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:
“Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly
it’s not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show –
Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic
actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately,
we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke’s character
would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica
relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I
believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with
‘another lesbian.’ If you’ll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of
Burke for a full season.”
So let me get this straight (pun intended)…you’re telling me that Callie, who slept with Mark Sloan three times in two episodes, is a lesbian now. Callie, who was the one freaking out about coming out while Hahn was embracing it – SHE’s your lesbian character? Wow. Not well played at all. And I would know.
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.
This is a head-scratcher indeed, and very frustrating from a fan perspective.
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