Callie & Hahn: It's On (Grey's Anatomy Season Finale)
[Again, before I begin...a polite request. Just as I choose to click away rather than respond when I strongly disagree with someone's written opinion, I hope you do the same. If you leave an offensive comment or personal attack, I will not approve or post it. That is my prerogative as the owner of this site. There are plenty of other online outlets for you to share those sentiments.]
It’s all about chemistry.
You can’t help who you’re attracted to. It’s chemical, it’s human nature, it’s inevitable and it’s beautiful.
On Grey’s Anatomy, Dr. Callie Torres and Dr. Erica Hahn are two of the finest surgeons at Seattle Grace Hospital. They also happen to be drawn to one another in ways that seem as surprising to them as they are to some of the fans.
Here is what I love about this storyline:
I love that their friendship and connection was established before May Sweeps; this relationship was not a ratings stunt. The sexual tension between Callie and Hahn is palpable; it’s all about chemistry.
I love that after Hahn planted one on her in the elevator last week, Callie hesitated before following Sloan rather than Hahn.
I love that in last night’s finale, Callie was so flummoxed by her feelings for Hahn that she just took a deep breath and kissed her because she wasn’t able to express in simple words how she was feeling at that moment. We’ve all been there, and it is fantastic to be on the receiving end of that passion. It’s all about chemistry.
I love that Hahn kissed her back.
I love that the writers have handled their story with respect and grace. We do not know if Hahn is gay, and up until now, we’ve only seen Callie date men. Both of them may turn out to be bisexual or lesbian or neither, but it’s not important to label their relationship at this stage. Not everyone is fortunate enough to figure out exactly who they are from birth or early on; for some, it only becomes obvious much later in life. It’s all about chemistry, and it isn’t always easy to find and/or admit.
I also love that the writers do not back down when faced with negative fan feedback. They didn’t fold when the George/Izzie outrage was deafening, and they won’t give in now. With Callie and Hahn, they have provided us with the opportunity to cheer for yet another equally challenging and entertaining relationship. Their interaction will look and feel familiar, regardless of whom you happen to share your life with. It’s all about chemistry.
Gay and lesbian characters are prevalent on most television and cable networks now, and it is refreshing to watch a slice of my own reality unfold onscreen. That Shonda Rhimes and the Grey’s writing staff have so accurately presented the beginning of a relationship and true chemistry between two women on TV is brave and encouraging. They are changing the lives of countless women and men of all ages who have not had the courage to admit who they are just yet, teenagers and adults alike who might be more likely to actually talk about it because a similar situation presented itself on their favorite show.
I applaud the actors and everyone involved with Grey's Anatomy for taking us down this path, and look forward to the next season more than ever before.
---
I originally wrote a lengthy response to the general ire that many have expressed about Callie and Hahn on various message boards since last night's season finale aired. However, it became too personal and I didn't want to sound preachy, so I chose not to post it.
For those of you who are also fans of the show, I encourage you to read Grey Matter, the official Grey's Anatomy writers' blog. Creator and show runner Shonda Rhimes wrote the finale, and she blogged about it there. I also recommend Grey's Anatomy News, a great fan and news site for all things Seattle Grace.
Have a great weekend, and thank you for reading.
- Jo
Great response, and I agree with your sentiments and general encouragement of this storyline. However, one minor quibble: You say that gay characters are prevalent on network TV right now, but GLAAD points out that "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) scripted characters represent only 1.3% of all series regular characters on the six broadcast networks." That leaves a huge gap that needs to be bridged before network TV reflects real life. But this step on Grey's Anatomy, if it survives into next season, is definitely one in the right direction. Thanks for your well-written post.
Reply to this
Best Grey's yet!!
Great blog, friend.
Reply to this
The episode was beautiful.
Reply to this