What's up, Doc?

I've spent so much time watching medical shows over the years that I could probably get a job as a...well, candy striper, at least. I know ER has been around for 100 seasons but, I'm telling you, just because at this age they might wanna shift from the ER to the geriatics ward doesn't mean you shouldn't watch it!

There's one reason to watch right now: Maura Tierney.

*Spoilers*

Maura's (MARRIED) character Abby Lockhart has hit the bottle again and this week's episode featured her hitting rock bottom. After too many cocktails, Abby winds up in bed with Stanley Tucci's Dr. Moretti. I mean, after her performace, I felt like I was the one who had gone on a bender and (accidentally when I was drunk) cheated on my husband with Stanley Tucci. Luka is back next week, so it's gonna be good. Add it to your list of (relationshippy-posing-as) medical shows, if you have one. We'll have to forgive ER for stealing the same storyline that Grey's started last season (on Grey's, George fails his boards, now we got that annoying Morris character on ER failing his boards).

Meanwhile, Grey's is bound to pick up now that it's sweeps (strike notwithstanding). It's meandering along, but the Derek/Meredith heat of yesterday has become ho-hum. I'm hanging in, but please give Patrick Dempsey something to do! By the way, did you know Patrick Dempsey was a finalist once upon a time for House (speaking of medical shows)? I digress...the danger of watching the E! True Hollywood Story of Patrick Dempsey while trying to post.

Private Practice isn't so bad. It's basically Grey's Anatomy Lite. You're not going to a high off it, but it ain't gonna hurt you, either.

So I don't watch House OR Scrubs. Sue me for malpractice. All I'm saying is, check out (actually, check INTO) ER. See how Abby is operating in a most disturbing (but fun for us to watch!) way:

Oh Deer

*Grey's Anatomy Spoilers*

I am worried.

I love Grey's Anatomy. I love it for the palpable angst that used to be present every time Derek, Meredith and Addison rode an elevator. But now, Addison rides talking elevators in another hospital. Oh, wait, they took that stupid element out of "Private Practice"....but either way she's gone.

Anyway, at the heart of any great drama, we really need the 'will they or won't they make it' of the core couple, in this case, Meredith and Derek. But the writers got them together too quick, then panicked and now I'm so confused why they 'broke up' in the first place. So I spent most of the first episode trying to remember if/why they broke up. I still can't really say, but I guess it has something to do with Meredith's inability to be normal. Or something.

Further bumming me out is the introduction of the new interns and Meredith's sister. I really hope all of these generic new characters aren't a permanent fixture, and yes that includes Meredith's sister. Maybe like Meredith said in her VO...I just don't like change.

But, worst of all is that the writers [I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Grey's writers, please don't hold this against me someday when I beg you for a job] spent the whole first episode trying soooo hard to write quippy dialogue and overblown inspiring monologues that they forgot to deal with the heart of the matter. And, I'm sorry, that Izzy saving a deer storyline? Did I miss it? When the deer jumped up did it ACTUALLY jump over a shark?

Sigh. I don't wanna hate on Grey's. I just miss the angst. Previews for next week do hold out hope for me with the Izzy/George/Callie triangle.

And, it's not ALL bad. I did really enjoy Mark Sloan's doe-eyed man-love speech to Derek.

That made me feel like Grey's Anatomy has still got some game.

Letterman's Ladies

It's been said that back in the old days, young comedians appearing for the first time on Johnny Carson would hope and pray that they'd get invited to sit on the couch after their stand-up routine. A simple nod from Johnny was considered approval and could change careers.

These days, I've noticed another barometer of success on late night TV when it comes to Carson disciple David Letterman. I'm not sure this changes careers, or has an impact on anyone other than JUST ME, but now, maybe you will play this little game along with me when you watch.

I am of the opinion that when it comes to his female guests, it's very simple to determine if Dave likes you or not. If Dave likes you, then the interview is capped off with a kiss to the hand.

I've gotten good at this. I can usually guess as I watch how it's going to go. On Tuesday night, Kate Walsh came on to promote Private Practice, but because she yammered away on a rehearsed story about her wedding, Dave really didn't get to engage with her. A little research showed me that this is exactly what happened last time (only the story was about a contractor, not her wedding). So, I knew it was coming...the hand kiss snub. Sorry Kate, Dave's just not that into you.

But, surprisingly, he seems to have a soft spot for the wild gals, the troubled kids. Lindsay? Always gonna get a kiss. Drew Barrymore's a legend there, but, that might be because of her infamous flashing incident. Even Paris Hilton. PARIS HILTON! She's so annoying and yet, Dave kind of digs it cuz it gives him something to play off of.

But don't take my word for it. Compare Kate Walsh's interview from last night and the pre-prison interview of Paris from earlier this year [I forgive you in advance if you cannot sit through nine minutes of Paris Hilton to help me prove my point].

Paris is also going to be on this Friday from an appearance taped earlier in the week. Rumor has it she was really pissed that Dave gave her such a hard time...but to my ears that sounds like an interview worthy of a hand kiss to me!