GLAAD Sad about Grey's Lesbian-ectomy; Plus the Latest Scoop on Erica's Exit

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which just weeks ago singled out the ABC lineup for boasting seven characters that are either gay men or bisexual women — the most of any broadcast network — is sad to see that lead weakened by the news that Brooke Smith's Grey's Anatomy storyline will be brought to a halt with the Nov. 6 episode.

"[W]e are disheartened that the burgeoning relationship between Callie and Erica on Grey's Anatomy has come to an end," GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano says in a statement.

The group, however, is holding out hope for Erica's girlfriend, Callie, "who has now been identified as a lesbian by show creator Shonda Rhimes" — this despite evidence that she still has an affinity for Mark Sloan's decidedly male anatomy and the things it can do.

Says Giuliano, "Because there are so few lesbian characters on network television, we hope that ABC and Grey's Anatomy will commit to further developing Callie's character and her relationships, and continue providing this important representation on one of TV's most-watched shows."

ABC's good standing with GLAAD should hold steady as Alias alumna Melissa George comes on board Grey's later this month in the recurring role of a college friend of Meredith's. And a bisexual one at that. (Despite what you may have read elsewhere, George's character still fancies the occasional female.)

Of course, questions remain about why esteemed surgeon Dr. Erica Hahn will abruptly exit stage left, leaving behind a sweet job and the very woman who opened her eyes to "leaves." Contrary to some online accounts, Erica will not simply hop in her car and ride away at the end of this Thursday's episode. Rather, sources tell me, "significant events" transpiring during the episode will make very clear her reasons for leaving... and shake up the lives of other Seattle Grace regulars.