SueTube – Let’s talk TV with critic Susan Young

Katherine Heigl, sweet Izzie in “Grey’s Anatomy” has taken a lot of heat for not submitting herself for a Emmy. When asked why, she truthfully told reporters that she didn’t feel that she was given an episode strong enough to compete in the category.

That was quickly translated to Heigl grousing about bad scripts and looking for a way to exit the popular show to pursue her big screen career. But Chandra Wilson poo-poohs these musings.

Chandra says what the public – and she might have added the reporters – don’t understand is that actors have to have something showing off either high comedy or high drama in order to have a shot at winning.

“We go through this every single time when we put our money up for our submission,” Chandra says. “This was so blown out of proportion. Some year you submit, some years you don’t. It’s all about asking what thing do I have to present that year. Some years you submit, some years you don’t.”

Chandra was at the Beverly Hills Hilton chatting with reporters during the summer press tour about her new Hallmark Channel move, “Accidental Friendship.”

Nobody puts Cristina Yang in the corner – at least not for very long.

Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) finally gets her surgical groove back, with the help of Sparkle Pager, on the season finale of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“I’m happy we’re wrapping up the relationship with Erica Hahn,” says Sandra Oh. “I know the fans were frustrated with the way Cristina was, but I think they’ll be fine with the way everything works out.”

I knew I wasn’t the only one who was disappointed in the early stages this season on “Grey’s Anatomy.” . Cristina’s depression after getting dumped at the altar by her prince-not-so-charming-after-all was hard enough, but to watch her flush that strong sense of who she was right down the tube was physically painful.

Preston Burke scooted out of that relationship like a wilting weasel, leaving Cristina to pick up the pieces.

We all know why, of course.

Actor Isaiah Washington had opted to write his own script when it came to relationships with cast members like T.R. Knight. Washington’s inflammatory remarks about sexual orientation were completely out of line.

But why should Sandra Oh pay the price? Last season, she did a mesmerizing job of showcasing Cristina in a life-changing evolution as she allowed herself to find love and vulnerability. She should have won the Emmy for it.

This season was difficult for everyone because of the WGA strike, but the whole storyline of how Christina became Hahn’s whipping girl was soul sucking.

Which brings us to this season’s finale “Freedom.”

Thankfully, we got at least five new episodes to tide us over until the fall and I like the direction.

Well, most of it anyway.

I’m not sure about the instant lesbian situation between Hahn and Callie, which took on an entirely too creepy tone when the writers chose to have horn dog Mark Sloan turn into a matchmaker between the two.

But having George retake the exam so he can move on with his career was a nice touch. Time to show why George may just be the best doc of the bunch.

And it was high time Meredith moved on towards being an adult. The final moments in the two-hour season ender when she vents a bit towards Derek before the two get swept up in the legendary romance was delicious.

But no good can come of the final moment when Derek decides he has to clear the air with Rose before he and Meredith can begin their new life together. Death, destruction and ooh-so-many-bad vibes on that one.

Bring it on.

As regular blog readers already know, ABC is bringing back “Pushing Daisies,” but no more new episodes until this fall, and “Desperate Housewives,” which will be rushing back into production to bring you a few more episodes this May and June.

On Tuesday, ABC Entertainment announced pickups for nine of its most popular shows, returning broadcast television’s most successful fall series. “Men in Trees” and “October Road” were among the shows not mentioned and may be “on the bubble” for renewal.

“Desperate Housewives” stars Eva Longoria as Gabrielle Solis, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Van De Kamp, Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, and Nicollette Sheridan as Edie Britt. (ABC/ANDREW ECCLES)

ABC Entertainment ordered episodes of “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty.”

“Big Shots,” the show starring Bay Area’s own Christopher Titus, has not yet gotten a pick-up and one is not expected. When Titus performed at Tommy T’s in Pleasanton for a New Year’s Eve show, he was hopeful the show would return, but indications from the network suggest otherwise.

“Big Shots” Christopher Titus and Michael Vartan, Photo: ADAM TAYLOR/ABC

Other ABC shows that aren’t expected to make an appearance on the new fall schedule are “Cavemen” and “Carpoolers.” And if ABC asks me, and I’m sure they won’t, I’d put that awful “Cashmere Mafia” on the endangered list too.

Well, George and Izzie discovered something the rest of us knew all along: They’ve got no sizzle.

Now, come on. A show of hands from anyone who thought these two had a smokin’ hot thing going on. Even the night they got drunk and did the deed, it was only the hazy afterglow of booze that made them think the night had magic.

I lost all respect for George, who is always looking to trade up. When he set his sights on Meredith in the very beginning, it seemed like a puppy who just didn’t know any better. She was so out of his league. Then Callie fell for him and all he could think about was anyone BUT Callie.

You’re a loser, Georgie.

Tonight was a particularly charming and touching episode, with one notable exception. Bailey. My idol, Dr. Miranda Bailey showed that she should have gotten the job as chief resident. She was sassy and brassy like always, but when Dr. Richard Webber told her she had the job he should have given her in the first place, she broke down and cried like a little baby.

Next week, Dr. Bailey (CHANDRA WILSON) treats her high school crush (D.B. WOODSIDE) (ABC/CRAIG SJODIN)

Not my Dr. Bailey.

She might have held back some tears, maybe a little head-dip to hide her watery eyes. But a full-on sobbing fit as she crumbled into Richard’s chest. Oh, I don’t think so.

We did like the movement in Meredith’s forward motion to become more human. She’s had her moments in past seasons, but not so many lately. Tonight, Meredith redeemed herself with a father who recently adopted an infant, only to have his wife fall ill and die in the hospital. He doesn’t think he’s can handle single fatherhood. But he eventually comes around after Meredith points him in the right direction.

ROCKMOND DUNBAR, CHYLER LEIGH, SANDRA OH, PATRICK DEMPSEY (ABC/RON TOM)

And we get to see Meredith and Lexie’s dad as a drunk when Karev takes Lexie home. Very telling moment that shows, despite what Meredith thinks, Lexie did not have a Norman Rockwell childhood.

Dr. Hahn’s making Cristina’s life a living hell, yet we still like her. Especially when she tells McSteamy, when he comes on to her at the bar, that he doesn’t really find her attractive. He just likes the way she handles herself around the hospital.

ERIC DANE and BROOKE SMITH

Very insightful, doctor. We still think there might be some heat coming from that duo, however.

What I really like, however, is how McDreamy and McSteamy are buddies again. Now there’s some chemistry in action.

ERIC DANE, PATRICK DEMPSEY (ABC/RON TOM)

What’s been haunting me about “Grey’s Anatomy” is how great it used to be and how, well, disappointed I’ve been in the series thus far.

I’m watching. There are things I’ve liked. But somehow the magic seemed to be slipping away.

Not happy with Gizzie. Not happy with Mer. Not even really happy with Cristina.

But in this latest episode, I’ve fallen in love all over again. Thank you Krista Vernoff, who penned this episode. You absolutely rock.

First, thank God Karev and Ava finally sealed the deal. She coos to Karev that when she thought about what she wanted to be for Halloween, all she could think of was Ava.

Now, that’s the kind of holiday special we can get behind.

JUSTIN CHAMBERS, ELIZABETH REASER (ABC/SCOTT GARFIELD)

What a fantastic kiss. Finally, a little sizzle in the set. Of course, we know nothing’s going to run smoothly for these two, but I’m waiting to see what’s going to happen.

I’ve also been a fan of Callie. Sara Ramirez’ range is amazing, yet we had to watch her be downright pathetic the last few weeks. Way to go Callie when you b-slapped Gizzie with the sleeping with my husband reveal. And moving in with Cristina? Priceless. Finally we get two women worthy of repartee.

So where does that leave Mer? When McDreamy says he’s ready to date, all I could think of was “Game On.”‘ I liked the way Mer and her sis Lexie interacted this week, and the way she flushed her mom’s ashes down the hospital sink. It was so touching to see her and Richard together, putting Ellis to rest in the one place she felt at home.

Time to move on Mer. I actually liked Mer a lot this week.

Mer had me with the story about her mom never getting it together for Halloween and disapproving of “begging door-to-door,” which reminds us again about what an emotional cripple Ellis made her daughter.

But Mer rises above it, and goes trick-or-treating for ears. That’s right, she decides to help a young boy who needs ears, and while Dr. Mark rightfully tells Mer that no one will help him out in doing a pro bono surgery, he’s willing to do it if she can get others to chip in.

And she does. Mer’s chipper and cool as she goes around the hospital to round up the surgical team. She’s pleased when she gets it all together, but nothing is sweeter than when Dr. Mark says that she certainly fell far from the Ellis tree. Amen, buddy.

So Gizzie is together for now, but hopefully we’ve got other, more interesting, fish to fry. Like Burke’s replacement, the prickly Dr. Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith), who looks like she’s ready to bring tensions to a boil, especially when it comes to Cristina.

BROOKE SMITH, SANDRA OH (ABC/SCOTT GARFIELD)

Then there’s my favorite character Bailey, who missed her young son’s first Halloween to help the young boy get ears. Her husband may never forgive her. I can hardly wait to peek into that pot.

So hold on folks. Looks like “Grey’s Anatomy” just took it up several notches.

Next week, – “Kung Fu Fighting” – With his marriage in turmoil, the Chief turns to his fellow male surgeons for a “gentleman’s evening,” Cristina and Izzie heatedly compete for the same surgeries and the favor of the doctor performing them, Meredith treats the survivor of a skydiving accident, and the doctors treat two injured finalists who are competing in a promotional competition.

KATHERINE HEIGL, STEVE SANDVOSS, T.R. KNIGHT (ABC/RON TOM)

Maybe it’s the threat of a writer’s strike, which could be happening as early as Nov. 1, but the networks seem to be giving their stamp of approval early this season.

ABC previously announced a full season pick-up of “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off “Private Practice,” which has consistantly hit the No. 1 ratings spot for new fall shows.

CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” is the first new fall comedy to get a full season pick-up order. The network also gave their solid drama “The Unit” a full season order as well.

And dashing off into a tangent, “Scrubs” creator Bill Lawrence said yesterday that “The Unit” co-star Scott Foley may be back on board for the comedy’s final season if his schedule allows.

“Bang” is kind of growing on me. Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons as Leonard and Sheldon make the perfect odd and odder couple with their geeky, Cal Tech personalities. Of course, you have to have the dumb blonde, played by Kaley Cuoco. Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar round out the cast as Sheldon and Leonard’s two best nerd herd pals.

Leonard (Johnny Galecki, pictured second from left), Sheldon (Jim Parsons, pictured far right), Wolowitz (Simon Helberg, pictured second from right) and Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar, pictured far left) undertake a challenging and dangerous experiment, attending the Halloween party being thrown by their hot neighbor, Penny (Kaley Cuoco, not pictured) on The Oct. 29 episode. Photo: Ron Batzdorff/Warner Bros.

As part of the CBS Monday night comedy block, “The Big Bang Theory” from Chuck Lorre, who is also responsible for “Two and a Half Men” that airs afterwards, has been averaging 8.97 million viewers.

“The Unit” is averaging 11.44 million viewers. Tuesday’s episode posted the best ratings – 3.1/08 in adults 18-49 and 4.2/09 in adults 25-54 – since February.

“The Unit” stars Dennis Haysbert, Scott Foley, Robert Patrick, Regina Taylor, Max Martini, Michael Irby, Demore Barnes, Abby Brummell and Audrey Marie Anderson. David Mamet, Shawn Ryan and Vahan Moosekian are executive producers.

Whatever happened to that sweet, trailer-park baby momma who took her modeling bucks and turned it into a medical degree?

Yeah, we’re talking about you, Izzie. When “Grey’s Anatomy” started out, Izzie was a good-natured girl unbowed by the blows she’d taken in her short life. We learned how she went from unwed mom to a pin-up girl to a dedicated intern.

We loved Izzie.

Does anyone remember when she couldn’t believe that someone could actually fall in love with goofy old George? Who could forget that line, when she realized how much Callie loved George, and she said, basically, “Oh my god. He’s her McDreamy!”

Seriously. I mean, seriously. How could Izzie then turn around a couple of years later and do the deed with George. George, who married his adoring Callie. What a weasel he’s turned out to be.

KATHERINE HEIGL, T.R. KNIGHT. Yeah, Gizzie. Feel the pain.

There are people out there who think that Gizzie is great. We disagree. Izzie never thought of George as anything more than her stuffed puppy pal until it looked like he might actually be hooked up with a woman who loved him.

And I guess that’s the real story on “Grey’s.” Love stinks.

Tonight, Richard’s wife turned on him because he thought of the care and comfort of his dying niece first above the selfish wishes of his estranged wife.

(And speaking of niece Camille, did anyone notice that she’s now being played by Camille Winbush formerly of “The Bernie Mac Show”? Tessa Thompson (“Veronica Mars”), who wasn’t available for the episode, originated the role.)

CAMILLE WINBUSH, JAMES PICKENS, JR., LORETTA DEVINE

And a man makes his girlfriend lose a dangerous amount of weight before he’ll move in with her.

And Karev’s crushed that Izzie decided to sleep with George after she told him she needed some time to get over Denny. A little time and a heapin’ helpin’ of George.

And finally McDreamy pours out his heart to Meredith, only to have her physically recoil. No wonder he might have some feelings for her sister Lexie, who doesn’t seem to suffer from too-close-itish.

Obviously, we’re back on the “Grey” train and just can’t stop thinking about those complex docs.

It looks as if Isaiah Washington’s inability to keep his mouth closed has cost him his “Grey’s Anatomy” gig.

TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello is reporting that Washington’s contract with “Grey’s” has not been renewed.

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that Washington’s inappropriate remarks towards his co-star T.K. Knight, who plays the lovable George on the show, were the catalyst to his plight.

Washington used an offensive sexual orientation word to refer to Knight. Knight later came out as being gay.

Washington, who apparently doesn’t learn from his mistakes, repeated the slur again backstage at the Golden Globes during press interviews.

When last we saw his character Dr. Burke, he had left Christina (Sandra Oh) at the altar and cleared out of his apartment.

That’s probably the last we’ll ever see of Dr. Burke.

On Monday, NBC decided to stick with most of its schedule. When it was ABC’s turn at bat on Tuesday, the network announced it was bringing on a whopping seven new dramas, four new comedies and one new “alternative’’ series this fall.

Although the buzz was bad on the “Grey’s Anatomy’’ episode sending Addison (Kate Walsh) down to sunny Southern California from Seattle Grace, ABC is still strong on the show. Now titled “Private Practice, the series will air on Wednesday, a day ABC has programmed with all new series.

ABC entertainment president Stephen McPherson acknowledged Tuesday that the episode wasn’t up to snuff.

“ `Practice’ needs work,’’ he said in a press conference. “It was a hybrid introduction that introduced all the characters and didn’t spend enough time on story. What (`Grey’s’ creator) Shonda does brilliantly is the conflict between people and the intricacies that (weren’t well served in the pilot).’’

McPherson also talked about the dramas that didn’t make it from last season, including “The Nine’’ and “Six Degrees,’’ compared to more escapism fare like ABC’s “Ugly Betty,’’ “Brothers & Sisters’’ and NBC’s “Heroes.’’

“Look at the news every day and it is bad. Paris Hilton is going to jail,’’ McPherson said, getting a chuckle out of the room. “People didn’t show up for these shows. They didn’t see them and reject them, they just didn’t show up. `Nine’ was very hard, very dense. It was compelling but demanding.’’

In a move to less demanding shows, ABC is going to comedies like “Cavemen,’’ based on those obnoxious guys from the Geico commercial.

Initially, ABC will roll out eight new shows in the fall, staggering the other series through the rest of the year.

The schedule offers a nice dose of Bay Area influence, from “Eli Stone’’ and “The Women’s Murder Club,’’ both set in San Francisco, to Bay Area actors like Newark’s Christopher Titus in “Big Shots’’ and Santa Rosa’s Peter Krause in “Dirty Sexy Money.’’

The new dramas are:

(ABC/KEVIN FOLEY) CHRISTOPHER TITUS, WENDY MONIZ, MICHAEL VARTAN, NIA LONG, PAIGE TURCO, DYLAN McDERMOTT, PEYTON LIST, JESSICA COLLINS, JOSHUA MALINA, AMY SLOAN

“Big Shots’’ stars Titus, Michael Vartan , Dylan McDermott and Josh Malina as four friends at the top of their game professionally who have some trouble with the ladies in their lives.

FRANCES O`CONNOR, JULIAN OVENDEN, LUCY LIU, BONNIE SOMERVILLE, MIRANDA OTTO, PETER HERMANN
“Cashmere Mafia’’ stars Lucy Liu, Frances O’Connor, Miranda Otto and Bonnie Somerville as four gal pals fighting the glass ceiling in the Big City. The series comes from “Sex and the City’’ producer Darren Star.

(ABC/BOB D`AMICO) FRONT ROW: SAMAIRE ARMSTRONG, ZOE McLELLAN, PETER KRAUSE, JILL CLAYBURGH, DONALD SUTHERLAND, NATALIE ZEA; BACK ROW: BILLY BALDWIN, GLENN FITZGERALD, SETH GABEL
“Dirty Sexy Money’’ stars Krause as an idealistic lawyer who takes on the wealthy, and morally muddled, Darling family. Co-stars are Donald Sutherland, William Baldwin, Samaire Armstrong and Jill Clayburgh.

(ABC/BOB D`AMICO) NATASHA HENSTRIDGE, VICTOR GARBER, JAMES SAITO, JONNY LEE MILLER, LAURA BENANTI, SAM JAEGER, LORETTA DEVINE
“Eli Stone’’ stars Jonny Lee Miller as a San Francisco lawyer who might also be a prophet. Victor Garber, Natasha Henstridge and Loretta Devine co-star in this series from the team who brought you “Brothers & Sisters.’’

(ABC/BOB D`AMICO) TAYE DIGGS, MERRIN DUNGEY, TIM DALY, KATE WALSH, AMY BRENNEMAN, PAUL ADELSTEIN, CHRIS LOWELL
“Private Practice’’ stars Walsh as she sheds McDreamy and McSteamy for more adult company in an established medical practice. Co-stars include Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, Paul Adelstein and Merrin Dungey.

(ABC/BOB D`AMICO) ELLEN GREENE, SWOOSIE KURTZ, ANNA FRIEL, LEE PACE, CHI McBRIDE, KRISTIN CHENOWETH
“Pushing Daisies’’ is a fantasy forensic series about a guy who helps solve murders through his ability to bring things, and people, back to life _ and then put them back into the grave. Lee pace stars with Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Swoosie Kurtz and Kristin Chenoweth in a series from Bryan Fuller (“Wonderfalls,’’ “Heroes’’).

(ABC/BOB D`AMICO) ELIZABETH HO, LAURA HARRIS, TYREES ALLEN, ANGIE HARMON, PAULA NEWSOME, AUBREY DOLLAR

“Women’s Murder Club’’ is base don James Patterson’s best-sellers about four women _ a detective, a district attorney, a medical examiner and a reporter _ working in San Francisco. Stars Angie Harmon.

The new comedies are:

ABC/CRAIG SJODIN) JERRY MINOR, JERRY O`CONNELL, T.J. MILLER, ALLISON MUNN, TIM PEPER, FRED GOSS, FAITH FORD

“Carpoolers’’ starring Fred Gross, Faith Ford, Jerry O’Connell, Jerry Minor as four guys who commiserate about their lives, jobs and families while bonding during their commute.

.(ABC/CRAIG SJODIN) STEPHANIE LEMELIN, DASH MIHOK, NICK KROLL, BILL ENGLISH, KAITLIN DOUBLEDAY, JOHN HEARD

“Caveman’’ is described as a unique buddy comedy offering a twist on stereotypes and race relations. Come on now, it’s based on a Geico commercial.

(ABC/BOB D`AMICO) EARL BILLINGS, JONATHAN SADOWSKI, JUDY GREER, KRISTOFFER POLAHA, BROOKE BURNS

“Miss/Guided’’ has Judy Greer returning to high school as a counselor and reliving her unpopular past. Comes from Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldburg, the guys behind “Beauty and the Geek.’’

(ABC/CRAIG SJODIN) MELISSA McCARTHY, CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, JENNIFER ESPOSITO, TIM RUSS, JEAN SMART, KEVIN DUNN

“Sam I Am’’ has Christina Applegate starring as a woman who emerges from a coma without a memory and discovering she wasn’t very nice. Now she wants to make amends.

The lone “alternative series’’ is “Oprah’s Big Give’’ where needy contestants vie for a chance to win large amounts of cash.

The midseason series “October Road’’ and “Notes from the Underbelly’’ and the new series “Cashmere Mafia’’ will premiere after “Dancing with the Stars’’ and “The Bachelor’’ conclude their fall seasons.
As previously reported, “Lost’’ will not return until 2008 with 16 new episodes running almost uninterrupted.
In addition to shows already axed, the network canceled the drama “What About Brian,’’ and comedies “George Lopez,” “Help Me Help You” and “Knights of Prosperity.” ABC is still debating whether to bring back “According to Jim.’’

Monday:
8 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
9:30 p.m. “SAM I AM”
10 p.m. “The Bachelor”

Tuesday
8 p.m. “CAVEMAN”
8:30 p.m. “CARPOOLERS”
9 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars Results”
10 p.m. “Boston Legal”

Wednesday
8 p.m. “PUSHING DAISIES”
9 p.m. “PRIVATE PRACTICE”
10 p.m. “DIRTY SEXY MONEY”

Thursday
8 p.m. “Ugly Betty”
9 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10 p.m. “BIG SHOTS”

Friday
8 p.m. “Mind in Trees”
9 p.m. “WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB”
10 p.m. “20/20”

Saturday
8 p.m. “Saturday Night College Football”

Sunday
7 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
9 p.m. “Desperate Housewives”
10 p.m. “Brothers & Sisters”

Just how badly did “Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes NOT want to do a “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off?

Apparently, enough to give us a horrible “Grey’s” episode last week that had Addison going down to So Cal to hook up with some old med school pals. We were slightly encouraged at the beginning with Addison, played by the fantabulous Kate Walsh, getting whipped by her hair in the convertible as she cruised along oceanside highway.

Then it just went oh-so-bad.

A talking elevator? Addison going all girly over some doctor she met in the talking elevator?

And while I won’t go as far as the New York Times did in remarking that the scene with the three women doctors oogling the young male receptionist as he walked out half naked to surf was setting feminism back decades, I will say that it was corny and stupid.

Maybe Rhimes is still ticked that the network put the brakes on her real passion project about journalists that starred “Denny” – Jeffrey Dean Morgan – and instead wanted an Addison-driven doc drama.

In any case, if ABC puts that stinker on its schedule next week, then we know those people have spent way too much time cooking their brains at the beach.