From Blythe Robe, writer of "Name of the Game"

Original Airdate: 4-2-06

Typical.  Leave it to life to know just when you’ve sworn off the game.  Just when you’ve decided to be alone, have your Mary Tyler Moore phase and “make it on your own,” made your vow of celibacy, then -- POOF! -- out of no where comes a sexy veterinarian with a whole “ooh look at me I’m saving your dog’s life, and I also routinely saves the lives of innocent puppies and am no doubt a good person and clearly irresistible!” thing.  It’s like the universe can smell the fact that you are completely content about flying solo and decides to throw a big old sexy distraction your way in some sort of twisted joke, and you, of course, are powerless because, well it’s the universe, and it’s a guy, and so you have no choice but to play yet again.  Just typical.

Having gotten that off my chest I would also just like to say… Well, hello Chris O’Donnell!  If anyone’s going to pull Meredith out of the McD rut, he just might be up for the challenge.  But, I suppose we’re just gonna have to wait and see about that…damnit!

So, tonight’s theme was “the games we play.”  The reason I love this theme so much is because games are so much a part of this show.  It goes all the way back to the very beginning when Shonda introduced their internship as “the game.”  The competition, striving for excellence, and the surgeries themselves are all a part of it.  But it’s also the emotional game – fueled by the interns’ relationships with each other, with their patients, and with the hope of somehow, some way finding the time in their absurdly busy lives to get laid,  (and maybe even find love in the process.)   It’s quite a complex game - like Shogi.

But it’s mostly fueled by their obsession with being “the best,” and no one is more obsessed than Cristina.  After losing the night’s battle of Celebrity (perhaps Isaiah/Burke at his funniest) she becomes a woman in need if a good victory.  Like a success junkie – she needs her fix.  So, when she gets to the Laparoscopic Lab Tutorial, there’s nothing that will stop her from being the prize pupil - even if it means beating out the Chief.  My favorite thing about this story is the fact that Cristina has such a one-track mind that she loses sight of all social tact and inappropriately tries to school the Chief.  I love her for this.   And I love that Richard falls into it as well – (Jim Pickens is so great and he did such a hilarious job with this storyline!)  But in the end it’s the Chief who teaches her the most important lesson about never underestimating the power of the basics, one that she (ahem) uses to get George out of her apartment, and thank god!

Yes, George seems to be moving on and I’m so happy for him!

George is really put through a lot in this episode.   He’s been playing the angry game for so long now that it’s started to eat away at his entire being.   He’s “broken,” like Izzie says, and has allowed his anger to overrule the fact that he still cares about his friends. As a defense mechanism, anger is such an easy and natural trap to fall into, and it can sometimes take extreme circumstances to pull you out of it.  So, when Thatcher (the incredible Jeff Perry) and family (holy crap, Mare Winningham!) show up at the hospital, he’s forced to take a step back from the situation and see that deep down maybe he doesn’t hate, hate Meredith.   And when he chooses to tell Thatcher about Meredith’s good nature, he in turn is taking a teeny baby step towards healing, and I think no one will benefit more from his forfeiting the angry game than George.   Just look at Thatcher.

Shonda has created such an interesting parallel between George/Meredith/Derek and Thatcher/Ellis/Richard.  For Ellis, Thatcher was her George and Richard her McDreamy.  In their story Ellis spent her life pining over Richard, while nearly ruining Thatcher’s in the process.  Her neglect scarred Thatcher so deeply that it spoiled his relationship with his own daughter, a regret he will have to carry for the rest of his life.   Again, the angry game is one of the toughest to beat.  But you know what helps?  New prospects.  Prospects like sexy Vets and Ortho Docs.

I’m SO relieved that George finally made out with Ortho Doc!  And it was so sweet and actually kinda HOT – Go George!  In the immortal words of Alex Karev “get yours!”

Speaking of getting some, why why why doesn’t Denny exist in real life!?  I want him to be real so desperately I’ve actually entertained the thought of cruising ICU’s for a damaged heart guy of my very own….Damn you Ms. Rhimes for creating that “beautiful, beautiful man!”  I admit, I love him, too.  I love that he can be sensitive and dirty at the same time.  But most of all I love the way Izzie lights up when she’s around him.  I love their relationship because it’s so pure and honest and completely game free (save on the Scrabble.)  They make me so happy.

Speaking of “game free,” I’m so proud of Alex for standing up for his convictions.  I respect his code of honesty with his patients.  Now, ordinarily I’m all for avoidance and denial.  Denial is one of my favorite human traits.  It’s what keeps us ahead – it’s our psychological opposable thumb in my opinion.  However, in Beatrice’s (a stunning performance by Laurie Metcalf) case, someone needed to offer her a dose of reality and in those situations it’s usually not the nice route that’s gonna get you there.   Sometimes brutal honesty has to be the name of the game. 

Like Bailey needing to be honest with herself that it may take a little time to get back in the swing of things.   I love that Chandra Wilson can actually break your heart and make you laugh in a single moment.

Several months ago I was invited to play the most extreme game of my life thus far:  to write an episode of the incredible series “Grey’s Anatomy,“ and it has been one of the most intense, complicated, stressful and rewarding experiences I’ve ever known.  I want to say thank you so much to Shonda Rhimes and Jim Parriott for the opportunity of a lifetime.   As well as a special thanks to Krista Vernoff for her guidance, and expertise – also for generally being so awesome (Can you actually thank a person for that?  Sure, why not?) I also want to give a quick shout out to all the Homie-scribes of Talmadge – pour some out for me the next round; I miss and love you all!

Finally one last thank you, as I am also a fan of this show, to Shonda for these characters, this world, and for bringing back the sass.

Best game ever!

Comments

[Allison]

My favorite scenes from last night:

My most favorite was Meredith walking out of her sister's room, walking into the room with Callie and Izzie, asking if there are any bones for her to break, smashing that cast to pieces, and then flinging the hammer across the room. EP was excellent last night. I'm glad that instead of getting sad, drunk and naked she got pissed and took it out on the cast.
2) Cristina "getting comfortable in [her] apartment". That. Was. Priceless.
3) Meredith knitting 10x faster as she saw McVet.
Ah, all the characters were redeemed. THANK YOU! Well, except McD... he seems *indifferent* towards Meredith now. I mean when she broke down in the closet because of her mom he was there for her but she finds out she has a sister and he just says "You okay?". I'm almost off the Mer/Der train and on the Mer/Finn train. Hopefully, he will make her happy because McD definitely has NOT.
And uhhhhhh, WTFFFFF Callie lives in the hospital? WTF!! And man is she crazy! I do NOT like her AT ALL.
That is all for now.

[D]

Thanks go out to you Blythe...it was a brilliant episode. And thank you Shonda, Grey's is the most entertaining human/not human show I've enjoyed watching in years or ever actually, but that perspective can simply be because of my age!! Keep up the inspired work!! Please!!

[LisaJoy]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Blythe, for such a beautiful episode. You wrote amazingly truthful and poignant and witty moments, and we appreciate them. Writing like this is why we love the show. Thank you for letting George start to heal, and also, for letting Thatcher start to heal. Healing seems to be at the core of this show; while it's a medical venue, the healing that seems most important if that of the soul, that of relationships, that of self. Thank you again.

[Emily from Pittsburgh]

Finally an episode (after the last few) where there's character movement!!!

[Kristi]

So that's it for Mer/Der? Addison's become her "friend", and she'd moving on to the McVet next week -- and Addison and Derrick are back in the sack. Is that how the love story ends? Kind of a let down. I feel so vested in their relationship, I hate to stop rooting for them.

C'est la vie.

[cee cee]

Okay did anyone else cry at last night’s episode? I have to give 2 million hand claps to the writers for that perfectly written scene with the cancer patient and her daughter. And I have to give Laurie Metcalf (I believe) another 2 million hand claps for executing that overwhelmingly heartbreaking scene. I had to choke back sobs, it was painful, a little humorous, and just tears inducing. When the commercials aired after that scene, I had to turn away from the screen and just cry. It really was a beautiful scene. KUDOS!!!

And Kudos to Meredith Grey for becoming proactive in recognizing her flaws! Will all the Meredith haters please sit down! LOL! Okay I’m just kidding everyone please calm down, we all know how the fans can get. Anyway I am glad she’s off men, I’m glad she knows why she needs to be off men, cause even though I love her dearly she really needs to be off men. Kudos to Ellen Pompeo for doing another heartbreaking scene that made me cry, hearing her sister speak of her father, knowing that she never did or would experience the love he gave her. WOW! I was all tears last night. I could feel her pain. Kudos to George for “manning up” and putting aside his feelings and talking up Meredith to her father, and for somewhat recognizing the cause of her state that made her “break him”.

OH and Kudos to Chief Webber because HE’S THE CHIEF! That scene cracked me up!

Last night’s episode was brilliant all around! KUDOS to everyone!

*I am aiming for first post, let’s see how I do*

[Kim]

Great episode... very funny and emotional! However, we need more mer/der scenes... it seems like derek is 100% not even into meredith anymore... Yes Chris O'Donnell is hot, but I love watching the show for the McDreamy looks and I haven't seen one in a while!!!! Please more MER?DER!!!

[isabel]

honestly one of the most dynamic shows yet. but following it up with re-runs! cruel cruel.

[Rachael]

FANTASTIC job! This episode was one of the best yet. You did a great job of introducing Finn to us Grey's Addicts out here. What a McHottieVet! Wow....thanks.

This episode reminded me that Mer/Der are not the only two people on this show. There are lots of charecters, and lots of life. While I am still rooting for the long-awaited reunion of our favorite couple, this was an episode that made me forget about that, and enjoy what I was seeing.

Thanks so much for making my Sunday night so GREAT.

[Shanna]

Yay! For the first I'm not comment #100 zillion.

I just want to say that this was a great episode (congratulations on your first). I really expected it to be completely light and i was blinsided by the depth of Laurie Metcalf's storyline and Thatcher and George as well. Both their scenes really touched me.

I also was soo happy about the Izzie/Denny scenes. They are truly the only couple on the show without games, secrets, or lies. Just fun and openness.

And thank everyone in the casting department for the hotness that is Chris O'Donnell.

[Ang]

OMG!!!! Not only did I love this episode for the mom-moments (yes I am a mom myself, lots of tears for me), but... HELLO!!!! Chris O'Donnell!!!!! I almost could not breathe. I have loved him since I was 15. He's been gone for too long. So thank you to whomever cast him. Even more reason (if that is even possible) to watch my favorite Sunday night delight.

[Agnes]

Nice job.

[Kat]

When I heard that Chris O'Donnell was coming on the show as a potential love interest for Meredith, I thought "how can cute little Chris compete with McDreamy?"

And then I saw him last night, and said "Hel-lo, THAT is Chris O'Donnell????"

Ummm, lets just say, he can compete....

[Emily]

That was a great episode! Way to go Blythe! Touching and meaningful but playful at the same time. Some of those lines were great too! Especially Denny's "just one B**b comment." Ha ha! My only complaint is no Mer/Der movement but Chris O'Donnell could be a temporary replacement:-)

[Taylor]

YAY first comment!!

just wanted to say.... LOVE the show and LOVED this episode
great job yall keep it up!!

[Miranda]

Thanks, Blythe, and crew! Loved the episode! I laughed and cried and all that. Great music, too!

Can I say again how amazing it is you found someone to play Thatcher who is so George-like in so many ways?! Wow!! I love all the parallels b/t Mer/Der/George and Ellis/Richard/Thatcher. I loved it when George and Thatcher had that chat while Meredith was listening. How painful and insightful for everyone. Thatcher was quietly powerful while standing with Richard at the board - great scene - AWKWARD...

Cristina and Chief - hilarious! Burke - Oh, Madonna! That was so funny. I would rather my brilliant (and sexy) heart surgeon was more up on cardiothoracic events than pop culture anyday!

I never thought Chris O'Donnell was all that hot until last night! Hello is right. The facial hair and scruffiness is working for him. Go Meredith!

Again, you are making Addison so likable! Stop that!! That was nice of her to have Meredith come in to see her half-sister and only refer to her as Meredith. Addison is classy.

I can relate to Bailey's tearing up about the spelling champ. It happens postpartum (and always after having your own child); it doesn't make her any less of a doctor.

Even though Alex was harsh, that had to be done; he was so right. That really made me bawl when she talked to her daughter b/c everything she said was so right on.

Okay, sorry, I can't post a short note. Thanks again. I could go on and on. Denny was very sexy in this episode a way cooloer and hotter version of Nicolas Cage.

Love the show. Thanks again!!!

[Tina]

Ok. I'm sorry but I just did not fully comprehend last night's episode. Once again, TOO MUCH DRAMA into one tiny episode. What are you guys doing here? The previews said last night's was supposed to be a "fun episode." Let me tell you, it was anything but.

I hate Izzy Stevens. I hate the person she is turing into. I used to love her carefree spirit. But now she is turning into a completely despicable human being. It makes me sick watching her with Denny, her patient. Their relationship is so not natural and I don't buy it. And what is up with her and being "George's best friend." Ever since the Mere/George incident we have seen nothing but Izzy's bad side. I hate it. She actually makes Meredith seem normal again.

And Callie living in the basement of the hospital? Who's idea was that? Very weird.

The Thatcher/George scene was touching. However just having Thatcher show up in a hospital itself would have been enough. I don't know why you guys had to throw in not one, but TWO sisters. I didn't like it.

And the vet. From what you said in your post it seems like the vet will be returning. WHY? Why all the unnecessary extra useless drama that never works out anyway? Couldn't we just keep the vet to in that one scene? It would work, and even be funnier that it showed Meredith had to focus on her knitting to keep from falling for the vet. But please, not ANOTHER mcsteamy to mix things up (although I do admit he was hot).

Christina is the only thing keeping the momentum in this show these days. Although I did like how Alex stood up for himself. He's an ass but I like how he always says whats on his mind. It's usually what other people are thinking but are just too afraid to say out loud.

Anyway, sorry for the long angry post. I love this show so much and that is why it pains me to watch it suffer so much. Please go back to the funny lighthearted episodes I love so much.

[Caren in PA]

Wow, great Blog!! To Blythe Robe......this may have been my favorite episode. The chief/ Christina compatition was awesome! The Thatcher/George conversation so perfect! Oh and Alex/Burke totally interested to see where that goes! Christina with her power play at the end....so cool. Burke was awesome in that scene!!

BUT the chemistry between Izzy and Denny....WOW. You guys have a real winner there!!
Jeff Morgan was at his best! I think it's a role he was born to play! I just pray that you guys can write him in...forever! He makes Izzy whole! All that lack of confidence she had been suffering from, Denny has wiped it out! It is so powerful how much a person accecpting and seeing the special part of us, can turn us into a giant! Izzy's character has become so much more complete with Denny. They are a true couple, so at ease with each other. So perfect and relaxed together. I know there are bound to be consiquences, but please go easy on her, It's love. And life is too short......as Denny says in next episode.
Anyway, I'm begging you.......Write Denny and Izzy into a happy couple. They can be a stark contrast to the rest of the group. Can you imagine...Izzy being all happy and optomistic all the time????? It would totally freak everyone out!

Please don't kill Izzy and Denny's love...it will break millions of hearts all over the country!!
Plus as an added bonus...Jeff Morgan will finally be gettin the exposure he truly deserves!!

Loved the episode!! Great Job!!

[Kath]

Loved the Bailey/McDreamy scene where Bailey is looking at the surgery board and says "they're mommy-tracking me." McDreamy's reaction (smile) was priceless. It seemed like Patrick Demsey was genuinely humored by the amazing, awesome talent of Chandra Wilson. Great Episode. Just started watching GA in January and am hooked. Keep up the brilliance!

[Shaneka]

Thanks for an awesome blog, Blythe! It seems as though Meredith is living her mother's life! And I LOVE that George is finally moving on and hopefully he'll move back into the house with Izzie and Meredith. Talking with Thatcher really helped to open his eyes and Callie is beginning to heal his heart. He's her McDreamy!
BTW I love Alex and I really hope he can get Izzie back. I mean Denny is cool, but come on...
And how in the world could Burke not know MADONNA. As if!!!!

[Cyndy]

Loved the episode, loved the victory dances, but I still have one gripe! All of a sudden Izzie has lost her confidence as George's friend. What was going in the conversation about Callie? Who was that? And why make Callie so ugly to Izzie and Meredith? Why not show us she has a sense of humor, or some depth. Loved the comment that George was her McDreamy, but why make George end up with someone who will just feed his anger?

It is all part of the turn in the show, from a show where we like all the characters, faults and all, to a show where characters say and do things to fit into some theme or story line. You are losing us there. Please get back on track!

[Meredith :)]

Okay, I get the idea of George needing a strong woman to help "rescue" him... but I just cannot get on board with Callie--her look just doesn't fit with his and I can't stand it! I have that feeling where you know something isn't right, but you can't quite figure out what. Ugh.

But onto better things, like Izzie and Denny. I love the two of them together. I guess they have what Hollywood calls "chemistry"--you're right, the way Izzie's face lights up when she's around him makes my heart flip a little. It actually feels good to watch them together!

I love this show! Keep on making it great!

~Meredith

[Jennifer E]

Ok, every new episodes I love this show more and more!! I have even got my husband hooked now.

Awesome show, I laughed, I cried. Can I say, Jeff Perry as Thatcher gave me goosebumps! Amazing casting and amazing performance. That is so George in later years. They speak the same, they look the same, no wonder Ellis thought George was Thatch. And, the delicious tension between Thatch and Chief offset by Chief's victory dance in class.

I could go on and on, but, I'll stop here.

Bravo on another excellent show. Grey's Anatomy has convinced me to start a DVD library, starting with the first season of Grey's.

Continued success for your sake as well as mine.

[Notsonew2GAanymore]

I love the show and I loved this episode but I am not sure how I felt about Denny 'getting down to basics.'

I preferred the more subtle innuendo as opposed to his half-joking request to see 'a boob'. I think this character is deeper than that and I felt disappointed.

On the other hand, I liked the fact that George is finally getting a life. I also liked how Callie brought a new dimension to George's character by her description of George and her statement 'George makes my world stop.'

There are many aspects I enjoyed. Good show as usual... and, as usual, can't wait until next week.

[Shelly]

THIS was a GREAT episode!! Wonderful job writers! One of the all time best.

1. Does Meredith have 2 sisters or just one? What exactly is the timeline? A little confusing there... wish that would have been fleshed out more..

2. Totally freaky that Dr.Torres lives in the basement of the hospital.

3. Wish George would piece together and ask Meredith if she saw her Dad the night she was with him...that would be a wonderful scence to watch.

4. Still angry at George for being so cold to Meredith.

5. Nice to finally put George and Izzy together for a best friend scene. Need more of those.

6. Denny was a little too dirty...a little departure from his previous sweetness

7. Loved Alex. Great job.

8. Please let George move back into the house eventually. The three of them were so fun together.

9. Finn is perfect for Meredith. Loved the look on her face when she stared at him, then furiously kept knitting.

10. Was a scence missing with Bailey telling the girls to stop knitting? It was in the previews. Also, previews had more of Finn than was in this episode.

overall great, great job.