I may have spent an entire post jumping up and down about the overwrought comparisons between Off the Map and Grey’s Anatomy. Yet, here, I’ll spend much of this post comparing one against the other. To sum up my contrition in one word: “Oops.” Despite my seemed backtracking, I still stand by the idea that Off the Map deserves to be judged on its own, and not as some derivative of Grey’s. Tonight’s episode proved again that this show is continuing to improve.
In last week’s love letter to Rachelle Lefevre, I didn’t spend much time talking about her relationship with Keeton. In the comments last week, Kate went as far as comparing her to another favorite redhead of mine, Addison Montgomery (To be clear, I don’t accept into my personal canon the weak-willed OB doc that is on that other show, Private Practice, but the original badass on Grey’s). I’m not sure if I agree, though.
On Grey’s it was clear, from the first scene in the series, that Meredith and Derek were supposed to be together. I’m not sure I buy that about Keeton and Brenner. To be sure, there are hints, nods, and winks to a possible relationship, but the two don’t have that type of chemistry, something that he and Clark do have. The only real story that properly clears the way for that particular story at this point is the eventual death of Clark. And as big of a fan I am of Caroline Dhavernas (and everyone else, too, I guess), if this show decides to kill off Lefevre’s character, I’m not sure I’ll stick around. Only Joss gets to kill off all of my favorite characters and expect me to keep coming back.
I am finally getting interested in the goings on between Minard and Cole. While it was clear from her backstory that she was only rocking the ice queen persona because of the death of the child back in the States. Here, though, we saw how much she really is still living with that guilt, and how broken she really is. Which is why her relationship, as it were, with Cole makes so much sense. He’s just as badly broken as she is.
Ironically, this weekend I happened to catch the episode of Grey’s where Izzie drills the burr holes in the patient after the ferry crash. It immediately came to mind when Brenner said that the old surgical drill was “better than one from the hardware store.” But, they do say that the best tool for a job is the one you have.
Notes & Quotes
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Feb 24, 2011 @ 08:55 EST5EDT
All I have to say about your recent change of opinion is: MWAHAHAHAHAAAA!
;)
Haven’t watched it yet – the DVR is waiting.
*POST AUTHOR*
Well, ironically, my opinion is still really the same. The show deserves to be judged on its own, and is not just some clone. I think comparing the shows as a whole is just weak work by the critics that have done so.
:P
True! I have to say, I used to be a bit unsure about the show, but now I like OTM much better than Private Practice. Not to, uh, compare it to another Shondaland show or anything. :)
*POST AUTHOR*
What is this Private Practice you speak of? Perhaps that dreck that runs at 10:00p? That hour that has taken a brilliant character in Addison and basically crapped all over it? An hour that had a brilliant cast, and has given them very, very little to do (Charlotte being the exception). An hour that has incredible guest casting, and squandered it (Amanda Foreman being the exception … But seriously, whomever their casting folks are should be commended, and the writers taken behind the proverbial woodshed).
Sorry, but Keeton and Clark have NO chemistry together on the screen. They declared they love each other? I don’t buy it. The script may say that, but that has not been shown on screen at all.
Brenner and Keeton had more chemistry their first few seconds on screen together and that only continues every time they talk. Now, that doesn’t mean I want Mateo going anywhere … for now ;)
To be honest, Clark dying would make me more likely to continue to watch the show. She is the weak link. Though, it probably won’t matter since the show is likely to be canceled.
*POST AUTHOR*
Oh, Carla, its OK to be wrong some of the time :P
Sure, Brenner and Keeton have chemistry, but, at least from my perspective, its not sexual. It is more mentor/mentee.
I missed your post on not comparing OTM to other shows; I’m sorry for the comment about the red-haired third part in the triangle and even though Minard is abrasive and unloved and too focussed on her work with a tragic backstory (and possibly a romance with a hot African-America attending), I will refrain from comparisons to Cristina Yang.
For some odd reason, this show keeps hooking me in more and more. I like Clark and Minard best and I want to find out what happens to them but Plastics and Charlie’s relationship is looking more interesting than all the romances.
I wish they would do something about how they write Brenner though. She’s so Mary Sue, it’s dragging the show down.
I think the actors playing the chopper pilots did an outstanding job.
Just saw the last two episodes. OTM is getting better and better! I loved when Charlie put the coaster down under Fuller’s drink at the house he watches.
*POST AUTHOR*
I know, right! Way underrated show.
Speaking of not enough miracles, did you hear that Rachelle Lefevre has got a pilot?
https://www.tvline.com/2011/03/pilot-scoop-rachelle-lefevre-to-star-in-nbcs-the-crossing-is-off-the-map-dead/
*POST AUTHOR*
I saw that today. I’m puzzled by the lack of specificity of this comment at the end, “For Lafevre, the casting is technically in second position to Off the Map.” Does that mean the pilot contract is contingent on OTM not getting picked up (Or her being written off). I’ve seen actors in on the bubble shows do that before.