I think it's really easy for us, as audience members, to sit back and place judgment and blame on either TR or Shonda. I think at the end of the day, we really don't know the real answer or motivations to have actors move on. I think it's unreasonable for us to demand what we want, because, ultimately, it's not really up to us; it's up to Shonda and the rest of the writing staff to determine their story and let it unfold.
As audience members, as participants, we choose to either accept the story and follow it through, or we abandon it as soon as we get to a part we don't like or favor. Quality shows, I believe, or any quality-medium doesn't alter or change the story just to satisfy our demand; if it's right for the story, then they should have license to take it where it goes. Those that comment here, those that right both positive and negative things about the show, about Shonda, about TR, have been with the show since season 1, and followed it through. If it comes to a point where you, as an audience, feels that it no longer reconciles with your interest, then of course it is your right and your decision to disassociate yourself from that medium. To criticize it, however, because it doesn't fit your specific needs, I think, is unreasonable. Writers right to fulfill a story, to play out a character to the best because they know where that character ultimately lies. And as much as we think we have some claim or some attachment to that character that gives us credence to cry out blasphemy when it goes against our expectation, we really don't.
I think what separates this medium from a novel is that when you pick up a novel, for the most part, there is a conclusive end. All the mystery and intrigue and all the small subtleties are ultimately revealed by the end. Television shows that have somewhat of a linear development and story, like this one, do not have such luxury because we, as "readers", are guaranteed an end. We get an act, a chapter, a section that ends, but until the network decides to finally either shut down the show due to low ratings or give it a series finale, then there is no end, and we are pulled along with it.
Also, sometimes actors just want to move on, and writers change the story a bit to reconcile with their departure. As with TR, season 5 was not his only body of work. He has had four seasons, the first of three I might add, that focused as him as a character, and allowed him to grow. We saw him stumble as an intern, fall in love and know the object of his affection could not return it back, feel the loss of his father, clinging to the temporary happiness of marriage, suffer a professional set-back that pushed him to try harder, and have a meaningful relationship with his best friend that, at certain points, at that moment, felt more and resigned itself to just friendship. TR has conveyed these stories over the past four to five years beautifully and the words he spoke and acted were not only just a reflection of his incredible talent, but also the incredible storytelling of Shonda and the other GA-writers.
In turn, Shonda explained the lack of George-content this season. Whether it was true or not, it's not our place to discern, however, she was correct, at least for me. If George had been an active role in season five, I would immediately missed his presence in the season finale and the surprise twist at the end would not have as much impact as it did. For 23-24 episodes, Shonda has pulled George further and further back into the background, acclimating us to his absence, almost to a point where enough absence became an accepted reality. When the second-part of the season finale aired, and George was not present, it was something I had already was used to, and thus in my mind, I thought that George was alive and well and simply out of focus. When George so painfully wrote, ached fingertip upon Meredith's palm, "007" the mere surprise floored me because I had this expectation that George was simply in the background. Now, he was thrust forward. I agree with Shonda that had George not been pulled back, it would have been not as big as an impact.
So I think we shouldn't set blame or point fingers. If both TR and Shonda have not, and they were the ones at the center of it, then I don't believe we should feel entitled to place blame as well. We should support the decision of both the actor and writer and see where the next story takes us.
Reading all these comments, some negative, some positive, I remember the words of Meredith echoing in my mind...
"We all think we're going to be great. And we feel a little bit robbed when our expectations aren't met. But sometimes our expectations sell us short. Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You gotta wonder why we cling to our expectations. Because the expected is just what keeps us steady, standing, still. The expected is just the beginning: the unexpected is what changes our lives."
-Ace
Monica Says:
June 21st, 2009 8:25 AM
I spend a lot of time lurking here, I don't think I've ever posted.
That said, Ace...thats exactly what I was thinking, only so much more articulate than I could have ever said it. Thanks!
Lory Says:
June 21st, 2009 10:04 PM
Oh please. You don't sideline a fan favorite character a whole season for a cliffhanger. I don't buy this at all.
People did notice his absence too. Everyone I talked to did and they were p*ssed off George was against shoved aside.
I actually knew it was him the moment he opened his eyes. Hello, those were George's beautiful eyes.
How can someone be so blind as not to recognize them?
Plus ER did the same freaking stupid story.
Anyone with half a brain could know it was George, so that cliffhanger was lame and now it has been ruined.
All I can think of now is that b*itch Shonda knew George was leaving and she didn't give us any George scenes.
For that alone, I'll never forgive her.
Even as he and Izzie lay dying, air hog Izzie got all the attention, not him.
I don't need any proof to know she had a grudge against him. Those dying scenes alone, all set on Izzie, shwoed that to me more than enough.
And for the person who hates TR for leaving, get a life! He's an actor with a boss who disrespects him.
Why should he stay here? What is he, a masochist?
He doesn't owe you anything.
If you want to blame someone, blame Shonda, she's the idiot who wrote in all those new characters and didn't write for George.
I'm gone. Watching Alex and Izzie together is mroe than enough to make me leave.
Millie Says:
June 21st, 2009 10:12 PM
I know. I love Peyton and Lucas too, and George.
At least Leyton is getting a happy ending, but George?
I wanted him to get a freaking break for once. Not get run down by a bus.
If she doesn't make him survive even if it's off-screen, I'm gone.
What she did to George since season 4 is unforgivable.
I don't know how anyone can blame TR for leaving. Shonda seems like a meda-vindictive person.
Not someone whose shows I want to watch.
TR I love you. Thanks for George. We'll love him forever.
we love you george u r always in our hearts u will never be forgotten dont worry TR u r akways apartof the greys family in my heart forever WE LOVE YOUU!
It's not fair, I'll always loved and still will love George's character, I learned a lot from him, especially how to be a good friend, someone's best friend. I'm sorry that T.R. made such decision leaving Grey's forever. I don't think that he is ready for the biggest, he still has a lot to learn being our beloved George. His departure for is a betrayal, i fell betrayed by him. In conclusion means that we fans don't mean anything to them. I am sorry and i don't know if I'll continue to watch Grey's without him ....
I wish TR the very best in his future career and hope to be seeing him in another big project before long.
So, no more George! and what has this left us with?
We are left with the fact that Grey's `famous` five, mer, cristina, izzy, alex and george will be broken up! Will this mean the end of Grey's as we know it? If a new member for the five does not appear in next seasons grey's (and fairly soon into it) then I think that grey's might not recover from this!
So its in the hands of Shonda, and I hope she has something lined up, or I am going to get really annoyed! along with quite alot of others!
!greys Says:
June 22nd, 2009 3:34 PM
lory chill the hell out dude. THIS IS A TV SHOW. if you really get that serious over a character leaving then stop watching the show and stop commenting on its fan base. and bonar1 i kinda agree with you, but as you could see george was hardly there throughout the whole season and this was the best season of greys yet, so i think they'll pull through
Cleo Says:
June 22nd, 2009 5:25 PM
Season 5 was the best? I thought it was the crappiest season of them all.
Not only ratings-wise 9the ratings were crappy), but quality-wise.
In fact, before this season, I thought it was the whole show I loved, but season 5 showed me just how crappy Grey was without george and without the fab 5.
Fab 4 doesn't feel quite as Magic without George, and the whole show felt dark and depressing without our bright and shiny George.
You are the very little minority who liked the season. Most of the critics and the fans hated season 5.
I won't be watching anymore without George. Shonda doesn't care about the fans or she wouldn't have forced TR to quit.
Phillip Says:
June 22nd, 2009 5:39 PM
I agree. Season 5 was just awful. The absence of george was one of the main reasons for that.
He was missed.
I don't think I'll be watching without him.
As one of the only guys who watch, George was the one male character I could relate to.
The others all feel like some frustrated housewife's wet fantasy.
SD Says:
June 22nd, 2009 10:27 PM
LOL, Phillip so so true.
I wish Izzie would have gone and I'm a big Gizzie fan, but Izzie without George is not worth much anyhow. He makes her likable.
George had so much left to do and Izzie is so over and done.
I agree with everyone who said season 5 lacked heart because George was never there.
The show is so boring without him.
I won't be watching.
Thanks TR for everything and keep smiling that smile. It makes me feel good even afetr a bad day.
ready i have songgg to say goodbye to george omalley okayyy ready here we go ......
he flew up to heaven on the elevator of angels by the clouds and stars and thats where no one see's and he walks with jesus and his fathers waiting and i know he's smiling saying dont worry bout me.
RIP George O'Malley
Kendi Brat Says:
June 23rd, 2009 12:39 AM
This is crap, wat cud be a promising story line for George and now suddenly this ??? this show is all about those five resident, they all are one package, one missing and the show will never be the same, it cud still be good, but something missing. the writer cud say all mambo jambo thing about the strategy or new character or whateva, but the real thing is , something missing and it will always be felt... I will still watch the show, but I am very very much damn sure this show will not be as good as all previous season..
!greys Says:
June 23rd, 2009 12:54 AM
all tv show ratings went down. but greys will move on without george...granted i loved george and i could relate to him like phillip said, but it is what it is. this season's certain episodes was by far the best they have ever written...izzie is bright and shiny, arizona is bright and shiny...and it looks like mer is now bright and shiny, and alex is getting there too. er survived without george clooney then they can survive with out george omalley.
Michele Says:
June 23rd, 2009 10:35 AM
Oh Wow! The best of luck to an incredible actor! I'm sure your successes will be never-ending. Grey's just won't be the same without the Izzy/George action. I hope to see an incredible send off for T.R.'s character George in the return of the new season. Thanks for the entertainment!
Great post, Ace! I am very sad to see TR go and I believe that the show will be losing a great character in George. But everything that we have heard (Shonda hates TR, TR walked off set, Shonda is bff with IW) is all rumor and conjecture and we may never know exactly what happened. What matters is that Shonda and TR seem to be fine (maybe not happy) but fine with the decisions and are trying to move on.
I'm sorry for those of you who only watched for George and I can understand the frustration felt because of the crappy way that George has been treated this season. It angered me as well, especially the way that he was ignored for most of the season and then literally thrown under a bus all the while being insulted by his "friends." I didn't like that at all.
But I don't get all the hate for Izzie and Izzie and Alex and the other characters. If you hate every other character other than George (and it sounds like some of you do) then you will now be free to pursue other shows or activities on Thursdays. But the rest of us will continue to enjoy the show and the other characters, so please stop with all of the hate just because you are disappointed that the only character you liked is gone. It makes me wonder why you watched the show in the first place if everyone else was so disgusting,attention-hogging and only the stuff of frustrated housewife's wetdreams. If people have that much of a low opinion of the show and the other characters, maybe you should be glad that you can be done with it. It sounds like watching the show was torture for some of you.
deme Says:
June 23rd, 2009 10:53 AM
I'm sorry for t.r.knight but his place gets by heigl...she gets two parts for one...shonda likes moro heigl than t.r.knight,but if six season will be all heigl...bye bye grey's
Carrie Says:
June 23rd, 2009 10:57 AM
I actually like all the characters, but George holds a very special place in my heart and I'm not sure I can watch without him. I don't hate anyone. Well I hate Lexie, but that's about it. I like the others, but I don't love them.
George is the only one that I love.
I will say when the others try to act all bright and shiny, it feels so fake to me and irritating. Only George can pull it off well for me.
Alex is not bright and shiny and neither is Meredith. That's not them, and they don't pull that off well at all. It feels like watching strangers when they try to Georgify them.
George is and instead of trying to make the others George, they should have written for him and TR would probably have stayed.
I'll miss George and his scenes with Izzie.
I'm one of those who hated season 5 with a passion. It just didn't work at all. It felt hollow to me and lacking of any emotional impact.
I should have been moved by Izzie's cancer story. Katie did such an exceptional job, but I just felt bored.
You're right TDS. The one good thing in this is I'm free of Grey. It has been going downhill for a long time and Shonda just doesn't know how to write a good show that isn't based solely on shallowness and shock factor.
June 20th, 2009 11:04 PM
This is sad. :(
The show just isn't the same without one of the original 5 interns (turned residents).
But I wish T.R. all the best in his future undertakings.
June 21st, 2009 12:06 AM
we will miss you 007 we love you
June 21st, 2009 12:07 AM
and we will never forget you. you are part of greys anatomy i our hearts
June 21st, 2009 12:08 AM
in our hearts forever**** sorrry typo
June 21st, 2009 12:55 AM
I think it's really easy for us, as audience members, to sit back and place judgment and blame on either TR or Shonda. I think at the end of the day, we really don't know the real answer or motivations to have actors move on. I think it's unreasonable for us to demand what we want, because, ultimately, it's not really up to us; it's up to Shonda and the rest of the writing staff to determine their story and let it unfold.
As audience members, as participants, we choose to either accept the story and follow it through, or we abandon it as soon as we get to a part we don't like or favor. Quality shows, I believe, or any quality-medium doesn't alter or change the story just to satisfy our demand; if it's right for the story, then they should have license to take it where it goes. Those that comment here, those that right both positive and negative things about the show, about Shonda, about TR, have been with the show since season 1, and followed it through. If it comes to a point where you, as an audience, feels that it no longer reconciles with your interest, then of course it is your right and your decision to disassociate yourself from that medium. To criticize it, however, because it doesn't fit your specific needs, I think, is unreasonable. Writers right to fulfill a story, to play out a character to the best because they know where that character ultimately lies. And as much as we think we have some claim or some attachment to that character that gives us credence to cry out blasphemy when it goes against our expectation, we really don't.
I think what separates this medium from a novel is that when you pick up a novel, for the most part, there is a conclusive end. All the mystery and intrigue and all the small subtleties are ultimately revealed by the end. Television shows that have somewhat of a linear development and story, like this one, do not have such luxury because we, as "readers", are guaranteed an end. We get an act, a chapter, a section that ends, but until the network decides to finally either shut down the show due to low ratings or give it a series finale, then there is no end, and we are pulled along with it.
Also, sometimes actors just want to move on, and writers change the story a bit to reconcile with their departure. As with TR, season 5 was not his only body of work. He has had four seasons, the first of three I might add, that focused as him as a character, and allowed him to grow. We saw him stumble as an intern, fall in love and know the object of his affection could not return it back, feel the loss of his father, clinging to the temporary happiness of marriage, suffer a professional set-back that pushed him to try harder, and have a meaningful relationship with his best friend that, at certain points, at that moment, felt more and resigned itself to just friendship. TR has conveyed these stories over the past four to five years beautifully and the words he spoke and acted were not only just a reflection of his incredible talent, but also the incredible storytelling of Shonda and the other GA-writers.
In turn, Shonda explained the lack of George-content this season. Whether it was true or not, it's not our place to discern, however, she was correct, at least for me. If George had been an active role in season five, I would immediately missed his presence in the season finale and the surprise twist at the end would not have as much impact as it did. For 23-24 episodes, Shonda has pulled George further and further back into the background, acclimating us to his absence, almost to a point where enough absence became an accepted reality. When the second-part of the season finale aired, and George was not present, it was something I had already was used to, and thus in my mind, I thought that George was alive and well and simply out of focus. When George so painfully wrote, ached fingertip upon Meredith's palm, "007" the mere surprise floored me because I had this expectation that George was simply in the background. Now, he was thrust forward. I agree with Shonda that had George not been pulled back, it would have been not as big as an impact.
So I think we shouldn't set blame or point fingers. If both TR and Shonda have not, and they were the ones at the center of it, then I don't believe we should feel entitled to place blame as well. We should support the decision of both the actor and writer and see where the next story takes us.
Reading all these comments, some negative, some positive, I remember the words of Meredith echoing in my mind...
"We all think we're going to be great. And we feel a little bit robbed when our expectations aren't met. But sometimes our expectations sell us short. Sometimes the expected simply pales in comparison to the unexpected. You gotta wonder why we cling to our expectations. Because the expected is just what keeps us steady, standing, still. The expected is just the beginning: the unexpected is what changes our lives."
-Ace
June 21st, 2009 8:25 AM
I spend a lot of time lurking here, I don't think I've ever posted.
That said, Ace...thats exactly what I was thinking, only so much more articulate than I could have ever said it. Thanks!
June 21st, 2009 10:04 PM
Oh please. You don't sideline a fan favorite character a whole season for a cliffhanger. I don't buy this at all.
People did notice his absence too. Everyone I talked to did and they were p*ssed off George was against shoved aside.
I actually knew it was him the moment he opened his eyes. Hello, those were George's beautiful eyes.
How can someone be so blind as not to recognize them?
Plus ER did the same freaking stupid story.
Anyone with half a brain could know it was George, so that cliffhanger was lame and now it has been ruined.
All I can think of now is that b*itch Shonda knew George was leaving and she didn't give us any George scenes.
For that alone, I'll never forgive her.
Even as he and Izzie lay dying, air hog Izzie got all the attention, not him.
I don't need any proof to know she had a grudge against him. Those dying scenes alone, all set on Izzie, shwoed that to me more than enough.
And for the person who hates TR for leaving, get a life! He's an actor with a boss who disrespects him.
Why should he stay here? What is he, a masochist?
He doesn't owe you anything.
If you want to blame someone, blame Shonda, she's the idiot who wrote in all those new characters and didn't write for George.
I'm gone. Watching Alex and Izzie together is mroe than enough to make me leave.
June 21st, 2009 10:12 PM
I know. I love Peyton and Lucas too, and George.
At least Leyton is getting a happy ending, but George?
I wanted him to get a freaking break for once. Not get run down by a bus.
If she doesn't make him survive even if it's off-screen, I'm gone.
What she did to George since season 4 is unforgivable.
I don't know how anyone can blame TR for leaving. Shonda seems like a meda-vindictive person.
Not someone whose shows I want to watch.
TR I love you. Thanks for George. We'll love him forever.
June 21st, 2009 10:45 PM
we love you george u r always in our hearts u will never be forgotten dont worry TR u r akways apartof the greys family in my heart forever WE LOVE YOUU!
RIP Georgie
June 22nd, 2009 5:08 AM
I want T.R. to be happy, BUT I am HEARTBROKEN.
June 22nd, 2009 8:55 AM
=,(
I will miss him SO much!
Good luck to you T.R.. We love you!
June 22nd, 2009 12:06 PM
I know. I want him to be happy, but I wish it didn't hurt that much.
June 22nd, 2009 2:31 PM
It's not fair, I'll always loved and still will love George's character, I learned a lot from him, especially how to be a good friend, someone's best friend. I'm sorry that T.R. made such decision leaving Grey's forever. I don't think that he is ready for the biggest, he still has a lot to learn being our beloved George. His departure for is a betrayal, i fell betrayed by him. In conclusion means that we fans don't mean anything to them. I am sorry and i don't know if I'll continue to watch Grey's without him ....
June 22nd, 2009 2:35 PM
I wish TR the very best in his future career and hope to be seeing him in another big project before long.
So, no more George! and what has this left us with?
We are left with the fact that Grey's `famous` five, mer, cristina, izzy, alex and george will be broken up! Will this mean the end of Grey's as we know it? If a new member for the five does not appear in next seasons grey's (and fairly soon into it) then I think that grey's might not recover from this!
So its in the hands of Shonda, and I hope she has something lined up, or I am going to get really annoyed! along with quite alot of others!
June 22nd, 2009 3:34 PM
lory chill the hell out dude. THIS IS A TV SHOW. if you really get that serious over a character leaving then stop watching the show and stop commenting on its fan base. and bonar1 i kinda agree with you, but as you could see george was hardly there throughout the whole season and this was the best season of greys yet, so i think they'll pull through
June 22nd, 2009 5:25 PM
Season 5 was the best? I thought it was the crappiest season of them all.
Not only ratings-wise 9the ratings were crappy), but quality-wise.
In fact, before this season, I thought it was the whole show I loved, but season 5 showed me just how crappy Grey was without george and without the fab 5.
Fab 4 doesn't feel quite as Magic without George, and the whole show felt dark and depressing without our bright and shiny George.
You are the very little minority who liked the season. Most of the critics and the fans hated season 5.
I won't be watching anymore without George. Shonda doesn't care about the fans or she wouldn't have forced TR to quit.
June 22nd, 2009 5:39 PM
I agree. Season 5 was just awful. The absence of george was one of the main reasons for that.
He was missed.
I don't think I'll be watching without him.
As one of the only guys who watch, George was the one male character I could relate to.
The others all feel like some frustrated housewife's wet fantasy.
June 22nd, 2009 10:27 PM
LOL, Phillip so so true.
I wish Izzie would have gone and I'm a big Gizzie fan, but Izzie without George is not worth much anyhow. He makes her likable.
George had so much left to do and Izzie is so over and done.
I agree with everyone who said season 5 lacked heart because George was never there.
The show is so boring without him.
I won't be watching.
Thanks TR for everything and keep smiling that smile. It makes me feel good even afetr a bad day.
June 22nd, 2009 11:39 PM
ready i have songgg to say goodbye to george omalley okayyy ready here we go ......
he flew up to heaven on the elevator of angels by the clouds and stars and thats where no one see's and he walks with jesus and his fathers waiting and i know he's smiling saying dont worry bout me.
RIP George O'Malley
June 23rd, 2009 12:39 AM
This is crap, wat cud be a promising story line for George and now suddenly this ??? this show is all about those five resident, they all are one package, one missing and the show will never be the same, it cud still be good, but something missing. the writer cud say all mambo jambo thing about the strategy or new character or whateva, but the real thing is , something missing and it will always be felt... I will still watch the show, but I am very very much damn sure this show will not be as good as all previous season..
June 23rd, 2009 12:54 AM
all tv show ratings went down. but greys will move on without george...granted i loved george and i could relate to him like phillip said, but it is what it is. this season's certain episodes was by far the best they have ever written...izzie is bright and shiny, arizona is bright and shiny...and it looks like mer is now bright and shiny, and alex is getting there too. er survived without george clooney then they can survive with out george omalley.
June 23rd, 2009 10:35 AM
Oh Wow! The best of luck to an incredible actor! I'm sure your successes will be never-ending. Grey's just won't be the same without the Izzy/George action. I hope to see an incredible send off for T.R.'s character George in the return of the new season. Thanks for the entertainment!
June 23rd, 2009 10:37 AM
Great post, Ace! I am very sad to see TR go and I believe that the show will be losing a great character in George. But everything that we have heard (Shonda hates TR, TR walked off set, Shonda is bff with IW) is all rumor and conjecture and we may never know exactly what happened. What matters is that Shonda and TR seem to be fine (maybe not happy) but fine with the decisions and are trying to move on.
I'm sorry for those of you who only watched for George and I can understand the frustration felt because of the crappy way that George has been treated this season. It angered me as well, especially the way that he was ignored for most of the season and then literally thrown under a bus all the while being insulted by his "friends." I didn't like that at all.
But I don't get all the hate for Izzie and Izzie and Alex and the other characters. If you hate every other character other than George (and it sounds like some of you do) then you will now be free to pursue other shows or activities on Thursdays. But the rest of us will continue to enjoy the show and the other characters, so please stop with all of the hate just because you are disappointed that the only character you liked is gone. It makes me wonder why you watched the show in the first place if everyone else was so disgusting,attention-hogging and only the stuff of frustrated housewife's wetdreams. If people have that much of a low opinion of the show and the other characters, maybe you should be glad that you can be done with it. It sounds like watching the show was torture for some of you.
June 23rd, 2009 10:53 AM
I'm sorry for t.r.knight but his place gets by heigl...she gets two parts for one...shonda likes moro heigl than t.r.knight,but if six season will be all heigl...bye bye grey's
June 23rd, 2009 10:57 AM
I actually like all the characters, but George holds a very special place in my heart and I'm not sure I can watch without him. I don't hate anyone. Well I hate Lexie, but that's about it. I like the others, but I don't love them.
George is the only one that I love.
I will say when the others try to act all bright and shiny, it feels so fake to me and irritating. Only George can pull it off well for me.
Alex is not bright and shiny and neither is Meredith. That's not them, and they don't pull that off well at all. It feels like watching strangers when they try to Georgify them.
George is and instead of trying to make the others George, they should have written for him and TR would probably have stayed.
I'll miss George and his scenes with Izzie.
I'm one of those who hated season 5 with a passion. It just didn't work at all. It felt hollow to me and lacking of any emotional impact.
I should have been moved by Izzie's cancer story. Katie did such an exceptional job, but I just felt bored.
You're right TDS. The one good thing in this is I'm free of Grey. It has been going downhill for a long time and Shonda just doesn't know how to write a good show that isn't based solely on shallowness and shock factor.