Callie wouldn't be caught dead with the likes of Hahn. She is hideously unattractive in every way.
My second issue concerns the Izzie/Karev/Ava story. I personally love Karev, (even tho you made him into the meanest prck this season) and thought he had tremendous chemistry with Izzie, especially after Denny's death. I hated Ava and her whole storyline, and we have all been waiting thru 3 seasons to find out more about Karev's horrible childhood, etc. But the story seemed so rushed in this final episode, with the dramatics concerning AVa's suicide attack, I'm sorry, it just seemed like you started a novel and really took a lot of time and effort with the setup and then had 2 pages to wind everything down. I thought it would have had more impact if AVa had stabbed Alex with that cleaver, and then tried to cut her own wrists.....and Izzie could have come to help them both. Mer/Der---don't get me started. Derek is a complete wimp---In the first 15 minutes he tells her that they "kill things together" and suddenly at the end, everything is hunky-dory??? I think your writing on this show over the past 2 seasons shows your utter contempt for women and your viewers. To think we could be so cheaply bought (which, judging from early returns, some of us apparently are cheaply bought). I'm glad Mer/Der are back together but I don't like the way it was done, I think it is not plausible and Derek needs to examine his own problems before Mer can accept him back into her life.
May 23rd, 2008 11:38 AM
when is SEASON 5 going to air? :D:D
there is another season right?
May 23rd, 2008 11:51 AM
So much hype about the season finale, and I was not impressed, just as I've not been impressed at all with the entire season. Grey used to be one of my all time favorite shows, which is why I kept watching through the mediocre episodes, agonizing over how they've been killing my favorite characters with these ridiculous storylines.
At least Meredith and Derek are back together, I think. It looks like they just want to wrap the show up in a hurry and be done with it. Truly dissapointed.
May 23rd, 2008 11:54 AM
i'm so so so glad the finale was amazing because honestly this season has made me feel despair and want to cry every week with the meredith issues, the hahn beating up christina for no reason, the christina taking it... BUT finally it was gone! i do feel like it could have done with coming like 3 episodes ago and then we could see like the consequences of everything that happened BUT thank god we have a season 5! the candle house was AWESOME and i swear i couldn't stop crying through the whole 2 hours so i am a 2 thumbs up for this week! yay!
May 23rd, 2008 12:03 PM
how can you be disapointed???
i know everything was wrapped up a lil fast but i think its about time things regained order!
it was a fantastic finale
kudos
May 23rd, 2008 12:10 PM
i totally agree with natalie :)
May 23rd, 2008 12:31 PM
I am confused about the end!?! Is Derek going to come back or stay with Rose? Is Meredith pissed because he left her to talk to Rose when she needed him so badly at that moment? Is Rose going to end up pregnant from sleeping with Derek? I can't wait for nest season:)
May 23rd, 2008 12:34 PM
well they kinda had to make the whole season short, because of the writers strike which went on for a long time, and pretty much all shows have their season finale at the same time, they can't just do it whenever they want to.
but i really thought the finale was amazing. when meredith and derek broke up i was so upset, and when derek found someone else, i was soooo upset. but they finished the season with what everyone wanted, them back together, well hopefully, you never know. but all in all i'd have to say i enjoyed it, and i can't wait for next season =]
May 23rd, 2008 1:08 PM
i love this movie.
i love how this season ends.
something from Mer. personality is inside me and I really enjoy watching how she deals with her problems.
i'm 18 and i've never felt love, i don't know how is to love and to feel that you are loved; but mer.'s love story gives me hope. and now i know that if you want love , first you have to earn it and to ask for.....
i can't wait to see the next season.
May 23rd, 2008 1:14 PM
i just wonder how many times I can keep watching hoping for a reversal of the SHARK JUMP and it never happens. The sex forms? Alex tending to Ava? the candle outline of the house? (etc, etc, etc this season!)? Picking which of those was the shark jumping moment is so hard....
May 23rd, 2008 1:17 PM
Unbelievably amazing! Wow! Thank you Shonda! Ellen Pompeo & Patrick Dempsey are just great to watch in these roles. And GO Cristina for putting Hahn in her place. Cristina's got her groove back! Just a great, great finale.
May 23rd, 2008 1:39 PM
To steal a line from cement boy....."Help me...."
Sorry, but I was disappointed in the season finale, I agree with Mamloa, Emely, Jenny and OMG---I think some of the storylines were sewn up a little too neatly (apparently with Yang's whipstitch)--like the Hahn/Callie romance. While I believe that she could have some doubts about her sexuality, it all happened too fast (TV time indeed) and I'm more interested in the Sloan/Callie arc because I find EVERYONE on the show more attractive (physically and otherwise) than Dr. Hahn. She is hideous. Secondly, Lexie, while a very likable and attractive and sweet intern, is made to be so nutty---I hate it--I've long railed against the fact that all of these so-called health care "professionals" are having unprotected sex and risking unwanted pregnancies. Also, the nonsense about Rose not knowing what "sex" is for the stupid questionnaire. I mean, SERIOUSLY! Are these people in 6th grade or are they adults? LExie stealing items from the hospital storeroom--paintings from the wall--and the Chief's files. Not a positive representation of hospital staff. What's next, will she be stealing some narcotics from the medicine cabinet?????? There were some things I did love and enjoy. First, I agree with all the other bloggers that Ellen Pompeo and Justin Chambers both deserve acting awards for their work this season. Even when you writers give them the most ridiculous, childish lines and storylines, they manage to make you look good. The show is great mainly because of Meredith (EP). As for McDreamy, his name should have been changed two seasons ago to "McWimpy." He is no longer dreamy. The things he says and does to Mer are indicative of a weak and abusive character. And now because he shows up at the end with the champagne and is ready to dump Rose, all is forgiven?! I don't think so. I agree with all of the people who have pointed out that Derek is as much (or more) to blame for some of Mer's issues, as her past. He cannot be trusted. He says horrible mean things to her (calling her a whore, that she and he together "kill things" etc.) and then suddenly the candles are lit and they're back on track. Hey, Shonda, Words wound, and it takes a lot to recover from the pain that words can inflict. I also agree that Callie and Hahn is nothing more than a stunt to lure viewers back. It is unbelievable. Hahn is repulsive. Not because of her looks (she has none)--but I think we could all live with that---but because she is ALWAYS complaining, she is mean to people who DO NOT deserve it, she went all ape-shit about having to perform the heart surgery on the "God-doctor" of heart surgery and she just generally is a real downer. I've not seen her with even one redeeming quality. And frankly, I think I would rather have an inexperienced Yang operating on my heart (she is smart, capable and decisive)than that whiny Hahn. Loved George, Izzy, Alex, Bailey and the Chief--thought their acting was amazing and like the directions they all seem to be headed. But I still believe it was a cheap imitation of some of your earlier, amazing writing. You lost a lot of your fan base with season 3 and some of the ridiculous storylines that evolved. You won some of them back by a little pandering to their desires (Mer/Der back together, etc.). I personally was SO disappointed to lose Burke, I think that really hurt the show and Yang (and thus, the viewers) more than you know. I'm still skeptical that you will be able to bring it around. I think you are wasting too much time and creative energy on that sophomoronic show "Private Practice" and am still angry that you stole the great Addison to try to launch that debacle. It's a show for a very immature audience and none of the men in it are attractive. I don't believe that the gorgeous Addison would leave Seattle---and McSteamy/McDreamy/Karev---for any of those wimpy she-men you have at the clinic in LA. Having said that, I believe you are TRYING to do better with Grey's. Let's face it--you hit rock bottom with the strike and the goofy storylines since season 3--so the only way to go is up. I'll watch in September, but I too have lost all trust in you Shonda, that you will finally give us real hope that things at Seattle Grace will get better.
May 23rd, 2008 1:48 PM
Molly, totally agree with you about the shark jump. I too hated the candles (too perfect, too silly, what did she spend 3 hours setting that up???)--the sex forms were silly...Alex hasn't opened up for 4 full seasons, now all of a sudden in 2 minutes we hear all about suicidal mom and he's crying in Izzy's arms. And isn't it a bit repetitive that both he and Mer had suicidal moms?
I love Karev and wish they would more fully evolve his character. We've had hints about his dark background and then he would quickly revert to his old neanderthal self. The worst episode for him (and there have been many bad ones) was when they made him treat Addison---so kind and decent--in such an abominable manner, so much so that she left town! I also think they are underutilizing Sloan---McSteamy is SO HOT---but can't they give him more of a character and a story than an ever-erect penis? He deserves someone to love and love him--he brings a much needed sense of humor and honesty to the shows, but let's give him a chance to show his abs and his acting chops at the same time. THEN I will love the show!
May 23rd, 2008 1:58 PM
oh, yeah - thanks for the reminder about cement boy. Add THAT to the shark jumping list. I'm just not sure if the show is redeemable at this point.
Also, (while I'm complaining) - who would have made such a perfect house outline with candles? I laughed my arse off at that. I think the sheer number of unbelievable things this season made me watch with a far more critical eye. Yes, I know it is a fictional / soap opera-y kind of show, but c'mon....
May 23rd, 2008 2:14 PM
Alexaholic you are a tad bit harsh in your critique of Brooke Smith. Does everyone on tv have to be drop dead gorgeous in order to rate with you?
She is hideously unattractive in every way.
May 23rd, 2008 2:21 PM
Shonda, you are not a fan. Stop fangirling your own show.
May 23rd, 2008 2:25 PM
SO AMAZING!!
-cristina got her "groove" back
-we learned about alexs past
-ava/alex/izzie was an awesome triangle
-the twist about ava's husband leaving her and taking the baby was SHOCKING!
-mer admitting about what happened with her mom
-the chief and adele back together
-izzie getting the clinic
-george standing up for himself and finding out he is gonna retake his intern exam
-hahn FINALLY being stopped by the chief because of how she was treating cristina
-cristina teaching lexie at the end
-the clinical trial patient living
-reverse of what happened in the season 2 finale with alex holding a crying izzie.. this time izzie holding a crying alex
-JUSTIN CHAMBERS IS AN AWESOME ACTOR!
-I cried at the end when alex cried!
-JUSTIN CHAMBERS IS SO HOT!
-i loved ava and alex together and wasnt happy with what the writers were doing with her making her seem like a psycho... but they ended their relationship/storyline in a classy, well-thought out, and realistic manner which I applaud the writers for doing
o and finally the candle-lit house..
best part! it was so cute when derek sees mer all mad at herself in the candle-lit house because shes stupid and shoudlnt have thought he was going to come...
and awww i love them!
May 23rd, 2008 2:29 PM
I thought this episode was so good! The last 20 minutes or so...so so good. Everything just made sense. I tied everything together, while Meredith is cleaning up Rebecca's blood, the extraordinary thing...her being speechless after kissing Derek. It was all so perfect! I started crying when I saw Alex crying and then I just started sobbing uncontrollably during the whole last scene with Meredith and Derek. It was just sooooo good! Finally, Grey's is getting better! :)
May 23rd, 2008 3:46 PM
I thought this episode was really good. It wasn't depressing like the last one and you just feel happy at how everything worked out at the end. To all the people who are complaining, it's annoying, you're so pedantic and you pick out all the tiny little things and let them bother you. Why can't you just let it go and enjoy it. Who cares if the candle house wasn't realistic? It was sweet and pretty and practically nothing on TV is realistic these days. And to the person who keeps saying Hahn is ugly, what's wrong with you? Just because someone doesn't fit in with your stereotyped image of beauty you call her hideous. You know there is such thing as judging someone from their personality, though you don't seem like the type of person who knows much about that.
Sorry for the rant but I got a bit annoyed at some of the comments. It's fine if you didn't like it but why'd you have to spoil it for everyone else by picking out everything wrong with it? It's really unnecessary.
Anyway, great episode, I'm glad with the way things ended. =]
May 23rd, 2008 3:54 PM
Ok, all of yall that are dogging the last episode and this season are not "true" Greys fans!!!! Us true ones have wanted Alex to suddenly open up and not be so withdrawn and non "feelingly", we all WANT Derek and Meredith together, yea he says rude things to her,uh so does my husband. Its part of being human and I think its Shonda showing he is not perfect but he is still oh so dreamy to me. I loved the finale bc she did not leave us wandering if there was a chance for MerDer. She has done the best she could with this seasons strike and I appreciate her work. I can not wait for Season 5!!!
May 23rd, 2008 4:13 PM
I have mixed feelings about the finale. I loved that Mer/Der are back together, but what a wierd way. Mer has been ooey before, one of the things I love is when Derek looks at her with those McDreamy eyes and smiles. Missed that entirely! And the kiss was made all the wierder by the blue screen effects (too sci-fi - can't you shoot it on a real location?). And the candles - a bit over the top for Meredith, no? How could she possibly pull something like that off, and then be all pissy? Weird and it didn't FIT. Cleaning the kitchen after Ava's suicide attempt did fit tho - it was a good closure for her.
I'd rather have seen her make a simple house layout (with a few thousand fewer candles!), look at Derek with love (and mistrust, and confusion) and have her be a little happier! I mean, she just realized that she is whole, she can be with the love of her life again, couldn't we bring some of the happy loviness from the first two seasons? None of us like the angry Meredith all-of-the-time.
Alex, ok, Ava gone (thank you!), Izzie & Alex - not the way I would have liked them to get together (so demeaning for Izzie). The Erica/Callie thing is ok, interesting but I'd rather see McSteamy in the middle (not literally, thank you!). He is cute & talented, I wish the writers would make more storylines for him.
And I am so happy to see Christina kickin' butt as she should, and George realize what an amazing surgeon he is (remember who flew solo in the elevator????). George/Lexie - ew - no chemistry there beyond friendship, please don't pull another Gizzie!
What attracted me to Grey's is still there but it feels like it's been hidden this season. It's the friendships, the wittiness, the romances, the stress, the kookiness - and the characters. Just be true to the characters, get rid of gimicky patients (cement guy, faceless Ava, come on!), get back to the core, and tell the stories! This season was a disappointment. I am very much looking forward to a whole season of Mer/Der and Meredith and her friends.
May 23rd, 2008 5:16 PM
amazing episode!
okay, and you know what everyone who says that Meredith's house of candles wasn't realistic, neither is half the medical stuff on the show, but that's what makes people watch, is it's so far from the ordinary.
It's Extraordinary.(okay, sorry, had to.)
But still amazing episode and can't wait to see where Shonda and Co. are going to go with the whole Callie/Hahn thing, should be interesting.
=)