Goodbye Dr. Burke

So it’s official: Grey’s Anatomy’s sexy, intellectual Dr. Preston Burke has been fired.

Or, technically, the actor that portrayed him, Isaiah Washington, was fired. And I’m sad.

When a friend of mind emailed me the news early this morning, I didn't want to believe it.

Of course, his termination comes as no huge surprise to G.A. fans, especially in light of all the controversy surrounding him and those infamous anti-gay slurs he made about fellow actor T.R. Knight (George O’Malley.)

And as much as I LOVE the character of Dr. Burke and have always respected the career of Washington, I had to side with right and admit he was just plain ol’ wrong for what he said.

And as with any wrong, I felt he had to suffer the consequences, whatever that may be. I mean what was he thinking?!

Unfortunately for me, I still LOVE the character of Dr. Burke, especially Washington’s portrayal. So, this latest news makes me sad.

In fact, I really think the true losers in this whole mess are the fans.

I mean, forget the war in Iraq, the presidential campaign or even the rising crime. The firing of Washington is a tragedy of epic proportions.

You have to be a true, hardcore GA fan to understand where I’m coming from. That show has some of the best writing, acting and on-screen chemistry on television.

As Barbara Streisand’s “The Way We Were” plays in my head …

I mean, they were like this wonderful, uniquely diverse family of hardworking, smart professionals dealing with everyday, real-life situations that anybody could relate to. The themes transcended race, religion and gender.

Like a United Colors of Bennetton ad brought to life.

And their portrayals are so real and gripping that I swear sometimes you’re literally on the edge of your seat, bawling your eyes out or laughing your behind off, or curled up in a ball of anticipation at the end of each episode.

So that makes Washington’s departure something akin to the loss of a loved one or something. Well, in TV land anyway.

I’m wondering now if they're gonna replace him or just let the character go. I mean, I love Shonda Rhimes and I think her writing is just phenomenal, but I don’t want a replacement. That’s like adding insult to injury.

Right now, I just can’t even see how the show will be the same. Especially will all those loose ends that left us hanging in the season finale. I mean what’s gonna happen now? Oh lawd is the end near?

GA fans are y’all feeling me? What do y’all think Shonda should do or should have done?