The doctors are in on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Since the show is character-focused, it’s succeeded at getting viewers to pick their favorites and root for them to achieve bigger and better storylines. Sure, the ensemble cast limits screen time, but a surprising number of characters are well-rounded. Even those that aren’t are unpredictable. Alex is the closest thing the show has to a villain, but he seems to have a good heart. Trailer-park raised Izzie sometimes seems as if her backstory is made up on the fly, but she also acts consistently with the motivations of her character. And so on.

And the show's writers, plus creator Shonda Rhimes, are great at interacting with fans. There’s a blog on ABC's Web site and a podcast on iTunes, catering to the hardcore viewers and nurturing them into a stronger bond with the show. Everyone associated with the program seems to acknowledge the role those little extras like that can mean in the gaining and wooing of a dedicated audience, and they’re taking advantage of it as few other shows have been able to do.

But it's going to be tricky for this show to sustain its momentum, for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s just as close to “ Melrose Place” as it is to other medical dramas. The relationship fluidity, the romantic interplay between the leading characters, and the other complicating factors that make for good television also mean that the writers have to develop ideas as fast as they can to keep walking the line between compelling and ridiculous.

The show's numerous strong characters also mean that it’s tough to keep everyone happy, both on the set and on the viewers’ couches. There are episodes when the focus is on Patrick Dempsey’s character, and then he’s barely seen at all for the next three weeks. The inevitable result is that some actors likely will grow unhappy with their roles and leave. That’s a natural part of the evolution of most shows, and one or two characters could leave without much of an effect. (Though the loss of Pompeo would be tough, since the show’s named after her character. Would they have to change the name to “Yang’s Anatomy?”).

So far, however, "Grey's" writers have excelled at nurturing storylines right to the point where they’re poised to become annoying, then backing off and restoring the equilibrium. Meredith seemingly hit rock bottom, dug herself into an even deeper emotional hole, and now is slowly crawling back out. George spent a season and a half moping after Meredith, played the martyr card until it became too much already, and has gotten his feet back under him again. Earlier in the show’s history, it was Christina who got pregnant, broke up with Burke, lost the baby, broke down in the hospital, and subsequently got back together with Burke and now has the most stable relationship on the show, at least for today.

Ultimately, the show’s big talent is making its fans happy. As long as it can keep doing that, that "Desperate Housewives" lead-in is nice, but not really necessary.

Craig Berman is a writer in Washington, D.C.

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