I've been vocal in my support of Grey's Anatomy, and continue to be so. I even think last night's episode was solid, though not spectacular and with too many predictable elements. A number of these story lines have seemingly obvious endings and, while I'm not positive how they'll play out, I'd take even money on any of my theories. However, a show can be good and predictable simultaneously. I have no problem with this and, if you're not Lost or 24, I don't expect constant surprises or twists. If I'm invested in the characters, which I am on Grey's, then that's more than half the battle. But, last night brought about a questionable dramatic tactic: an out-of-place musical montage.
The montage, especially on Grey's, can be a powerful tool. Used correctly (and discreetly) the montage can evoke heavy emotions, show growth and change, epitomize conflict, even reveal unspoken truth. Unfortunately, the montage is rarely done well. Grey's Anatomy has been proved adept at the art of the montage over its three seasons, yet last night did not fit into this mold. The music of Grey's Anatomy is spectacularly chosen, often the best in independent rock, stuff you've never heard of but sounds intimately familiar, the kind of music that inspires you to drive to the record store at 10:01 on a Thursday. Last night was not one of these moments. The episode was the first of a two-parter, entitled "Six Days". As such, there are cliffhangers. Well, kind of. Nothing too major, unless you count the plight of George's father to be on a downward slope that will eventually end in death. Which, although the end of the episode made it look like he was getting better, I think we all know is probably true; he's a goner. Anyway, the montage in question took up what seemed to be the last 5 minutes of the show. It was obviously filler, but it was low-quality filler. The music was meant to be poignant and there were a lot of wistful looks from the cast members. Dr. Bailey, whose role was minimal in the episode, seemed to get an inordinate amount of screen-time; her just staring into space, emotions indeterminate. The montage came from nowhere, and I suspect that this was a result of them not having a good finale worked out for the episode. All the juicy stuff will occur next week, and there were no cliffhangers of substance. The dramatic momentum was shot before the montage, and the music changed nothing. I don't want to bash the episode (I said I liked it), but only want to point out that, in lieu of actual substance, even a show like Grey's Anatomy occasionally needs to resort to musical manipulation. Which is fine, and something I understand. The fault wasn't of the narrative; with a two-part episode we can view it as one large story and not worry about the way the first part is ended. The montage wasn't necessary, end of story. Us viewers are intelligent enough to cut you some slack over a two-part episode. -Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer