[There was also Paris Hilton's home video in which she drops the N-word in addition to billing herself as a coke whore but I'm talking about people who have an actual talent so let's move on.]
The whole thing even made it into the political arena when that troll-to-end-all-trolls Ann Coulter chose to make a “faggot” fueled dig at Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards.
That, of course, was after Washington saw the error of his ways and decided to go to rehab to get over his homophobia. Only in Hollywood, folks. Only in Hollywood would that sentence even make sense.
Anyway, so he went to rehab, held talks with gay rights groups and even filmed a PSA about how sticks and stones may break your bones but words can still hurt you or something along those lines. Rhimes and ABC remained tight-lipped even if the love of my life, Chandra Wilson a.k.a. The Nazi, chose to shout out to “that other one in rehab” when she won at the Screen Actors Guild Awards later that season.
With the season ending on a low note for every single character on the show, the question was still in the air as to whether Washington would continue to be a part of Grey's Anatomy. Well, now we know.
On the one hand, this is a crushing blow for fans of GA. Dr. Burke was an integral and riveting part of the show. His relationship with Christina Yang (the oh-so-excellent Sandra Oh), his neuroses as a doctor and human being, his closest and multi-faceted relationships at the hospital – be it with McDreamy, George or Izzie (the irony!) – were all a significant part of the GA dynamic. Even when I hated how his control freak, sanctimonious ass was behaving with Christina, I was a Burketina shipper.
Secondly, Washington is a wonderful actor. There wasn't a nuance he didn't hit, a note that he played false. To watch Oh and Washington in action as a couple negotiating crises or as student and teacher, was to be enthralled. Dempsey might have been McDreamy but Washington wasn’t exactly lacking in the fan department.
But then he also says things like this: “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore.”
If that sounds familiar or catchy, it’s because it’s ‘inspired’ by Network, an iconic satire about a venal television network that uses an anchorman’s on-air breakdown to fuel ratings.
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Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
"McDreamy," seriously? That right there makes me glad I haven't bothered to watch the show. Shallow, I know.
2 - Jet in Columbus
On behalf of all Faggots everywhere, I say "Bravo!!!"
3 - Amrita
Phillip - it actually worked for the first truncated season. Then there was a Mc-mania and I couldnt stand it anymore.
Jet - haha!
4 - Donna A.
Never watched the show. It's a pity that this has tainted it.
Donna A.
5 - VICKIE G.
I FOR ONE AM SORRY TO SEE WASHINGTON GO FROM GREY'S ANATOMY. HE MADE A MISTAKE ATTONED FOR THAT MISTAKE AND WAS STILL PUNISHED IN THE END. HE'S HUMAN AND NOT WITHOUT HIS OWN FLAWS. BUT HE WAS A SUCCESSFUL BLACK PROFESSIONAL MAN PLAYING A DIFFICULT PART AND HE WAS GOOD. I TRULY WISH THE NETWORK WOULD RECONSIDER THEIR DECISION.
6 - Jewels
You're absolutely right how important a part of the show's dynamic the Dr. Burke character really has been, and now suddenly, he's gone. When the wedding scenario went the way it did during the finale, that was the point in which I figured then, he was gone, really gone. He made stupid mistakes, said stupid things that in Hollywood won't work - so now he's out of work.
7 - Amrita
Donna - it used to be really good. But with that sucky season finale, the culmination of a horrible season, and the departure of both Washington and Kate Walsh, I dont know if I'm all that excited about the upcoming 4th season. It's like they bought into their own hype a bit too much.
Vickie - Yeah, I don't think that's going to happen. People have been talking about his departure for way too long for this to have been a sudden decision or one easily changed.
Jewels - Actually, things arent that grim. He's not out of work, he's actually working on this indie movie he's producing or something. He even said he'd be willing to come back for a spot on the show if they wanted him - but it's not going to be the same and I dont know if they'd have him back. It's just sad all around.