When editing big TV moments — whether a hugely anticipated series finale such as AMC’s Mad Men’s or a shocker like the death of Dr. Derek Shepherd on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy — editors feel the pressure to deliver with every trimmed line of dialogue or subtle change of a take. And, as the viewers’ eyes well up with tears, they’re also watching Twitter to gauge reactions. Editor Joe Mitacek, who edited “How to Save a Life,” the Grey’s episode that left viewers stunned by the fatal car crash, said “I knew it would be a tough one that would be heavily scrutinized. We had conversations with [showrunner] Shonda [Rhimes], more so than a typical episode.”
