| My Review of 7.07 - "That's Me Trying" |
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| Written by Admin |
| Wednesday, 10 November 2010 21:33 |
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Perhaps my review should be titled "That's Me Trying to Finish Up This Never-ending Review Before the New Episode Airs". Anyway, it's finally done! And it's really long. I should mention that I will be taking a mini hiatus from reviewing during Arizona's absence and will resume as soon as she makes her return (which is soon). This episode improved on the previous week's numbers and hovered just over 11 million, and coming in first in the 18 to 49 age group for the 7th straight week.
As usual, a friendly reminder to everyone to avoid making references to spoilers relating to upcoming episodes in the comments so people who prefer to remain spoiler free can participate in the discussion. Thanks. This week's episode was written by Austin Guzman, a Writer's PA on the Grey's team last year who got a chance to write his own episode this season. He did a decent job with the medical storylines and nailed the voice of most of the characters. The trauma training was entertaining, and April's hardcore/dorky side was perfectly delivered by Sarah Drew. That was breakthrough for this character - more comedic and less annoying is the balance they should try to achieve. I don't mind this April as long as they don't have her go berserk every episode. I suspect, though, that for Calzona fans, the entire episode was overshadowed by the breakup. I have to admit that I was expecting them to break up after reading Shonda's recent interview about preparing ourselves as well as having spoiled myself with promo stills of the following episode. Despite that, it was still traumatic for me, not because of the fact that they broke up, but the manner in which they broke up.
But before tackling the bitter and tearful ending, first let us recap how we got to that point...
The episode opens with Callie and Arizona packing their stuff into storage in advance of their big move while Mark hangs around to be the lucky recipient of Callie's various possessions that Arizona decides to generously give away. As Callie carefully puts away the picture of her with AZ (which the entire hospital got to witness during her mishap-filled presentation) in bubble wrap, Arizona is busy clearing out their kitchen cabinets. She whips around and asks, "How about it, Mark? You know you've always wanted one of.. <looks hesitantly at the peculiar contraption in her hand>...these." It does not a genius to infer that AZ is not particularly domestic. She punches the food chopper repeatedly, as though to increase its appeal, to no avail. Instead, Mark has his eyes on the waffle iron. Callie, who has been looking sour, takes exception and accuses Mark of never even eating waffles to begin with. Mark deadpans that he would if he had a waffle iron. Arizona decides for them that since they cannot bring a waffle iron to Malawi, it would be a waste for it to sit in storage for 3 years. Without waiting for a response, AZ hands Mark the lovely stainless steel appliance and throws in a French press for good measure (while taking the opportunity to channel her inner Vanna White). Callie, however, draws the line at the French press and snaps at AZ to stop giving her things away. AZ is taken aback as Callie walks into their bedroom and slams the door. Mark wisely passes on the French press while AZ looks a little perplexed by Callie's reaction.
Malawi, huh? How very Madonna of AZ. And I don't blame Callie. I would be annoyed if my significant other was so flippant about dumping my stuff. It's just kind of insensitive; just because she has moved in does not mean that it's her stuff to give away, especially since she didn't buy that. Also, the fact that Callie has reservations about giving away her belongings is the first indication that she is not completely certain about abandoning her life in Seattle for 3 years.
I'm sure many of you have already noticed, but at the beginning when the shot was on those picture frames, the first one was of Jessica and her son and the second was Sara with Al D. Rodriguez, her best friend who passed away and whom she established her foundation in honor of. That was a nice shout-out.
Later at the hospital, Arizona finds Callie in the supply room. While Callie is diligently stuffing medical supplies in a cardboard box, AZ has been going around saying goodbye to the kids in Peds and accumulated a cornucopia of arts and crafts goodies in the process.
Arizona: Callie! Check out all the great stuff the kids in Peds made me. They want me to take pictures of their crafts in Africa. Callie: <sarcastically> Oh wow! That's awesome. You'd be surprised how often you find yourself in need of a macaroni face glued to a plate. No, I mean, it's way better than gauze, malaria pills, antibiotics... Arizona: <retorting with some sarcasm of her own> Well, you are a delight this morning. Is there something you'd like to talk about? Callie: Um.. no! No, I'm just.... <fake grin> No...
I find it interesting that AZ clearly notices that something is wrong but does not press when Callie denies it so unconvincingly. AZ's expression reverted to not suspecting anything was wrong again. It almost seems like she knew something might be brewing but she decided to ignore it and just put on a happy face. On the other hand, Callie is just delaying the inevitable by keeping it in. Whatever fake compliant face that she's been putting on for the past few weeks is clearly showing cracks.
When the two of them come out of the supply room, the Chief walks up to them and is surprised to see them still at the hospital. Arizona explains that they have some last minute paperwork and that she came to say goodbye to the kids. What started out as a seemingly innocuous conversation took on a different tone quickly as the Chief appears to have an ulterior motive.
Chief Webber: That's good. The work you two will be doing there will reflect very very highly on this hospital. Sure, I was surprised to learn that I have to replace *two* excellent attendings as opposed to just the one. <Callie's interest is piqued> But then that's a Chief problem. No one wants to really hear..Chief's problems. <eyes Callie> It's a shame, though, Torres. I had uh - I had such big plans for you. Big plans. <walks away as Callie appears curious>
Ugh... I haven't never been so disgusted by the Chief's manipulative ways and phoniness as I have in the last two episodes. Big plans my foot. He has never cared about or fought for Callie and is clearly just too lazy to find a replacement for her. Plus, he probably remembers that Callie is working on her cartilage research, which might not materialize if she put it on hold for 3 years and the hospital won't get the credit. Just completely self-serving. Sure, Callie is having second thoughts to begin with, but that is separate from him dangling an imaginary carrot in front of Callie.
Later, Callie is sitting in an office filling out a form and muttering about "big plans" in her Chief voice (not unlike the "average baby boomer" voice she used when she said "I don't want some cow ligament in my leg...that sounds wacky") while Mark watches her from the door. Callie proclaims that she doesn't care about the "big plans", because dammit, she has big African plans of her own. She is going to be building bones from dirt, figure out how to create unbreakable joints out of blood diamonds, and making artificial limbs out of elephant ivory. It all sounds very biblical, but Mark points out that a couple of those might be frowned upon by the world community. Callie says that science isn't about making friends. True, but there's not much research she can do in prison, either.
Sometimes not having a goodbye party at all is better than having 3 people show up, which is what happens when Callie and Arizona walk into the lounge. Mark, Lexie, and the Chief are the only ones there shouting "Bon Voyage". Arizona seems to be genuinely surprised and gracious about it, but Callie is not impressed by the pitiful turnout, given that she's been there since residency. Arizona calls after her but Callie just waves her off as she heads for the grocery store cupcakes. The Chief feigns graciousness and says that they are down a couple of attendings and everyone's busy. Callie is still hung up on the "big plans" that the Chief dangled earlier and tries to casually ask him what they were. Realizing that he's got her hook, line, and sinker, all the Chief had to do was reel her in with "now why would I just give away my good ideas..." as he acts coy and walk away. Someone at that age and in that position just should not speak like that; it gives me the creeps. Arizona sees through the Chief and tells Callie that he's just being crabby and messing with her head. Callie snipes that she'll never know, will she? Arizona looks really hurt by that, and an air of awkwardness permeates the room as Mark and Lexie stand there uncomfortably. AZ, whose joy has completely disappeared, thanks them again and excuses herself, saying that she has to finish her packing. Callie says that she doesn't want to go home yet, and Mark invites her to check out the butt enhancement surgery, which she accepts excitedly.
That's really sad and insulting to the characters that we love. All of a sudden, only three people (one of whom was only there to lure her to stay) in the entire hospital can be bothered to take 5 minutes out of their day to bid them farewell. These cold, heartless, ingrates. If I were Callie, that would have strengthened my resolve to leave since no one gave a damn anyway.
If it's James Pickens Jr.'s intention to play the Chief as obnoxiously and disingenuously as possible, he succeeded. He makes me want to slap him. And Callie's snippy attitude is just so counterproductive and hurtful.
Before Callie leaves for the airport, Mark and Callie have one last chat outside of the hospital. Mark says that she has no one to talk to about women, and Callie says that they can email. Mark hesitates and begins by saying that it's not his place, but Callie wants to hear it anyway. Mark launches into the anvil that is the butt enlargement patient. He sees tons of women get boob jobs to please their boyfriends, only to regret it two years later because they didn't do it for themselves. The butt job girl, however, did it for herself, so he knows that she won't regret it because there was no one pressuring her to do it. He tells Callie that she "sounds an awful lot like someone who is getting double D's just 'cos her girlfriend likes a big rack. By big rack, I mean Africa." No, subtlety has never been Mark's strong suit. Callie takes it in, before saying earnestly, "I love her, Mark". Mark says that he knows she does, but she needs to figure out how to love Africa, too. Callie does not have a response to that and hugs Mark.
I like Mark in this scene. Raunchy analogy aside, I like that his dialogue was balanced. Rather than making him appear selfish and wanting his best friend to stay, he was genuinely looking out for Callie. Instead of suggesting that Callie should not go to Africa just for AZ, he gently reminded Callie that while it's fine to go along for AZ, that she has to find a way to love Africa. It's clear what he was trying to say but was subtle enough that it didn't feel like he was trying to ruin their relationship or anything. The most touching part of the episode to me was when Callie said "I love her, Mark" in such a heartfelt and sincere manner. It is something for us to hang onto.
The way that the conflict has been escalating throughout the episode, we just know something is going to happen at the airport. We see Callie and Arizona dragging their suitcases along. As Callie babbles excitedly:
Callie: You know, sure, there's not a lot to do over there. But uh - that just means less to distract us from the medicine. It'll just be *us*...focusing on the medicine...<AZ stops walking and frowns> ...which is great.... <turns back at AZ> What? Oh my god.. Did you forget your passport? Arizona: I won the Carter Madison grant. I WON the Carter Madison grant. Do you know how rare that is? <Callie's mouth is open in shock and nods and glances around in embarrassment> This is the biggest opportunity of my professional career. <voice continues to rise> I-I get to go to Malawi with unlimited funds and help children, help tiny humans who might otherwise never see a pediatric surgeon. I get to change lives. That's the dream! I am living the dream and I'm over the moon about it. Or I-I would be, but you are ruining it for me. FIrst with your whining and now with your fake smiley passive aggressive enthusiasm. You are ruining Africa for me. Callie: I'm not.. Arizona: YOU ARE!! Callie: <pauses> Okay, fine, I don't want to go to Africa, okay? But I do want to be with you, okay? So I'm really trying here. We're going to miss our plane. Let's go! <walks in the direction of boarding but turns around and sees Arizona is frozen on the spot> Oh my god.. okay. You wanna fight? The flight is 18 hours. We can fight on the plane.
Arizona: <in tears> You are..ruining..this..for me. And I don't want to do this. Callie: What-what does-so what does that mean? What - you suddenly don't want to go? Or.. Arizona: <shakes her head> I don't want to go to Africa with you. Callie: <stunned> ....Arizona... <shakes her head> No...okay? No... Arizona: <trance-like> I'm sorry... I'm sorry <looks down at the floor> Callie: You're sorry... you're sorry? It's three years. Arizona: I'm going to miss my plane. You take care of yourself. <walks away> Callie: No! NO! <AZ turns around> Please.. please... <crying> We can.. we can do this. We can figure this out. Arizona: <shakes her head tearfully> You stay here...and be happy, and I'll go there.. and be happy. Callie: If you get on that plane, if you go without me, we are done. Do you hear me? We are over! Arizona: We are standing in the middle of an airport screaming at each other. We're already over. <turns around and walks away, leaving Callie standing there>
Sigh. Where do I even begin? I'm not even going to try to make you all feel better about it, because it was just that bad. And it's just as bad after a cooling period of one week. I'm not sure any amount of rationalizing will do the trick, either. After investing so much care in developing their relationship for 1.5 years, it was very disappointing to see the break up written in this manner. What could have potentially a really heart-wrenching and moving scene was completely wasted.
First of all, I have no problem with the concept of a break-up. I don't think Arizona should give up on her dream of helping children and I don't think it's fair for Callie to tag along if her heart is not in it since her bitterness will inevitably wreck their relationship. If they want different things at the moment, and if neither of them feels like a long-distance relationship over 3 years is feasible, then I don't see why should not break up and perhaps get back together 3 years down the road if they are really meant to be.
I felt that the last breakup and getting back together by season's end, while satisfying in the short-term and avoids a summer's worth of grief, did not yield a lot of angst that would have made great TV. I would have liked to see them pine for each other for more than one ep. The way their relationship played out from season 5, there has hardly been any opportunity for UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension), which I would love to see after AZ returns. I certainly don't mind conflict like this if it will give them more drama and screen time and an opportunity for Sara and JCap to act their hearts out. This kind of angst creates more opportunity for depth that a perpetually fluffy and happy relationship does not. How do two people deal with the dilemma of being able to do something for the greater good possibly at the price of their relationship? And if Callie does go with AZ to save their relationship at the expense of her own career, will she end up resenting AZ in the future? And how will Callie react when AZ comes back?
Where the breakup has failed, as far as I am concerned, is in its execution (i.e. writing). First of all, I could not connect emotionally with the scene. When I said that I was traumatized earlier, I was mainly shocked by the ridiculous way in which things went down rather than feel moved and heartbroken like I was during the last breakup. Their dialogue (mainly Arizona's) was so petty and unsophisticated that it did not sound like AZ to me. The "I don't want to go to Africa with you" or "YOU ARE!!" sounded immature and petulant and over the top. Certainly, we have seen AZ lash out before, but usually there is more substance and gravitas behind her words. Here, everything that came out of her mouth was uncharacteristically cruel. I don't like that they made AZ to be that way because I don't want either party to be "wrong". Also, I know the writing intended her for to sound like the grant means a lot to her and that she finally gets a chance to live her dream. What is unfortunate is that it makes her come off sounding so self-centered and full of self-importance, as though she's saying "Do you know how I am and what I've done???" It is difficult to empathize with her at that moment. However, I want to note that I can understand some bitterness on her part if Callie has only appeared to be far from being thrilled about her achievements. To make this scene even less palatable, the degree of reliance on cliches is almost criminal. I'm sure if they tried hard enough, they could have come up with something other than "You take care of yourself" and "We're already over".
I understand that AZ was pushed to the limit with Callie's passive aggressiveness throughout the episode, and I don't blame her for being angry. Who knows? Callie probably has been mostly negative about the whole move. Also, I can imagine how frustrating it must have been to have asked Callie what was wrong multiple times only to be told that nothing was. However, I do think it's harsh to just leave Callie abruptly like that, especially after what they have been through. After all, Callie was willing to sacrifice her life for AZ during the shooting and they renewed their commitment to each other afterwards. I acknowledge that AZ is not the most mature when it comes to dealing with issues and often resorts to lashing out, going off on tangents, and running away, but the abrupt goodbye was uncalled for. Yes, it's probably true that even if they had fought/talked on the plane and fought/talked some more in Africa, they might've reached the same conclusion that Callie would have come back to Seattle, but that would've been less hurtful.
I want to talk about Callie's passive aggressive behavior concerning her move to Africa. You will recall that during the baby saga, while she was stewed by herself or by complaining to Mark, she eventually did go to talk to Arizona about it. Arizona's reaction was completely not what she hoped for, first with her insecurity (the whole vay-vay-vay-cation in Lesbianland) and then with the avoidance. In the end, Callie ended up losing Arizona, and would still have had the shooting not occurred. Even though Callie took the honest approach in the last conflict, the outcome was not favorable, and that certainly would not serve as an encouraging reminder for her to be honest about what she wants. I can understand Callie being skittish about sharing her true feelings with AZ with respect to Africa because she fears that it's not what Arizona wants to hear and risk her relationship ending again. Therefore, as unhealthy as it may be, she reverts to bending backwards for the other person to avoid conflict. Except.. and this is a big "except".. that Callie is not the type who is able to hide how she feels, and not surprisingly, her resentment manifests itself in passive aggressive behavior towards AZ.
Speaking of her resentment, it makes me more curious than ever how Callie came to the decision of going along with Arizona to Africa. It could be that AZ just informed that Callie she's going and that there's no "ifs" or "buts", or worse yet, strongly suggested that Callie went with her. Either way, it left Callie with little choice but to tag along if she wanted to keep the relationship alive even though she was not so keen on it. It's hard to do a complete analysis of it with so many holes in the storyline that is presented to us. Aside from seeing AZ's look of regret during the interview in the last episode when she mentioned important people, we are not sure how she feels about Callie moving with her. Are we to believe that Callie did such a good job convincing herself and everything around her (up until the last day) that AZ didn't realize that Callie wanted to go? Or did AZ just choose to ignore the signs and was perfectly content to have Callie go along even if she might not want to? Or it could be that Callie did such a good job or convincing herself and others around her until they actually had to get on the plane.
The last breakup was beautifully written and moving, and this one - well, this one was the opposite and utterly unsatisfying. There was absolutely no depth in the dialogue. Call me cheesy or a hopeless romantic, but I was hoping that there would be a moving farewell where AZ tells Callie to stay because she understands that Callie's life is in Seattle and that she can't ask her to move for her sake if her heart's not in it. However, Callie rejects that notion and still wants to go with her. But AZ puts her foot down for Callie's happiness and they share a tearful last kiss. Even if that type of scene is generally overdone, at least I would have been moved with JCap and Sara acting in it.
I suppose that the writers wanted to have a bitter breakup so that when AZ does return, it will take a while for them to sort out their feelings and that they will be snippy at each other for some time (and possibly attempt to date other people), thus dragging out their reconciliation until May sweeps (which is pure speculation on my part). I believe that they did not need to end it bitterly to have a dramatic storyline after AZ's return. Isn't there good drama in Callie learning to trust that AZ won't leave her again and working on how to communicate better with each other instead of resorting to over the top pettiness and rejecting each other out of spite? Oh wait, this is Grey's we are talking about...
It will be interesting to see under what circumstance Arizona comes back, presumably after 2 episodes. I am torn over AZ's reason for returning. I don't believe that AZ should crawl back to Callie and grovel for forgiveness. Sure, she should not have ended it so abruptly but she shouldn't apologize for choosing Africa over Callie. She's doing something important there and it's just not right to shirk her duty when given an opportunity like that. And Callie should understand that the work is important to AZ. And I don't particularly want to see Arizona coming back to Callie because she can't live without her and gives up on her dream of changing the world and helping others. That would undermine her character. What would be an interesting scenario is if she was forced to come back due to some other reason, such as sickness or some family issue. Not being certain that AZ came back for Callie would certainly yield a more interesting storyline.
I have to say that Sara and Jessica did the best they could with the material they were given. There's only so much they could do when bad writing is thrown at them.
And just to complete my rant, what is with the goofy, jazzy song playing in the background during this scene? Grey's usually has the perfect song to go with every scene, and this one felt totally out of place and undermines the seriousness of this scene.
As I said above, I don't mind a break up. What I do mind is that the things AZ said made her vilified by many. I'm sure that some people hate her guts for leaving Callie. I don't like the way she broke it off with Callie, but it doesn't mean that I don't still believe in her cause and that she shouldn't give up on her dream. The way AZ left Callie at the airport versus AZ leaving for Africa to do something good should be treated as two different things. Anyway, things are going to get mighty interesting once she returns. I look forward to the drama and hope for strong, nuanced writing.
Random thoughts:
To those familiar with Rizzoli & Isles, Bailey complaining to Derek about the pathologist always talking about food just reminded me of Maura Isles and her keeping food in the "dead people fridge". Can you imagine Maura doing the autopsy on Mary with Bailey there and going all Google-speak on her?
Huntlet has a very awkward run. It is very distracting. Actually, perhaps that is a good thing because it takes my focus away from the sad theater mask.
Bailey's rant at Mark asking her to pick up the cupcakes served him right. *pumps fist in the air*
It bothers me that Arizona kept calling Callie "Callie" in this episode, even when she was not yet upset in the first scene.
To end on a good note, both Jessica and Sara looked *amazing* this episode. JCap looked as good as she's been all season, and Sara has just been off-the-charts hawt in pretty much every ep.
Necklace update: They wore them this ep, but not for long.
The last installment of Bump Watch: enormous belly hidden by the kitchen counter, the cardboard box full of crafts, close-up shots.
Comments (51)
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i also don't have a problem with them breaking up, but doing it that way, it just sucks! 
well, i hope the writers do a better job next time. it will be interesting to see how they will bring Az back.
Next best thing to Greys and our wonderful girls Callie/Sara and Arizona/Jess.
though I duly note it was expected and there is no taking sides when it comes to this breakup, though harsh it may have been. I'll admit I gasped a little bit about the comment made about the "goofy, jazzy song playing on the backround," to which I couldn't disagree more. One of the greatest things Grey's has going for it is the wonderful presentation of truly gifted up and coming musicians, and Dark Dark Dark with the song "Daydreaming" could not have been more carefully chosen and a perfect choice for the scene, the wonderful song and lyrics about "all the unspeakable things" - probably the only thing making sense analysing their relationship and breakup.
Wow as always an excellent review! I agree mostly with everything you said...I felt though you were leaning more to it being Arizona's fault these event's happened...Don't kill me lol...It just came off that way...to me that is.
I'm not going to get into whose fault I think it is or whatever...I just want to say I agree with most of what you said and in the end as much as it hurt I think it was the right decision...
Naturally I want them back together as soon as possible but they have a long road to that I just hope when the time comes that they are reunited they have worked out all their issues and are as solid as can be
I don't like how they portrayed Arizona in the final scene...I def think because of the way they did a lot of fans have turned against her which is the saddest thing ever....I've had many people tell me know what a bitch she is blah blah!
To me I don't feel that way - Despite what Arizona has done I love her to pieces lol - Basically she has always been perfect to me and still is lol..but I believe they could have handled it ten times better...In a way I believe they've destroyed her character...and even if they get back together I think there will always be people know that highly dislike Arizona...
Anyways thanks for the review! Lovely to read!