Heigl looking to "pull a Caruso"

The "pull a Caruso" line is all mine, totally original. At least, I've never heard anyone else calling it that.

What's the IT to which I am referring? Simple answer.

According to MSNBC's Scoop columnist, Heigl is looking to get out of her "Grey's Anantomy" contract. My understanding is that this is a great show for network television (I don't watch much network tv beyond 60 Mins). It pulls great ratings, and Heigl herself after some hit movies, demanded and then GOT a pay raise.

"Pulling a Caruso" refers to the phenomenon when a good tv star on a fantastic tv show gets too big for their britches and begins to think they can carry a movie.

David Caruso, played Detective John Kelly on the fantastic first season of NYPD Blue. He jumped ship from that show about 3-4 episodes into season two because he felt he was a big enough star that he could do movies...which, he couldn't. Every movie he chose flopped. Now, Caruso plays Detective Horacio Kane on CSI: Miami. Basically, Caruso found he can play a great lead in a cop drama on television.

As the Scoop notes, Heigl isn't quite "pulling a Caruso" here, but I think she's pushing too soon. She has been in some fantastic niche movies, some including an ensemble cast that have allowed her to be in the movie and perform believably while gaining that solid experience. I think it will benefit her in the long run to finish her current hefty contract, and continue to do a movie a year or so to build her skills and her brand.

Don't make the Caruso mistake. Don't "pull a Caruso."