Finally, a Snake! What Took Them So Long? Off the Map

Off the Map came back for its second episode with some Grey's Anatomy-like stunts and some new tricks of its own.  Personally, I can't believe it took the writers two episodes to use a boa constrictor as the impetus for a jungle-medical emergency.  And it worked, as is typical of most GA-type stunts, i.e. using the medical case as a metaphor or vehicle for the treating doctors to work out their personal issues.

But Off the Map is not just Grey's in the jungle.  The jungle not only provides a myriad of characters that come across these doctors' paths (tourists, natives, and probably animals), but also the cultural differences and obstacles treating their patients may pose.  Set in South America, Off the Map has the opportunity to explore the cultural differences between gringo and native whereas the the doctors of Seattle Grace rarely get a chance to do so.

As I said before, this show is great for Grey's Anatomy fans; the sexual tension, the medicine, and the exploration of these doctors' personal lives is reminiscent of it's predecessor.  But if you're not a fan of Grey's, I don't expect you to tune in, and I don't think ABC does either.

Off the Map, On Your Schedule?

Off the Map comes from the mind of Shonda Rimes, the creator of Grey's Anatomy, which, like Off the Map, was a midseason replacement.  So does Off the Map look like it'll succeed like it's older sibling Grey's, or will it be slashed and burned?

Best Character on TV

My vote is for Christina Yang.  Following close behind is Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory).  Yes, my #1 and #2 favorite TV characters are complete opposites.  But each character encompasses something especially different that sets them apart from all the rest.  First, Christina Yang (Grey's Anatomy), at least for me, is relatable.  Ambitious and determined, she exhibits strength and intelligence while simultaneously showing vulnerability, a rarity for female characters on television.  Oftentimes female characters are either the bitch (Wilhemina Slater, Ugly Betty), the mama (Nora Walker, Brothers & Sisters), or the airhead (that assistant Cerie on 30Rock).  Granted, characters like Alicia Florrick and Kalinda (both from The Good Wife), are popping up on primetime, but it could be argued that these shows are thriving due to the strong female lead characters.

Anyway, back to Christina Yang, whose most recent story arc has made her the "dark and twisty" half of the Yang/Grey duo.  <If you have not seen the season finale of Season 6 of Grey's, do not read on>