The longest running medical series in television history, Grey’s Anatomy, returns for it’s winter premiere tonight, which is great news because my deficiency had some crazy side effects…my tailbone may never recover from all the rocking back and forth. There are so many reasons to love the primetime drama but there is one new addition that deserves a special shout out – the adorably charming underdog Dr. Levi Schmitt played by Jake Borelli!
Jake may have only joined the cast one season ago but fans are falling fast for the bespectacled intern. For good reason too! You don’t need 20/20 vision to see that Dr. Levi Schmitt is the bee’s knees.
He’s relatable.
We all feel a bit like a fish out water when starting a new job. There are unfamiliar systems in place. Employee cliques that seem intimidating. Plus there’s the overwhelming pressure to excel at the job. Now imagine that in addition to this, you are trying to save someone’s life. I get nervous just trying to pluck the funny bone when I play Operation. Levi reminds us all of what it means to be a beginner, which is nice to see since so much of the veteran cast has grown to be the best in their field.
He’s funny.
Oh Levi…aka Glasses…aka Bloodbank…aka Skippy. Whether you are laughing at him or with him, you can’t deny the comedy surrounding Levi. His squeamish reaction to blood and overwhelming clumsiness make for some big laughs. It’s hilarious that a surgical intern can’t wear contacts because “they required me to touch my eyeball with my finger.”
He reminds us of George O’Malley.
Hmm a cute-in-a-dorky-way intern whose nerves get the best of him…sound familiar? George’s earnest attitude and determination made him a fan favorite. The same can be said for Levi. Let’s just hope 007 is not the next nickname for the new intern!
His new found relationship with Dr. Nico Kim is beautifully necessary.
Levi’s coming out story is a powerful arc that deserves some serious recognition. Grey’s has featured lots of LGBTQ storylines but this one provides a sweet twist that not many saw. Levi has never been in a homosexual relationship, so he could have easily been written to feel ashamed about his newfound urges. Instead, he feels the opposite:
“Sex wasn’t on the table for us, so I didn’t know I was gay. I knew I had feelings for boys, but I didn’t understand it. Not until you kissed me. You kissed me, and I felt the opposite of shame. I felt like I existed and everything fell into place. For the first time, it felt like I was holding the sun sword, and I… [Nico kisses him] are you just kissing me to stop me from talking?”
Come on! How could you not be shippin’ for these two?! The only thing that surpasses the writing in this exchange was Jake’s performance. His ability unlock a vulnerability that captivates fans might have something to do with Jake’s own recent coming out! Go Schmico go!
Oh Grey’s thanks for bringing Levi Schmitt to our television screens! And a bigger thanks to the casting team for finding the McPerfect Jake Borelli!
Don’t forget to tune into the winter premiere of Grey’s Anatomy tonight on ABC at 8p EST. Click below to catch a sneak peek!
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