Whether it is an obsession, a guilty pleasure or a pet peeve, the hit television show "Grey's Anatomy" is inescapable. The hospital drama nabbed the third-largest audience in last week's Nielsen Ratings, behind two episodes of "American Idol." Since college students are a part of the show's prime demographic, University students are bound to run into "Grey's" gossip on a regular basis, regardless of their feelings about the show.
As part of its February sweeps three-part special, "Grey's" made a daring move last week: The episode ended with the show's title character, Meredith Grey, presumably dead. The ABC network announced that a character would die in tomorrow's "devastating conclusion to this season's most unforgettable television event," as stated in a preview of the episode. In anticipation of the finale, a few questions arise: Who are these "Grey's" fans, and what do we know about them? What is the show's appeal? And, more importantly -- is Meredith dead?
"Honestly, I've never watched it," second-year Engineering student Caleb Erikson said. "I don't have a TV."
Erikson likened "Grey's" to a soap opera, adding that he hears people talking about the show "all the time."
Although Erikson described the typical "Grey's" fan as female, he noted that some of his male acquaintances were just as enthusiastic about the program.
Second-year Nursing student Anna Lamonica said she estimates that 75 percent of women at the University watch "Grey's," adding that in her opinion, it is one of the better shows on television.
"I like the characters and the plot," Lamonica said. "But I don't think they represent nursing very well."
Second-year Nursing student Hannah Lee said she was eager for Thursday night's episode.
"It's intense!" Lee said. "We don't know if she's going to live or not! But I think she's going to live. She's the main character. It's called 'Grey's Anatomy'."
First-year Architecture student Jessica Brown said she and a suitemate watched the show together, but neither have a strong attachment to its namesake.
"My suitemate wouldn't care if Meredith died," Brown said. "She doesn't like her character. But most people I've talked to think she isn't going to die."
Lamonica said she agreed Meredith was whiny but still does not want to see the character die.
While some consider Meredith's death a desperate attempt by ABC to bring in more viewers, others genuinely fear for the main character's life. Yet these fans might be satisfied by the outcome of tomorrow night's episode, considering its optimistic title is "Some Kind of Miracle."
If you choose to abstain from "Grey's," though, do not consider yourself impervious to Meredith's plight: More than likely you will hear all about it on the bus Friday morning.
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