From Zoanne Clack, writer of "Break on Through"

Original Airdate 1/29/06

I think some of you may not know that it usually takes about eight days to film a one hour show.  And that’s just the filming.  The whole process includes writing, rewriting, notes (from the studio, network, consultants, each other)… and that all takes a couple of months. 

Here’s a glimpse into what it was like on the set during the shooting of my episode:

Day 1:  Strike line.  It wasn’t as I imagined but it worked.  They used a crane to get the overhead shots, which was cool.  I played Sudoku with producer-extraordinaire Rob Corn’s son, Ethan.  That night we had some drama while filming our drama:  a bomb threat!  We actually had to shut down a few scenes early.  We were able to use the hospital where we film on a weekday because it was also Veteran’s Day so the clinics were closed.  So, a bomb threat, at 11 o’clock at night, on Veteran’s Day, at a public facility.  No small thing, right?  It took like a gazillion years for anyone besides the hospital security/police to show up.  Apparently there were all sorts of players involved:  do they call police or sheriff?  County or city?  FBI or bomb squad?  When it was clear that we weren’t going to be able to do anything else for the night, they slowly let people start going home.  A bunch of people had to come back to pick up their stuff the next day (all the cameras and equipment had to be left inside!!).  All’s well that ends well, no bomb was found, but it didn’t help our schedule much. 

Day 2:  Kali Rocha was a great pick for Sydney!  She’s funnier on the set than I think it even comes off in person.  There was a great idea circulating around that she come back as one of Bailey’s best friends.  But Kali is off to shoot her own show I think.  Good luck Kali!  Awesome job!  Don’t worry, Bailey’s just on maternity leave.  She’ll be back.  Oh yes, the bar fight.  There wasn’t enuf dialogue so the actors ad-libbed portions.  Funny stuff.

Day 3:  There was a lot of stuff with Addison and Derek in the airstream that got cut out.  Boy, was it fun, good stuff.  Wish I could tell you what it was but we might use it for another show sometime down the line.  Hmmm…

Day 4:  Kind of a hodgepodge of a day.  Lots of different scenes filming today, none that were especially riveting to film. 

Day 5:  USA Today and KABC local news was on set today.  The local news was there to do a story on Linda Klein, our on-set medical advisor.  Excuse me, our awesome on set advisor.  She was very busy orchestrating the EXIT surgery on Cheyenne’s baby and the surgery on poor Claire “flesh-eating-bacteria”-lady’s leg, so in the meantime, they interviewed some of the cast and yours truly.  My interview was about being the doctor-writer.  The marketing for the interview (to be shown after the show that aired the following Sunday) said that they were highlighting the behind-the-scenes medicine so a lot of my friends and co-workers in the ER were looking for me to be on TV (and thank God I didn’t tell anyone I was going to be on!).  As it turned out, they used a few of the cast members and the fabulous Peter Horton but the piece was about what they had initially come there for: Linda Klein.  I think people might think I’m actually lying about being on the show (sure you’re a “writer”).  Ha!  Anyway, I didn’t get my name in USA Today either.  Blah blah blah.  Such is the fate of the behind-the-scenes people…  Oh, what was filmed today, you ask?  The OR scenes.  Real baby, fake baby switch.  Good acting, long day.

Day 6:  Usually we’re saying “poor George” but this time I have to say “poor Izzie.”  She just can’t catch a break.  First her modeling career was outted by Alex.  Then the “psychic” patient outted her psychic-loving, trailer park-living, cupcake-baking mom.  Now she’s outing herself—she’s got a daughter!!  Somewhere out there is a little Izzie.  Wonder if we’ll be seeing her…  I also must give kudos to Regine Nehy (Cheyenne) who’s making her first network TV performance as Cheyenne.  She did a great job playing off of Katie (Heigl).  Some beautiful scenes of Cheyenne and Izzie together.  Barely a dry eye in the house.  Katie was a little under the weather and trying to get home for the holidays but you’d never know it.

Day 7:  It’s Monday again, had to be there at 6:45 am.  Always a pleasure.  Fortunately my commute is about 7 minutes.  Yahoo!  Grace’s friends were a hoot!  Robin, the actress that plays Patricia, was amazed when she walked in and saw that she’d be working with some of her true childhood idols.  She grew up watching these ladies on TV.  Some of you who are old enough might remember June Lockhart as the mom on both “Lassie” and “Lost in Space.”  She was also in Petticoat Junction.  Betty Garrett was the neighbor in “All in the Family” and the girlfriend of Laverne’s father in “Laverne and Shirley” (Edna Babbit!).  Rae Allen is herself a Tony award winning actress.  We were in the halls of greatness, watching how they worked it.  They were pretty great.  Still on their game, working hard after all these years.  Then there was the moment in the linen closet where Ellen/Meredith left us speechless.  And there was Derek (“P. Demp” as I like to call him).  There’s really nothing to say except that it was definitely a moment.  I’d venture to say it was an incredible moment.  Especially if you’re a MerDer fan.

Day 8:  There was more with the seasoned actresses today, a lot of Grace dying.  Solemn.  Long day.  Donna, the actress that played Grace, was looking for direction on how to die because she had never done it before.  Good point, I thought.  Word on the set was that she’s 90 years old, but imdb.com says she’s 81.  Who’s lying here?  Or was it just a vicious rumor?  Oh these TV people… Grace’s story was based on a case I had.  In the ER, you have to make decisions quick.  Once they’re made, it’s hard to go against the Hippocratic Oath (first, do harm doesn’t sound right). 
Usually, just one crew does everything, but today they called in a second unit to shoot some of Burktina’s scenes on another stage while the first unit filmed more scenes with Grace.  Efficiency.

Day 9:  Ahh!  The last day!  Yay!  Days on set are long – I don’t see how the crew does it day in and day out but I commend them.  They do a fantastic job.  My 8 or 9 days on set is nothing compared to the hours they put in.  Today is the day before Thanksgiving and we all got a lobster and steak meal for company lunch, complete with a lot of fixins.  Yum!!  Today we got to meet the newlyweds doing it in the ER.  All kinds of talk about how they should be positioned.  The actor that played Wade would literally pick up the actress that played Claire and move her around as we talked about different, ahem, “positions.”  And they had just met 10 minutes before.  Oh, the life of an actor.  It was a good feeling on set today, everybody for the most part had good spirits, the holiday started the next day, and this was the end of a long episode. 

Good night, and good luck.

Comments

[Vanessa]

Brilliant.

[Megan]

I always love reading the Writers' Blog. Last night's episode was really beautifully written.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for that moment between Meredith and Derek in the linen closet. You are my new favourite person... or atleast until someone writes the episode where Mer and Der get back together *hint*hint*

I like how you are making Meredith into a strong character once again. I was balling when she said how she didn't want her mother to die alone, I think that in a way she was talking about herself aswell since she doesn't really have anyone. I know she has Izzie, George and Christina but it's still not the same.

Even though I would like to see a MerDer reunion, I was really glad that she could resist and not give into him since he is still married.

On a side note from that, how much longer do we have to wait until Addison and Derek finally realize that their marriage is not going to work out? This whole triangle has gone on too far and I am slowly growing restless.

The scene where Izzie tells Cheyenne that she has a daughter was amazing. I never saw that one coming.

This episode has been a joy to watch and I can not wait until the post-Superbowl episode.

[Ali]

Now, in response to your blog--here we go...Holy crap. A bomb threat? Seriously?!? That's so insane. As for the bar fight--they ad-libbed? That's awesome. Ad-libbing is always fun. :) Your lack of Day 3 info--ARG. And GRR. You're killing me. That's just mean. Information tease! Shame on you for that! *ahem* "There’s really nothing to say except that it was definitely a moment. I’d venture to say it was an incredible moment. Especially if you’re a MerDer fan." Hell, yes! Such an awesome moment...one, of many, that's being talked about on the boards. Yay!

Now, as for my reaction to the episode...fan-freakin'-tastic. I've said it before--but this show gets better and better.

We all cross lines, even when we don't realize it. A line can be crossed with a look, a touch, or through distance. Addison crossed a line by sleeping with Mark. And she's trying to "uncross" that line--but in Derek's heart, he knows that can't happen. His heart is obviously with Meredith--a line he crossed, by falling in love with her. Speaking of which, I loved Meredith and Derek's conversation about the dog. And then I promptly wanted to smack Addison for barging in, entangling herself with Derek (as if to rub in the fact that she's married to him), and saying, "You can come visit (beat)--the DOG." Good touch, having Meredith be the bigger person in that moment and just walk away.

As for Sydney (aka the Anti-Bailey), filling in for Bailey...having her actually like Alex, and think he was compassionate (as if!), was priceless. It was a really well done. And the actress did a great job. Her character was the right mix of supreme annoyance and moxie. Boy, did she put Burke and Yang in their places.

Great symbolism at the end, too, with Doc being in the bed with Derek and Addison. Doc is a part of Meredith...and Doc is sleeping in Derek and Addison's bed. Hmmmm. Even though Derek may, technically, be with Addison, he's only there in the physical sense. He's not emotionally present....because Meredith is always on his mind and in his heart. And by virtue of that, the dog serves as a reminder of that.

Can I just say how awesome George was? I mean, he's got some great lines...and fantastic delivery. His whole Nurses' Strike stand was awesome. I loved that he went into the hospital to deliver messages about the patients...and how he acted when he talked to Webber and then Burke. "With all due respect..." etc. Priceless.

So, really, this was a wonderful episode. I loved the Mer/Der closeness. And Derek's obviously growing frustration with Addison. The fact that Izzie had a daughter...surprising! And well-written and played. Plus, I think that Meredith's starting to catch on, about the Chief and her mother. I like how she tested him, by saying that she saw her mother that morning etc.

And the closet scene...with Meredith and Derek. I cannot begin to say how much I loved that part. Derek couldn't see her face, but saw her go into the closet--and could tell how upset she was. The look on his face when he saw her, when he sat with her...Dempsey is such an amazing actor. And the fact that it wasn't the paper bag that stopped Meredith's hyperventilating, but the fact that she took Derek's hand. Awesome.

Lastly...the talk of lines...it reminded me of season one, in "The First Cut is the Deepest," where Meredith and Derek talk about crossing lines:
Meredith: The line is drawn.
Dr. Shepherd: Is the line imaginary or do I need to get you a marker?

That is intentional, I know. After that, they kiss, if I remember correctly. So, they've obviously crossed a line. Good reference--subtle, but not unnoticed.

[Rachel]

The camera shot of izzie after she announces that the little girl in the photo was her daughter was amazing. All of a sudden, we can see the depth of Izzie's character and how she has sacrificed the most to get where she is today and also her interest in pre-natal care and sugery.

[Katie]

Thank you for making Christina take a bite of humble pie!! I loved that she was wrong and had to admit it...finally!! She is so subborn sometimes. I get very irritated with her. I hope she realizes how good Burke is to her. She honestly doesn't deserve him, but I think he's softening her slowly.

[Crystal]

I absolutely loved the show. Great writing and awesome acting. I loved everything about this episode. Can't wait for next week. Keep up the good work!!!

[Sarah]

It is very rare that a television show brings me to tears. I just loved every second of this show. I get so sad every week when it is over. Keep up the great work! I can't live without Grey's Anatomy!

[Dee]

Incredible episode - well done by everyone! From the writing to acting to directing, it was all first rate and, I'd venture to say, the best episode yet.

Loved the Izzie revelation and George's "I'm a union man". I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing we'd have more George/Izzie scenes. Just adorable.

Congratulations Zoanne and all the team at GA!

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

But at least everyone isn't lying this week. :-)

The anvils were, though, falling thick and fast; good thing my crash helmet was sturdier than Bob Woodruff's.

So, was the thing with Izzie's daughter actually planned, and I should go back and look for inexplicable grimaces when Izzie has been dealing with Other People's Pregnancies this month? Or did you just cook it up now? :-)

I was a bit dissapointed with Yang this episode. She did *not* go to Burke as his girlfriend. He *did* respond that way; and she should have both realized that, and said something; the acting wasn't consistent with her folding under that accusation.

As for the Anti-Bailey: as far as *I'm* concerned, she deserved what she got: she *was* acting like exactly what she described Yang as *thinking* she was in that little Sorkin/Kelley-esque soliloquy. If she didn't want people to question her judgement, she should have acted like she *had* some to throw around, and again, neither Burke nor Yang should be folding on this one. I'd like to see that end up in the Chief's office, and have them stand up for themselves, please. (:-)

Katie did an *excellent* job (but then, I'm prejudiced :-), and Cheyenne was good too: entirely believably 15; how old is she really?

Re the closet scene: What; you don't think you guys steal *enough* from Scrubs? :-) And aren't wild walls great? But yes, good scene. But, between that and Derek and Addison in bed, I have to say that even *I* was telling the television "enough already!"

(That's the next entry in the L&O franchise: "Law & Order: Enough Already".)

About "first, do harm"... the problem is characterizing "harm" correctly, an issue that the Supreme Court has just made even cloudier. Don't get me wrong: I think they called it exactly right, and more power to Oregon. And why isn't there a BIG RED "DNR" STICKER on the *headboard of the bed*, BTW? (yeah, I know: because the story wouldn't have happened.

Good to know Wade had fun, too. ;-) Oh, and you're not a House MD fan, or something, are you? It would be interesting, some time, to hear some commentary from the writing staff about how, precisely, you deal with the fact that you live in a world where you not only write television, you watch it, and how you avoid stealing too much from the 'competition'.

Congrats to Sandra Oh *again*, incidentally (this is getting a bit tiresome; would you please stop winning awards already, woman?)

And thanks for the nice walk though. I hope you guys have a competent behind-the-scenes crew shooting for the DVD's. At least one thing like this: a day by day walkthrough, would be a great extra feature. As much detail as possible...

[Amy]

I loved your summary and recap of last nights episode. I thoroughly enjoy reading about how an episode was filmed, especially the dates of when they were filmed. It puts it into perspective for me. It was fun to know that when we were watching the Thanksgiving episode, last night's was in reality, just wrapping up filming. I really enjoy behind the scenes stuff, so thank you for putting that in your blog.
Obviously, I also enjoy watching the show. You keep us guessing, which by the comments on previous posts, annoys people. But you writers can't please everyone; but I am a Mer/Der fan and am rooting for them, although I do really like Kate Walsh.
Kudos for slipping in the city of Chehalis into this episode and getting the drive time correct; it is about 3 hours between Chehalis and Seattle. I started watching this show, because I am from Seattle, and I love seeing the city and sites and to hear about places on the episodes that really are around here. Especially the ferry boats and Olympics behind them, love that!!! You all do a good job with the rain, keep it up, we really don't want people to know that we do get sun. Though you wouldn't know if you were up here now, we are on quite a rain streak, I'm looking for Noah's Ark out there!!!!
Keep up the good work and look forward to hearing more of your blogs and recaps! Thanks

[Rebecca]

I thought this eppi. was really good, but lacked some of the heart of the previous one. I know I am in the minority but I am so over the Mer/Der/Addi thing! He chose his wife-now give us a reason to believe he would have done that. Unless we are supposed to think he is such a Dudley Dooright he is going to sacrafice his life and happiness to stay with someone who broke his heart and changed his entire future?? Because it is the "right thing" to do?? I don't know about that. Give the married couple back the spark they had the first eppis.we got to meet Addison. And,please,let Mer meet someone and MOVE ON! She has become pathetic!!! I would really like to see some of the feeling between Alex and Izzie again-even when they argue they had so much chemistry-please bring it back! I love the show-but this seasons seems to be lacking some spark-like everyone is just accepting thier fates without a fight.

[Mike A.]

I've got to admit that "Alex" cracked me up this go-round :)

The linen closet scene was very powerful. All those lines that were being crossed and Mer didn't. You knew she would not have put her head on Der's shoulder had the bag not been covering her mouth. The pain and compassion in P. Demp's face was obvious and you just KNOW he was going to lean in. (Yes, Chantale, he DID lean in - feel free to swat me ;) )

If Mer hadn't gotten up - oh what the consequences of crossing that line would have had!

Another emotionally-laden episode that cut so deeply it made the scenes with Sydney and Alex seem so bizarre in their "heal with love" approach :) Congrats to all involved.

On to Code Black and heavy drama!

Mike @ Savageland.com

[Jon88]

Just in case you ever need to know this: "meshugena" is a noun, not an adjective. So, "She's a meshugena," or "She's meshug [or meshuga]." Your spelling may vary.

[Brenda]

GREAT job with the writing!First of all the closet scene with Mer/Der left me absolutely speechless. AWESOME JOB DEREK!!(Patrick Dempsey is unbelievable and so underrated!!!!!!!) To see him know automatically that something was wrong with Meredith and run to her was sooooo touching! He put her at ease with just a touch. That is TRUE LOVE!!!!!(that everyone longs for) The only thing that would have made it better would be if they would have kissed and Addison would have walked in and saw them. I live for the day that they are together again!!

As for Addison why would she allow herself to be in a loveless marriage? She has got to know that he is doing it out of obligation not love. I wish she would come up pregnant real soon. But the only catch is that it ends up being Mark's. I also wonder why it took her so long to come after Derek? Was she staying with Mark until he finally dumped her? And lastly about her why would she ask Derek if she should just wait around until the thing with Meredith passed? I got news for you Addison - TRUE LOVE DOESN'T JUST GO AWAY YOU IDIOT!! But then how would you know? You obviously don't know what true love is if you can cheat on your husband. Just step back and watch from afar and you'll see what it is just by looking at Mer & Der.

To Zoanne and all the writers - I love the show, cast and everything! Keep up the good work!! And until we can have Mer & Der back together for good, PLEASE keep giving us some more Mer/Der moments!!!!!!!
South GA loves GA!!!!!

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

Oh, two things other people reminded me to say:

Nice casting on Halfrek, there...

And the George line, under the blackout? Absolutely priceless. Perfect line, perfect responses, and perfect delivery on the part of all three actors. Just the right touch of mood-lightening after ... well...

Our mom, too. :-{

[Drew]

This episode is one of the best yet. Congragulations Grey's Anatomy crew on such a wonderful job!

My, and I know many other's favorite scene in the episode was the linen closet scene with Meredith and Derek. I loved it soully for the expressions on Derek's face, so emotional and touching.

I loved the scenes with George is this episode. The 'I'm a union man' line and those that went with it were halarious, and really well acted.

The character development for Izzie was really shocking, and it now makes great sense to me as why Izzie is so talented at pre-natal care.

Once again, great job, and keep up the good work!

[Nannymlovesga]

The title is a GREAT fit for this episode. The scene with Mer and Der definately left me speechless and crying. I am so happy that they both had breakthroughs this episode. I know Mer has been trying so hard to be strong where her mother is concerned. She was finally to let some of that pain and grief out, and Der was there to provide comfort. Derek's breakthrough could be seen in his eyes. I think/hope that he has finally realized that there is no going back. He can't go back to the way things were with Addison, and he most definately can not be friends with Mer.

I was so glad to see Christina get brought down a notch by both Burke and Sydney. The new resident is an "Awsome" addition.

The whole thing with Izzie kind of threw me, but I am glad that we are find out more about her character.

George was great tonight. He stood up for his beliefs, and that was nice to see.

I can't wait to get the whole story on Webber and Ellis, and to find out how that story effects Mer and Der.

My compliments to everyone who was involved in the making of this show. It was a wonderful show to watch, and I look forward to the SB episode.

As a Mer/Der fan, I have to ask you to please keep this momentum going for these two characters. I can't bear too much more of this triangle.

[Jennifer Grant]

One question after last night's episode: do you writers even like Cristina at all? Because I sure don't see any affection at all in the way you all consistently present her. I seldom see any of you mention her in your blogs and if you do, it's in an unsympathetic vein. Okay, we get it -- she's the sloppy, hardheaded, overly ambitious, driven, keep-your-eyes-on-the-prize intern, the one who wants to excel and succeed above all else, to the exclusion of just about everything else. Sandra Oh is the only actor in your cast who has won TWO acting awards (CONGRATS, SANDRA!)which indicates to me that she has some stretch in her abilities to emote, but I've yet to see you make her more than that one-dimensional unlikable, sometimes even cruel character that she always come across as. I get that Meredith and George and Izzie are the "adorable, cuddly" ones who have the hearts of gold and are always kind and gentle with their patients. What I don't respect about most of you writers is that you persist in totally keeping any of those human qualities from Cristina. I believe she can be ambitious, brilliant and voraciously goal-oriented without being a completely heartless wonder, a person without a soul or an ounce of compassion. That is the way you have portrayed her so far, with a very few exceptions, to the detriment of her character. And by association, you're making Burke look like an idiotic, spineless doofus for even putting up, much less loving, a woman who so far as you seem to be concerned has absolutely NO redeeming qualities. I respect and admire Sandra Oh (and no, I'm not Asian or any other minority and, therefore, biased in her favor) and would just like to see her as a person with more depth and dimension than what you have presented so far. If your aim is to make Cristina the bad guy, the one rotten apple in the barrel of interns, the totally unsympathetic, despicable one, then congratulations, after tonight's episode, you've succeeded. At least that's how my friends and I see it. We loved Cristina last season and even some this season, but now we understand why so many people on this board and others, hate her so much. You've given us nothing about her to love and instead of admiring Burke, we now think he's pathetic. We love Burke and Cristina together -- they were sexy and fascinating -- but you've now made her so unlikable and dense that we find it hard to root for her or them. How about making IZZIE or GEORGE a little more unsympathetic and cutthroat at times and have Cristina reveal a sliver of a heart once in a while that's a little softer than your usual granite? Otherwise, you've wasted the talent of an actor who has brought much attention to your show by consistently winning awards. How about cutting Cristina (and Burke) a break once in a while? There are actually some of us out here who would really appreciate it!

As to the plot, I HATE that you made ALEX, of all the interns, look good in this episode by having the new resident fall for his BULL and see him as kind and compassionate!? He's far worse than Cristina has ever been. At least, she's upfront about who she is; he's a sleazy, ass-kissing, sneaky sycophant who will lie his way into getting what he wants (i.e., into the good graces of a new resident who doesn't yet know better). That simply made me think your new resident is not very perceptive or skilled at reading people. And she's supposed to be a teacher? I want Bailey back and I want to see the softer side of Cristina -- I know it's in there somewhere and a really good writer would dig it out and showcase it once in a blue moon.

[I laughed and cried and then laughed some more!]

Wooo...all I have to say is, if I dont cry near the middle of a Grey's episode, then it wasnt worth watching.
Thanks for making Meredith stand and walk out of the closet. Priceless!! All I know is Addie may have a tender spot for Derek, but I think she is a person with no common sense when it comes to her personal life. Love seeing you guys play on that.
Bravo, for a gut wrenching, hankie-wringing episode. Cannot wait for the Feb. 5th episode!

[Sara]

Last nights episode was awesome. The scene in the linen closet was beauitufl, and I wanted Merideth and Derek to kiss. You could feel the love between them anyways, without words. Beautiful.

Love George to pieces. I want him to find a hot girl to make him happy. He deserves it, and much better than that nurse girl.

Keep the good stuff coming. I'm so hooked on this show.

Sara

[Cat Mc]

I think Grey's Anatomy is one of the best shows out there right now. That being said, I was extremely disappointed with last nights show. As the natural mother of a 24 year old son (as of yet not reunited), I was somewhat appalled at the stereotypical portrayal of Izzie as a natural mother. To actually have her intimate that she had no regrets made me cringe, as I am yet to meet a mother who has relinquished her child to adoption who has not regretted this decision at some point or another. I would love to see a story line in which Izzie really examines the choices she made as it relates to her current career choice. If you're going to write about a topic, then actually speak to those of us who have gone through that painfully life altering experience. While the episode obviously touched people on certain levels, I think it could have been even more powerful if the adoption of Izzie's daughter hadn't been trivialized to the extent it was. My hope is that the writer's of Grey's Anatomy step up to the plate and write a real story about adoption, and not the run of the mill yadda, yadda, yadda that we hear every day. While adoption may be a beautiful experience for the adoptive parent, it rarely is for the natural parent. It's about time that a tv show had the guts to tell it like it is, and not portray the natural parent as one who got on with their lives after making their noble sacrifice.

[Liz B]

After weeks of being disappointed with a show I LOVE, last night was a breath of fresh air. Thank you!

Loved the Mer/Der scene in the closet. Glad to know I wasn't the only screaming "KISS HER YOU IDIOT" to my TV.

I also thought George not crossing the picket lines was awesome! God, I love George, if I wasn't so obsessed with P. Demp (as you like to call him), I'd be "in total love" with TR Knight.

Also, great last scene last night when the girls get in bed with George and when the light goes off he says "Anyone want to have sex?"

AWESOME! Great job and keep up the good work. Also, tell Shondra Rhimes to get over her ban on spoilers. It truly is ridiculous.

[Maleah]

I am a birth mother, and after seeing adoption handled so horribly from our side of the situation, I have to thank you deeply for how you handled Izzy's storyline.
All birthmothers are not evil slutty bitches who steal their kids back from the loving stable parents, and it is beyond refreshing to see Hollywood recognize that fact for once.

[Liz]

I loved this episode because the plot lines finally moved. The Ellis/Richard thing moved,
Mer/Der moved, Izzie, Alex, Cristina all grew as characters FINALLY.

The Derek and Meredith scene was incredible. The choice of the song that played made it sensational.
"give me a second chance"
I wonder who wants a second chance after that scene?

I love that Alex returned to smart a**, suck up Alex.
Welcome back to your true character.

The storyline with Izzie was the biggest surprise and was so well handled.

Sydney handling of Cristina was so welcomed.
Cristina needed to be put in her place and it took the Doctor who cures with love to do it.

The last scene I thought played like the same scene - two different sets of people. The trailer roommates Derek-Addison-Doc
and the house roommates Izzie-George-Meredith.
All comfortable with each other but don't love each other. Is George the Doc in that household?

I think you are trying to tell us Derek & Addison's
history by all the ending trailer scenes. These are just two people who may not be in love but who are comfortable in their relationship with each other. An 11 yr marriage is friendship, security, and a comfort zone. Not easy to walk away from.

It is Derek who now has to choose if he wants to stay in this friendship or move on with Meredith.

Everyone "Crossed the Line" and moved on. ITS ABOUT TIME. THANK YOU

[Mary Anne]

I wonder what little demon's M's backing away from his kiss conjured in D's psyche? Perhaps a fear that M is getting over him? Possibly even a realization that M may not want him if he sits on the fence too long?

Doesn't the good McDreamy have sisters? (As I recall, they weren't big fans of Addison's.) Surely one of them would tell him that his focus on duty doesn't just hurt him and Meredith, ultimately, Addison might be it's biggest victim?

If Meredith is Derek's soulmate, then Addison surely has a feisty, scheming, determined and interesting soulmate out there somewhere too?

Code Black episode wish: Derek gets delayed, but when he finds out M is at risk, he barges into the OR, putting his own life on the line for her. A hostage trade offer? A last kiss "just in case"? An "I can't let us die without you knowing that I love you?"

With fingers crossed, I anticipate Ms. Shondra's magic!