I find your taste in ...

Question: I find your taste in television as varied and eclectic as mine, which is probably why I love your column so much and respect your opinion. A personal "jeer," however, to all the cynicism this year from some of your e-mailers toward Grey's Anatomy. It will be very difficult for this show to live up to the greatness of Season 2, and it's awful to hear everyone complain so much about a season that I find has been refreshing if not redefining. It has been terrific at times this season, exploring the dynamic between the residents and their new interns. The episode several weeks ago had spectacular moments, with Callie's announcement of the George/Izzy affair and the budding relationship between Sloan and Derek. Derek's "daddy trick" on Sloan was hilarious, as was Mark's retribution. I can see why these two characters used to be best friends, and I think the show would benefit from them becoming close again.
Answer: I love that this defense of the show came from a pharmacy manager, as you rarely hear anything good about a medical show from someone who works in the business. I especially agree about the McDreamy/McSteamy dynamic this season. With Addison out of the picture, it makes sense that they would start bonding again, and I love hearing their perspective on all the angst we usually experience primarily from the female point of view.

A final word on the Grey's "fan" dynamic, from Graham in Vancouver: "I used to be a regular participant on Television Without Pity's Grey's Anatomy forums. It was fun to discuss the show with other fans of the show, but I totally agree with your recent comments about the bitching taking on epic proportions and having little relationship to reality. The fact that it seems like some of the posters have decided to hate the show no matter what made me wonder if they were even watching the same show I was. Personally, I think these rabid online fans who read the actors' sides to determine future plotlines and search out every spoiler only have themselves to blame. Part of the fun in watching any TV show or movie is when you don't know what is going to happen next. Thanks for helping me realize that I just have to stop letting the rabid online gabbers taint my experience of watching Grey's Anatomy. I believe the show is back in top form. Dr. Hahn fills in a dynamic that has been missing since Burke left, and Brooke Smith brings a whole new energy to the show."

I'm loving Brooke Smith as well. She's just what the show (and many of the characters) needed: a smart and formidable new foil. And thanks for reinforcing my message, that while it's fun to share and read thoughts about TV, you should never let it get in your way of enjoying the shows you enjoy. With that, let's all hope that the strike is over before too long. See you again Monday with new questions — about the strike, yes, but also, thankfully, about a variety of actual TV shows. Because strike or not, we're not going to stop watching.