Krista Vernoff on blogging and "I Am a Tree"

Original Airdate: 9/28/06

Blogging. I used to think it was all fun and games. I used to think it was just li’l ol’ me happily telling stories to you, our most avid fans. Until this morning.  Know what happened this morning? The freaking NEW YORK TIMES QUOTED MY BLOG ON THE COVER OF ARTS AND LEISURE. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not. It was traumatizing. Because you know me (you, our most avid fans). And you know by now that I have a little something called Truth Tourettes. I am an over-sharer. I should join over-sharers anonymous.  But my intention here is not to over share with the entire readership of the NY Times, dammit!  Okay, rant over. I shall now commence with the over sharing:      

I love McSteamy. I loved him when I introduced you to him in “Yesterday” and I love him even more when he’s standing in a towel at the end of this episode. I wrote it. I saw the dailies when it was shot. And still, when I first watched the cut, my jaw dropped with giddy surprise when I saw him emerge from that bathroom. Love me my McSteamy.  Maybe cause he reminds me of my husband whose nickname is “Dirty Chops” cause he is just always saying wildly inappropriate and off-color things and I like that in a man. Also, Eric Dane is um…I don’t want to say anything here that the NY Times will quote and my in-laws will read so…I’m leaving it at Eric Dane is um. You can fill in the rest.

Okay, also? I love Izzie in this episode. I love that she bakes like, a gazillion muffins. I love that she’s even functioning enough to put them in pretty baskets and bring them to a bar which may be the most bizarre thing ever. I spent my share of time in bars and I don’t remember there being any muffins. I love what it says that she brings the muffins to the bar. It’s like, this place used to be a part of my life, a part of my routine, and I am clinging desperately to hold on to some vestige of that old life even though it feels over and like nothing will ever be the same again. I love Katie’s performance --- like she hasn’t slept in days. Like baking has replaced sleep and it’s all she can do to move her facial muscles and form words. Cause in my experience that is what it’s like when people you love suddenly die. And I love that she’s not afraid to go there. You just don’t find that many beautiful actresses working in prime time TV willing to spend an entire episode without any make-up – know what I mean? 

As for Meredith, my inner single girl is flippin’ jealous. Cause really – did you see that bar scene? With McVet walking in all slo-mo and hot and then McDreamy doing the same damn thing?  And all the kissing earlier and the almost kissing and the longing and the confusion?  Okay, I don’t covet the confusion. Cause while it all looks sexy and pretty on TV – have you ever been torn between two boys who you super like? I have. And a lot of my friends have.  (Maybe. Sort of. I might be lying NY Times, you don’t know – so DON’T QUOTE THIS IN ANY PAPERS CASUE I’LL FREAKIN’ DENY IT!!) And I have to say – it really isn’t ever any fun. The confusion is confusing and the heartbreak that always feels imminent is scary -- so freaking scary the idea that you could make the wrong choice and lose the right man -- even the idea that you might make the right choice and lose the wrong man is upsetting when you really, really like them both. Which Meredith does. And how could she not? Seriously.

And now I need to talk a little bit about Derek finally being a grown up in his marriage and doing the right thing. And I’m not gonna lie to you – I didn’t feel bad for him that Addison drunk-dialed Mark. I think she had every right. I did feel bad for him however when he sat there on the bed acknowledging that ending his marriage was incredibly sad. Cause I think a lot of Derek’s less McDreamy behavior has been about avoiding that moment right there. The moment where you just have to sit – beyond the blame and anger – and just feel the extraordinary sadness that comes when a relationship ends. Anyway, I was proud of him.

Almost as proud as I was of Bailey when she came to talk to Izzie. That woman makes me cry. Bailey.   She’s just honest and real and straight forward and good and whole and kind and complicated and I love her. And honestly most of that could describe Chandra Wilson too. She just rocks. She broke my heart when she said “It’s enough muffins.” She broke my heart when she admitted that part of what happened to Denny was her fault.

I wish I could go on and on about every single character in this episode, but I have all sorts of stupid work to do in an attempt to bring you more episodes, so let me just say this: I loved that Cristina stripped for Burke. Because all appearances to the contrary, she really isn’t all that selfish. Well, she isn’t only selfish. (And btw – how amazing is Diahann Carol? I don’t feel qualified to blog about her. So that’s all I’ll say. Just…Holy crap, y’know?) I loved when Burke brought his Mama a scone and just stood around stuttering like George.  I loved when George was flirting with the little nurse and I loved that he managed to be enough of a grown up to stop in time. I loved when Callie got busted dancing. I LOVE CALLIE. I LOVE HER. And I LOVED her dancing. Don’t write me any meanness about my Callie cause I won’t read it. Plus I’ll get mad when I do read it after I said I won’t. Callie rocks. And she is, to me, about the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen on TV.  Finally, can you guess what my very favorite moment in this episode was? It was when Alex followed Dana Seabury to the ladies room. Freakin’ funny.  Seriously, Justin Chambers doesn’t get enough credit out there in the world, I think. He’s  brilliant. (Quote THAT, NY Times!)

Finally, I have to take a moment to write to you about Benjamin. Oh my God, he broke my heart. (And not just because the actor who played him, the brilliant and multi-talented Peter Paige has been one of my very best friends for the last 20 years.) When they had to shock his heart on the table, I burst into tears. (and not just cause I’m four months pregnant and everything makes me cry and it almost killed me to see my Peter looking like he was maybe dying.)  I love Benjamin because he makes me laugh. And he really made me think, just like he made Meredith think, about how much we should really run around all day controlling every impulse we have in favor of being “polite.” I mean,   life is short, people die – and if your hair conditioner isn’t working, don’t you want some to tell you??  I know that my Peter Paige tells me, which is why he’s my best friend.

Finally, I’m going to take this opportunity for a moment of unadulterated self-promotion. A play I wrote, “Me, My Guitar and Don Henley” is opening in New York on October 7th in a tiny little theatre in the East Village.  If you are an East Coast dwelling theatre-goer and you like my episodes of Grey’s Anatomy and you like my rambling and over-sharing on this here blog, I think you will like my play, which is, coincidentally, directed by  Peter Paige and includes a large amount of over-sharing.  If you don’t like my rambling and over sharing? Like, if you’re about to write to me and go, “Stupid Krista! Why do you think we CARE about you and your stupid life? GEEEEEZ – we wanna hear more about Meredith cause you’re stupid, you stupid dummy” – then, um, you probably shouldn’t come see my play.   But if you do want to see it, here’s the link. 
*(rumor has it the NY Times is going to the play too – these people will seriously NOT leave me alone!! Sheesh. …Just kidding.  I love you NY Times. I love you and I love your reviewers. Really. Swear. )

And by the way, Thanks.  Thanks for following us to Thursday nights, Thanks for loving our show as much as we do. It means the world to us.

Comments

Wow! McSteamy in a towel! That image is burned into my brain and I swear to God that my mouth is still gaping open. Did I mention I've been smiling a lot since that scene, too....Yup, smiling A LOT!! Great episode!!

[kayla]

I loved the episode and I think it was brilliant. I don't think it could have gone any better. There wasn't one scene in the entire episode that I didn't enjoy.

P.S. I like the rambling. :)

[Geoffrey]

GREAT EPISODE!!!

I have been a fan of Grey's from day one. I was a little skeptical about season III, but this epsiode as reaffirmed my love for Grey's. Keep bringing the effortless brilliant writing; I can't wait for more!

[Grey's fan86]

Thanks for blogging this soon after the episode! It makes the unbearable wait until next thursday slightly more bearable....great episode by the way...they just keep getting better and better...I don't know how you do it!

[kat]

i know a good episode when i either 1) cry. or 2) laugh out loud and i totally did the second at the very end with mcsteamy. i went backwards on my tivo to watch it again. LOVED IT! sooo great. and i totally love the upcoming plot twists with meredith dating. jealous!

best of all, i loved how christina thought she wasn't selfish, how she thought surgeons aren't selfish and yet she completely and totally is.

THANK YOU for greys anatomy. i'm so glad it's back!

[Cyndi]

So...this was like my second favorite episode of TV EVER(my favorite will probably always be the Grey's Pilot) I loved that Meredith is getting happy again, even if she is still conflicted. I loved that Derek said he would end the marriage no matter what Mer chose, and that he told the chief that Mer was not an affair. And yes, i will have to say that I loved Callie. Welcome to the family, Callie.

[Meg]

I wasn't a Callie fan last season, but this season she's got so much spunk, I have to love her.

[Emily aka arizonaemilyj]

Krista! Wonderful episode!! Thank you thank you thank you for McSteamy!! That man is um. He is scrumptous!! Highlight of my night!

I loved this episode and go Mer for dating 2 guys! Good for her! She deserves it.

I love Callie too. I love all the Greys characters.

Thank you for a great episode!!

[Alicia]

Honestly, I've watched every episode of Grey's Anatomy more times than would probably be considered healthy, and this is definitely one of the best. I live in Canada so I saw it last week, and had the brilliant idea of recording it so I've been watching it non-stop. And tonight I still tuned into ABC just to see it again. Pure amazing.

And I'm glad you're proud of Derek, because so am I. If Meredith doesn't pick him, she's an idiot. Because well Finn, he's far too nice and boring for Meredith. Derek is perfect for her.

And Callie, last season couldn't stand her but this season, completely adoring her. She's just so, human and normal and great. Love her.

And I could go on and on, because I love this episode that much. And I tend to go on and on (seriously, I write fanfics and always do an authors note after it and it ends up being way too long for any sane individual to read)

And I would love to see your play. But as I said, I'm in Canada. And a poor college student. And if I told my boyfriend that I wanted to go to NYC to see a play that one of the GA writers wrote, he may be pushed to his limit. But I love your writing so I'm sure the play kicks ass.

Okay, done my rambling.

[Jen]

Since you said that this is still the first year in Grey’s Anatomy time, you can’t have any more Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday episodes until next year, right?

I love the new DVD, but next year you should include outtakes, from all three seasons. That would be awesome!!!!

This episode was awesome! McSteamy's back!!!!!!!!

Meredith: Choose FINN!!!!

I can't wait to see what happens with Izzie. I hope she comes back to work at the hospital for good.

[Angie]

Loved this episode just like last week :) (I wish i could go to the play!) I love the situation that meredith is in, partly because I was just in the exact same situation, I didn't get to date though, I just went with my McDreamy :) so I'm real curious to see what Mer does! Keep up the good work!

[Jen]

McDreamy, McSteamy, and McVet all in the same episode is awesome...Seriously.

[Courtney]

first off... i loved this eppisode... it was just amazing... it made me remember the fun and things of season 1... the only thing i really really REALLY wanted to know was what side did the coin land on, even though it made no difference... i still want to know...

this episode made me like callie, i used to think she was crazy and definitely just wierd... but now, i really like her AND i think that her and George are perfect for each other... I felt bad for Cristina it felt like Burke's mom just absolutely hated her...

let's just say that this is the second week in a row when i have had about 15-16 girls at my house to watch grey's and i dont think that will be stopping anytime soon, especially after tonight....

[Marie]

You. Are. Fabulous. Thank you for bringing me McSteamy back. Thank you again and again ... and then again.

[Rachel]

You are the most amazing writer ever!!! Krista I love all of your episodes and Yesterday is one of my absolute favorite. I am so glad ya'll brought McSteamy back. Him and Addison are way hott together and I can't wait for them to double date with Meredith and Derek..hint hint!!! I seriously watched that stair scence with MerDer at least 20 times...the chemsitry between those two is out of this world. ANyway thank you so much for writing an amazing episode...I loved every minute of it. And the song at the end: Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol---perfect song for Meredith to choose Derek. Because Finn is great but he doesn't catch her "sould or her fire" :) THank you!!

P.S-I love Callie too!! And the dancing was amazing :)

P.P.S- I hope that Mark and Meredith, the 2 dirty misstresses, get to hook up with the loves of their lives. MerDer forever!!! ;)

[CC]

I have to admit, I was a little worried about the Season Premiere...the flashbacks were very powerful but the rest of the episode was a little serious and slow (probably Shonda showing respect for Denny's sake ;) BUT...after watching tonight - MY GREY'S IS BACK!!! I loved this episode, I loved all the name calling, and underwear/sunglasses dancing, evil future MIL's and MEREDITH telling the boys that she didn't have to make a choice. Excellent writing, acting, and music. Grey's TRUMPS life! Bring on more episodes 'cause I need my fix. I want more about Alex...he's SO dark and twisty, which makes him an exceptional McHottie. And many, many kudos to the GENIUS that brought back McSteamy - whomever you are. I love him and I would have his babies if my husband could somehow understand, but I don't think he will, so I will salivate from afar *sigh* That is drunk dialing at its finest. Great job Grey's people!

[Amy, Seattle]

I must say, I wish I was that funny when I was pregnant with my babies- I was a hormonal mood swing mess and not real funny at all, ask my husband :) Great recap and can't wait to see more of your episodes; including this one which I haven't watched yet- but I'm about to watch it because I DVR'ed it (is that a word?) Love reading your blogs, and if I lived in NY I would go see the play. But I live in Seattle, and I hope I catch you guys filming somewhere when you come out next! Good luck with it and the pregnancy and the baby!!

[Aimee Hoyer]

I'm the first to comment-that's odd for me! I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed reading your blog. You helped me to understand the bigger picture. I had not thought twice about why Izzie went to the bar. You made me understand. I realize that TV is fictional, but the emotions that you write are very real. I will continue to love Grey's Anatomy, and appreciate the talent of your staff. Keep up the good work.

[Rabbit]

Brilliant t.v.! Krista, you R.O.C.K.!

[Kamala]

Just wanted to say that I loved this episode. Seriously, this is the Grey's Anatomy that I know and love.

My bones melted when I saw McSteamy coming out of that bathroom, followed literally BY A CLOUD OF STEAM. My jaw hit the floor and I haven't been able to close it since.

Oh, and huge props to Katherine Heigl for her performance tonight, because you're right, when someone dies...it's just like this. It is for me, anyway.

Okay, now I'm just going to rewatch that bathroom scene over and over again until my whole TV screen has melted. HOTNESS.

PS-- I love all the Snow Patrol that's been on Grey's lately.

[Aryn]

I love the new Meredith. I love that she's happy and smiling in every scene and I love that she's the one in control for once! It suits her. I do hope that her choosing processes don't drag on forever and ever but I think she's going to have some fun with it. It will be nice to see fun Meredith again, much as I enjoyed crying with her when Doc died, or during her "Pick me" speech. I love...oh, screw it, I love everyone, and I can't believe I'm forced to wait an entire week for more!

[Kim]

I just love this show, and have loved it since it first aired. I've gotten plenty of people totally hooked using the DVDs, and when I saw McSteamy I jaw DROPPED and I was SO HAPPY HE WAS BACK. Holy. Hotness.

[JustinAnn]

Ok, best scene ever "McSteamy" that's all I'm gonna say

[Melinda]

Krista,

I am so with you on Callie. She is, indeed, the hottest woman on television. I am so glad to see her on GA. Thanks to who ever made that happen. I also love that it appears that she is moving into the house. SO so grateful she is getting air time.

All in all, great episode, Krista. I so appreciate all of the hard work that goes into this amazing show. That moment at the end where Derek finally acknowledge his sadness over his marriage was amazing.

Keep up the great work, and if the papers wanna quote your blog, so be it. You are an authentic person and your writing really shows that.

[Nancy]

I LOVE that you write the blog and tell us what you think and how you wrote. That's great that the NY Times is reading your blog too. Just shows how much power and impact this wonderful show has. Keep up the blogging. By the way.... please tell the powers that be that the podcasts are just too much fun. I love listening to them talk about the episodes.