Shonda Rhimes' Plans For Callie and Erica
At the Television Critics Association press tour last week, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes was questioned about various aspects of the show and its upcoming Season Five, and the topic on so many people's minds is the potential romantic relationship between Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) and Dr. Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith).
Her answers, while vague on plot details, nonetheless confirm that there will be a romantic relationship between Callie and Erica.
"We have a really interesting, wonderful, funny way of laying out the story of Callie and Erica that I'm pretty excited about, that I feel like is not necessarily your typical — if there can be a typical — your typical way of dealing with the storyline," Rhimes said.
While developing this Grey's Anatomy story, Shonda consulted GLAAD, who brought in openly gay writer-producers Nikki Weiss and Trish Doolan.
Their job? Answer questions about how they identified themselves (as lebian or bi), when were they first aware of their attraction to a woman, and if they ever slept with a man to prove to themselves that they weren't gay.
"What I love about this is we sat down with GLAAD and talked about women who figure out that they're lesbians later in life and what it means for them," Shonda Rhimes said.
"And we really were able to find some really great, humorous and serious emotional stuff to play that's going to feel really interesting and also affect their lives in the hospital."
According to Rhimes, the new season will pick up with Callie pondering "what does it mean that she's kissed a girl? Is she excited it about it?"
That's been the central focus of fans for some time. We'll also finally get to see the experience from the perspective of Erica Hahn, as well.
"We don't really know Erica's side of the story yet, in terms of what's going on with the two of them," Rhimes explained. "We're going to watch that play out and then we're going to watch the larger world of what happens when the two of them come out in the hospital, and what happens when Callie's dad finds out and that sort of thing, which I think is going to be really, really interesting."
Rhimes' comments indicating that the show will explore "what happens when the two of them come out in the hospital" answers the most pressing question for many lesbian/bi viewers by confirming this simple fact:
The two women will, in fact, have a romantic relationship.
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July 24th, 2008 8:53 AM
I think it's wrong to do this with Callie. She has gotten a very raw deal since starting on the show. If you're not going to hve her be with Sloan, then you need to find a nice black woman for him to be with. He needs someone tough and strong like Callie. He's kinda got a raw deal as well. I'm free if you want!
July 24th, 2008 11:26 AM
do you see the irony that erica hahn had told christina that she can't impress her because she can't sleep with her hihi and now we find out she's lesbian or bi whatever she wants to call herself hihi i really am waiting impatiently for season 5 to start to see how everything is goin to evolve i just can't wait :):P
July 24th, 2008 1:47 PM
cant wait to see how it all plays out!!! not sure if id be able to pass us mcsteamy for erica but i love the story so far!!
July 24th, 2008 4:29 PM
I DO NOT WANT CALLIE TO BAY LESBIAN I WANTED HER TO BE WITH MCSTEAMY SO BAD NOW THAT THIS IS HAPPENING WITH HAHN, CALLIE IS NOT MY FAVORITE CHARACTER ANYMORE.. ITS NOT THAT I'M AGAINST GAYS AND LESBIANS BUT I DIDNT WANT MY FAVORITE CHARACTER TO END UP LESBIAN I WANTED HER TO END UP WITH A GUY AND HAVE A CHILD
July 24th, 2008 5:03 PM
I regret to have to say this, but this story line will make me stop watching the show. I have been an avid viewer since Season 1, Day 1. I am the founder of the Grey's Anatomy Viewer Club at my University, where I make arrangements and plans to have a large group of girls get together on Thursday nights to watch the show. I am against gays and lesbians because the BIBLE teaches against it. I have always loved Grey's and I love the storylines thus far. Not only are they putting up gay and lesbian storylines, but they are employing gay and lesbian writers and staff to "understand" the storyline better. At one time or another, we all have to make a stand for something we believe in. It is upsetting that this world has come to a point that they will allow something like this to be shown on television and supported. I will NOT support this. Shonda, you have lost a very loyal and avid fan to your show. Not only am I not watching, but no longer will I host and sponsor the Grey's Anatomy Viewer Club at my University.
July 24th, 2008 5:14 PM
And I'm sure that Shonda will not care to lose such a loyal, avid, ignorant, and close-minded fan.
Does that mean you hate TR Knight too?
July 24th, 2008 6:00 PM
haha! snap, Lauren. you took the words from my mouth.
Goodbye merder. its against my religion to judge and hate-on people: so as the bible preaches against people like you, im afraid i'll have ignore you.
well, i would, but thats not my style: cos i dont judge or hate on people.
you're entitled to your own opinion. but here's a thought: nobody cares or will be influenced by your opinion - so what is the point to you posting it all over the board? got issues? what gives?
scratch that, cos i dont really care.
so see ya :D
July 24th, 2008 6:21 PM
oh my god, we have been over these before! why did you even watch greys in the first place if you're so religious?? joe and walter was appeared in several episodes and people did stuff that would not be described as loyal to the bible, like getting syphilis. honestly, this storyline would be great for the show and narrow minded people like Lauren and all you other homophobes can just.. go to hell. because judging people could also be a sin, you hypocrite.
July 24th, 2008 6:39 PM
merder, bon voyage!!
go callie and erica!!
July 24th, 2008 6:46 PM
Jenny, if I may clarify .. I was DEFENDING the show. Please don't call me narrow-minded when you obviously have no clue what you're talking about.
July 24th, 2008 7:50 PM
So all the adultery and sex outside of marriage & Joe & Walter didn't offend you at all, MerDer? LOL.
July 24th, 2008 11:00 PM
According to the linked article the lesbian (callie I am thinking) is not going to get pregnant really quickly. Does that mean that it is not Callie who is pregnant? I may be reading it wrong though.
July 24th, 2008 11:58 PM
It's about time, now there are no more speculations we actually know there will be Callica! Callie & Erica together at last. I think they make a really cute couple and I like the fact that both Calle & Erica act like themselves when around each other it shows how much they trust each other & obviously how much they care about one another :) I'm sure Shonda will do a great job with this storyline! I can't wait to see season 5!!!
July 25th, 2008 12:00 AM
Adding to my last post, it could be careful word choice on Ms. Rhimes part, to mess with us. We don't really know whats going to happen, there is a lot of hype and anticipation. But seriously people the show is big, it is going to handle major topics, have an open mind people and get over yourselves.
July 25th, 2008 1:06 AM
Thank you Anna!
I am in total agreement.
July 25th, 2008 1:14 AM
Good Riddance merder! If you don't want to watch any tv shows that go against the bible you mind as well throw your tv out the window.
Get over it, not everyone in this world has to be straight.
I can't wait to see where Callica is going and I am so happy that neither of them are going to be pregnant (anytime soon). I don't want to wish the summer away, but I can't wait until sept. 25th!
July 25th, 2008 5:26 AM
First of all to MerDer: You are a narrowminded, ignorant little fool, and it's people like you that caused WW2 and alot of other conflicts. If you dont want to see the show because it has gay/lesbian content, turn of the tv, dont come here and whine, it will only cause you more pain than us. :)
And about the show: I think this is really exhiting, and well fitting for GA to have a lesbian couple. They have had an asian doctor, several afro american doctors, a gay couple and very on-the-edge storylines before, and I think it is awesome that they can take a stand like this. I think it will make a good differance and be applauded all over the world, well done Shonda!
I can't wait to september 25th! It's too far away >.
July 25th, 2008 6:05 AM
Do we have to go down the homophobic/religious route again?!
MerDer - we get it you're a homophobic idiot you going to stop watching the show because Shonda dare to keep it real. Gay men and women have just as much right to be portrayed on TV.
I'm looking forward to September 25th and I now after reading that ^^^ and Brooke's interview with AE I have faith in Shonda to do this storyline jusitce to keep it real and dirty .. :);)
July 25th, 2008 10:10 AM
You all can call me names and ridicule me all you would like...I really do not care. There is a point where you have to draw the line on things. If you watch GA, they talk about "drawing the line" quite a bit. For those of you who say I am being judgemental, you should actually sit down and READ the Bible before you go spouting off at what you think it preaches. My goal in life is to be like Christ, and even He told people when they were living in a wrong lifestyle. I am simply standing up for what I believe in. There is nothing in this world that is wrong with that. Maybe one day, you all will be brave enough to do the same.
July 25th, 2008 10:55 AM
You know, MerDer, I've read the bible and lesbians actually get a free pass. Never mentioned once.
Spilling seed, the story of Lot all have to do with men being together.
The bible says NOTHING about women loving women.
And besides do you really follow everything in the bible? You're not supposed to eat pig and men are supposed to all have beards, if we all followed the rules set down in the bible.
I like me some bacon. So I'm down with homosexuality too.
God bless Grey's Anatomy!
July 25th, 2008 11:12 AM
Seriously, merder, quit it. We are standing up for what we believe in too. I am Baptist and strait but I have friends who are gay, and I dont care. I think its great what Shonda is doing. Maybe if you see how its still love no matter the gender, you will quit being such a close-minded moron. If you dont like it, quit talking about it.
July 25th, 2008 11:31 AM
Hey Megan..I think exactly the same as you.
I'd grew up at Baptist church and been in there for 24 years. I have never ever in my life read in the bible that we are suppose to hate any human been. but the sin.
My best friend Samuel grew up with me at the same church, we all knew he was gay, since he was like 6 years. Wow so now he is going born in the hell...maybe, maybe I'm going to, cuz I love him, I think he is great. And I'll never ever in my life stop been his friend. Or hate him. I don't think Jesus would do it too.
So spread the good word of Jesus not this whole hate-thing MerDer...you are a big sinner and Jesus loves you anyway.
And that all I've to say abt it.
Grey's Anatomy Roxx And I hope with all my heart that they do a great job with Callica story cuz its great so far!
R.
July 25th, 2008 1:05 PM
GROSS!!!!!!
July 26th, 2008 2:12 AM
Yes! Way to go Shonda for making the show a reflection of Seattle, full of all kinds of people who get along (or not) based on personal interaction and not on race or sexual orientation. Extra props for getting GLAAD involved to make sure it's done right.
I think Callie and Erica are great together. I knew they would get together after I saw the first post-strike episode and I've been rooting for them ever since!
Melissa
straight ally and proud member of GLAAD
July 26th, 2008 3:39 AM
Hey MerDer..I can stand up for what I believe in. I am a lesbian and damn proud of it.