Grey's Anatomy: No More Gay Anatomy

Guess the "Calica" relationship - the forced lesbian plot line between Doctors Callie and Erica - isn't working for the ABC brass. Rumors are that the execs were uncomfortable with the explicit nature of the relationship, and so Brooke Smith, best known as the girl in the pit with Precious the dog from "Silence of the Lambs", has been axed, and her last episode is tomorrow.

lSmith tells Michael Ausiello from Entertainment Weekly, "I was very excited when they told me that Erica and Callie were going to have this relationship. And I really hoped we were going to show what happens when two women fall in love and that they were going to treat it like any heterosexual couple on TV. And so I was surprised and disappointed when they just suddenly told me that they couldn't write for my character anymore."

Granted she's known since September, but it's all gone down pretty unceremoniously.  As a Disney owened show, accusations of homophobia abound. Show creator Shondra Rhimes, who became a household name during the Isiah Washington debacle, claims there is no homophobia at work: "Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly it's not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show – Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately, we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke's character would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with 'another lesbian.' If you'll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of Burke for a full season."

But GLAAD's not letting Rhimes and ABC off the lesbian hook that easily: "While we are disheartened that the burgeoning relationship between Callie and Erica on 'Grey's Anatomy' has come to an end, the character of Callie, who has now been identified as a lesbian by show creator Shonda Rhimes, remains and her journey continues. Because there are so few lesbian characters on network television, we hope that ABC and 'Grey's Anatomy' will commit to further developing Callie's character and her relationships, and continue providing this important representation on one of TV's most-watched shows."

But honestly, if it's the relationship that is problematic, why fire Smith?  She is a great prickly character regardless of her sexuality, and her presence elevates the show out of the mediocrity it's been wallowing in for some time. Though I do have to take issue with the "You are glasses...I am EXTREMELY GAY" coming out speech (little did she know she was EXTREMELY FIRED), she did what no other actor on that show could've done with such overwrought mush. (And frankly, Ramirez is the one they should've lost. I had enough trouble believing she was a lesbian...now I'm supposed to believe hunky Eric Danes wants her too?)

All I can same is lame...and shame... on ABC. There are so many cheesy, boring, and played out storylines on any number of shows: why they gotta mess with one of the gay ones? Though there are rumors that the new cardiac specialist in town will be a bi-female doctor...so what the hell does that say? I'll tell you what it says: they want to keep whatever gay viewers they think they got thanks to this storyline, but not have to invest in it. Nice.

(Image courtesy of ABC)

Comments

[OnlyReasonToWatchGreys]

The only reason I watched this show was for the amazing chemistry between Callica. Perhaps ABC hasn't been monitoring the buzz of this storyline or noticed the jump in their viewership. I suggest they watch the DRAMATIC drop in their Nielsen ratings when they ruin this relationship. Shame on you, ABC.

[Really?]

People still watch this show?

[rankola]

I've commented on this on Huffpost: I think it was Ellen Pompeo who got her panties in a ruffle because this was far more interesting than the same ole neurotic on-off switch relationship she has with McDreamy--big yawn. So since that was becoming a story line, Pompeo threw a diva fit and reminded everyone that the her character's name is "Grey" and that the show is called "Grey's Anatomy" not Torres' Anatomy, not Hahn's Biorhythms, so naturally, the story lines must center around Grey primarily and everyone else is just superficial filler.

[rankola]

fogrot to add that Hahn asked McDreamy and McSteamy if they were lovers when she first joined Seattle Grace. I think it's kinda funny the Bromance they got goin on. Woulda been more funny if it turned into somethin else a little more intimate. They woulda been neurotic, and that would have sent Meredith way far over the edge.

[marco ubriego]

I don't really understand why still out there some many people that try to "hide the sun" with a finger !
Since HBO, Six feet under, i have not seen any TV Show that really makes me waste my lifetime every other day a week. When out there are "things" that really makes you feel entertaing,worried or concernd like Irak's War or OJ's going to jail arent fictional chessy TV Shows !.

[sherman]

oh please, brroke smith added the edge that greys needs now. we have secret intern society , that mess with izzy and poor george . will his character ever find happiness as a straight male.lease click time to change the channell. bring brooke back. let her find out that callies character slept with danes. and what was all that show me how craps, while cute it does not mirror reality, and should we not be concerned that danes character is a male slut. he is cute though. but a slut. cmon shonda what gives

[Aud]

That nonsense about Ellen Pompeo throwing a "diva fit" and consequently putting an axe through the Callie/Erica relationship sounds like simply that: NONSENSE. People are always looking for drama, and if they're not getting enough - they create fictional drama to satisfy their appetites.

One actor does not make a show, and as a working actor myself - I find it hard to believe something as immature as a diva fit can actually result in the loss of someone's job. Everyone who ever worked with Shannon Doherty would be out of the job, if that was the case. ;)

As a straight woman, I still enjoyed the Callie/Erica dynamic and their relationship. I'm saddened that there are so many closed-minded individuals in the world today who judge or condemn another human being simply for LOVING another human being - regardless of sex, race, etc.

One day, people will more readily accept what is now considered "unconventional" types of love, and it's unfortunate that today's not that day. Grey's might have been foolish enough to do away with Smith for the wrong reasons - but I'm glad they at least have helped open doors for the gay community in entertainment.