While not as realistic as ER in terms of technical aspects and
medical practices, it still encompasses the vast 'behind the
scenes' lives of surgeons, the promiscuity and flirting, along with
piles of endless work and over-demanding patients and their
relatives.
I think Ellen Pompeo is rather 'old' for her role
though...
Season 1 was great, excellent pairing of soundtrack and movie
scenes. I thought the directing was fantastic in its subtle moments
and strong points, particularly with Preston Burke's (Isiah
Washington) staunch defence of Meredith Grey's (Ellen Pompeo)
'mistake' in the chief of Surgery's office, and the scene where in
episode 2 season 1, at the end, she turns and faces the hospital
and narrates "...the view is spectacular!" to the chorus of Keane's
'Simple Thing' soundtrack.
Refreshing. 
