 Shonda Rhimes , series ' creator , says that the character was envisioned " an old @-@ fashioned tortured hero " and likens him to Heathcliff . Originally set to appear in a multi @-@ episode story arc , Kevin McKidd 's contract was extended , securing him a slot as a series ' regular of Grey 's Anatomy . In July 2008 , Entertainment Weekly announced the possibility of McKidd becoming a series ' regular , with this possibility eventually being confirmed by People . When asked of how he got involved with the show , McKidd offered the insight : 
