Grey’s Anatomy fans are set for a turbulent time as the ninth series starts next week on TV2.
At least two of the regular cast will die in the aftermath of the dramatic plane crash, that featured in the final episode of last season.
Grey’s stalwart Sara Ramirez, who plays Dr Callie Torres, talks to Isobel Allbury about the on-going effects of the plane crash and reveals why she loves working on the hit medical drama.
Seven years ago, after being offered a role on any ABC show that she wanted, Ramirez chose to join the cast of the already popular drama Grey’s Anatomy as orthopaedic surgeon Callie Torres.
The Mexican-born actress, whose name is pronounced ‘Sada’, clearly made a great choice and as she finishes filming the show’s ninth season she says she has never looked back.
“I had no idea what I was getting into but I’m so glad I did,” she laughs. “Actors are constantly walking around wondering when they’re going to be looking for their next job.
“We are programmed to always be expecting to be without a job. That’s just kind of our nature after a while, so I never expected it to last this long and I’m thrilled that it’s still going strong.”
And ratings were particularly strong for the dramatic conclusion of the show’s eighth season when several doctors from the Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital were involved in a plane crash.
Some of the core cast who were on the plane suffered serious injuries, including Meredith Grey’s sister Lexie, who died after succumbing to her extensive wounds. However, she lived long enough to hear Mark Sloan reveal his true feelings for her, saying that he loved her and wanted to share his life with her.
Although Ramirez’s character Callie was not involved in the crash she understands how hard it can be to film such dramatic scenes.
“I wasn’t there but from what I heard it was really intense,” Ramirez says of filming the crash.
“It’s never fun when you hear that there’s a potential for cast members to leave… When we read it, it was really sad and really difficult. I know I cried and I think a few other people did. It was very emotional.”
Callie may not have been on the plane but her wife Arizona Robbins was and at the end of the episode she appeared to have a broken leg as a result of the crash. Under strict instructions not to spoil the fallout of the crash, Ramirez hints at what is in store in season nine for Callie and the other characters involved.
“The aftermath of the plane crash has huge effects on Callie and all her relationships,” Ramirez says. “Callie struggles with who leaves and she’s struggling with the aftermath for the folks that don’t leave but are clearly traumatised in many different ways.
“(Some people) survive the crash but there may be more casualties. Derek has an injury to his hand but Callie does end up helping him and they sort of connect over that.”
There could also be tough times ahead for Callie and Arizona’s relationship but Ramirez believes their relationship is strong enough to get through almost anything, especially
