As we reported earlier today, Katherine Heigl is taking a break from Grey's Anatomy to film a movie. That news alone was enough to cause a stir among fans this afternoon.
But what's shocking, and what shapes the entire sixth season of the series, is why recently married cancer survivor Dr. Izzie Stevens is vanishing for multiple episodes.
The reason for the leave of absence?
According to inside sources, this season of Grey's Anatomy is overwhelmingly defined by the merger of Seattle Grace and its oft-mentioned crosstown rival, Mercy West.
Reportedly, Seattle Grace is about to double in size, bringing in a slate of new doctors and paving the way for shake-ups in the season(s) of Grey's Anatomy to come.
What does this merger mean for our favorites?
Well, Dr. Izzie Stevens is getting fired. Yes, fired, as in dismissed or downsized. Izzie gets laid off in the big merger and vanishes for a handful of episodes.
The shake-up also provides cover for Ellen Pompeo's maternity leave.
She'll fade into the background while new doctors, administrators and nurses (played by Robert Baker, Jesse Williams and Nora Zehetner) fill in gaps regulars leave behind.
Producers are, however, working to keep Meredith Grey in as many episodes as possible. Ellen is banking footage for her leave by shooting scenes for two episodes at once.
The Seattle Grace-Mercy West merger storyline is part of a long-term plan hatched by producers and ABC execs to make Grey's Anatomy a viable series for years to come.
They are thinking ER style here - 15 years or more.
No matter which stars are pregnant, moonlighting, looking to get out or otherwise unavailable, the writers want a large, expandable palette of characters and situations.
So, going forward, if Patrick Dempsey needs to shoot a movie (he will, later this season), a new and improved Seattle Grace offer wiggle room in schedules and stories.
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112 Comments
September 2nd, 2009 6:04 PM
I'm getting sick of them adding new people. Let's keep the original cast and add one or two people every now and then. There have been plenty of shows that have been able to stay with as little as four main characters. Grey's Anatomy was about 5 interns and their residents, not 16 different residents. Put the show back to where it used to be.
September 2nd, 2009 6:17 PM
omggg i hope it lasts 15 years! that would be amazing. this is the best show ever. and i really hope it goes on and on and on
September 2nd, 2009 6:26 PM
Word Lauren.
I think this is the beginning of the end for GA. Once EP (and PD for that matter) decide to leave, GA: The Next Generation or whatever, shouldn't go on or be any interesting to see.
They put so much focus on their main characters that any other. Derek is getting his own storyline this season, Alex could have an Izzie-less storyline too. C/O's relationship develop slowly, A/C's transition as well. Bailey is now an attending! What is wrong with having a focus on these characters? I don't want to know about the new residents. As a matter of fact, I'll FF it. Thank you DVR.
ER is NOT GA. In ER, everytime they introduced a new character, they gave you time to be fond of them before introducing another and the originals to leave. As much as I love GA, it isn't as well written as ER was, to be able to last 15 seasons.
As morbid as it sounds, GA should set the end date. Instead of producing excitement about new, it's creating hate feelings. This should be a sign that it's not going well.
September 2nd, 2009 6:26 PM
i don't want izzie or meredith to go this will suck whatever they do it's crap and it will beb boring .. i've always thought GA as my best tv series ever ... but it's sinking to the bottom right now :S:S
September 2nd, 2009 6:27 PM
ok, i understand that ellen has a maternity leave and that other series regulars want to do other things and i think that's great. i really hope this "firing" thing isn't true. i can understand her taking a leave, but after the cancer is in remission, and you know it will be, can't she come back? and if firing her will cause her to leave, why does she come back after 5 episodes? i have full faith in the GA team and have never been disappointed because it always works out...but with george dead, meredith's real-life preg, and izzie leaving for a bit...it makes me nervous.
September 2nd, 2009 6:30 PM
U R so right anuflas i totaly agree it was good in the first two seasons ... HOPE it gets better
;*
September 2nd, 2009 6:56 PM
"Sorry for my english"
Guys, what's wrong with you ??? the writers are trying their best .. it's not their fault if TR Knight left the show, if katherine heigl wants to shoot a movie, and if Ellen is pregnant.. they have to add new characters and try to create new storylines and to be more creative.. if they don't do that , the show would be boring ... Grey's Anatomy will always stay the best show of all time , and i will be watching it even if he stays 15 years and more.
September 2nd, 2009 7:02 PM
I can't go without Izzie for five episodes! Wtf is going on? No George, no Meredith, no izzie. This season sounds like it's gonna be horrible. I don't want new doctors. I want the five original interns. They're the ones I fell in love with. I'm really scared for this show. :(
September 2nd, 2009 7:04 PM
thank you George!
i think that people have to have faith. we haven't even seen the new season yet so there is no need to judge!
the writers have to accommodate the actors lives or there would be no show at all for us to watch!
September 2nd, 2009 7:04 PM
THIS IS F**KING RIDICULOUS!