Grey's Anatomy Creator Recycles Stories
Plot Lines Begin to Blur Between Grey’s and Private Practice
Fans of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice experienced a strange sense of déjà vu this season when Rimes pulled a soap-opera-like stunt by repeating the exact same storyline with a different set of characters.
Private Practice or Grey's Anatomy... Haven't We Already Seen This One?
Episode 13, season 2 of Private Practice found Charlotte King (played by Kadee Strickland) grieving for her recently deceased father, and in lieu of going through a normal process, she proposed to her on again off again boyfriend Dr. Cooper Freedman (played by Paul Adelstein). She asks him not to wait, but to run away with her to Vegas.
First, this was totally out of character for this often defensive, highly independent doctor. Also, fans noted that very similar words were said by Dr. George O’Malley (played by TR Knight) in season 3, episode 14 of Grey’s Anatomy. It’s not just that they both had random proposals. Both characters had just lost their fathers, both were in somewhat tumultuous relationships, and both decided to run away and get married in Vegas without telling any of their family or friends.
Thankfully, this time there was a different ending. Dr. Freedman saved the day by telling Charlotte that she was grieving, and he wanted them to have a real wedding the right way.
How About a Do-Over?
Perhaps Rimes decided to take this a different direction, since the George/Callie marriage marks what many think of as the beginning to the downfall of the Grey’s Anatomy. If so, she has been successful so far, as Private Practice characters have retained far more dignity than those on Grey’s.
For a show with simply stunning beginnings, Grey’s Anatomy has worked hard to drag its characters through the mud and back again. Some of its most charming characters have almost disappeared (George O’Malley/TR Knight) or been given almost absurdist story lines (Izzie Stevens/Katherine Heigl, and Miranda Bailey/Chandra Wilson). Much-loved banter between Meredith and Cristina was lost much of the season as they were “not talking.”
Fans were also rightfully upset over the show’s split with actress Brooke Smith, who played Erica Hahn. After an Emmy-worthy monologue in episode 6 of season 5, Smith received news that she was to be let go after one more episode. All connected to the situation were shocked by this seemingly unfair news. (Interview with the actress can be found here.)
Stellar Performances Make for a Better Show
It is not that Private Practice does not have its own share of drama, love triangles, and messy breakups. It does. For instance, psychiatrist Violet Turner (played by Amy Brenneman) has a current storyline involving her pregnancy, with two different men wondering if they could be the father. The show’s star, Addison Shepherd/Kate Walsh has just split with longtime boyfriend, and barely had time to recover before being thrust into a life or death drama with her brother’s illness.
Perhaps the difference is to be found in the continually honest performances from the cast, who seem determined not to lose sight of their humanity, even with all the drama. A standout performance from Amy Brenneman has done much to keep the show light on its feet, with many moments of comedy and tears in the same episode. Shonda Rimes has created great characters once again, and much hangs on the balance for this group of talented actors.
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