I have been very vocal about my support for the relationship between Callie Torres and Erica Hahn on Grey’s Anatomy. So imagine my surprise and dismay to hear that actress Brooke Smith has been let go from the show. Just like that. Apparently this week will be her last episode. No end to her storyline, no resolution. Done. Gone.

I have also been a huge fan of showrunner Shonda Rhimes. However, I take umbrage with the statement that she just released regarding this news:

Also, if their chemistry was the issue, why not just dissolve that storyline as they do others on the show? Why not keep Smith on as Hahn and change directions?

Apparently Smith was let go by the network, and not Rhimes. That is a baffling move, and one which I hope was not motivated by negative fan feedback regarding her character.

And although this entire matter might seem trivial to you, consider the timing…

Smith was notified about her unemployment in mid-September. WHY on earth would ABC make such an announcement (about the abrupt dissolution of one of the most visible gay relationships on television) the day before an election featuring a measure which discriminates against gay and lesbian couples?!  Strategically speaking, and from a public relations standpoint, this was a very ill-advised move.

Remember that not too long ago, this was the very show and network which chose to write Dr. Burke’s character off of the series when the actor who played that role made homophobic remarks to another actor on set. But to fire an actress because of her lack of chemistry with another actress? Wow.

For Brooke Smith’s response to this egregious situation, please visit Michael Ausiello’s interview with her on EW.com.  She is a very talented actress, and a classy human being. I wish her the best and will watch whatever film or series is lucky enough to feature her next.

According to Variety, co-executive producers Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb were let go from the series. Both have been involved with the show from day one, and regardless of lower ratings this season, I believe that NBC’s decision will play a significant role in the future of Heroes (to be frank, I would now be very surprised to see it renewed for a fourth season).

I’m not sure we’ll ever find out what transpired at the network, but I will say this…regardless of the ratings and my opinion about Season 3, I have never questioned the passion of the creative team behind Heroes. That was never more obvious than at Comic-Con earlier this summer; Loeb’s enthusiasm at the Heroes panel was incredibly infectious and I was sold.

Alexander and Loeb were also producers on Lost a few years ago. And Loeb is a frequent comic book collaborator with Heroes artist Tim Sale; together they have created some fantastic graphic novels such as Batman: Haunted Knight. I will continue to follow both of these very talented producers wherever they land, and have faith that there will be more than a few interested parties who would love to have either on their staff.

Thoughts? Thanks in advance!