| My Review of 6.17 - "Push" |
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| Written by Admin |
| Monday, 15 March 2010 22:01 |
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This week, Grey's came in second in terms of total viewers but won the adults in the 18 to 49 age range. However, total viewers still have not bounced back to pre-Christmas hiatus levels. We'll see what happens for the rest of the season. Read on for my full review. Well, that was an interesting episode, to say the least. The third decent episode in a row actually, which, believe it or not, is possible to achieve without dramatic story arcs. Once again, there was engaging dialogue among all the characters and the main storyline with all the antics was fun. I'm glad that Cristina's zingers are back - her attitude had been MIA amidst the Huntlet drama.
Soooo... how about that little cliffhanger for Callie & Arizona fans at the end of the episode? Everyone knew Callie & Arizona were heading towards some problems given the press release for the next episode, but nothing prepares you for the way your stomach just sinks when it does happen. It almost feels unreal that they have finally hit a roadblock after the smooth sailing for so long. It may have been clear throughout the ep that they were setting the stage with all the ominous dialogue and AZ's patient case, but the fact that it was addressed at the end of this ep took me by surprise. But hey, at least they got more screen time as a result.
Let's start off with the fun storyline that involves Callie and Bailey...
Callie is attempting to build cartilage out of jello and is close to succeeding, except she's being bombarded with questions all day, so she asks Bailey for help. Bailey graciously agrees to help her out but uncharacteristically sticks around, smiling bashfully down at the floor and being all fidgety as if there is something she wants to share. Callie notices and asks her what is going on, and Bailey tells her that Ben invited her to his place for dinner.
Callie: What is with you? Bailey: Nuttin'. Callie: Is it a guy? <gasp> it's the guy? He brought you coffee? Bailey: No! You think I'd smile like this for coffee? Uh, he's making me dinner. Callie: He's cooking.... <in awe>.. Wow, you ready? Bailey: What? For food? I think I can handle it. <with confidence> Callie: Uh, no! For sex! Bailey: What? No.. Grow up! <getting flustered> Callie: Oh, gimme a break! How many dates have you had? Bailey: This will be three. Callie: Oh yeah.. 3rd date's the sex date. And he's cooking for you. At his home. Where he keeps a bed. Bailey: I barely know the man. <bashfully> Callie: Well, you're going to know him a lot better tomorrow...
Hehe, girly/gossipy Callie and naive/mortified Bailey sure are hilarious. And um, Callie's mental book of dating rules intrigues me. The way that she just blurts out everything like it's second nature to her, is that what happened between her and Arizona, too? Although... it feels like they have passed the 3rd date by the time the Alex/Izzie ep rolled around in season 5. I demand to know, dangit!
Any interaction between these two is a joy to watch; their scenes are usually moving and comical at the same time. And if anyone can go back and forth between these emotions at will, it's Sara and Chandra. Yeah, I'd like to see more Bailey/Callie because we get enough Mark/Callie as it is.
Bailey takes Callie's advice, mostly because that was the only advice she received that morning, and tries to hop across the street for, shall we say, some "maintenance". She almost makes it out of the hospital until Derek catches up to her:
Derek: Ah! Dr. Bailey! I'm about to do a consult. Would you like to join me? Bailey: Uh... lunchtime. Derek: Yes.. but all the years I've known you, I've never seen you eat. Bailey: I do things.. at lunchtime... Derek: What things? Bailey: Errands! To the dentist... get a haircut..No, not a haircut. I'm going OUT. Does that require an interrogation? Is that the kind of chief you want to be? Is that the kind of man you want to be? Derek: No... Bailey: I didn't think so! <exits through the door in a huff>
Can totally relate to her getting caught the one time she does something out of the ordinary. This is why, people, you need to set a precedent when it comes to taking breaks at work. Otherwise, people will always expect you to work through lunch even though you are entitled to a break! Anyway, I digress.
Bailey barges into the lab where Callie's working on her cartilage. Apparently, she fled the scene as soon as Eugenia presented her with options to treat her "surgical field". She gets into a rant on why surgical fields, or hers, in particular, should be left alone. Poor Callie, who's only trying to help, gets an earful and finally shuts her up with "Fine! I'm not putting a gun to your head. Let freedom ring!". As we know, Bailey yells when she's scared, and indeed, she's feeling insecure about entering into the dating scene again. Callie gets up and gives her a big hug of comfort. I must bring up this beef of mine - why is that Callie so readily hugs Bailey but we have yet to see her hug her own girlfriend in her times of need? <grumble> Maybe she has grown a lot in the latter part of the season, so I won't judge until a situation calls for it...perrrhaaps in the next episode? <quirks eyebrow>
Turns out Bailey is far from done with her mini-freakouts, and unfortunately, she has no one to share with besides Callie. It seems that Callie is getting more interruptions now than if she had not asked Bailey for help to begin with. Who would've expected Bailey to be so clingy all of a sudden. She calls Callie into some room and inquires about condom etiquettes, because Callie has suddenly become the almighty dating guru. In fact, she practically demands that Callie get the condoms for her from the clinic, because of course, the girl in the lesbian relationship loading up on condoms will raise fewer suspicions... I was hoping to see a scene where Arizona catches Callie stuffing a stash of condoms into her pocket, but I guess I'll just settle for a mental picture in my head.
In other dating news...
In the middle of the hilarious exchange in which Mark mistakes Teddy's question about breast implants to be a personal one, Callie's lightbulb goes off and points out to Mark that Teddy's the type of woman that he's looking for. (I hope Callie didn't hear the gaffe from Mark, or she really gives ill-timed advice). Mark forges ahead anyway (because he's feeling rather desperate) and asks Teddy out. Teddy, as any sane person would, rejects a man who insults then compliments her breasts in a span of 20 seconds.
After Teddy flees from Mark, she is jabbing at the elevator button in an agitated stat e when Arizona rolls up noisily in her Heelys (which sounds like an airplane landing if you ask me). Teddy gives her a bewildered look, to which Arizona responds, "What?" (hee, so abrupt.. I like how they converse like buddies now).
Teddy: Mark Sloan just...asked me out! Arizona: Huh... coool... <looking thoughtful> Teddy: No...No..Not coool... Mark. Sslooann. <uttered with as much disgust as she could muster> Arizona: Exactly! Why not have a little fun? I mean, Mark is like a...candy. Eat it, and forget about it. <nods> Right? Come on! You know what? This might be the best idea I've ever had! <looking proud of herself and nods repeatedly> Teddy appears to consider it.
Usually, that would be sound advice, but Arizona has apparently not yet been briefed on Mark's overnight personality transplant. And heh... the way Teddy enunciated "Mark Sloan" has got to be one of my favorite lines of the night.
Later, Callie and Arizona are eating lunch by themselves in the cafeteria, when Arizona shares her ingenious idea with Callie:
Arizona: How genius is this? Mark Sloan.. and Teddy. (complete with air quotes around "Mark Sloan" and "Teddy") Callie: Are you serious? I just said that! Arizona: Hm! Shut up! Are we so well matched that we have all the same thoughts? Callie: <trails her hand from AZ's shoulder, down her arm and takes her hand> It is kinda creepy but kinda great <in a sing-songy voice>. Arizona: Hum hum hum hum! <laughs> I'm just sayin'. Callie: <giggles>
They get giddy and touchy-feely at how in synch they are for a moment, before they realize that they are not on the same page re: this Mark and Teddy thing. In fact, they are not even reading the same book:
Arizona: Teddy needs someone to come in and clear out the cobwebs, and just put a little spring in her step. Callie: Yeah, and to father her children. Arizona: Yeah. Wh-wh-what? No. Mark? Callie: Yeah. He wants a wife, and kids. <matter-of-factly> Arizona: I told her he was a candy bar. Callie: What?? Arizona: I didn't know! <eyes buggering> Callie: <sighs exasperatedly>
Ladies, ladies... you really need to sit down and compare notes sometime before playing puppet master. I am starting to wonder if these two talk much...or maybe they have been making better use of their time... <shifty eyes>
As if on cue, Mark sits down with an apple in hand (as he always does), and updates them on his misadventures with Teddy while I crack up at AZ's expressions:
Mark: First she said no, then she said yes. Callie: Oh, that's good! Mark: And then she said no again. Because she doesn't want to have a meal with me. She just wanted sex. Arizona makes all these shifty eyes and looks at Callie apologetically. Mark: I mean, who treats people like that? Like an object.. a piece of ass. Arizona: Uh, I think you do. Mark: I've changed.
Jessica's command of facial expressions continues to amaze me, particularly throughout this scene. Her comedic timing is always bang-on as well, as is Sara's.
Lexie's patient in the ER, a young boy, is experiencing severe abdominal pains, so she pages Arizona. Throughout the ordeal, from first landing in the ER to finding out that their son will be okay, the overprotective parents are freaked out and continuously casting blame on themselves, to the point that Arizona is at a loss at how to deal with them, because they just cannot be mollified. Annoying, but understandable, I suppose. And certainly exaggerated to set the stage for the kids conversation. We've never heard AZ's tone quite so resigned (in regards to the parents) before as it is in this situation while operating on the boy. I found the whole exchange at the end where AZ's trying to reassure the parents particularly moving; you can just see the various emotions running through her. I felt a little sad, seeing what working in Peds can do to AZ emotionally. The shot lingering on AZ after the parents are walking away is especially telling.
Back in the lab, Callie still has not given up on the cartilage. AZ is eating some chop suey with noodles out of a paper carton and tells Callie to give it to the bioengineers instead. Callie says that they told her that it can't be done but that they are just not as invested as she is. As Arizona is about to chomp away at a piece of fried squid, Callie discovers that one of her samples actually crystallized:
Callie: <shakes test tube> Holy... It... It's not liquid. <shakes some more> Arizona, it's not liquid!! Arizona: Oh my god! Oh my god! Do you know what you did? Callie: I don't know! I don't know!! I gotta...I gotta do it again! <flips through her notepad> <giggles> I'm on fire! And it's not just this. It's..everyone, came to me for relationship advice today. And I gave them sane and healthy advice. Whether they take it or not, I'm still seen as someone sane and healthy enough to give advice. I mean, when I lived in the basement, when I.. when I married an intern in Vegas, I wasn't seen that way. Arizona: <smiles lovingly at Callie> You're amazing. Callie: <smiles back> We're amazing. Both giggle. Callie: We are the stable couple now. We're the one that everyone wants to be. <AZ chuckles> I mean, I can just see us ten years from now, in a big old house with kids running around, and giving sage, sane advice to Mark Sloan... who will still be single. <Both laugh>
What a lovely moment between the two of them. Alas, the moment is short-lived for Callie:
Arizona: Well, I'm in it for all but the kids. Callie: What? Arizona: Hm! No kids. But no, I mean, "Yyyyiiiiikes"! No, to kids! Callie: <nervous chuckle> You're joking, right? I mean, you're in pediatrics. Arizona: Yeah, exactly. I mean, this kid, Noah, comes in today, and he's fine one minute, and his mom gives him a hug, and he lands in my OR nearly dead. Callie: But you saved him... <looking worried> Arizona: Yeah! But his parents? They're-they're-they're a hot mess! And I mean, they'll never sleep well again! Uhm uhm. <shakes head> Callie looks at her, stunned and disappointed. Arizona: But a big house? I'm in... ooh, and can we have dogs? And chickens? I have this weird thing for chickens. Callie continues to stare at her with sadness.
The expression of stunned disappointment on Callie's face just broke my heart. She looked like the future she was just envisioning was shattering all around her. It's kind of interesting that Arizona is completely oblivious to Callie's expression and continues her bizarre tangent about her fascination with chickens (of all things - I mean, is she going to keep them as pets or eat them??). It's not the first time that she has misread people's reactions or missed visual cues, and so she completely misses the gravity of the situation and its direct impact on the viability of their relationship. And if she knew how much having kids meant to Callie, I'm sure she would not have dismissed it so flippantly. AZ also frowns a little when Callie brings up living in the basement; if that was intentional on JCap's part, then I take it to mean that Callie never mentioned it to AZ, and clearly, there are many things that they haven't shared with each other. And from Callie's shock that AZ does not want kids even though she works in Peds, it's pretty clear that AZ has not shared her tiny coffins nightmares with her, either.
At that moment, I just feel like Callie is just a puppet being jerked around as a cruel joke by the gods - or the writers. They built us up for a giant fall by having the two of them revel in their self-proclaimed well-matched and stable relationship for most of the episode. Then they pumped Callie and us up with her success at her work and her realization that all the pieces of her life have finally come together, culminating in this moment of utter happiness and contentment that we have never seen her experience, only to be hit with the stark reality that it having a future with AZ with a family may be an illusion. Yup, I'd say her joy lasted about 2 seconds there. Lesson of the day? Don't get all self-congratulatory on your own relationship because you will get bitten in the arse. Without fail.
I'm sure many of us were expecting drama given the press release of the following ep, and that the writers were setting up the stage with the Arizona patient storyline in this ep, but when it came, it still hurts like hell. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind angst. In fact, I'm relieved that it's over this rather than some contrived 3rd party storyline. It certainly holds the potential for growth on the part of both Callie and Arizona. It's a true test for Callie to see if she really has become sane and healthy enough to help Arizona work through her issues. I understand where AZ is coming from - children's mortality is very real for her as a direct result of working in Peds, and it can be scary to see from first-hand experience the things that could go wrong with her own children. I hope Callie will try to get Arizona to talk about her issues and that AZ to let go a little and address them. She has been internalizing everything for far too long.
Kind of ironic that Callie & Arizona have spent the last few episodes helping other people with their relationship problems and freely dispensing dating advice, while oblivious to a pretty important issue that's lurking just outside of their bubble of joy. Callie specifically telling Mark to find someone who wants the same type of future, without knowing that she and AZ are not on the same page with regards to the future is just so bitterly ironic.
The silver lining here, though, is that they pretty much see the other as the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with. So yeah, if you block out the baby issue for a second, it makes you feel kind of warm and fuzzy, mhmm.
So the big question is, how will this be resolved? There are several theories floating around, with some being more likely then others to actually happen on the show. As there may be some spoilers and speculation in the discussion, I would suggest to anyone who would prefer to avoid spoilers skip the next several paragraphs. (Author's note: I realize that Kristin's spoilers on their future just came out, after I've written everything below... I'm just going to leave it in anyway for analysis' sake)
They work it out by the end of next week's episode: After almost an hour of avoidance, arguments, and some more avoidance, and/or running around complaining to other people, Callie & Arizona will finally sit down to have a chat in the last 5 minutes and work it out. Arizona may share her fears of having children of her own and perhaps her nightmares involving tiny coffins. Callie expresses understanding and promises to work through Arizona's fears with her. This outcome will be consistent with Shonda's interview last summer about wanting Callie to be happy this season in a healthy and solid relationship. As well, given what is likely Callie's patient storyline in the upcoming episode, the theme seems to be about compromise. It will be a good chance to exhibit Callie's real growth this season.
Conflict spans a few episodes: Let's face it, all the other couples (with the exception of MerDer who had years of drama already) have had conflicts this season. And they've milked the Unusual!Love!Triangle! for all it's worth (at least for now). And with Sloan Sloan's return in around ep 20, they may drag this out for a few eps. Because it IS a big decision and in the real world, not something a couple can resolve in a couple of days. It would also make sense that if things have not been resolved by 6.21, that the patient hitting on Callie in the casting sides may be of some significance.
Splitsville: No couple has stayed together throughout. If they do break up (temporarily or heaven forbid, permanently), this would be a legitimate issue. It's better than some contrived love triangle down the road. Perhaps some patient storyline in the future will make AZ change her mind. This will not be inconsistent with Shonda's tweet earlier in the season, that she won't break Cal/AZ up easily. And kids is a very real issue that couples tend to break up over.
Callie runs into Mark's arms: The way Mark has progressed into wanting to be a "family man" this season, wouldn't it be convenient for the writers just to mash Callie and Mark together since they are on the same page regarding kids? I tend to believe it's red herring to get us all in a tizzy. First, because if the writers had a memory of at least that of a fruit fly, they will recall the Callie/Hahn/Mark debacle. Having Mark be somewhat involved with the destruction Callie's 2nd relationship in as many seasons (even if he's not to be blamed for it) would cause a Calzona fangirl uprising. I don't think the writers will stoop to that level for drama's sake.
As much as Shonda & Co. loves drama and playing musical chairs with the characters, they should know that this would wasting all their efforts expended in crafting the development of Callie & Arizona's relationship this season up to this episode. Plus, it will be difficult to leave Arizona without a love interest. I don't see them introducing another bi or lesbian character just to pair her up, and leaving her single for as long as they did to Bailey does not make much sense, either.
As long as the writers present the story in a realistic manner that is true to their characterization, I will be happy, whether they make up in one episode or not.
Random thoughts:
Although I could've done without the making out, I enjoy the dynamic between Bailey and Ben. Anyone who dares to and successfully cuts off her rants is a winner in my books. I love love love the decor of his apartment, though can't believe we got to see his place before we saw Arizona's.
I wish Richard would remain in this role, because a Richard who is not bound by chiefly responsibilities and scruples is tons of fun! I got a kick out of his turning Cristina against Owen. Richard's no foo.
I see potential in a Mark/Teddy relationship. The last scene where Mark talks about his hopes and dreams is quite moving, and I like that they are both making a conscious effort to move on. Although, when he said that he wasn't wasting his time on someone who doesn't share his interest to Teddy, right after the Callie & Arizona revelation scene, that's just like twisting the knife in my stomach. Even if it has nothing to do with setting up Mallie whatsoever, that statement just made me hurt for Callie even more.
Owen had better stay the heck away from Teddy. The last thing any of us want to see is The Love Triangle: Round 2.
These writers have been on a roll with Cristina's lines in the last few eps (coincidentally after the love triangle is fading... imagine that..). Practically every line that came out of Cristina's mouth was comedic gold, especially the part where she breaks into an informercial voice. Sandra Oh is a national treasure.
I am mightily impressed with JCap's chopstick wielding skills. The girl can multi-task, between delivering her lines, chewing, emoting appropriately, and maneuvering the chopsticks.
Necklace update: Yep, still wearing them! (and hopefully will continue to beyond next ep...)
AZ's sporting new sneakers in this ep:
Comments (27)
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Glad you enjoyed it!
)
It feels like it's a whole other game for AZ and Callie compared to the straight couples. Haven't people gotten used to them by now??? Yah, one would think! 
Glad being able to amuse! How come? It was either Swedish fish, Swedish meatball or Swedish smörgåsbord 
since I wanted something that you guys could relate to my country! And I know they're selling 'Swedish fish' (a type of candy, yum) at IKEA abroad! That's why 
Anywhoooo...
for Huntlet and Cristinas makeout sessions 
Loved that Callie/Bailey interaction! Hahaha. They're hilarious together.
And kind of sweet too. Bailey seeking Callie's help, and Callie being very
supportive. Aww. Love their friendship!
Callie/Bailey hug thing. Hmm.. Yeah, Callie not hugging Arizona for comfort when needed. Is it possible that Callie is better as a friend than a girlfriend? Don't shoot me! Haha. Just wondering.
Oh the condom! Hahaha. I think it would be soooooooooo hilarious if Arizona catches Callie with them. Hahaha. Aaaahhhhh. I love your review Meg. I always have comments on most every detail. Um... Sorry. Hahaha.
Oohh. Loved the exchange between Arizona and Teddy. And yes I agree that they interact like buddies. Like they're comfortable chatting about just anything. Arizona is an awesome friend! Haha.
Soooo loved the alone moments of Arizona and Callie in this episode. Especially the cafeteria scene. They get to talk and just be together. Now, they should do it more often. Get to know each other more.
Arizona talking to the parents after the surgery-Wow! Jessica Capshaw really can employ all the emotions needed for every moments of her scenes. From being serious, comedic, compassionate. Aaaahhhh. She's great! And oh! Sara Ramirez too! At the end of their scene together, when Callie looked sad and disappointed- I felt sad too. Sigh.
"(of all things - I mean, is she going to keep them as pets or eat them??)." - LOL on this. I was all sad reading before this and then, bam! Hahaha.
I would love to see drama between them to see how stable their relationship truly is. That is as long as they would still be together in the end because I don't know if I can take it if they break up. Noooooooooo!
And oh! Oh! Yay for the necklace update! Hahaha. Noticed them in this episode.
Thanks for another great review! You're super!