My opinions about the premiere of the new Grey's Anatomy spin-off starring Taye Diggs have been validated. Even ABC thought it needed an overhaul. But while I counted the name ("Private Practice") and Mr. Diggs among the shows shortcomings, the network decided to can Merrin Dungey (Alias, Summerland) as the black female lead in favor of Broadway superstar Audra McDonald. I guess they hope that this fall no one will remember that the woman in the role looked totally different in the first episode. Since it wasn't so memorable anyway, this shouldn't be a problem.

[LAT]