Despite the implied nudity in the show’s opening scene, this episode, "I Choose You," of Grey's Anatomy actually earns a pat on the back for proving that Hollywood writers get it right every now and then.
Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) is picking up Amelia (Caterina Scorsone) in her new car when Amelia jumps into the car and throws off her coat. Meredith is surprised to find that Amelia is naked. So was I. Did I really need to know that Amelia doesn’t wear panties because “she” likes to breathe? I think you know what I mean.
-Are you naked?
-Oh, my God.
-I won't be in five minutes.
-Don't you wear panties?
-No way. She likes to breathe.
-Please tell me you're naked butt is not on the seat of my brand-new car.
-Are you done looking or are -- are you –
-Amelia, my children sit back there.
-You only have a problem if they lick the seats. Do they lick the seats?
-She did not just say that.
-Just start the car and drive already.
-If I didn't care so much about the planet for my babies, this carpool would not even be happening.
But what caught my attention is that after this scene, this episode explains true feminism quite well. Instead of victimhood being promoted as Meredith realizes she is being offered less money for her new position as Chief of General than she rightfully should expect, Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) teaches that women, as well as men, have to stand up and ask for what is wanted. “She needs to fight for herself.”
-Why you furrowing your brow at me?
-I would think that you of all people -- this hospital's first female chief of surgery -- would fight for a woman to get paid at least as much as any man.
-This is about Meredith Grey.
-I mean, if you do not value her enough, then just –
-It is inappropriate for me to discuss the salary of another employee.
-She deserves more, and you know it.
-I do, and don't ever suggest to me that I do not stand in sisterhood with other women in this hospital. You've never been 4'11" tall and overlooked and called "Girl" by your male colleagues. You don't know. I am woman. Hear me roar. But I've already mentored Grey. I've already taught her what she needs to know. And now that I'm chief of this hospital, it's not my fault if she's not used the skills that I taught her. And it's not my job to be giving away money when it's not asked for. You have coddled her. Since Derek, you have coddled her, and I won't do that. No, she needs to rise. And she needs to rise on her own so she knows she can rise on her own. Because... You may not be here the next time she falls. She needs to fight for herself.
-Okay.
-This is what a feminist looks like, sir.
The other women encourage Meredith to go talk to Dr. Bailey and ask for more money: "Walk in there and demand what you deserve. Men do it all the time." It's true, women don't ask for raises like men do and that could account for any wage gap. It's an important lesson for Meredith and any woman watching.
And it works.
-What is it, Grey?
-We need to talk about my contract.
-Mm-hmm.
-You said I deserved to be your chief of general, that I made your job easier. I was happy. I was grateful. That doesn't change the fact that I earned this job, and I worked very hard for it. I need to feel as valued as you say you value me. I need to be able to look in the mirror. This is just not enough.
-Do you have number in mind?
-Yes.
-I can make that happen. Is that all, Grey?
-Yep. That's it. Okay, thanks.
-Grey?
-Yeah.
-Well done.
Well done, indeed.
