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Save 'Grey's Anatomy' -- kill off Izzie

Posted: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:20 AM by Denise Hazlick
Filed Under: , ,

Much has been made of Katherine Heigl's comments that she wasn't worthy of an Emmy nomination this year because the "Grey's Anatomy" writers didn't give her an Emmy-worthy storyline to work with. Mark Harris makes a very thoughtful argument in defense of Heigl in the July 25 issue of Entertainment Weekly (page 18 if you have a copy. I'd post a link but EW.com doesn't have it up yet). Some have argued that the comment was a ploy by Heigl to get herself written off the show so she can pursue her movie career (hopefully with movies much better than "27 Dresses"). Rumor has it that the "Grey's" writers will give Heigl her wish -- they are going to give her character, Dr. Isobel "Izzie" Stevens, a fatal brain tumor. All I can say to that is ... YES!

It has nothing to do with Heigl's comments. I tend to agree with Harris' assessment -- an actress who speaks her mind is far more interesting and refreshing than one who keeps quiet and plays it safe. Nor has it anything to do with Heigl herself. Good luck to you!


AP file

I hate Izzie Stevens and think that she (and to a lesser extent most of the women characters on the show) makes "Grey's" unwatchable. She's a basket case. If she isn't killing the man she loves in order to save him (ever hear of the Hippocratic oath?), she's seducing her married best friend George (don't get me started on that character) or freaking out in the O.R., E.R., cafeteria -- everywhere. If she were my doctor, I'd report her to the AMA.

Now before you tell me "it's just a TV show, you can't take this literally, you have to suspend your imagination," let me tell you, that isn't a problem for me.

I had no problem believing Gerard Butler was Leonidas, King of Sparta. I believe that Gerard Butler's charm made "P.S. I Love You" a movie worth watching more than once much less just once. I believe Gerard Butler has been waiting his entire life to meet and fall in love with a 43-year-old entertainment journalist. See, I can suspend reality.

But Izzie Stevens lacks charm, lacks a brain, lacks anything resembling the maturity or compassion necessary to be a doctor, even a fake one on TV that viewers are expected to connect with, or dare I say, believe in, week after week. I've tried to watch "Grey's," but 10 minutes of Izzie has me reaching for the remote.

Heigl's right -- give Izzie something decent to do and say, or please, put her out of her misery.

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Comments

I don't watch regularly, so perhaps I am not best to comment, but when I do watch, I find Christina to be a joy; I love her nuances, her deadpan-ness, and her totally pragmatic view of medicine.

amy palazola, norfolk, va (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:37 AM)

You forgot that Izzie used hospital staff, supplies and time to help an injured deer in the hospital parking lot!

Anna, Sacramento, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:37 AM)

Amen to that. Grey's Anatomy is a superficial, immature and annoying television show with poor acting. The only reason people watch is to see who's doing who.

Debby, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:39 AM)

Heigl is going to have a run about like Jenna Elfman from Dharma and Greg.  A couple years on television, a few lame movies and then obscurity.  Being an "it" girl is truly fleeting and she doesn't have the acting chops to carry it through to an illustrious movie career.  

Scout in Nebraska (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:41 AM)

Can I hear an Amen? AMEN!

Heather, Kinston, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:44 AM)

I'd rather see Meredith go before Izzie.  I realize Meredith is the namesake of the show, but she's such an incredibly unlikeable character--whining, moaning, complaining constantly, on-and-off again with "McDreamy," and generally a nasty person to almost everyone around her.  I buy Izzie as a doctor before I can accept Meredith as even being human.

Carlton Fisher, watertown, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:44 AM)

Keep Grey's but please, please get rid of Meredith!!!

janet brown (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:47 AM)

YES!  Thank you for saying publicly what I've been saying to my husband since the show's beginnings.  Izzy is like fingernails on a chalkboard...only I can tolerate fingernails on a chalkboard.

Michelle McClain, Union, MO (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:50 AM)

AGREED!!!!

Daniel, Decatur, GA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:52 AM)

Oh heck yes. And Amen. I couldn't agree more. In considering Izzy's character on Greys, I'm reminded of Seinfeld:  Successful show as a whole? Yes! But the characters? As individuals they were all utterly unlikeable and despicable people!

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:52 AM)

Yes!  Dispatch Izzie now.  After all the story is "Grey's Anatomy" -- so let's get back to that story.  I can't stand the character of Izzie.  I hope the focus of this season is back where it belongs--on Meredith Grey.

SM Ranson, Auburn, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:53 AM)

Bad information you've got there. Michael Ausiello has confirmed that Izzie will not be struck down with a brain tumor.  To me she's the one whose acting draws me in the most, often resulting in me holding my breath and not realizing it.  Izzie stays.

NardoPolo (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:56 AM)

Actually there wasn't much to see on Grey's this year. Izzie and George getting together and then fumbling the way they did was BORING. Every ones storey lines sucked. I watched because I kept hoping the writers would come off strike and give us the show we all loved previously. Then I realised they WERE off strike and this was what they were putting out. I bought season one and season two, but I will be damned if I will waste my hard earned money on the pathetic excuse for the junk put out after the strike. Guess the writers didn't get the money they wanted from the strike as it shows in there work. WAY to go Izzie! You hit the nail on the head when you pulled yourself from the emmys. But not to worry, your co-stars won't win. Their storey lines were as bad as yours. Sandra Oh's was a hair above Izzie's and I mean a hair. She shoulda pulled herself from the running also. As you should notice, the show didn't get a nod for best show either. Hummmm, point taken. Writers, get with the program and give us back our program. CSI is starting to look good to me!

DW, Clarkston, Wa (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:59 AM)

Yes, yes!  Meredith drives me CRAZY with her constantly morose demeanor and ego-centric whining.  What in the world does McDreamy see in her?  She's exhausting to be around ... why isn't he sick of her always feeling so sorry for herself?  Give me Izzie any day ... she's upbeat, offbeat and just fun to watch.  And why not switch the "Grey's" reference to Meredith's sister who is WAY more interesting and sympathetic.  

Robin in Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:59 AM)

I have to say Izzie doesn't stand out much for me, but that's cause half of them are self-absorbed whiners.  Along with "Without a Trace" and "ER", I quit watching when nearly everyone had done everyone else on the show. I would say just give Bailey or Cristina their own damn show and don't look back, but I saw what they did to Addison on "Private Practice".

Sarah (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:03 PM)

Love the show, love Izzie, love Meredith, love George, et al...  The show is great, if you don't like it, don't watch it... Simple...  

Jerry (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:05 PM)

Izzie is actually the only character that makes it worth watching. If Heigl leaves I will go with her.

Steven (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:06 PM)

Izzie use to be a good character. Her Dr. Model persona was one that I loved to watch - her being able to fend for herself against her past to her peers and her patients. But then Denny came along and she went all crazy.

The thing with Grey's is that you can pick out a moment that changes each character. Just as Denny was Izzie's changing moment, George's dad dying changed him. Burke leaving Cristina changed her. I think that's what makes the show human.

But I totally agree - give Izzie more real (or at least less fantastical) situations, please. The writers didn't screw with anyone like they screwed with Izzie, and that makes me sad, because she used to be a favorite.

PS - I love the references to Gerard Butler, and totally agree there, too!

Amanda, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:08 PM)

I am with Janet.. Grey's without Izzie all the way.

Diana (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:09 PM)

We all must remember that this is just a show.  It isn't the actors who should be killed off - it's the writers.  DUH!!!!

Sandy, Mission Viejo, Ca. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:12 PM)

Amen to those that would rather get rid of Meredith!!!  Short of a personality transplant, there is NOTHING that can be done to redeem that character, in my mind.  I have only watched "Grey's" for about 2 seasons now and I just CANNOT tolerate Meredith.  Carlton Fisher (above) said what I was thinking about the character -- the whining, the "poor me" syndrome, the wishy-washiness regarding McDreamy.  Shonda Rhimes, couldn't you have done better with the lead character?  Seriously, you should have let her drown when she fell into the Bay during the ferry disaster!

Heather, Chambersburg, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:14 PM)

I actually like Izzie in the beginning, but since the George/Izzie fiasco, she's become someone that I wouldn't want to know.

BK (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:17 PM)

i used to watch grey's every week but somehow i fell out of love with it this past season - even before the writer's strike.  i just got tired of it.  i watch bits and pieces and read summaries of the episodes but i don't care to watch an entire episode again.

jane lewis, burlington, nc (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:22 PM)

Sorry, but killing off Meredith might actually make me want to keep watching.  Izzy's storyline with Denny was the best part of the show so far.  At least Katherine Heigl CAN act, which is more than can be said for Ellen Pompeo.

I think Meredith and George need to end up bidding the world adieu together.

Tara, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:23 PM)

Can Sandra Oh's character get a fatal tumor too?

Thanks.

Lacy, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:23 PM)

Personally, I love Grey's Anatomy.  I am sick of the whole meredith and derek thing.  I have never liked Izzie and I like her even less after her and George got together.  But, over all I think it is a pretty decent show. I do believe that Izzie should be kicked off. But that is just my opinion.

Katie Driscoll, (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:24 PM)

I think the potential tumor storyline could save Grey's Anatomy by putting the writing back on top. I think the tumor storyline would be an excellent storyline for Grey's Anatomy to use. Though to kill her off I don't know if it would save Grey's Anatomy. It's barely surviving as it. People do watch this show for Izzie/Katherine a lot. I only watch this show primarly for Izzie/Katherine Heigl. It's a gamble to let go of this character. I love Izzie even though she tends to the most stupidest things. Just she seems to care more, and she is trying to get better. Izzie is a breath of fresh air since most of the characters are dark and twisty. There is so much I can take, so when Izzie pops onscreen with her "yay" expression I love it. Whenever Heigl is gone that will be the moment I will stop watching the show.

Melissa, California (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:26 PM)

I agree with  Jerry, if you don't like the show, why in the world are you watching it?

Stacie, South Carolina (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:27 PM)

With everything wrong with the show it's amazing anyone watches.  It's inconceivable that these people had the brains and ability to become doctors.  
George especially.  He handles pressure like he's got shell shock.
Meredith is an emotional wreck and suicidal drama queen.
Izzie, lest we forget, killed her boyfriend and was able to avoid both dismissal and jail by crying on the bathroom floor for an episode or so.
Bailey is a nutjob and an absentee mother that breaks out into spontaneous speeches which seem oddly rehearsed.
The Chief is going through a constant midlife crisis.
McDreamy is an idiot romantic, and McSteamy is a rape charge waiting to happen.
Christina is too self-aware to actually do some of the stupid stuff she does, like her "like a virgin" sing-a-thon.
And even in Burke's departure from the show the writers displayed how flawed their writing was... what kind of world-class heart surgeon with such a solid upbringing and competetive nature disappears on his wedding day and quits his job at the same time?  Who the hell else would hire him after that?
Alex, the local "bad boy" seems to be the most realistic.  Which ain't saying much.

All that said... all of that is why people watch this crap show.  And somehow it works... in it's way.

Bob Jones, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:28 PM)

Well, Well the downfall of Izzie was Denny and the really did her in when they had her have drunken sex with George and then we are suppose to believe that is love.  And don't get me started on George's wife she didn't make it with George and now she is gay.  What is that all about?  The show needs to get back on track.  Let's face it it was better with Burke.  Now I am not condoning what transpired between him and T.J. but was it worth him losing his job and the show has been downhill since.  For Izzie she can only work with what she is given and that was not much.  It would have been better if they explored the storyline with her and Alex but that is another whole subject.

TJ, Capital Heights, MD (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:35 PM)

I don't know if I'd necessarily get rid of any one character...yet, but definitely some personality change is needed for some of them.  Izzie is simply annoying.  Meredith needs to realize how good she has it and quit messing it up.

Annette, Georgia (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:39 PM)

I stopped watching this show because I give up on a cast of characters that sabotage themselves, their work, their relationships OVER AND OVER.  Desperate Housewives and Greys are just two shows that I could watch the first and second seasons of, after that, I give up.  Meredith and Izzie are completely tragic and people you would NOT want to know in real life, could you imagine having to talk them through all their drama?  And I hope that actor guy with the sleeping disorder and the 7 kids gets some sleep, that must be torture.

John Haxby (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:40 PM)

I am an avid watcher of Grey's along with several of my friends. I found the show go down stream after the writer' strike.  It's like they can't write anymore, I'm looking forward to the new season and I'm hoping they have come up with a better plot then they did after they returned from the strike. I also don't like it when the writer's split up Meredith and Derek, come on, can't one couple stay together on this show without all the problems. I don't like the "new" girl he is dating and I know that when the new season starts since Mereidth is ready to start a life with McDreamy, the writer's have dreamed something up to keep them apart...yet again.  If that happens, I'll stop watching the show.  

Irene, No. Brunswick, NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:40 PM)

I love "Grey's", but I hate, hate, hate Izzie--good riddance I say!!

Cathy , Columbia, SC (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:41 PM)

Reminds me of the demise of "Friends." Once everyone starts sleeping with everyone else, sure sign the show is going down.

Nola, LA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:44 PM)

Frist of all, I loved the show in the beginning but this past season was HORRIBLE...all the characters were so annoying.  The way they banter on with the lines...I found myself tuning out or not caring if I missed it.  I think every character was given bad stuff this season and Katherine Heigl is so outspoken so she just stated the facts.  I hope next season is better or else I will be looking for a new show.  

Dana, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:44 PM)

I got excited when Meredith fell off of the pier - thinking "awwwright - this is gonna take a "Desperate Housewives dead chick narrating" turn.  But, of course, it didn't and that's pretty much the last show I watched.  What a a bunch of self-serving whiners.  I'd rather watch Scrubs - they have more moments of clarity and better developed characters in half the time.

Wondrnthru (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:48 PM)

Get rid of all the women on this show.  Wipe them out with a horrible breakout of an Ebola type virus.  They are all as annoying as tension headaches.  Replace them with some women who have some depth and character, and let Doctors "McDreamy" and "McSteamy" have a sweet romance and make them the starring long term loving couple of the show.

Anne Rocheford (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:54 PM)

To the person that blamed the writers instead of the so-called actress playing the Meredith character -- what is your excuse for the first 2 seasons?? That woman should have never pursued acting -- she was terrible in a Law & Order episode and she is worse here.  I just want to slap her everytime she starts in on her pity party.  Just because her name is Grey, doesnt make the show all about her. Henry Grey wrote the Grey's Anatomy of the Human Body and that is eneough justification for it being a medical show and to kill off Meredith...isnt it? Pleasssee????

Cindy, Hackensack (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:56 PM)

Love them all and especially Izzie. Bring back Kate Walsh as well. Smack the writers and get on with it.

Peggy Taylor Sacramento Ca. (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:58 PM)

Oh please get rid of Izzie!  That would give the much under-used Justin Chambers something to do....Karev could spend some time dealing with the loss of his on-again/off-again girl!

Kim, Rockford (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:09 PM)

I've tried watching this show, several times in fact, but whiny people like Meredith just aren't my cup of tea. She's not fat, has a great college education, great career future, her want to be boyfriend is smoking hot, no kids, yeah, I'd whine, too. I want a dramatic medical show with a smattering of personal lives so I watch ER. Oddly, never while George Clooney was on. And death of a doctor by brain tumor has been done...on ER!

Grace, Seattle (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:09 PM)

I haven't intentionally watched this season at all.  Sometimes I stumble across it and just leave it on.  I am so sick to death of Meridith panting after Derek.  No matter how many times and how many ways he throws her off, all he has to do is crook his pretty little finger and there she is saying "Yes, Yes, Please, Please".  I would think back bone would be a characteristic inherent to someone persuing becoming a doctor.  How could someone with no free will of their own hold up under the pressure.  

Izzy is cute and likable, but the story line of her and George hooking up just isn't believable.  

Saginaw, MI (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:10 PM)

I have been a loyal Grey fan since the show began, and my favorite character has always been Izzie. I love that she is a mess, and honestly I have loved Heigl since Roswell. I think she is a great actress. As a "person" Izzie is not going to win any nobel prizes, but shes just interesting to watch. I wish they would give her better material though! A real love interest, enough of this George crap, he is the unsexiest man in the history of tv.

Aida, Ft Myers, FL (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:13 PM)

If you don't like the characters...don't watch the show!  

Like it or not, the show centers on Meredith.  Yeah, she is an emotional mess...but wouldn't you be in her shoes?  For God's sake, as a child she watched her mother slit her wrists right in front of her, and then refuse to let her call for help.  Not to mention her father walking out on her and her mother's complete emotional unavailability and tough love (if there was any love at all) approach to child-rearing.  That all makes for some pretty big relationship issues, trust issues, etc.  

If you want to look at the characters through shallow eyes, go right ahead...when you do that, you see a whining, spoiled brat.  But when you actually attempt to look at the characters as a cumulative effect of their fictional experiences, you would see that Meredith, while undeniably screwed up, has spent her life trying to put the pieces of herself back together after her parents ripped them to shreds.  

CR in IA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:16 PM)

Holy Crap that show sucks.  Izzy, annoying.  Meredith, annoying.  The show is McCrappy.  I think the writers would get more buzz than they could handle if they were to go on a character killing spree.  Then the entire cast can be replaced by a creative combination of former Scrubs and House cast members.

Caleb, Denver (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:17 PM)

All I can is this: Denise, we should totally be BFFs. I LOVE YOU for writing this. The end. :)

Brynne Huffman, Dallas, Texas (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:34 PM)

I think you're all crazy.  It is only a tv show!  There is supposed to be whining and drama and messing around with other peoples husband/wives!  It's nothing short of nighttime soap operas!  Get a grip!  I love the show and all the actors.  If you don't like the drama/whining/crying/sleeping around, you shouldn't be watching tv at all!  It's not like your going to find anything different on any other show!  

Kelly, Farmer City, Il (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:43 PM)

I don't watch Grey's Anatomy.  I think that Heigl is a fine young actress and deserves a bigger venue that the TV tube.  What I will say is 'What' on Gerard Butler?  I have seen him in 3 movies: Frankie (w/Emily Mortimer), Mr. Brown (w/Judi Dench) and the Night at the Opera movie.  I couldn't get past his speech defect, his jaw is off kilter. His acting is tolerable, but his characters don't jump off the screen.

Deb, Wellesley, MA (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:44 PM)

Boy! I so agree with you on this one. I absolutely quit waatching the show because the women doctors were such ditzes that it made it uncomfortable, not to mention unbelievable. If my doctor acted the way these women do on the show...I'd be reporting them too! It just got way to stupid to watch!

Mary Lou Overland Park, KS (Sent Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:55 PM)



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