Audra going into Private Practice

ABC has announced that will play Kate Walsh's med school friend and colleague Naomi on the Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Private Practice. She'll be playing the role that we first saw played by Merrin Dungey.

I say good for Audra! I'm a little tired by the idea of her doing the classic musical theater roles, and look forward to seeing her in a contemporary, sexy setting. She's a versatile, fun actress whose career (though obviously incredibly successful) has always felt a little heavy and serious to me.

The pilot of Private Practice was tiresome and irritating, but I still think the show has potential, and could at least be silly and diverting. I see it as having a vibe of Ally McBeal meets Wings or Cheers, if its good. The talking elevator has got to go, though.

More Bad Ideas: ABC to create spinoff of Grey's Anatomy

Cynopsis, the tv business daily email, is reporting today that ABC is considering creating a spin off show about Kate Walsh's character.

Grey's Anatomy creators are looking to spin off one of the show's characters into a second drama project, according to The Wall Street Journal. Heading out on her own would be Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd, who is played by Kate Walsh. An upcoming two hour episode will serve as the pilot of the new series, which will be written by show creator Shonda Rhimes.

What a crappy idea! Shonda Rhimes needs to spend more time focusing on bringing the humor and quirkyness back to Grey's Anatomy, not creating more nighttime soapy fluff. I do love Addison as a character, but I hardly want to watch a whole show about her. It also doesn't help that Kate Walsh comes off as a dithering idiot in every television interview I've ever seen. I'm sure she's a smart woman, she certainly plays Addison as one, but she really needs to get a coach before she does the next round of press.

Update: Cynopsis reports today that Taye Diggs will also be in the cast. So now we KNOW it'll be cancelled.