Analysis

Grey’s Anatomy

                Like many other television shows and movies, the reality of life is portrayed. When most people think of their future they dream of being successful with a good job, perfect family, wealthy, and happy. This kind of life is possible, but it is not always easy. The show Grey's Anatomy is a great example of the roller coaster we call life. It's about a group of people training to be surgeons at a hospital known as Seattle Grace. They experience the stress that comes with being a surgeon, dealing with a variety of patients involved in car accidents, to as far as people diagnosed with cancer. In an episode called "Flight" the residents pass their board’s exam and are officially surgeons. They were each offered jobs at hospitals all over the world and as they are on their way to their interviews they are in a tragic plane crash. Some are injured tremendously and others die. This episode portrays the value of life and how short it is, how bad things happen to good people, and how tragedy brings people closer together.

                The value of life and how short it can be is a common theme found in the show Grey’s Anatomy. In the episode, after the plane crash they think. “Why me?” Questioning everything about their life not understanding why it had to happen to them. One of the characters, Mark, who was on board when the plane crashed was devastated because his ex-girlfriend, Lexi, who was also on the plane when it crashed, was killed after the accident. “We’re going to have the best life, you and me. You can’t die because we’re supposed to end up together. We’re meant to be.” This quote from Mark explains how guilty he felt, not being able to be with her. This teaches viewers that life is too short, and that one should value everything they have. To not take it for granted, making the most of it not knowing when it may end.

Another concept common in this episode was that bad things sometimes happen to good people. A member of the plane, Derrick, who was known as one of the best surgeons, injures his hand which is the most important part of a surgeon’s body. Another member of the plane, Arizona, who was another well-known surgeon who operated on new born babies and young children, lost her leg in the accident. “We need to find help, my hand needs  surgery, this type of damage may ruin my career” A quote said by Derrick, like Arizona he was worried that his career was in danger, and that he would never be able to perform a surgery again. No matter what type of person you are, no matter how many good things you do in life, sometimes bad things happen. Tragedy is a part of life, it happens. But in a tragedy, never give up. As a result this teaches viewers to be stronger and to have faith, because good things come to those who wait.

                Lastly, tragedy can bring people closer together. Even though some of the members of the plane crash died, those who survived never gave up and stuck together. They did everything they could do to make sure that everyone was okay, and shared what little food and water they had left with each other as they waited for help, lost in the middle of nowhere after the plane went down. They had become a team, and learned to trust one another. “There’s an end to every storm. The clouds will part. The rain will stop. The sky will clear in an instant and only then, in those moments after the storm, do we learn who was strong enough to survive it “Said by Meredith, a passenger, explaining how they all learned to be strong and then realized sometimes when bad things happen, making them realize that every moment counts, never life your live your life unhappy. After everything they had been through they stayed positive. Eventually they were rescued, and when they returned to their homes and families back at the hospital they remained closer, even closer than they were before. Because even though the accident happened, it was something that will always remind them how lucky they truly are.  After they returned they sued the plane company and went through a long tough process but in the end they won, each getting five million. Instead of spending the money on themselves they gave back to the hospital which was in debt, putting all of their money together to get the hospital back up and running. Arizona and Derrick, the two members of the plane that were injured putting their career at risk, went through many surgeries and trainers but in the end they were fine and could return to work. No matter what happens, staying positive leads to good results.

                Overall, the show Grey’s Anatomy is a great example of the values of life and tragedy.  In many ways, TV producers use shows such as this to attract more viewers and make more money. Giving them something they can look up to, people they can admire, by showing real life tragedies that happen every day to anyone. Also teaching them how to work through them, value their life and be grateful for what they have. Life is short and you should do everything you can to make sure you’re happy and that you are where you want to be in life. The perfect life to some may be becoming rich and successful, but to others they may want to just simply be happy and around the people they love, not caring about the materialistic things. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, not saying bad things should happen to bad people just meaning that it can happen to anyone and no matter how you live your life, not matter what you may do and how much you may give back, it happens because that’s just life. All TV shows are supposed to have a theme, not only are they for entertainment but they teach you something. Grey’s Anatomy teaches viewers that if they work hard and never give up, they can achieve great things such as becoming a surgeon and saving lives, inspiring viewers to want to be great too.

MLA Works Cited

“Flight.” Grey’s Anatomy. Writ. Shonda Rhimes. Dir. Rob Corn.  ABC, 11 Jan. 2011. ABC.com. Web.  17. May. 2012.