From Krista Vernoff, who wrote the teleplay for "Yesterday"

Original Airdate 2-19-06

So, apparently, some folks are getting a little antsy for this blog.   I know, because yesterday, Shonda emailed me and said “The fans are FREAKING OUT. You have to post your blog before they riot.”  This email came as a surprise to me, mostly because I thought yesterday was Sunday and I didn’t realize my episode had aired yet. Weird, yes, but this was a holiday weekend and I was in Palm Springs having a MUCH NEEDED holiday with my husband and I got confused from all the sleep. Sleep will do that to you.  I have the best husband. I am madly in love with him.  Weekends in Palm Springs, where we got married almost two years ago, are about my favorite thing in the world. Really. We are so in love that when we go to parties at Shonda’s house, she frequently YELLS at us from across the room, “STOP LOVING EACH OTHER SO DAMN MUCH.”  True story.  I am living the dream. And aren’t you already a little bit annoyed with me, like, one paragraph in? The point here is that while I love my marriage, it would not make for interesting television.  It really wouldn’t. The script would look something like this: 

Krista and Kevin are snuggling on the couch in front of the TV. 

      KRISTA: I totally want the bald guy with the two step kids to win this year.

      KEVIN: You don’t think Paris should win?

      KRISTA: Okay, yeah, maybe. But they should definitely be the final two!

And they snuggle some more as the wailing sounds of American Idol rise in the background.

Seriously.  Would you tune in next week?  I don’t think you would. The critics would call us “saccharine” the fans would call us “boring” and ABC would cancel us.

Now, if you cut back in time say, 10 to 15 years? My life then might have made for interesting TV. I could tell you tons of stories, but I’m gonna focus on one.  I had this friend. I will call him Jim because that doesn’t at all resemble his name. Jim and I went to college together but we had actually known each other since we were 16. And Jim had had an intense crush on me since we were 16.  And he was the nicest guy in the world and one of my closest friends. And I knew how he felt about me – because how could I not? And for this reason, I didn’t cross that line with him for a long, long time despite many drunken occasions when it would have been easy to do so. And then one night I did. Why? Because we had graduated from college and we were living in New York and I was in a constant state of “what am I going to do with my life” terror and he was there. And he was safe and familiar and so incredibly kind. And I wanted that kindness in my life very badly. I wanted to be a healthy woman who would choose the nice guy who loved me and stop chasing the sexy, unavailable guys who didn’t.  And so, even though I had high hopes in the moment that I crossed that line, it didn’t go very well in the long run. Because at 22, I wasn’t that healthy.  And I hurt a dear friend. And the friendship suffered for it.  But eventually, it was a good thing because he got over me and met and married a woman who loved him back.  And now we’re friends again. True story.

And despite all this life experience? I was, for a very, very long time, WILDLY OPPOSED to Meredith and George hooking up. Like, shouting matches in the writer’s room opposed. Like, storming down the hall to my office and eating vast quantities of Trader Joe’s dark chocolate opposed.  I was afraid people wouldn’t forgive Meredith. I wanted very much for Meredith to be healthier than she is. Because now, at 34, I’ve had several years of therapy and it’s hard for me to conceive of making the kinds of decisions that Meredith makes.  But Meredith isn’t me now – she’s more like me then.  Which, as I mentioned, makes for better television.  And even knowing all of that, I was still opposed. Until Shonda had the flash of inspiration that the Mer/George hook-up should come on the heels of Meredith going to see her father.  It was like the clouds parted. And suddenly, I completely got it. And I completely forgave Meredith.  Here’s why:

My Dad died five years ago today (2/21/01). It sucked ass in a way I find it difficult to describe. The whole month of February sucks for me and on 2/21 every year, it’s hard for me to get out of bed. The loss of a parent is a pain you can only fully understand when you lose a parent.  And Meredith has pretty much lost her mom to alzheimers. And here’s what I think about her Dad: I think that for 20 years, Meredith has, somewhere in the deepest part of her psyche, held on to the fantasy that her dad is out there, just waiting to love her. I think she thinks that when she finally makes the effort to know him, he will open his arms, and open his heart and apologize for leaving and just love her like crazy. The news of Ellis’ affair was the opportunity Meredith had needed to finally forgive him enough to approach him. She gathered what had to be a HUGE amount of courage to knock on his door…

And then the fantasy died.

Because Thatcher didn’t throw open his arms.  He didn’t apologize.  He didn’t invite her in. He didn’t have the right words, he didn’t have the right anything. And to Meredith, that had to feel like a death. 

And then she went to a bar and drank.

And then Mark made her hope again, if only briefly, that she could have the man she loves back.

And then she went home and stared out her window in a state that I can only imagine was tremendous pain and loss and grief. 

And then George came in. And poor George DID NOT KNOW ANY OF THIS. He was not there to take advantage of her when she was in a vulnerable state. All he knew was that he had spent the entire day working up his courage to finally, finally make her hear him. 
And, unwittingly, he said the world’s most perfect things.

He said he would never leave her (like her father did). He said he would never hurt her (like Derek did). He said he would never stop loving her.

And he was safe and familiar and so incredibly kind. And she wanted that kindness in her life very badly. She wanted to be a healthy woman who would choose the nice guy who loved her and stop chasing the sexy, unavailable guys who didn’t (or couldn’t).  And even though she had high hopes in the moment that she crossed that line, I’m guessing,   that it didn’t go very well in the long run.

I think that’s enough for now.  I will try to write again soon to address the other 41 minutes of last night’s episode.  Thank you for watching and for caring so much about these characters and these stories we tell. They do, as you may have noticed, come from our selves, from our psyches, from our lives. Putting that stuff on TV every week is sometimes not the easiest thing to do – and it means the world to us that you continue to care and continue to watch. 

Sincerely, Krista

Comments

[Liz]

The last 2 minutes ruined the show. This was a CHEAP publicity stunt by the writers of Greys. Shonda and Krista should be ashamed of themselves. The show was built from a core audience without these cheap stunts. This was an insult to your viewers. I had no positive comments on the ending of this program. Most people were totally turned off by the need the writers feel to outdo the last episode. Last week you said you cannot make the characters do anything against their will – this was against not only their will but every moral fiber. For God’s Sake they were in bed as friends two weeks ago --- now it is your stalker.

The episode itself reminded me of Season1 but the ending was revolting. Here is an idea have Meredith PULL a TRAIN with the remaining cast members – Burk –Alex – the male nurse and lets just make her the wh*re you want her to be. Get it all over with in one episode and lets move on. No need repeating the slimy wh*re routine on a regular basis. Just have Mer do everyone at Joe’s Bar and then go into therapy.

In this day of stalkers and sex offenders you have given every person a fear of their roommate. George who has been turned into the show idiot now is the CREEP who lives two doors down. How creepy is it to think that this man has wanted to do this to you since he moved in. He now makes my skin crawl.

Now is the time George needs to DEPART the show. McSteamy is the replacement.
McSteamy was a great addition and I really enjoyed his role. He was an honest and sincere male. There was great chemistry between he and Meredith and he and Addison.
You gave us an honest male guest star and turned one of your characters into a DISGUSTING CREEP. It is not a memory anyone will soon forget. I hope Eric Dane is added to the cast and T.R. Knight is removed. He really has lost everything to me.

The Super Bowl is over. You don’t have to outdo yourselves each episode. Leave the gimmics to Desparate Housewifes. This show was not built on CHEAP gimmics.
No need to be OUTLANDISH just to be OUTLANDISH. What I find most upsetting that this is supposedly a show from a woman’s viewpoint? What woman would relate to this incident. If there is a model for this character I hope she is getting the help she needs.

Hopefully Eric Dane is back next week. And T.R. Knight can find a role as the child molestor who lives next door on some other show.

[Sonia]

I get it. Actually, as painful as it was to see them hook up, while yelling "nooooo!", I still got it. Daddy baggage is a powerful thing, and with all the other stuff Mer had going on.....it had to happen.

[Nat]

All I can say is Amen. Amen to your entire comment. As I read all of the rants from the last post I knew not everyone understood why, why she'd do that to George. Because she wasnt thinking about George, she was thinking about how much her life had sucked lately. And I think we've all been there (well maybe not all of us have almost blown up, found out our mom was a bit of a ho and visited our dad for the first time in 25 years) but we've all had bad weeks or months. And if someone looks at you and says those perfect things, you just couldnt resist that bit of peace for one moment. And George had to have his say at some point, no matter the outcome. So thanks for your post and reaffirming my understanding of that scene. I adore the show because of the incredible writing and the true characters. They are you and me and everyone else. Looking forward to next week...

[melanie]

i think i'm still speechless from sunday night.

[GP]

That was very beautifully stated. Thank you.

[Gina]

The show is fantastic, can't wait everyweek for Sunday night. Still not sure about the Mer/George thing, but will not miss to see what happens next.

[Meredith from New Jersey]

Ugh- I am terribly disgusted not to mention grossed out, I love George, for who he is and for what he has to offer to the group and the show, but to have him and Meredith hook up gave me that sick, feeling in my stomach...and it was real. I know that in real life, things like taht happens. Every woman has been there- there are times you feel so lonely, you look for love from ANYONE that will give it to you... I lost my dad too- 4 years ago, when I was 26 and he was 54. I hate the month of December and lose myself during the weeks to come, as the day (12/27) appraoches, so I understand pain and loss and feelings of exteme vulnerability that cannot be expressed in words. But, as much as you try and make everything so real, there comes a point where you need to stop and say, "what does my audience want? What do they want to see happen?" I can tell you what, I can pretty much guarantee that 99.9% of the fans, did not have any hopes for Mer/Geo...

And really, what good could come of this? George can't forgive her...her friends will hate her and my god, what will Derek think? It's just all so wrong, and I was really upset when I went to bed Sunday night...really upset. The whole scene was almost disturbing, almost, painful to watch. It was like brother and sister going at it, it wasn't tender and loving, it was gross.

Please, oh please come up with an intelligent way to get them all out of this...

[Lea]

I have to admit, I was upset with Meredith at first. I love George, and I understand her reasons, but I'm terrified of George's heart being broken. He deserves better than being the rebound guy. That being said, I trust you and Shonda, and I know you'll save poor little Georgie.

[nicole]

YEAY! FINALLY I can make some sense of the last episode! I have to say-I was pretty angry that Meredith didn't say more to her Dad or that she didn't say no to George, I was angry that Izzy keeps pushing George and I was ticked off that George did what he did...but now I understand a bit more. Thanks for sheding some light. I do hope that Mark stays around for a bit longer-he really throws some of that tension that we loved so much in the beginning of the season. And can I just say for the record-this is some of the BEST writing in the TV business I have seen in soooo long-well done!

[Justine Vance]

Krista,
This was a beautiful and perfect response. I am 35 and have been in the exact place that you spoke of, with a very good friend, and also crossed that line. And now, as you, I am happily married. But it took years to move from that screwed up young adult, crossing too many lines, to where I am now. Thank you for writing such a wonderful scene and episode and for responding with such honesty, giving us a glimpse into your inspiration for the show. I will continue to be a huge fan of the show, actors and all of the writing! Truly amazing!

[laje]

As much as I was yelling at the screen, "NOOOOO!" I understood why. Please don't let this break George. He needs the love he deserves.

[Tiara]

Thank you for this explanation. As someone who can relate to your real-life stories, and also someone who relates to Meredith's HORRIBLE decision making, it was really easy to get upset when what happened between George and Meredith..happened.

Thank you for caring enough to explain this to all of us. I know some people are still going to be really mad, but I'm sure there is a reason why that happened. There always is. As a true fan, I will let you fabulous writers do your job. Heaven knows you guys see more of the picture than we do.

Thanks again for the GREAT episode (LOVED the interaction with Christina and Burke...and MARK - wow, that's a totally different blog!). Thanks for leaving me with my wide open. And thanks for explaining your method behind that madness. I can't wait to see what happened!

Tiara

[Betty]

Grey's Anatomy has a core group of long time viewers
who grew to love this show without cheap stunts and stupid gimics. This was absolutely the most vile thing you could have done.

You crossed the line with so many of your viewers. You and Shonda should be ashamed of yourselves for promoting this type of episode on the podcast.

I loved the episode up until the last 2 minutes. It finally reminded me of Season 1 - FUN, CUTE, and SEXY. But it now seems that the writers are trying to outdo each other on each episode.

George is creepy. How would you like to think a guy you have know less than a year has been living in your house and basically stalking you comes into your room looking for sex.

This will make every single girl with a male roommate go get a lock for her door.

Now, for Meredith's character she only has Burk, Alex, Webber and Joe that bartender left to do.
Can we do them all at once and get this SHOCK value type garbage over and done
with.

Since a character has to leave PLEASE get rid of George - between bumbling idiot and creepy stalker - he can find work on a Crime show.

I do hope that you keep McSteamy - Eric Dane around. It was nice to have an honest, sincere male character. The chemistry between he and Meredith was great. Ellen deserves alot of credit for how well she pulled the scenes off with him. McSteamy Please. I enjoyed a man who speaks his mind and can see what goes on in front of him.(Derek could use a little of this honesty)

George please GO.

This was a stupid stunt that I hope you all regret.
Remember DH started pulling this stuff and their rating went down the tubes. I won't continue watching if this is the stupid things you intend to put on the air

[Jen]

Krista,

I guess this means it wasn't a dream?? Damn. What's with Izzie, telling him to go for it? It doesn't make sense to me why Meredith would sleep with anyone (especially someone she has to see every day!) right after she has this huge surge of hope that maybe things could work out with the guy she really loves.

Anyway, I really think the George/Meredith thing sucks, but don't worry I won't stop watching or anything... I'm an addict! Please make it go away quick, that's all I ask. I hope you bring back Thatcher too, I'd love to see that story line develop.

*Jen*

[Bree]

Krista,

Okay, I'm starting to understand Mer's decision. I'm so glad you wrote. I have to say one, I'm so sorry about your lost. I have never lost a parent to death but I was abandonded by my father. I have never seen him and he has never tried to see me. So, I am digging deep to try and understand Mer. However. . .I'm at a lost, it was George-good guy, always there, go to the store and buy your tampons GEORGE. But I do see your point and now I'm geared up to see next weeks eppy. Thanks again. And yes Shonda was right we were about to start a riot. Thanks.

[Carolyn]

You realize that we will eventually have to kill Meredith when she inevitably breaks his heart, right? But still, that was very well done, so kudos. I didn't really want them to get together either, for the reasons you've stated, but it was so good I was jumping up and down on the couch squealing like a little girl. Awesome.

[RandomRanter]

Thanks for sharig your story (both for the show and your own history). This always gives me a little more insight. And it showed in the episode, becuase while I was mad at Merideth for the train wreck I can see coming, all those pieces did help me see why right then this all seemed like a good idea. Thanks again.

[Emily T]

Thanks for your insights into the Meredith/George hookup. It makes me (almost!) okay with it. More importantly, I am looking forward to seeing how Thatcher & Meredith's relationship develops. And...I am so sorry about the loss of your father.

[Erin]

Okay, so I suppose I can forgive Meredith for that transgression... But what about George? When does he get to find himself? He's long overdue for something good to happen to him. Poor Meredith (and I'm being sincere there) keeps trampling all over his heart. Meredith can get through all of this. She doesn't know it yet, perhaps, but she can, and I know she can. George on the other hand just seems so lost with everything. Even if his love life doesn't get any better, what about his professional life? He's just too sweet not to have at least one good thing come out of all this drama that's about to start with Meredith, even if it's not what he really wants. He's seriously at the point where any normal person would fall apart.

[Amy]

I gotta tell ya - I feel much better about Meredith after reading this. I was screaming and yelling at the screen in the last seconds of the show. "No George! Step away from the unhappy lady, George!" But now I can honestly say Krista hit the nail on the head in her post. Totally been there, Mere. Carry on.

[Nikki from MD]

Okay.. I read the blog.. I understand where the you and Shonda are going with this but as I am sure you can imagine.. it cames as a shock to us fans. We just hope that Derek, George and her friends forgive her and understand why she did what she did. I dont even know if its possible to make her more unhappy.

We still believe there's hope for Mer/Der.

[Mattie]

George and Meredith

GROSS

DISGUSTING

REVOLTING

VILE

NASTY

Got the idea!!!!!!

CHEAP STUNT!!!!!!

PLEASE DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!!

Liked the episode EXCEPT for the last 2 minutes

MCSTEAMY WINS OVER MCDREAMY

Please let McDreamy & Addison have their marriage.

MCSTEAMY AND MEREDITH

Make a great couple

[Priscilla]

Krista,
Thanks for highlighting the context behind the Mer/George situation. I was upset with the Mer character until i thought about all thats behind it. I also have to commend you on throwing McSteamy into the mix. His comment about how Derek didn't react when he saw him in bed with Addison made me realize that Derek stopped loving her long before their marriage ended. I felt sympathy for Addison although she's in the wrong.

I hope we get to see more of McSteamy bc his nick-name doesn't do him justice.

[jinohio]

That will be one of those "yikes! what did I do!" morning afters. No good ending there. He'll be broken hearted, she'll look like a villan, etc. Maybe this will be the impetus George needs to move on.

[Patricia]

None of what you said in your blog explains what your episode did to the show, it was just awfull and so out of character for Meredith, there is no explanation for that. She never ever saw George as a "possibility" she never ever did that. If you wanted her to keep sleeping around you should have given her another partner, even a one night stand again for her , not George, that completely changes the dynamic of the show, I really hated it. What a let down after the wonderful SuperBowl´s episodes. I am sorry but the show is not the same, at least for me, and I have watched since day one, Sorry.