How A Grey's Anatomy Writer Pretended To Be Something She's Not And Got Caught

Fake it 'til you make it can go too far, as proven in this docuseries.

By Michelle B. Taylor

Y’all know I always keep it real with you. That’s why you respect my reviews. So I’m gonna need y’all to stick with me through this one because I... ok. Let’s talk about Anatomy of Lies, now streaming on Peacock. This docuseries deep-dives into the shocking rise and fall of Elisabeth Finch, a former Grey's Anatomy writer who lied about traumatic experiences to gain favor and support in her personal and professional relationships. Full disclosure: I’m not a fan of Grey’s Anatomy. I watched a few episodes across several seasons and couldn’t help thinking, “What the hell is this nonsense?” There’s only so much melodrama one can stomach, especially when it becomes repetitive. (But hold on Grey’s fans; don’t click out of this review! I’m just saying that The Resident and the classic throwback E.R. are better medical dramas, IMO.)

While the Peacock documentary itself is pretty straightforward, it raised my eyebrows when it came to its depictions of trauma commodification, power dynamics, and the exploitation of empathy. Listen, I do not approve of how some people manipulate others, using media and sympathetic narratives to grab us. But one thing I know we love is the story of a scammer!!

So—where do I begin? *pinches nose* This docuseries focuses on Finch, who was discovered to have lied about parts of her life, including a cancer diagnosis and an abortion while being treated for that cancer. Skrrrt!! Girl what??? Folks on the set said she looked like she was sick and I don’t know what to make of that, but damn. Why fake that? I don’t play around with stuff like that because karma is real and I’m not playing around.

But this docuseries is pretty scathing, I’m not going to lie. Over three parts, there are interviews with people who knew her best, including her ex-wife Jennifer Beyer. Finch was out of her entire damned mind! No shade, no tea, but she was really off her rocker. She created an entire persona outside of herself and performed it for sympathy. She hurt so many people it’s not even funny. One thing I don’t like about the doc is that it primarily focuses on her time writing for Grey’s. But she had also been causing issues on other shows she wrote for, including Vampire Diaries and True Blood, two of my favorite shows. I was taken aback because I had no idea what kind of havoc she wreaked on those sets. I wanted to know more about that—but that could just be because I’m nosy as hell.

The episodes Finch wrote tackled some important issues, especially for women, and it’s pretty sick to think about how she was both exploiting the stories of true survivors and crafting wholehearted lies about her own life. I would categorize this as White Nonsense (TM) and I’m trying to muster up empathy, but I can’t. I’m sorry. I’ve had friends who have battled cancer. I lost my mother to cancer. That’s not something you fabricate to garner attention. It’s pretty vile. I’m glad she was exposed. Also, her apology was pathetic.

The documentary is incisive and intrusive but keeps it real. Clearly, she fooled many people and the folks behind the series pull no punches. Do you need to watch this? If you’re a Grey’s fan, I’d say yes. It will add a new perspective. This might also be the move for people who love hot scalding tea like I do.

Did you see it? What are your thoughts?