From Kip Koenig, writer of "Begin the Begin"

Original Airdate: 1/15/06

Since today was a holiday, I have not been fired. I may be fired tomorrow. Not for writing last night's episode, "Begin the Begin," but for growing a mustache. I have also launched a mustache growing campaign which I believe still includes another writer, Harry Werksman (whose wife Gabrielle first suggested I should be fired for said 'stache) and our writers' assistant Eric. If Patrick Dempsey shows up tonight at the Golden Globes with a mustache, I won't even bother coming back to work.

As you might know, "Begin the Begin" was the first new episode to air in the new year so it seemed appropriate to use that as a theme: new beginnings, fresh starts. All of our medical stories offer that possibility to the patients, whether it's the new heart for Denny (which he doesn't get), Bex learning why she's always felt so different, and Mauer wanting to put his failed novel behind him and start a new one.

For Meredith, it's all about moving on, turning the page from Dr. McDreamy. Easier said than done. She tries, I'll give her that. But her new dog is no Derek Shepherd. And Derek can't help but be Derek, which is why Meredith fell for him in the first place.

Derek meanwhile is embracing everything about his new life in Seattle, with the possible exception of his wife. He's trying, I'll give him that. But he and Addison still aren't on the same page. Evidently, she's not a big fan of trout for breakfast. I noticed last night that Patrick played Derek in a really good mood the whole episode. Like Derek knows something we don't and it's making him happy. Hmmm.

Our cast is so good. Seriously. Watching them act is incredible. The only thing that would make them better is if they all had mustaches. One day I got to read Burke's lines off camera in a scene with Cristina and Bailey. I was like, that's right, Sandra, Chandra and Kip rocking the hell out of this scene. I don't know if anyone else shared that feeling.

There were wild rumors in the office that Mauer Paskowitz was a somewhat autobiographical character. Nonsense! I've never eaten a novel and never will. I may never even write a novel. And I shall never play the cello. However, the amazing director we had for the episode, Jessica Yu, her husband writes books and plays the cello.

Jessica Yu. It was really a pleasure working with her. I love the way she shot the episode and she was great with the actors. With so many characters and story lines to cover, this is a very challenging show to direct. Days can be very long and tiring. Jessica got at least two standing ovations from the cast and crew for finishing on time.

People around the office - mostly female people - were swooning more than usual over dailies (editor's note: "dailies" refers to film shot the previous day on set). It appears they liked Denny.

It was fun to see sparks begin to fly between he and Izzie. It's happening again - the swooning - but you'll have to wait awhile to know what I'm talking about. I named Denny after a man who pulled me and my car out of a dry riverbed in Mexico last year. I'd probably still be there if not for him. And I would probably have a mustache.

Comments

[Liz]

After 5 weeks this episode was such a disappointment to me. I guess you were setting up future story lines. Addison has been turned into nothing. For a successful woman to not have any emotions is totally unbelievable especially since she was introduced as a witch. Then to even give us an episode that featured Addison after that long wait when she is probably the least liked character on this show was a slap in the face to the fans. I didn't see any "sparks" between Izzie & Denny. I knew we would not see any meaningful episodes until the Super Bowl and February Sweeps but SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!! this was bad

[Lauren]

I am glad you enjoyed your episode it was not one of my favorites. I guess I did not get what you were trying to convey...that Derek was happy..the spark between Izzie & Denny..I did think George was wonderful in the episode. I don't know what to think about Addison.
I am glad Meredith finally stood up to Derek and called him on the little looks and flirting. He needs to let go so she can move on. That love triangle is so old...it is hard to watch.

I am hoping things improve in the next few weeks. I know your competition heats up with the Olympics, Sopranos, etc. Hopefully you will realize you need to grab viewers now so that they will be there in February & March.

Last night will not hold any viewers. I am sorry to say.

[Sheri]

I am so happy that we finally had a new episode. Though it is somewhat disheartening when the show is over that I have to wait an entire week to see what happens next. I am of the instant gratification generation. I have to say, I busted out laughing when George wiped his 'pizza eating' face on the bathroom towel right at the end of the episode. I love George... I would totally date George :-)

[Baylink]

"...what's important is that we never stop believing we can have a new
beginning."

And, of course, you proved it.

Nice start for the new year, folks and people. I still haven't decided
whether I think Meredith and the chief are related (though I'm not sure
whether that red herring is intentional or not), but otherwise, the
show continues to be the 42-minute super-sized version of Scrubs.

And that's a good thing.

Just as long as no one else catches you at it.

(Um, maybe you'd better not post this one after all. :-)

On other topics; congrats to Sandra on the award!

And, finally, we *will* see some consequences for George, right? Picking the right line will be a bit touchy, but I'd be disappointed if you *just* let it ride.

[Leigh Anne]

It's all such a tease! I just want to say I LOVED the idea of Denny and Izzie. Also, I was so proud of George for getting a little backbone. As far as Mer/Der/Addison, I am just tired of waiting to know! No one takes that long in real life to pick b/tw two women b/c no self respecting women would wait around. I think the best friend Addy slept with should be introduced to the show. Talk about drama! Maybe Derek could turn to meredith to be "consoled."

[Susan]

Loved this episode, but could you please tell me the name of the actor who played Denny?? It's killinf me--he sort of looks like Tom Cavanagh form "Ed," only better looking. I know I've seen him before...
and I hope he will be back!

[Ale]

Kip, I'll give it to you.. you really are "simpatico", as we say in my country (Italy). It is somewhat of a non-translatable word, a combination of "nice, charming and funny."
Wait, add sexy and you get McDreamy for translation!
I don't know... I really don't know.. you seem to have a very "future-oriented" comment for this episode, maybe because it's about beginnings.
Or maybe because you know that it wasn't meant to just make people estatic, but just to prepare them for the big rollercoaster of emotions that will come?
I must say.. you did a very good job making people wonder and hope about the future with this comment... and after all, isn't that what being a writer is about?
Keep the reader interested.. so that he or she will read until the last page of the book.
As far as I'm concerned, I only have one thing which really bothered me in this episode. And it is the way the Addison character was written.
Why waste an opportunity to have a fantastic villain on the show to turn her into the person she was in this episode?
She has no guts and no character anymore.. She's lost her core.
Wouldn't she be much more consistent and intelligent if she fought for herself? You need to have self respect first in order to fight for a marriage (provided there is something to fight for, and I don't think hers and Derek's is the case, but still..).
Is this the point you are trying to make?
That Addison doesn't manage to do anything effective to save her marriage and just puts up with things because she has lost self-respect.. which will eventually make her lose the marriage too? (I won't say Derek. It's losing the marriage.. she's lost Derek already).
Whatever the answer, my hope is you and the other writers manage to take us to that answer through a paced, witty, intense series of episodes from now on.
Keep up the good work!

[Judie]

OK then, let me be among the first to comment.

Overall, I liked the episode. I wasn't totally surprised about Derek and/or Dr. Webber visiting Meredith's mother re the possibility of a clinical trial to do something about her illness, since that would extend the role of Ellis Grey in the series, which is a good thing, but what other way could that have happened??

You are so right about Derek being in such a good mood this episode--like he remembered the guy he used to be (before he married Addison!), and feeling like he could actually start life again from that point, and this time stay true to who he is. As for Addison, I kept feeling like I was hearing Zsa Zsa? Gabor singing...baby I'm trying to love you, but give me Park Avenue!(I know, I'm dating myself). Yep, I think she's headed back to New York. But I also think that by the time she does, Derek will have succeeded in helping her to become a better, less selfish, controlling person. And they will be real frieds. I think Meredith will be able to handle that!

The scene you referred to with Burke, Christina and Bailey was amusing, but sorry, I don't agree that it rocked so much. Don't get me wrong, I do still think that their acting is superb, but the scenes that rocked most for me (maybe it's the female romantic thing)included the dialogue between Bailey and Christina on the plane, and the final scene with Cristina and Burke. The orchestration of these scenes was near perfection.

Once again, Burke sets the challenge giving Christina a personal issue to deal with. Christina in usual fashion would rather not, grabs her chance to make a quick exit, and then finds herself alone on a plane staring at the very pregnant Bailey. Like it or not, she's in a place where she's forced to think about how to answer Burke's question about the baby. Bailey in her usual perceptive fashion, reads Christina's thoughts and responds perfectly in a way that seems to pave the way for Christina to feel ok about being honest with Burke no matter what his reaction might be. Loved seeing this personal interaction between Bailey and Christina. Looks the making of good friendship.

And then comes the moment of truth with Burke. I have to say, I can't even find words to describe how much Isaiah Washington nailed this scene, or to use your words Kip, rocked the hell out of this scene with so few words. Those eyes, soft voice, and expression said volumes more than the five words that came out of his mouth, as in "When are you going to start trusting me enough to know that you can be honest with me about who you are?" Who wouldn't want to go home with this guy every night!! Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you for that scene, for allowing Christina to have a real up close and personal, albeit brief convesation with Burke. For me, that made Christina the best example of a new beginning in the episode.

Keep up the good work. All of you writers, actors, directors, are astounding. And congrats to Sandra Oh on her Golden Globe. She so deserves it. I love her almost as much as Burke does.

[Lisa]

I absolutely love your show. I have watched it since day one and have been hooked ever since. George is becoming more lovable each week (just don't let him grow a mustache). Actually all of the characters are (except Addison. I can't wait for the show when Derek finds out she was basically paid off to stay at Seattle Grace. Sorry Kate!) Whoever did the casting for this show, you did a most excellent job. As for the writers, I bet your mantles will be lined with awards soon! Keep up the terrific work and you will have a viewer for life! And speaking of awards, congratulations to Sandra Oh for her well-deserved GG last night!

[Elizabeth]

A welcome return... in so many ways. Great to see Meredith's confidence back as well as Derek's good humor. It helps us remember that sparks really can fly between them when they're not down in the dumps over the state of their relationship. Now all we need, as others have said, is for the real Addison to return...so we can start to see the sparks flying between the married couple, instead of heavy conversations about the state of their relationship. Don't get me wrong, I love Mer/Der but right now that's impossible - so I'm all for them flirting with the confidence of "we used to be together, I know what you like, but YOU chose somebody else, you silly man!"
What we need is knock-down, drag out fight between Addie and Derek about why she took Mark to bed, so they can REALLY clear the air and move on. That's what Derek did - he's cleared the air about Mer with Addie and is ready to move on - hence, his good mood. Addie needs to catch up!
Thanks to a terrific team of writers, whose "ordinary episodes" such as this one stand head and shoulders above so much other crap on TV. I may actually forgive ABC for cancelling Once and Again. :-)

[H :)]

Sunday's episode was a bit of a let down, i don't know it was missing something that all the other episodes had.. it kind of had that blah feeling to it. I liked George's scenes and what he had to deal with, i like the dog bit, and of course i loved baileys' talk with christina... and I LOVED THAT SHE WON THE GOLDEN GLOBE SHE SOOOOO DESERVES IT... but i wanted patrick dempsey to win too, but hugh laurie is stiff competition:)

GO ABC!! for having such great shows!!!

[Sally]

I loved this episode - I love all the episodes! I am, however, somewhat confused. I agree with the comment that Derek seems to have found himself again - and I agree that he was happier; but this flirty Derek seems inconsistent with the "good person" we are led to believe he is. If he is really trying to work on things with Addison, then he shouldn't be flirting with Meerdith (don't get me wrong, I think that he made the wrong choice for what he believed to be the right reasons and I LOVE the Derek/Meredith chemistry - as opposed to the nothingness that exists between Derek and Addison), BUT McDreamy wouldn't do this to either of them (my McDreamy anyway - because obvioulsy yours will and is). Derek and Addison just need to call it quits - it won't ruin the show for Derek and Meredith to work on getting back to where they almost were - it really won't! There is so much rich material there - and so much fantastic chemistry!

Thanks for a great show - the writing as always was superb!

[Debby T.]

First, let me say, Grey's is my favorite show on TV!! My girls and I can't wait till Sunday nights, its our time to bond and enjoy our favorite cast together. Every week we literally laugh out loud during the show! Now, about what's going on. Get Meredith and Derek together already!! And please bring back Denny, he was great. Congrats to Sandra Oh, she is a riot and we love Bailey! Keep up the good work and we'll keep watching! (We love George, too! I loved his spunk last week).

[pam]

Overall I liked this episode, though I am getting a little tired of Derek floundering. He needs to cut Addison loose. I just don't buy that he'd still be hanging on, especially after admitting he loved Meredith, and it's clear that there's nothing left with Addison.

Loved the sparks with Izzy and Denny. Who is that guy? He has IT. That special charisma. Reminds me of a young George Clooney. I think we'll be seeing a lot more of him. At least I hope so.

[C.]

Don't listen to anyone that says the episode wasn't great. I love every single one, and I have yet to be disappointed! It's apparent that you all work really hard, and the writers deserve a little more credit!

[tvnut]

I've been extremely disappointed with the direction they've taken Derek. They have been be brave and noble last new episode by having him be honest with Addison, just to have him back to flirting with Meredith. That honesty means nothing if he isn't going to do anything to curb his behavior with his ex flame. I love Derek and Meredith and had hoped that they would get back together some time, but not with Derek like this. Both women deserve better.

[Sam]

I was just wondering where you came up with Twin Falls, Idaho and mentioned it twice?

[Jake]

Okay, what is up with the continual bashing of this episode? I *loved* it, and that's NOTjust because it was the first episode in a long time. That might have been part of it, but I really, really, REALLY liked it. Seriously. Congrats on it!

This is going to sound really crazy, but I completely identified with the character of Mauer. I'm a (very modivated) teenager, and I have a novel in progress which has just entered its fifth calendar year of exsistance. And most of the time, I love it; I really enjoy doing what I do and telling my story. But there are times when it just won't cooperate with me and I *so* want to quit. I haven't eaten it (and Iw won't either), but I was dangerously close to throwing in the towel on it at this time last year (speaking of which -- if you're reading this, Katie, thanks for stopping me and get back in touch!). But, yeah, I completely "got" Mauer -- I think all novelists have to confront a position like it sooner or later, and if we're lucky we come through it better than we were. I know I did. Is that the same way for TV writers? Anyway, it was truly great to see that reflected on TV; as both a writer and a fan of the show, it meant quite a lot to me to have something hit so close to home. Nice job.

I think the rest of the episode was great too, especially the interplay between Burke, Christina and Bailey regarding the baby. And the Meredith/Derek/Addison triangle is annoying me, but only because I want to pack Addison's bags and get her out of the picture. It's great to see a love triangle with such depth -- just don't make it take TOO long. And I do agree that if Mark were brought in, it really would shake things up in a good way.

In any case, keep up the good work; I'm glad to say Grey's Anatomy is my favorite show on TV right now. And congrats to Sandra on her Globe; very well deserved.

[Sarah]

I know a lot of people didnt like this episode, but I did. It wasn't my favorite, but I think it was good, and I think you did a good job with it. I know a lot of my friends agree.

[Athena]

I did enjoy this episode. I can identify with Derek. I've been there. He has now reached the point where, if Addison wants to come along fine, if she doesn't fine. Either way, he is going to be himself, which includes trout for breakfast, and living in a trailer, and flirting with Meredith. You can be a good person, and be working on your relationship and still flirt with a good looking guy or lady.
Keep up the good work.

[EB]

I liked the episode. I like every episode. I think it's a great show.

That being said, I hope you do not go with what is apparently public opinion and have Meredith and Derek get together in the end. I realize what Addison has done, but she's come back. Derek's decision to stay with her indicated that he truly understood what commitment is, what marriage is -- that it invovles sacrifice, and work and forgiveness. Falling in love with someone else is easy. Falling back in love and learning to trust someone who hurt you is hard. I hope you have Derek take the more mature route here, and have him be a great example to any couple for what they can get back with some work. I know it's a cliche, but relationships are supposed to be hard!

Meredith said it right when she told Derek that his decision to stay with his wife meant he was as good of a guy as she thought. If he leaves Addison for good he's just a weak, two-faced jerk. Since we found out Derek has a wife, I have always thought his character as an immature jerk, and i think other viewers are just distracted by his charm. How odl is he? Surely he shouldn't be acting like a 20 year old. This isn't Friends, and it's not a soap opera. These characters are much more realistic, I think. That's one of the reasons I love this show.

I also think some of your viewers need to understand Addison better, and put themselves in her place. She's not a villain, I don't think, she's just independent and probably a little scared. You can be sure if there was a man-friend in her life, Derek would seem just as controlling and unreasonable about him. Regardless of who cheated first, Derek still cheated on her with another woman. Additionally, I think you did a brilliant job with her character, having her back off and seem less aggressive, because if she really wants Derek back she knows that she needs to let him come to that decision, she can't force him into it. I think it shows that Addison is also a mature character, not a twenty-something.

Thanks for such great characters!

[Kodi]

My favorite scene from this episode was Derek and Meredith in the elevator. I like when Mer's mom, Ellis is on. I hope we see more of her. Patrick Dempsey looked so HOTT at the Golden Globes! He'll get it next year. CONGRATS TO SANDRA OH ON HER GOLDEN GLOBE!!! YAY! also thank you to Shonda Rhimes for creating Grey's and all the wonderful writers! I can't get enough of G.A.

[Charli]

I miss the brilliance of Meredith. That very first episode you KNEW she was going to be a step above the grade. She knew her stuff. Since Dr. McDreamy she's gone stupid. When was the last time she did something clever, I ask you? Placing the two babies in the incubator, from what I can recall, was the last "doctor-brilliant" move this girl made. Yes, it's fun to see her love turn. It's fun to see the love triangle.

I would however like to see her SMART. When will we ever see Dr. Grey do something "medically" outstanding to earn her keep as the STAR doctor on this show?

[Vicky]

I actually liked Sunday's episode. But there were parts I wasn't too crazy about!(mostly the parts that had Addison in them!)
I agree with the people who think that addison has basically become a wimp! the addison we first knew wouldn't take crap off anyone but you have turned her into the "Queen of passive aggressiva"? when we know she is really the Queen of agressive agressiva!I get that the writers are trying to make her more likeable but i think ultimately, people can still be drawn to the villians on a show, so really, stop trying to make her something she's not.
like I have said before, the whole love triangle btw Mer/Der and Addy is getting a little old. Make him pick one and stick with that one until....he realizes he can't live without the other(Meredith, ofcourse). Enough with all the flip floping, it messes with my head!
Other than that, Good Job Kip!

[Baylink - http://baylink.pitas.com]

Well, well, well...

*This* episode is certainly having a polarizing effect on the fanbase, isn't it? We either loved it, or hated it.

That's a good thing, Kip. And don't let the people who misread your commentary get you down either. :-)

Couple more notes:

Sally: 'flirtatious' might be a bit strong of a word to describe Derek's mien towards Meredith. I don't think it's unreasonable for him to be as friendly to her as he is to his wife, and he was; remember the breakfast scene. He was being nice, *she* wasn't.

But clearly, yeah, *something* has gone on -- well, at least to the degree that Dempsey was *told* to be all shiny happy. Since I'm not the Story Editor, I don't know if that's on purpose or not.

I would, actually, like to see some words here, either in an upcoming entry or in a reply, with respect to just how deeply the arc-y aspect of the series is managed. I suspect they're not Rob Thomas (with every plot line of Veronica Mars planned out before the first script is written) -- but conversely, I hope there's a bit more planning than, say _Naked Came The Manatee_.

Just a little more presence in the comment area from the writing staff be really cool, folks.

And Jake, as for Mark -- he can't be involved in this love triangle: he's dealing with the one with House and Stacey already. :-)