Susan Granger’s UPDATE ON GREY’S ANATOMY
For devoted fans, the premiere of the 17th season of ABC’s medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” contains a shocker: the reappearance of Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepherd – a.k.a. “McDreamy.”
In addition, it’s the first series to incorporate to stress of our current pandemic, as the staff of Seattle-based Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital tries to cope with the COVID-19 virus.
After caring for a multitude of patients, exhausted Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) develops coronavirus symptoms and is hospitalized. In her feverish delirium, the ghost of Derek, her beloved husband who died in an accident during season 11, is calling out to her on a deserted beach.
“Grey’s Anatomy” revolves around surgical interns, residents and attendings as they become seasoned physicians. The title refers to “Gray’s Anatomy,” Henry Gray’s classic textbook, first published in London in 1858.
Developed by Shonda Rhimes, it’s the longest-running scripted prime-time show currently on ABC. The series centers on Meredith Grey, daughter of esteemed surgeon Ellis Grey (Kate Burton), working alongside various other doctors who struggle to balance their personal lives with their hectic schedules.
They’re supervised by Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.). Each segment begins with a voice-over narration foreshadowing the theme of the episode. The surgeons frequently form a personal connection with their patients which often relates to the doctor’s private life.
Showrunner Krista Vernoff explains that – this year – they wanted to show what healthcare workers have experienced: “Over 1,700 health care workers in the US have died of COVID. Many thousands more have been infected. Healthcare workers are on the front lines of this crisis, waging a war for which they were not trained.”
“We saw an opportunity to dramatize and illuminate their plight through the incredibly well-loved and well-known character of Meredith Grey. Doctors and nurses are fighting for us – and the least we can do is wear a mask, socially distance and stay home whenever possible.”
FYI: Ellen Pompeo is one of the highest-paid TV stars, earning $575,000@episode/$20 million a year.