How would the sarcastic, oversensitive, verbally hyperactive doctors of Grey's Anatomy take to a colleague with Asperger syndrome? We're soon to find out, as Mary McDonnell joins the ABC medical drama November 13 for at least three episodes as a cardiac surgeon with the autism spectrum disorder.
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello quotes executive producer Betsy Beers as saying show creator Shonda Rhimes "thought it would be interesting to have an incredibly skilled surgeon who, socially, is initially misunderstood." Well, there always seems to be plenty of misunderstanding to go around on Grey's, and the show's inconsistent writing makes me worry whether they'll do justice to this storyline. Still, McDonnell's an interesting actress, and I'll be watching to see what she does with the part.
In the Entertainment Weekly item, Ausiello interviews McDonnell about her addition to the show, and she describes initial reaction to the character: "In her first surgery she works primarily with Bailey and Karev, who are both sort of caught off guard by her difficulty in communication. They don't really know until the end of the episode that she has Asperger's. It's challenging for them. On the one hand, you're introducing a dramatic and comedic dynamic that people have to react to. On the other hand, you're bringing on a very dignified real human being with a disability that can be very problematic for everyone."
What do you think about the plotline possibilities here? Will Grey's and McDonnell be up to the challenge of making this a well-rounded depiction of a person with Asperger syndrome, or will it just be more soap and stereotypes? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Read more: Special Needs News | Site of the Day | Special-Needs Entertainment News
Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
I was stunned that we were to believe that Bailey didn’t make this assumption early on? She looked stunned as she defined aspergers as if she was just ‘getting it’. She is a character who is intelligent, completed med school in the last decade and has a toddler! I’m sure ‘that person’ in real life would have been more aware? Someone else thought her stunned look was because it hadn’t occurred to her that her condescending responses to her would hurt her feelings so perhaps that was a good message, that those on the spectrum still ‘get it’ but that wasn’t how I saw it initially. I’m glad to see the story line will continue, any awareness, especially surrounded by an intelligent, successful character, is helpful. Perhaps more cartoons and kids shows can do this as that is more needed–for kids to see these interactions and ‘roled played’ relationships so they can better understand their peers on the spectrum.
I saw this episode last night. Her characters aspergers traits were so obvious to me it pained me that the show would allow the other doctors to be so oblivious to her but then I thought maybe that was the point of the episode to show how they function within society fairly well despite having the label “disorders or syndrome”.
Let’s not forget that those individuals with Asperger’s are highly intelligent. It was refreshing to see this character portrayed that way.
I found Mary McDonnell’s performance spectacular. To have a brother with
asperger’s and then see an actor play
it so accurately really was a relief.
I was afraid of a caricature of some
type, but really Mary McDonnell is an
incredible actress and I will continue
to watch this character throughout.
I am 19 and have diagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome 299.80. I have never watched Grey’s Anatomy but I thank McDonnell for representing the Autistic community in a positive way through this role she plays.