The Dope Box TV Blog

Brothers and Sisters, ABC TV series, Sundays

Opening scene: Rebecca’s indistinct humming of no melody in particular and semi-sexy scrubbing were an odd juxtaposition. It did the trick for Justin, though, since it inspired him to say “I love you” to her for the first time. Well, maybe he said it to her when they were siblings but it carries a different significance now that they’re doing it. Okay, okay…I’ll try to get over the psychological incest factor of their union and focus on what a delightful duo they are. Rebecca responds to his declaration of love with a vague, but nonetheless courteous, “thank you”. Justin then looks like a puppy whose favorite chew toy has been minced in the garbage disposal. Actually, he usually looks like that.

Kitty and Robert meet the birthmother of their future baby. She’s a surgeon, smart and confident. Kitty is sure there is something wrong since the woman is not an emotional mess. In an attempt to avoid future rejection by making absolute sure the woman is ready, Kitty nags the woman right out of choosing them. I think this is the first time we’ve seen Kitty unable to talk herself out of a muddled situation. 

It would seem that Nora can’t make up her mind. She initially wants her dead husband’s lovechild (Ryan Lafferty) to stay away but after an afternoon of George and cupcakes she seems to be campaigning for them to join the family. George goes to a family function with her where she introduces him as “Elton” to her children, verbally giving him their résumés. Sidebar: while it was funny that she introduced Justin without any rigmarole after gushing over Tommy, it’s more likely that she would’ve proudly mentioned his tours in Afghanistan/Iraq. Admittedly, his only real activity now is commingling with his ex-sister.

Unfortunately for Nora, George runs into Holly who gives him an earful about the evil Walker clan. He quickly makes an exit, telling Nora that despite how “seductive” the Walker life is, he’s not telling Ryan about William being his bio-dad. At least, I assume this illegitimate child is for real. Or perhaps Ryan will end up not actually being a Walker and start dating Sara.

Kevin is given the task of cleaning up a political snafu for his new boss, Robert. Their frictional pairing is interesting. Kev thinks Robert is having an affair and finds himself in a similar situation to the one Sol was in with William. 

The episode ends with a romantic, candlelit profession of love from Rebecca to Justin. Is it wise to ignore the advice of a tealeaf-reading psychic?

“I love you when you’re crazy.” -Robert

Grey’s Anatomy, Rise Up, ABC TV series

This episode sees the second year residents bickering and competing over who deserves their first solo surgery. They’re sent off to their respective tasks: Christina with an unrecognizable and unclaimed accident victim, George & Karev with the creepy STAN, Meredith & Izzie with heart patient guy.

Meredith and Christina’s obsessive orating of dead Dr. Grey’s journals annoys McDreamy. Concocting a plan to break up the twosome, he asks Sloane to bed Yang. It’s amusing watching McSteamy use his most smoldering moves…and fail miserably. The fact that his charms have no effect on Yang makes me like her that much more.

Dr. Hunt’s observations of the staff at Seattle Grace disturb his sensibilities. He rightly compares Yang/Karev/Lexi to vultures, circling the nearly-dead rather than focusing on saving him. Hunt is a purist when it comes to practicing medicine; a welcome variant from the arrogant, apathetic style we’re used to witnessing on this show.

Showing unwavering determination to save the plastic, blood-spurting robo-patient, George stays until he’s in the clear. Turns out the gory doll was being voiced by the Chief, who took a break from pontificating in order to play prankster. Georgie. So sweet. So dim.

Hahn gets pissy when she realizes Izzie is to blame for her patient’s stolen heart. I don’t mean that figuratively. She literally stole the heart transplant meant for him to give to Denny…which didn’t exactly turn out rosy. Izzie’s fog of guilt causes her to see Mr. Duquette, wandering around in his favorite white cotton tee, looking as appetizing as ever. But seriously, he gets one line?

Erica Hahn is determined to make Izzie pay for organ stealing. For that reason alone, I’m glad Hahn is off the show. No one should have to hear “LVAD wire” ever again. I find it hard to believe the controversy about her leaving because of the lesbian storyline. I think it had more to do with the utter lack of chemistry between those two people. I didn’t believe that Callie was attracted to Hahn at all. 

I don’t care how often you hang around cadavers; no normal human would actually be able to eat next to one.

Can we have one show without a cancer patient? Please?

“It’s like a bouquet of corpses.” -Izzie

More Grey’s Anatomy articles available under “Thursdays” and “Grey’s Anatomy” in the category list.