I Am a Tree

Last updated
"I Am a Tree"
Grey's Anatomy episode
I Am a Tree - Grey's Anatomy.jpg
Montgomery and Sloan's affair is revealed to Shepherd. The plot point was a popular point of interest among critics.
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 2
Directed by Jeff Melman
Written by Krista Vernoff
Featured music
"The Time Is Now"
"Crashing Down"
"Theme From Chalets"
"The Mating Game"
"Running On Sunshine"
"Open Your Eyes"
Original air dateSeptember 28, 2006 (2006-09-28)
Running time43 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Time Has Come Today"		Next →
"Sometimes a Fantasy"
Grey's Anatomy season 3
List of episodes

"I Am a Tree" is the second episode in the third season of the American serial drama television series Grey's Anatomy , and the 38th episode of the overall series. The episode focuses mainly on Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), as her romantic relationship with Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington) is tested through the arrival of his parents. The episode is the first to feature Diahann Carroll, who begins a recurring role as Jane Burke, Preston's mother. The installment marked Eric Dane's second appearance in the series and first appearance in the season, despite not being credited. The episode was instrumental in the producers' decision to have Dane promoted to series regular status in the following episode.

Contents

Further story arcs which provided a particular focus on individual characters include Addison Montgomery-Shepherd (Kate Walsh) facing Derek Shepherd's (Patrick Dempsey) desire to divorce her, Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) coping with Denny Duquette's (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) death and the repercussions of her choice to quit the internship program, and Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) struggling with the choice between Shepherd and Finn Dandridge (Chris O'Donnell). Also dealt with was Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) attempting to have Stevens rejoin the program, Mark Sloan (Dane) arriving from New York City in order to resume his romantic relationship with Montgomery, and Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) being evacuated from the hospital.

The script for the episode was written by executive producer Krista Vernoff, while Jeff Melman served as the director. The installment aired on September 28, 2006, in the United States on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), with approximately 20.93 million viewers tuning in. Ranking second in the time-slot and third for the week, the episode garnered an 8.6 Nielsen rating in the 18–49 demographic, seeing a decrease from the previous episode, which received a 9.0 rating. Critical response of the episode ranged from mixed-to-negative; however, Montgomery's storyline was a particular source of critical acclaim from television reviewers. Although the episode was fictionally set in Seattle, Washington, filming occurred in Los Angeles, California. [1]

Plot

"I Am a Tree" opens to a voice-over narration from Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) about impulses, the episode's main theme. Having undergone surgery following the shooting in the season two finale, Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington) received an unanticipated visit from his parents, Jane Burke (Diahann Carroll) and Donald Burke (Richard Roundtree). It is revealed that the main reason for their unannounced arrival is meeting Preston's love interest, Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh). Due to the Burkes' overprotective attitude and strict moral beliefs, Yang initially fails to impress them, determining a negative outlook on their romantic relationship. Following the exposure of his affair with his former love interest Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) begins considering and ultimately decides on divorcing his wife. Facing the devastating news, Addison Montgomery Shepherd (Kate Walsh) abandons her hospital duties for the day, turning to alcoholism as a means to deal with the depression.

Feeling guilty for being the reason her marriage had initially failed, Montgomery begins questioning her ability to interact with men. Having made up his mind on divorcing Montgomery, Shepherd attempts at becoming romantically involved with Grey once again. Aware of Shepherd's plans, Grey begins to question her feelings for Finn Dandridge (Chris O'Donnell), with whom she had previously began a relationship. Unable to decide between what she wants and what she needs, Grey unwillingly stirs a rivalry between the two men. Now being unemployed, Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) tries to move on after the death of her fiancé, Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Realizing that she is unable to do so, she starts using baking as the way to overcome the grief. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) realizes her decisive role in Duquette's death, and begins experiencing strong guilt. Influenced by the recent revelations, Bailey tries to convince Stevens to reenter the internship program, which she had left as a result of her actions leading up to Duquette's death. Ultimately, Stevens chooses to attempt at returning to work at the hospital.

Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) learns that Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) is living in the hospital basement, leading to her relocating with George O'Malley (T.R. Knight) in Grey's house, much to the displeasure of his roommates. A teenager patient with a large branch protruding through his abdomen is admitted into the hospital, and is revealed to have been thrown into a pile of tree clippings while street luging unprotected. The boy's distressed father Jeffrey Hernandez (Javier Grajeda) uses violence in order to make his son realize the danger he has gotten himself into. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) is assigned to the patient and unwillingly becomes emotionally involved in the case, banning further interaction between the two. Shepherd, Bailey and Yang treat a patient admitted in the neurosugical service, who has a tumor pressing against his frontal lobe. His condition forces him to verbally express each thought passing his mind, without being able to control it in any way. Realizing her inability to choose between the two men in her romantic background, Grey decides on dating both, therefore attempting to compare their dedication towards her. At the conclusion of the episode, Shepherd visits Montgomery in her hotel room, in order to share his final thoughts on their upcoming divorce, but is shocked at the revelation that she had sex with Mark Sloan (Eric Dane).

Production

According to episode writer Krista Vernoff, the episode provides a particular emphasis on the development of Sandra Oh's character. Sandra Oh 2016.jpg
According to episode writer Krista Vernoff, the episode provides a particular emphasis on the development of Sandra Oh's character.

"I Am a Tree" was written by Primetime Emmy Award nominee and series executive producer, Krista Vernoff. [2] Filmmaker and television producer Jeff Melman served as the director, his first such credit since "Blues for Sister Someone" in the second season. [2] The soundtrack used in the episode included Moloko's "The Time Is Now", The Chalets' "Theme From Chalets", Bitter:Sweet's "The Mating Game", Mat Kearney's "Crashing Down" and Roland Clark's "Open Your Eyes". [3] Also featured in the episode was "Open Your Eyes", the fifth single from the Northern Irish alternative rock band Snow Patrol's album Eyes Open . [3] Similarly to "Chasing Cars", the band's previous single featured in the series, the song gained significant popularity after being used in the series, resulting in a drastic rise in the sales number on iTunes. [4] Several one-time guest actors appeared in the episode, including Richard Roundtree, who portrayed Donald Burke, and Javier Grajeda, acting as Jeffrey Hernandez. [2] Although fictionally set in Seattle, Washington, filming primarily occurred in Los Angeles, California. [5] Scenes in the operating room were filmed at the Prospect Studios in Los Feliz, Los Angeles. [5]

Following his appearance in the second season, Dane returned to the series in this episode. [6] According to Dane, he was originally hired by the series producers in order to film one episode, but was ultimately asked to return. "As far as I know, I was doing one episode. That's what I signed up for. But because of who the character was, there was a lot of room for him to come back. I got real lucky, they invited me back." [7] When offered the series regular position, Dane was not aware of the character's future on the show, noting the boldness of the character's introduction in the previous season, by contrast to his first appearance in the third season. [7] Fellow cast member Pompeo offered her insight on Sloan's reintroduction, noting that the inevitability of the character's return was due to his overwhelming popularity, mainly among the female audience, who immediately responded to the concept of the character. [7] Dane only makes a short, uncredited appearance in the episode, seeing his naked character exiting a steamy bathroom. [2] The scene has become one of the most iconic of the series. [8] Dane offered his outlook on the scene, "It was a spectacular entrance. It was all about this brand new towel, which had a hard time staying together. Every time I put it together and let my hands go, it was almost like throwing caution to the wind." [8]

Reception

The episode received mixed-to-negative reviews among television critics, and underperformed the previous episode in terms of viewership. "I Am a Tree" was originally broadcast on September 28, 2006 in the United States, on the American Broadcasting Company. The episode was viewed by a total of 23.48 million Americans, [9] down 1.93% from the previous episode "Time Has Come Today", which garnered 25.41 million viewers. [10] In terms of viewership, "I Am a Tree" ranked second for the night, just behind CBS's juggernaut CSI . The episode did not win in viewership, as its 8.2 Nielsen rating ranked second in its 9:00 Eastern time-slot and the entire night, for the rating of the key 18–49 demographic. [9]

Related Research Articles

Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama television series focusing on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, later named the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The series premiered on March 27, 2005, on ABC as a mid-season replacement. The show's title is an allusion to Gray's Anatomy, a classic human anatomy textbook. Writer Shonda Rhimes developed the pilot and served as showrunner, head writer, and executive producer until stepping down in 2015. Set in Seattle, Washington, the series is filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy began airing in the United States on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on March 27, 2005, and concluded on May 22, 2005, and consist of only nine episodes, making it the shortest season to date. The first season introduces the main character, Meredith Grey, as she enrolls in Seattle Grace Hospital's internship program and faces unexpected challenges and surprises. Season one had nine series regulars, three of whom have been part of the main cast ever since. The season initially served as a mid-season replacement for the legal drama Boston Legal, airing in the Sunday night time slot at 10:00, after Desperate Housewives. Although no clip shows have been produced for this season, the events that occur are recapped in "Straight to Heart", a clip-show which aired one week before the winter holiday hiatus of the second season ended. The season was officially released on DVD as two-disc Region 1 box set under the title of Grey's Anatomy: Season One on February 14, 2006, by Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on September 25, 2005, and concluded on May 15, 2006. The season was produced by Touchstone Television in conjuction with Shondaland production company and The Mark Gordon Company, the showrunner being Shonda Rhimes. Actors Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, and T. R. Knight reprised their roles as surgical interns Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev, and George O'Malley respectively. Previous main cast members Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey also returned, while Kate Walsh, who began the season in a recurring capacity, was promoted to series-regular status, after appearing in 7 episodes as a guest-star. Internationally, the season was distributed by Buena Vista International Television.

Krista Vernoff is an American television screenwriter, executive producer and director. She is best known for running the television medical drama Grey's Anatomy and its spin-off Station 19 (2019–2023). She has also served as executive producer and writer for the US version of Shameless. Other works as producer-writer for television include Charmed and Wonderfalls.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on September 21, 2006, and concluded on May 17, 2007. The season was produced by Touchstone Television, in association with Shondaland Production Company and The Mark Gordon Company, the showrunner being Shonda Rhimes. Actors Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers and T. R. Knight reprised their roles as surgical interns Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev and George O'Malley, respectively, continuing their expansive storylines as focal points throughout the season. Previous main cast members Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Kate Walsh, Isaiah Washington, and Patrick Dempsey also returned, while previous guest-stars Sara Ramirez and Eric Dane were promoted to series-regulars, following the extension of their contracts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Shepherd</span> Fictional character in Greys Anatomy

Derek Christopher Shepherd, M.D., F.A.C.S., also referred to as "McDreamy", is a fictional surgeon from the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, portrayed by actor Patrick Dempsey. He made his first appearance in the pilot episode, "A Hard Day's Night", which was broadcast on March 27, 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Izzie Stevens</span> Fictional character from the television show Greys Anatomy

Isobel Katherine Stevens, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes, and was portrayed by actress Katherine Heigl from 2005 to 2010. Introduced as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, Izzie worked her way up to resident level, while her relationships with her colleagues Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Alex Karev and George O'Malley formed a focal point of the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addison Montgomery</span> Fictional character

Addison Adrianne Forbes Montgomery, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.G. is a fictional character who appears as a supporting main character on the ABC television series Grey's Anatomy, and as the protagonist of its spin-off Private Practice played by Kate Walsh. Addison is a world-class neonatal surgeon with board certifications in both Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Maternal and Fetal Medicine. Additionally, she has completed a medical genetics fellowship. She works at the Oceanside Wellness Group, a fictional practice located in Santa Monica, California.

A Hard Days Night (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 1st episode of the 1st season of Greys Anatomy

"A Hard Day's Night" is the pilot episode of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, which first aired on March 27, 2005 on ABC. The episode introduces main characters and surgical interns Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev and George O'Malley, who come face to face with what their future holds as they enter the realm of surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital. Other main characters include Derek Shepherd, Miranda Bailey, Richard Webber and Preston Burke.

"If Tomorrow Never Comes" is the sixth episode of the first season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, which first aired on ABC on May 1, 2005. The episode was written by Krista Vernoff and was directed by Scott Brazil.

Losing My Religion (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 27th episode of the 2nd season of Greys Anatomy

"Losing My Religion" is the twenty-seventh episode and the season finale of the second season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 36th episode overall. Written by Shonda Rhimes and directed by Mark Tinker, the episode was originally broadcast with "Deterioration of the Fight or Flight Response", in a two-hour season finale event on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 15, 2006. Grey's Anatomy centers around a group of young doctors in training. In this episode, Dr. Izzie Stevens and her fellow interns have to plan a prom for Dr. Richard Webber's niece Camille Travis. Further storylines include Dr. Preston Burke recovering from his gunshot wound and Denny Duquette's death following his seemingly-successful heart transplant surgery.

Time Has Come Today (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 1st episode of the 3rd season of Greys Anatomy

"Time Has Come Today" is the first episode of the third season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 37th episode overall. Written by Shonda Rhimes and directed by Daniel Minahan, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 21, 2006. The episode primarily focuses on Dr. Izzie Stevens coping with the unexpected death of her fiancé, Denny Duquette, while dealing with the decision to quit the internship program. Further storylines include Dr. Preston Burke facing the repercussions of his being shot, and Dr. Meredith Grey dealing with the aftermath of her affair with Dr. Derek Shepherd, which puts a strain in his already troubled marriage to Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, created by Shonda Rhimes, commenced airing on American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 25, 2008 and concluded on May 14, 2009 with 24 aired episodes. The season follows the story of a group of surgeons as they go through their residency, while they also deal with the personal challenges and relationships with their mentors. Season 5 had 13 series regulars with 12 of them returning from the previous season, out of which 8 are part of the original cast. The season aired in the Thursday night time-slot at 9:00 pm. The season was officially released on DVD as a seven disc boxset under the title of Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Fifth Season – More Moments on September 9, 2009 by Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2010. The season was produced by ABC Studios, in association with Shondaland Production Company and The Mark Gordon Company; the showrunner being Shonda Rhimes and head writer Krista Vernoff. Actors Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, and Justin Chambers reprised their roles as surgical residents Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, and Alex Karev, respectively. Heigl was released from her contract in the middle of the season, while T. R. Knight did not appear as George O'Malley, because Knight was released from his contract at the conclusion of season five. Main cast members Patrick Dempsey, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Chyler Leigh, and Kevin McKidd also returned, while previous recurring-star Jessica Capshaw was promoted to a series-regular, and Kim Raver was given star-billing after the commencement of the season.

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is the fourth season premiere of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 62nd episode of the overall series. The premiere focused on the aftermath of the main characters' promotion to residency, following the conclusion of their internship. The episode was the first not to feature Isaiah Washington, portraying Preston Burke, due to his being fired from the series at the conclusion of season 3. The episode also marked Chyler Leigh's promotion to series regular status, following her guest appearances in the last 2 episodes of the previous season. Also featured were one-time guest actors Mark Pellegrino, Stephania Childers, Sandra Thigpen, and Steven Porter.

"Good Mourning" is the first episode and the season premiere of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 103rd episode overall. It was written by Krista Vernoff and directed by Ed Ornelas. The episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2009. In "Good Mourning", the physicians are seen dealing with the revelation that a dead John Doe is their beloved co-worker Dr. George O'Malley, and dealing with the aftermath of Dr. Izzie Stevens' near-death experience. Further storylines include Dr. Callie Torres and Stevens trying to decide whether or not to donate O'Malley's organs and Dr. Derek Shepherd being offered Dr. Richard Webber's chief of surgery job.

"Goodbye" is the second episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 104th episode overall. It was written by Krista Vernoff and directed by Bill D'Elia. The episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2009. In "Goodbye", the staff at Seattle Grace Hospital come to terms with the death of their colleague Dr. George O'Malley. Further storylines include Dr. Richard Webber being engaged in a vehicular collision, Dr. Callie Torres receiving a job as an attending physician at a neighboring hospital, and Dr. Alex Karev's marriage with Dr. Izzie Stevens taking a toll after her near-death experience.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 17 Season of television series

The seventeenth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy was ordered in May 2019, by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), as part of a double renewal with the sixteenth season. Shortly after, Krista Vernoff signed an agreement to continue serving as the showrunner of the series. Filming on the series began in September 2020 while the season did not premiere until November 12, 2020, both dates being delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the 2020–2021 broadcast television season. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television only allowed seventeen episodes to be produced, the fewest of any season since the fourth season. Numerous safety protocols were also implemented across various areas of production to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 19 Season of television series

The nineteenth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy was announced on January 10, 2022, by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). It premiered on October 6, 2022, for the 2022–23 broadcast television season. Krista Vernoff returned for the season as executive producer and showrunner alongside her production company Trip the Light Productions. ABC Signature and Shondaland also co-produce the series.

References

  1. 1 2 Krista Vernoff (September 28, 2006). "Krista Vernoff on blogging and "I Am a Tree"". Grey Matter. American Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on July 1, 2013. Retrieved July 7, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Krista Vernoff (writer), Jeff Melman (director) (September 28, 2006). "I Am a Tree". Grey's Anatomy. Season 3. Episode 2. ABC.
  3. 1 2 "Season 3, Episode: 2 "I Am a Tree" Music". TV Fanatic. SheKnows Entertainment. 28 September 2006. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Eyes Open". iTunes. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
  5. 1 2 Clarendon, Dan (December 20, 2010). "Where Is Grey's Anatomy Filmed, Anyway?". Wetpaint . The Cambio Network. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  6. ↑ "Yesterday". Grey's Anatomy. Season 2. Episode 18. February 19, 2006. ABC.
  7. 1 2 3 Wolf, Buck (October 12, 2006). "Troubling Times for Dr. McDreamy". ABC News Radio. ABC News. Retrieved March 21, 2013.
  8. 1 2 Grey's Anatomy Season Three DVD: Commentary Feature. Buena Vista, ABC. 2007.
  9. 1 2 "Weekly Program Rankings". Media Net. ABC. October 3, 2006. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Weekly Program Rankings". Media Net. ABC. September 26, 2006. Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.