CG28

You know what happens to a poor man's Grey's Anatomy? Just ask anyone who watched NBC's Heatbeat that just got cancelled after the ratings bombed. This whole looking for a new "male co-lead with Marcia Gay Harden" thing pisses me off every time I see it mentioned on Twitter. Um, they have one right in front of them that can play opposite her, Raza Jaffrey. Or did I misread the characters bios where they talked about Neal being opposite Leanne and her cowboy ways of treating patients. So why do they need a new one? Oh yeah, he isn't young enough apparently. I think them cutting his character is what really, truly baffles me and was totally unexpected. I had a Twitter prior to Code Black but never really used it. I have used it extensively to complain, vent, praise, and campaign strongly for Season 2. Boy, what good it did me I guess. I do not normally become this invested in any show, at least not in recent years, and was so hoping this would replace the love I at one time had for Greys, guess not. At least Shonda for all her bad points didn't cut any main characters after Season 1. Likely because she is smarter than that. I am not sure whose vision this was ultimately. Part of me strongly sees a scenario in which Code Black was likely to be cancelled, M.Seitzman knew that, and did whatever possible and pitched whatever possible to try to get Code Black renewed. If he had wanted this from the beginning he would have created a whole different show than he did and the season one we saw would have never existed. I think he was grasping at straws to make it appeal to the viewers that CBS desires so strongly. I don't think deep down this is what he wanted but he also didn't want his show cancelled. For that reason I feel mostly angry at CBS. Still, like I said above, he could have kept them on as recurring at least. And I can't help but be a little angry at him. And above all very angry at advertisers and their horrible ageist, sexist demographics. And I could be just strongly holding on to the last thread of hope I have but I am hoping her removal in her profile is because she is A) Upset and B) even if she appears only to exit she is no longer truly on the show in any ongoing basis. Interestingly enough, as of this afternoon, Raza Jaffrey still had Code Black in his profile. I really feel very strongly that a wrap up of some sort to their lives is needed. Them just going *poof* will not only not make sense but could make the remaining fans trying to hang in there jump ship entirely. Which is not something this show needs, that's for sure. Not budget cuts from what I saw since they are adding more than they are taking away. And in one of the articles it even mentioned it wasn't because of a cut back and that they will now have one of the largest casts on TV, esp for a sophomore show. Yep, 17 episodes. I read that from someone last week I believe after I saw M. Seitzman mention 22 episodes. Apparently it's 17 episodes with an extension to 22 possible if ratings are doing well, which at this point I can't see happening, so likely season 2 will have 17 episodes. Reading the sheer number of upset fans on Twitter definitely shows this is not at all well received. You know now what truly just got me? I made a comment about how upset I was, that it's a big mistake, and how this is all due to ageism and sexism and that such horrible changes will change the show completely from what it was and Harry Ford (who plays Angus) liked the comment and even went on to reply to another comment I made about not tuning in for season 2 saying how very sad the news was to them and to remember unfortunately they have no choice now but to go along and yet they still need the fans. That has to be a horrible feeling and just made me hurt for the cast, most of which have been so down to earth and involved with the fans. And now the fans they've connected to and have had supportive of them and the show are now outraged and withdrawing that support, rightly so of course but still. And they just have to go along with everything and be business as usual. You know when the cast feels that way it is truly the wrong decision. And that doesn't even begin to touch on how this must have hurt Bonnie Somerville and Raza Jaffrey, who just lost their jobs and got cut from a show they put their all into and campaigned along with fans for a new season. Just really takes it beyond these characters and makes it all the more gut wrenching.

I agree, it looks like across the board people are very unhappy. It looks like the vast majority of people who stood by the show and cheered the show on for a season 2 are either fans of the couple, fans of either character individually, or are just plain fans of the show as they saw it and this completely changes the show. I think Micheal Seitzman, CBS, and whoever else was involved with this decision greatly misinterpreted just how much this would anger the fans. And honestly are very out of touch and have no idea what the fans want. The fact that Matt Mitovitch commented on the absurd decision says something. Even from those that aren't invested, the decision makes no sense. My husband watched the show with me and liked it ok but wasn't invested and certainly couldn't care less about any coupling, and for what it's worth is in their key demographic, and when I told him his first reply was "Are they trying to kill the show?", his second was "Why in the world would anyone with half a brain think this was a good idea?". Yes, I am very sorry for rest of the cast. First of all because they all seems to have such a great relationship and enjoyed working together. And secondly because the shows creator just killed the show they work on. And lastly because I truly like them and want to care about what thier characters go on to do but can't imagine myself tuning in for Season 2. After that no worry as I seriously doubt at this point there will be a season 3. I already worried greatly there wouldn't be and now I really have no doubts. The best rated episodes were those with Neal and Christa heavily promoted. They tried to retool it already towards the end of the season and the ratings failed. What don't they get that you don't have to have young actors/actresses to pull in the young crowd? The level of pure stupidly is astounding. I also don't understand why they are writing them off entirely. I mean, you want to try this new thing and add these new characters while hopefully growing and not losing your audience. At the very most, which I still think would be a bad move but not as bad, make them recurring. Give them an arc and if the new vision takes off and does well then maybe let them have a satisfying ending. That, while not what I want, would at least give the show a fighting chance. This just crippled it, so now it will hobble through season 2 and eventually be gone. Dare we even hope for an actual exit? Or even a mention? Or will their characters be treated worse than the guest stars that have appeared in Season 1? I really wonder.

I just saw this on Twitter. There just are not words. I had a bad feeling but I didn't really think this would happen! Yep, me too. I love Leanne as she was is one of my favorites as well, but I am sure they will reduce her to next to nothing. You know now the fact that Bonnie Somerville liked all the recent posts about Christa and Neal and things about Raza Jaffery makes sense. This is the stupidest decision the show has made yet. I just can not believe they would actually do it and think they will succeed. I would tune in for an exit arc and somehow I hope for one but seriously doubt we get it. I have lost all faith. I am with you, this just seals the fact that you can't ever be hopeful of a show to do the right thing. I just don't get it. Why play the reruns at this point, the show returning in the fall isn't going to resemble the reruns. All that I hoped for and the long time on pins and needles now waiting to hear about season 2 renewal seems worthless. I am just gutted. When it got renewed I was worried about the retooling but never thought this would happen. How in the world they feel getting rid of two of the characters that brought in their loyal audience and fans is a good idea is beyond me. And to think both Bonnie and Raza were both happy about the renewal and thanking CBS, only for this to happen to them just fires me up. It isn't just about losing the couple that drew me in, which yes that is part of it, it's also about losing the story of a character who lost her son and had the courage and strength to pick herself off and keep going, a character who at the age of 40 became a doctor proving its never too late to do what you want in life. I found her character the most inspiring off all. I loved Neal's character as well. But losing Christa just plain hurts. At this point if we don't get some kind of decent send off, esp after the cliffhanger, it truly feels like a huge slap in the face to the fans that stood by the show. But I can tell you the "why", it all comes down to those precious demographics advertisers want, young male viewers. It's digusting. They think this will get them the ratings they want? I think it will be a nail in the coffin of the show. They aren't going to gain that many new viewers and they may have just alenated a good bit of the viewers they had.

When did you notice it? Apparently from what I was able to tell it isn't a brand new change, it's at least been that way a few days. She isn't the only one who doesn't mention anything about the show, Marcia Gay Harden and Luis Guzman also don't yet judging by the fact that they were at the CBS Summer Soiree thing I would think they are coming back, so it really may not mean anything. It could be as simple as she wants her profile to be about other parts of her life as well. I also noticed where just a couple days ago she liked some posts about Code Black so I am trying to remain positive. Also while I am aware that Code Black news isn't exactly a major news story there isn't anything anywhere else to indicate she isn't returning. In the back of my mind I can not imagine that they wouldn't bring her back. I know they want to expand and get new viewers and therefore better ratings but pissing off a portion of your current viewers isn't the way to go when the show is in such a precarious situation. Then again I thought that about the whole love story triangle as well. I am with you, there is a lot I want to see and likewise not see on Code Black but Christa leaving would be a true deal breaker for me. I can't see me watching the next season if she isn't in it.

I have strong doubts she will be back, at least not as more than a guest star on maybe the first or second episode anyway. Now, I agree I don't want the actress unemployed, I have nothing at all against her, just don't really want her character to be a part of Season 2 so her being employed elsewhere would be great. Yes, I was rather happy with the ratings the rerun got and even more so because once again there was no advertising the reruns. CBS needs to work on advertising all of their shows. You know as much as I will miss them I can handle these losses. I do hope we get to see some appearances by them though and I would like them to wrap up Kevin Dunn's storyline as it seems it's still hanging out there with no real closure. ------ In other news, I did just notice though that Bonnie Somerville's Twitter profile no longer has anything about her being on Code Black in it. Which I know doesn't necessarily mean anything however I will admit I am having a slight little freak out. Because my main wish for season 2 is we at least have all the main cast back, so I'd be upset if we lost any, but if on top of that I lost one of my favorite characters and half of the couple I ship, I don't even want to think about it!

I tend to agree. I was not a fan of the executive producer after his comments on Twitter after the finale. However, he has truly shown some class through out the last couple months. I have seen several outright rude comments posted directly to him and in each one he remained respectful and professional in his answer. Never tearing down another person or show in order to build his up. Which is the way it should be. He has thanked the fans countless times and kept everyone not only up to date about everything going on but also tweeted positive things to keep everyones hopes up when there were so many discouraging articles out there about Code Black's fate. I respect any producer, director, actor, etc. that takes the time to respond to their fans and is thankful to them because so often that is not the case which makes no sense because without the fans, you don't have a show. In all honesty If we are talking about the love triangle storyline between Christa/Neal/Grace I don't personally think that was ever part of his original vision for this show. If so I think it would have been built up more instead of dropped in our laps out of no where. The whole storyline felt like it was added as an after thought. And while yes, this is his show as he is the executive producer and creator, he is not the only one who comes up with storylines. They have a whole team of writers for that. Not to mention I have no doubt CBS meddled a bit last season and put in their two cents as well. So whose idea it was to create not only that one, but some of the other crazy storylines that took place over the last few episodes we don't really know. It very well could have been him in order to try everything possible to pull in a younger audience and get the demo ratings up or it could have been those storylines were pushed by others. Either way, you are right, people change. I think the ratings and the fans voicing their displeasure shows it was not the right way to go. I am hoping that means at the very least we will be seeing these things resolved in season 2. Malaya does seem to be rather popular, although I too am not sure why. It could be because she is a LGBT character, which yes is a rarity for CBS. I also think some like her friendship with Angus. I have nothing against the character I just tend to think she hasn't been developed enough and as a result there isn't much to connect to. I do want to see her remain though. I agree so much about Heather. I liked her character when she was first added but by the end they did a complete 180 on her character and it almost destroyed her, to me anyway. But I do believe that can be fixed as long as they do not try any more Greys 2.0 storylines for her or for that matter any of them! No more soapy storylines period is one of my top wishes for season 2! I do believe the actress who plays Heather will likely be returning next season. However, I am concerned that Mike won't return. He was a recurring star the last few episodes so I doubt there is a contract there and I have seen several people ask him on Twitter and he hasn't responded. Now it could be because he doesn't know and is waiting to hear if they want him back, which I hope is the case. I liked what he brought to the show. FWIW, I have seen nothing at all from Meghan Goode concerning Code Black. I was so anxious to see the CBS fall schedule today and I think I am somewhat happy with it. I have mixed feelings though about CBS keeping Code Black on Wednesday at 10. On one hand, that is where people are familiar with it being so at least they don't have to go hunting for it and the show possibly lose some viewers as a result. But I fear the show having to go up against not only Chicago PD again but also Designated Survivor on ABC, which seems at the moment to be an anticipated series, will hurt the ratings. To be honest this move shocked me because Beyond Borders did well airing after its mothership show. However I also didn't expect Beyond Borders to be a midsession replacement again but a fall show. At first that concerned me and made me think that Code Black didn't get a full season order but according to the producer they were picked up for a full 22 episodes. Which of course I am thrilled about, I think knowing in advance that they will have a full season will help them properly plan story arcs and the pacing of those arcs much better. All in all, lots of good news to be had. It certainly seems like this is a show CBS wants to have around and is putting faith in. Not just something they renewed on a whim. Let's hope it remains that way!

I am so glad it's been renewed! One hurdle at a time and that was a big one! As far as other characters, considering all the main actors, other than William Allen Young, have been tweeting about a renewal I have a feeling they are all under contract and are likely all returning with the show. However, the recurring characters may be a different story. I also remember the producer mentioning in an interview at the end of this season that he would like to expand into other areas of the hospital, and was trying to set that up when he made Neal a trauma surgeon so that could also be where they will be making some additions. Not that them messing with the original cast is out of the realm of possibilities but I don't think that is the most likely scenario, but that could be my hopeful side shining through.

Okay, I was wondering when it got downgraded. That makes some sense I guess. However I somehow kind of doubt that CBS didn't have at least an idea of how many shows they were going to take to series when they gave permission to both Code Black and Criminal Minds Beyond Borders to enter talks with writers for Season 2 (if the Deadline article is correct). Especially considering everyone reported Friday when they announced the first ones that it appeared CBS wasn't done yet. The other thing I am holding on to is they ordered the same number of new series for next season as they did this current season (5 including the Katherine Heigl one that is almost surely doomed) and they also cancelled both The Good Wife and CSI Cyber this season (I almost don't count POI with how they are treating it) so by that reasoning they should have two spots. So maybe both are still safe, because honestly I fear Code Black will be gone if there is only one spot. My other fear is Limitless as I just worry at the end of it all CBS will decide to bring it back because they fully own it and that would likely push Code Black out since I don't see how there can be three spots. I agree, I think we will know today. Whew, in a way I want the waiting to stop, but if it isn't good news I am fine with holding out hope awhile longer.

Hello to all fellow Code Black fans! It's been forever since I have been on here, glad to see there are some people still around!! I too have rewatched the first 14/15 episodes so many times that I think I could quote every scene by heart but have barely touched the last three. While I did rewatch them a couple of times at first I quit because it made me realize just how quickly the show went awry. I definitely want the show renewed because there is potential there and I really believe they can get back to where they were. I often wonder if the show writers felt rushed to develop the storylines after CBS ordered the extra 5 episodes and as a result we ended up with a jumbled, convoluted mess. If so, having the time this go around to sensibly write season 2 episodes may make a big difference. There is just so much potential here and the show was really well written for awhile. Under the right circumstances I believe they can get back there. I really don't think they will be letting go of any of the original cast members if they get renewed. Now, the additional cast members that came into play towards the end may be another story. I have already heard the actor who plays Ed Harbert will have a recurring role on Chicago Med so I am not sure if he will be back at all or perhaps if so back on a very limited basis. I personally hope the tweaks mentioned by Deadline are the show working on what they need to fix. They need to concentrate on developing the original characters more and restablish that delicate balance between the medicine of the show and the personal lives of the doctors. And I certainly wouldn't be upset if they got rid of anything resembling a triangle in the process. I also would like to see something done with the lighting, often times it's a bit too dark and dreary. I do fear though that the tweaks are from CBS meddling, which often doesn't work out too well for a show, but time will tell I guess if it's renewed. Speaking of renewal, waiting to hear news from CBS is going to eat away at my last nerve if they don't announce something soon. Perhaps it's because I don't normally grow attached to first season shows, but I have never seen so much conflicting information about a show's fate before. Looking at the Deadline article from Friday, it certainly sounds good, but then again Deadline has been wrong about several other shows this past week. It does concern me that in the last day or so TV Line took it from a "safe bet" to "it could go either way" despite the Deadline article. Matter of fact they changed only the Limitless status at first to state that after that article was published and then sometime in the last 24 hours or so they changed every pending CBS show to say that. And then to make matters worse, USA Today flat out has it listed as cancelled already. No wonder people on twitter seem to be evenly split between those who are happy it's been renewed, those who are sad it's been cancelled, and those who are still crossing their fingers for good news. I will say the fact that CBS did pick up another medical series for next year makes me nervous. I am trying to be hopeful but not get my hopes up. I just really hate if its not renewed, the finale is how things will be left forever. :(

Yes, I saw that same blog and she makes some good points. I also saw where Bonnie Somerville retweeted it, agreed with the blog writer, and made a point out of the fact that Neal didn't say anything either way and then, imo, alluded to it being something that will be fixed in season 2. I agree the Mario/Angus/Heather/Campbell storyline was just all over the place. It's like the writers changed their mind on where they wanted to take it from episode to episode. Just really strange writing, Yes, things while bad, could have been way worse. I also love St.Ex by the way. ;) However, I have to admit I don't find Grace's feelings all that crystal clear. I honestly still don't think she knows what she wants. She dumped Neal and ran off to Haiti, comes back and what? Wants Neal back? It certainly seemed that way but then in the scene with the senators wife, she had no reason to lie and even took her time to think it over, and yet still answered that she had never felt that way about someone. Maybe she is just one of those people that only wants something when someone else has it? Which, if so, add it to the list of reasons why I don't like her. What again are this woman's supposed wonderful qualities that Neal fell for in the first place? Because I just don't see them. As far as Neal, it's very hard to know where he's coming from because as you mentioned we have literally no POV. But I honestly don't believe it's a Grace thing for him, I believe it's a past thing. Going strictly off what we've been told, he obviously loved Grace enough to want to marry her. She said no and from what I gather pretty much took off immediately after. It hurt, it had to. Then immediately after he finally moves on, she is dumped right back in the middle of his life and everything from before comes back, that means not only the pain that we saw in episode 16, but all of it. I don't think he is still hung up Grace, I believe he is still hung up on what he thought they had. The problem is the past isn't reality, it all fell apart for a reason. Obviously Neal was in a place Grace wasn't, which means he was under an illusion about what their relationship was and I think that illusion to some extent has been brought forth into other things because he hasn't dealt with it. He doesn't need or I believe even want Grace, I think what he is yearning for is answers, clarity, and most of all closure. I do think they at least have some confidence in a Season 2 to have put the cliffhanger out there, with the continued suggestions that we just have to turn into Season 2 to see what happens. But then again they also seem to think the addition of these ridiculous storylines, including the triangle, would raise ratings and it didn't so I don't how much stock to put in their confidence. The only way I can see them writing themselves out of a corner and not destroying things in the process is to have Neal take the time to get his self together. While I would love for them to have him immediately go after Christa and fix everything, unless they just ignore the mess they created, I don't know how realistic it is. Now, if they don't keep Grace's character, that may be just what they do. Either way, putting him with Grace next season would be the stupidest move they could make. Even taking out the whole alienating a big part of thier fan base, those two obviously have still some issues themselves. Not to mention it would ruin, imo, Neal's character. And if they think for a moment that they can put him with Grace but flip the table and have Neal/Christa make gooey eyes at each other to keep the Christeal fans appeased, well I speak for only myself, but I am not tuning in to watch that crap. Yes, very thankful to whatever writers had enough forethought to protect Christa. She is the only one coming out of the whole thing looking decent. I said a few episodes back that if Neal couldn't get his act together I wanted Christa to stand up and not put up with it, so I am glad they showed her strength, maturity, and self awareness. Only makes me love her more. You know, I will be honest, while I dislike the fact that the writers took this route, I do get Neal's predicament. In fact I have been there myself. Not too long after I started dating my now husband, my ex, who I had been practically engaged to, came back into my life and for a short while I was all messed up. In the end, I had to deal with my issues and my husband and I went on to have a much stronger relationship because I did. So, yes, I commensurate with Neal. He's human and feelings don't just turn off because one person walks away. But, the one thing I always did was be perfectly honest about everything. I didn't tell my husband (then boyfriend) he had no reason to worry and then proceed to put myself not only in difficult situations but in situations that would have flat out hurt him. I tried my best to be respectful of his feelings and concerns. Neal did no such thing. The fact that according to the time line Grace has been there several weeks and he didn't even feel Christa, as his girlfriend, deserved to know the extent of his past with Grace and then to top it off continued to make eyes at her right in Christa presence is unacceptable behavior. Maybe he isn't to blame for not speaking off the cuff, but he does have some blame, imo, when weeks went by and he said next to nothing one way or the other.

Likely mid May. And judging by the ratings last night, it is very much up in the air. They were up, but I had hoped for more from the finale in order to get it off the bubble. However, I will say I have heard several mentions of other networks possibly being interested should CBS not renew. Now, I know nothing so those rumors could be nothing but pure fabrication, but one in particular come from someone who seems to have some inside knowledge of the show. And ABC does co-own it and several of their shows are tanking terribly, so perhaps there could still be hope outside of CBS. Yes!!!! While I enjoyed the care and attention given to the nurses, did no one on the board think anything of the fact that because Neal wasn't some almighty super hero that can perform multiple surgeries at once and yet he is all they have a person in their care actually died! "This is trauma one, Angels memorial, the birth place of emergency medicine and the most popular strip of hospital real estate in the county" to paraphrase the pilot and yet they had one available surgeon? Nonsense. I just love your whole post but I agree with this so much. It was a huge slap in the face to fans of the couple. It seems fairly likely that Christa/Neal have a pretty big fan base, and it has been shown they are a ratings grabber, so they took that and made a cliffhanger to pull everyone back for a season 2 that is not even certain. Simply put, we were used and I don’t like it one bit. My thoughts on the creator’s tweets, is he was enjoying the back and forth and playing to both sides. However, it is of note imo, that he is the one in the original tweet who said they (Christa/Neal) were in love, and in reference to someone who obviously leaned more Grace/Neal. Now, from that point forward the whole thing blew up and he took enjoyment in playing his needed part in riling both sides up. As they say no press is bad press, so from his standpoint an argument over his characters going down on Twitter only serves him well. However, his admissions, plus the fact that they started building Neal and Christa up in episode two (and no plans for Grace at the time) make me firmly believe they are not done. Now, how quick we will see resolution if we see a season 2, I don’t know, but I just don’t think they will just go with them being “over” and him riding off into the sunset with Grace no questions asked. The whole point of Grace and as a result the love triangle, from what I see, is to be obstacle for Neal and Christa and to add (pointless) drama, not to break them up permanently. But that may be the small side of me that wants to still hope for the best. I also liked the episode for the most part, it was a bit face paced but being a finale I was expecting that. To be honest, I believe the only reason Neal didn’t answer Christa was for the sake of drama and a cliffhanger. However, if I allow myself to remove my emotions and play devil’s advocate, there is a chance he didn’t answer because well, maybe in that split second he wasn’t sure. Despite the character assassination, I do truly feel that Neal never set out to hurt Christa. In fact, going on what we saw up to epi 15, he would have done about anything to not hurt her. In that moment he had to face the fact that he had done just that. He took someone who had already been through so much in life, and her words reminded him of that, and in the end only added to that pain. So for a moment, after the whole thing with Grace just went down, he froze, perhaps not sure what to say but feeling that at the very least he owed it to her to not hurt her anymore. So he said nothing. Also, I am so very glad they didn't have Christa do a whole "pick me" thing. I hated it when Meredith did it, but for Christa who has been shown to be a strong, mature adult to do it, it would have been nauseating. I actually see quite a few similarities between Derek and Neal and for that matter the respective love triangles. That was my husbands take on it as well. And for what it’s worth, he also doesn’t believe they broke up. He feels the scene was very ambiguous and that it’s now up to Neal to make it right. And trust me when I say he has no dog in the race and couldn’t care less what happens. Which leaves me wondering, was it truly a break up? Or a much needed ultimatum? As far as the episode, or well at least the Christa/Neal portion, I have to be honest, I went into it knowing about the break up. I saw a tweet from an early viewer who mentioned it. So, admittedly before the show even started I thought the absolute worst. And from that stand point only it wasn’t as bad as I feared. I had feared that it was going to be Neal who initiated the break up, wanting to try again with Grace. Or worse Christa was going to catch them in a lot worse that hand holding (which was bad enough so very thankful that didn’t happen). The fact that Neal still went after her and in the end it was Christa who stood up for herself and said “no more” was much better than either scenario Now, for Grace, I have said it before and will say it again, the quicker she is off my screen the better. She literally has no place in the show other than drama for Neal and Christa, that is her character's only purpose. And honestly, I don't see much good press on the addition of her character outside of a few fans so with the down ratings I have to wonder if the show gets renewed if they may perhaps truly give her the ax.

I have no words...I just don't... In other news, my nerves are shot and my feelings are all wound up. Wonder if it could be related? Actually, I lied, I do have just a few words. Go Christa Lorenson! You make me proud! That is all. Maybe my mind can try to make sense of this fuck up...oops I meant episode...tomorrow.

I really, really hope they don't make the situation into a Christa's patient versus Grace's patient situation. If they focus on the medicine of it, I have no problem with it as these disagreements happen when two critical patients both need care. But turning this into a dilemma for Neal based on his feelings (or hopefully in one instance lack there of) for either woman not only brings about so many ethical violations of patient care but will also absolutely ruin all three characters, Neal's in particular. You nailed it. I am at the perfect viewing age for the 18-49 demo, but I am barely tolerating the crap they are feeding us each week. The problem, well one of many, I believe is this show is trying so hard to pull in viewers so they can get renewed they don't even see the show is suffering as a result. They have thrown almost every possibly story line out there to amp up the drama, when it wasn't needed. Take the triangle for instance. I hate triangles, with a passion, they are way overdone and often pointless. However, in the instance of Neal/Christa, not only is the triangle the problem but the accelerated story line is an even bigger one. I am sorry but the writers have yet to actually show us a relationship. All we have gotten is some rushed relationship disclosure form, followed immediately by his ex coming on board. Its that way with almost every story line. It is ruining the credibility of the show. The only thing the last few episodes have accomplished for me personally, is at the rate its going I will honestly be a little less upset should it not get renewed. Which is a very bittersweet silver lining. On the bright side, is it just me or does it appear CBS is putting forth more effort in its promotion of Code Black? They are Including good press snippets in the promo as well as they seem to be airing the promo more often. I guess it could be due to the fact that its the season finale but I am hoping its that they are putting a little more faith in it.

I found the ectopic pregnancy thing strange as well. I can't possibly figure out how implanted embryos got outside of the uterus. I think I will have to agree to disagree on the Grace/Christa scene, which happens since we all see things differently sometimes. I just can not get where Christa was wrong in that scene. I do see where Grace may be hurting, but her behavior to me didn't come from a place of pain. Right off the bat she was asking Christa if her boyfriend had texted her. I know the scarf scene upset people, but that whole exchange bothered me even more than anything said about the scarf. With that one question Grace seemed to come across as very manipulative, not only trying to find out exactly how much Christa and Neal were communicating, but also perhaps planting insecurities in Christa's head on the matter. Then she notices the scarf and instead of leaving it alone she continues. Even then, Christa is polite towards her and carries on what I believe she thought was casual conversation. I just didn't detect any ill will on her part in that exchange. If Grace was truly that hurt upon seeing Christa wearing something she gave Neal, I think the last thing she would have wanted to do was talk to Christa about it. Yet that is exactly what she does. I personally believe it was because she wanted to let Christa know she gave the scarf to him as subtle reminder that she shared a past with him. Things like that is why she is came across as passive aggressive to me. Now later on I fully agree Christa has an obvious problem with Grace, but I don't think it started off that way. If this happens I am tracking down the writers and showing up at the studio with my pitchfork in hand. Seriously though, I agree, the writing for Heather seems so off the wall it makes no sense. She's sleeping with Campbell one moment, with Mario the next, and hanging all over Angus in the in between. She has a crazy schedule as a surgical resident working 36 hour shifts yet she has time to work in a cyrogenics lab even though she doesn't believe in it. Then to top it off she is getting others hooked on drugs, not to mention taking them herself. Then there are these moments where she seems to care and stick up for others (Mike to the board, Neal to Campbell, even the patient whose father was against surgery.) I feel like I am never quite sure what version of Heather we will be seeing each episode.

I could definitely see that in relation to Grace being added and the writers hurting Christa’s character in order to make Grace more appealing. My contention with the writing for Christa’s character is to me she was already sliding that way before Grace entered the picture. To me the change over started in episode 14 with the DNR patient. Which coincidentally is also when she and Neal started seeing each other and the beginning of the back ordered scripts. Not saying its due to her relationship with Neal, but I think something has transcribed in the way the character has been written between the original episodes and the later written back ordered ones. I don’t know if they are trying to rewrite her character to some extent, trying to highlight her flaws, trying to let the distraction of a relationship within the walls of the hospital pull her down, or trying to merely prop up Grace. Oddly enough it’s not only her I see it with, I see the same issues with the writing for Neal’s character lately but not to the same extent. I agree about the kid from camp, to me it felt like that story wasnt wrapped up correctly. At the very least he needed a psych consult. And perhaps more needed to be looked into in that camp, regardless of if they director physically abused him or not. The whole thing felt off. Have to say I agree with Happy Harpy about the locker room scene. Christa walked in the locker room and polieltly said hi with no pretense. Grace is the one who brought up Neal when she began inquiring about something that was none of her business. She then went on to comment on the scarf knowing she was who gave it to Neal. Christa had no idea and at first took it as a genuine compliment/conversation starter. While I don't think Christa should walk around rubbing her and Neal's relationship in Grace's face, I also don't think she should have to tip toe around Grace to be sure she spares her feelings. If anything, Christa isn't the one making the whole thing awkward, Grace is. While I could certainly believe the venture into soap territory is hurting the ratings, I do believe there is more at play than just that this week. Living in North Carolina, and being a Tarheel fan at that, I can tell you the game was huge here. In addition since Duke/UNC basketball is one of the biggest rivalries in sports it effects others parts of the country as well to some extent. I know here Code Black didn't even air until early this morning. I heard several on the facebook page complaining about the same thing. As mentioned add to that the fact that there was no lead in, the Big Bang rerun had just over 4 million viewers, so Code Black totally stood on its own and up against college basketball that kept it off the air in some places. Not saying that those ratings don't hurt, because they really do, but at least this time I hope CBS takes everything into consideration. Also, it makes it slightly better that CBS's other freshman drama, Limitless, had slightly less viewers than Code Black this week and it didn't even have the problems with programming that Code Black had, in fact it had a lead in from NCIS NO of 13 million viewers and yet still only had 6 million viewers.

Not to mention I think that freaked Mike out, and rightly so being that they recently had two staff members attacked in the hospital by a crazed lunatic. I've noticed that change in Christa's character too. I am curious as to what your guess is for the reason. That is probably one of my biggest issues with the false abuse claim, it puts the wrong thought out there. And I am sorry, while I do agree with Grace that Christa went about it wrong in the beginning and shouldn't have been accusatory, the injuries he had and his attitude about them pointed right towards abuse. I would rather someone air on the side of caution then let it slide and end up with a very damaged, possibly dead kid as a result. Yep, the ratings are down. While they may adjust up some when the official numbers come in (hoping so), currently they are just above their season low. However to be fair, ratings are down for most everything this week. Add to that the fact that CBS programming was all over the place last night, Code Black had no lead in from Criminal Minds, and in several areas ball games made the episode not even air until the middle of the night and I am actually surprised the ratings didn't fall farther than they did. It will be interesting to see what the live +3 ratings are. However, the problem is they are not in a position to be able to absorb those low ratings, every week matters now. I am hoping the finale can get them near their season high and help their ending average so there is some hope for a season 2.

I have to say, I had this same thought about her having had a miscarriage last episode, but I don't remember what make me think that. It was some scene that just gave me that feeling. At the time I dismissed it thinking the writers wouldn't go there, but after this week you may be right. If they go that route, I really hope Neal is the one to confide in Christa about it instead of it coming out some other way. And you are right that would be a surprise to her as far as how involved they were before she left as the next episode description says. Which previously my only other thought on that was that they were either engaged or he had asked her to marry him and instead she left. There is some pain there on his end, that is for sure, I just don't know where that pain is coming from. It feels like either way, if they go the miscarriage route or not, he is lacking closure and while I don't think he wants her back, he needs to find a way to get the closure in order to move forward. Yes, I agree there will likely be cliffhangers all around. Which I honestly wish they wouldn't do if for no other reason than the fact that a renewal, while looking better, is still very uncertain and I hate unfinished storylines.

I think I literally could have quoted your entire post. I agree with every bit of it.Yes, we have not just one but two love quadrangle if you want to get right down to the nitty gritty of it, with Campbell actually making appearances in both. We've got Christa/Neal/Grace/Campbell on one hand and Mario/Angus/Heather/Campbell (well I don't know if that counts as a love quadrangle but still) on the other hand. Seriously? What in the soapy hell is this? This is exactly how to ruin a show for me. I don't even know where to start with the whole Grace bullshit, other than if you have to prop a character up this much, maybe the character just isn't working. I am not sure if I am more upset with her and Christa's interaction or her and Neal's interaction. All I know is at this point the sooner she is off my screen the better. They could have gone in so many different directions for her character, but instead they go with one of the most overdone and played out storylines. Not impressed at all. I will say Christa handled herself well in the first scene with her. If my boyfriend's ex came around being all nosey and asking me if he had texted me, I would have a few choice words to say. Christa seemed to be trying really hard I'm that scene to get along with Grace, but she wasn't making it easy. Don't even get me started on the scarf thing with the whole "it looks good on you" statement. Yeah say that one minute and make googly eyes at her man the next. Passive aggressiveness at its best. Now Neal. I don't know where they are going with his character. While he has been shown to love surgery previously, I just don't see the same enjoyment from him that he got when he was in the ER, and while some of that has to do with Campbell, I don't think that is all of it. I am not sure he knows what he wants to do and he seems rather lost lately. Both professionally and personally. Now, with Christa, on one hand he continues to try to reassure her that Grace is his past, but yes, those looks are disheartening. I also don't think he is fully understanding what the whole situation is doing to Christa. But, I will say he did at least show some concern which is better than the last episode. When they first spotted Grace in the hall way at the end, he immediately sensed something was wrong and asked Christa if she was ok. And after the shared look with Grace that caused Christa to walk away, his attention focused back on Christa and her reaction. I honestly think he is just not sure how to go about handling everything, and as a result it's coming across wrong. However, if that's not the case, if he is truly waffling, than I want Christa to tell him in no uncertain terms that he is either in a relationship with her or he isn't. She deserves better than that. After all she has been through she deserves someone who loves and wants to be with her. If Neal can't do that because he is too hung up in the past, than let her walk away and find someone who can. Which is hard to say since I really do love them together. I did enjoy the medical cases better this week. They seemed more engaging. I also like the nurse storyline, nurses are often so under appreciated and under paid. It was hard to see Leanne at odds with Jesse though. She is really struggling in her new position as well, but for some reason her professional struggle comes across differently than Neal's. Hats off to the actor that plays Angus, because he did an awesome job of making Angus so different from his normal self that I can't believe more people didn't notice it. Mario is the only one the least bit suspicious. Mike seems to think everything is just peachy, which once again makes me think he is not objective when it comes to Angus. I would like to think Leanne, Neal, and Dr. Guthrie would have all called him out on his strange behavior and pushing aside his fellow co-workers for another "save". Well, on to next week, I can only hope my many, many reservations about the finale will be wrong.

. Yes, very awkward and definitely passive aggressive, at least as far as Grace goes. I want to give the character a chance but they aren't making it very easy. I am not quite sure what business it is of hers if Neal has texted Christa or not, or why she even feels the need to ask, but honestly Christa handled that whole thing way better than I would have. Its obvious she isn't over Neal, but he has moved on. If she can't handle facing that day in and day out without sly comments than she needs to remove herself from the situation. On a positive note, this is a wonderful article about Code Black. Glad to see the show getting more and more positive press. http://community.ew.com/2016/02/17/code-black-good-wife/

You may be right about Angus and Dr Guthrie, esp. since he does seem to have a special connection with Angus and seems to understand him really well. Plus I really can't see how he would know.Personally I would rather them cut away from the hospital than to show couples like Mario and Heather having sex in the hospital locker room multiple times. However, I will also admit that I don't mind seeing some of the doctor's personal lives and relationships outside of the hospital being shown on the show, as long as it's within reason. There definitely needs to be a balance though so that the medicine stays at the forefront and relationships, etc. occur in the background. Now having said that, did they really need to show that Christa and Neal went back to his place to have sex? No, but since the scene was short, didn't feel overly sexualized (to me anyway), and it wasn't talked about the whole episode, it really didn't bother me.

Yes I agree, scenes were cut and while I would have loved more interaction if that interaction would have brought about Grace staying at his house as the description mentioned than I can do with the lack of interaction. I too noticed Neal looking at Christa during his rejection of Grace, which I did appreciate. Now Grace. I may could like Grace's character. While I am obviously a Christa/Neal shipper, her being Neal's ex will not stop me from liking her. After all back in the day when I watched Grey's Anatomy I liked Addison, even though I was a Meredith/Derek shipper. But they simply have to quit cramming her down my throat. Try to force me to like her and I will go the other way. Even with her abrasive manner, I liked how they added Gina's character. It didn't disrupt the flow of the show and she wasn't spoon fed to me. I watched again today in an effort to feel better about this episode and ended up counting, Grace was on the screen for almost 12 minutes out of the total 42 minutes alotted to the entire cast. And Neal spent the entirety of the show propping up her character. Literally there wasn't a scene with Grace without Neal in the scene as well (unless you count that last scene with the little girl but even then Neal was looking through the window). It just bugs me, they haven't don't this with any other character they added to the show, why this one? Yes! I don't get what surgeon is in what specialty. I got the feeling before, from the conversations between him and his father, that it's possible Neal completed a residency in neurosurgery. Which if so would make him performing this surgery partly understandable. But then if that were the case he would not be qualified to become a trauma surgeon in the ER, he would have needed to complete a general surgery rotation to do that. And I certainly don't think he completed both, he is just not old enough for that. Dr. Campbell has been shown to me to be either a cardiothoracic surgeon or a general surgeon, neither of which would explain why Neal says to Grace that Campbell has "done plenty of these" when operating on Rosalee, or why they would go to him in the first place. It's like the writers just wing it based on the needs of the episode and that irks me. Even upon rewatching this episode this evening, it just felt off to me and the only thing I can pinpoint is the chemistry between the cast didn't seem fully there. There were moments where I could see it, but for the most part it was lacking that "feel" I've come to love about this show. I can look past some of the medical inaccuracies, even get past the soapiness to a certain extent, but not if you take away what makes the show work. I am not sure what caused it, if it's a result of the massive screen time spent on Grace or three different people switching to new positions or a combination of the two but either way I hope it finds its way back next week. The show is in a critical spot, it has begun to generate some really good press, but if they follow that press up with episodes like this, I worry it isn't going to help them.

Okay let me try to get all my shipper feels/frustrations out first. Where were Christa and Neal this episode??? I think I blinked and miss their interaction. No, not really, I saw them but boy in a Grace filled episode I definitely needed more. Not sure whether to be upset they didn't have a Valentine's date or relieved it didn't go badly. Sigh... Now, +1 for Christa, she remained professional, non meddling and there was no cattiness. I guess that's one good thing. But she isn't dumb, it took her two seconds to figure out there is a past between Neal and Grace. Which brings me to Neal, what is he doing exactly? Has he ever been in a healthy, adult relationship with proper communication? Because it sure doesn't seem like it. Maybe he thought Grace would be there and gone and there would be no need to explain everything, but that doesn't excuse him. Sorry, he really got on my nerves this episode. On the bright side, he did tell Grace there wasn't a them anymore, they wouldn't be picking up where they left off, and that she didn't know him like she seems to think. Another plus is the fact that him and Christa were happy in their first scene and I guess they've been in this relationship for a month now according to the timeline but other than that the episode seemed to be a bit too much of Neal toeing the line of still having feelings for Grace for my sanity. Other than that, Yay for having Dr. Guthrie back!! Does anyone else think he somehow knows about what Angus did? I mean I get the whole thing was stressful for Angus, and he knows that, but his whole thing about him getting right with God? Seems like he at the very least suspects something. Angus is seriously struggling and I have a feeling while going to the funeral may help, this isn't over for him. While I love Mike and he is doing a great job at being a mentor, my reservations about him being able to be Angus's boss are only growing. He is not objective when it comes to Angus and its effecting him and Angus both. Also, glad Neal decided to give surgery a try again, but I am not too sure he is ready for it. Maybe a fellowship is in order first? Or at least assisting first to refresh himself? I just hope if surgery is what he wants to do he doesn't let what happen in the OR with the little girl make him doubt himself. He needs to learn more, yes, but Campbell also needs to be willing to teach him. Best parts of the episode...Christa's speech to Malaya about her being stronger than she thinks (love their friendship), Leanne changing back into her scrubs, and Mama holding that baby, that was just too cute!

Gina took over for Dr. Taylor who got suspended for letting a young boy observe center stage. Not sure where Dr.Guthrie has been but I sure am glad he is back.

Thanks for posting! I feel like we have more previews than normal going into this episode. After seeing this preview I am quite surprised Campbell asks Grace out next episode. It doesn't seem like they would get along very well or at all.

Code Black seems to be getting more and more media attention. I am hoping this means good things. I was very excited to see the commercial during the Super Bowl. I know CBS didn't technically have to pay for those spots since they aired the Super Bowl but that means they gave up some serious revenue to promote Code Black. I am hoping that is a good sign. I really liked that line as well. He seems to be standing firm in his relationship with Christa. I have to say the fact that he has an ex isn't the problem no matter how involved they were, I mean Christa has an ex husband she had a son with, but the dramatic episode descriptions and having the fact that Grace is Neal's ex constantly thrown in our faces is where I become concerned.