Stacy McKee on "Let the Angels Commit"

Original airdate: 11/2/06

You know what’s funny? I’ve been sitting here for a good – oh – hour at least (which, by the way, means it’s gone from being bright and sunny to darkity dark dark outside, all by what? 5:00pm?  I’m just going to say it. I officially hate daylight savings time) grappling with how to start this week’s writers blog.

It’s funny, because I actually blog with you guys every week (I also write the Grey’s Nurse’s Blog, for those of you who don’t know) and I usually have NO trouble at all coming up with all sorts of fun things to say, only… I just realized – the reason I’m having so much trouble tonight is… I can’t hide behind a character. I know exactly what Nurse Debbie would say about this episode (“Hello. What is this – Bring Your Snarky Sister To Work Day or what???”)

But tonight… I have to simply write this blog as… Me.

Jeesh. It’s a lot of pressure, people!

So – after watching my episode again (looking for inspiration), then watching the sun go down outside (again, looking for inspiration) – it hit me. There’s really only one way to get this blog started—

I have to be Ham.

I am ham, and I am committed to dish with you about this deliciously murky, incredibly dark and twisty episode. H. A. M. – Ham.

Now, let’s talk about Meredith and Derek. I’m sure you all noticed they don’t have a lot of face time in this episode – but, put yourself in Meredith’s position. How COULD they? She broke up with Finn. Then she told Derek that… she broke up with Finn. And now – she’s waiting – has BEEN waiting for Derek to, in some way, react to her news about dearly departed ex-boy-toy Finn!!! Suddenly she’s single; he’s single. Finally. They have a real chance at being together and – there’s a McHottie in Derek’s bed.

Ok, so it’s his sister, but whatever.

If I were Meredith – there’s really no way I’d be able to do anything right now but bite my nails, try to focus on work, avoid the HECK out of Derek and spend way too much time over analyzing things with my closest friends, only… Meredith can’t even do that. Because her closest friend, Cristina, is dealing with her own crazy problems, so…

It brings us to one of my very favorite (heartbreaking though it is) moments between Meredith and Derek. When they finally run into each other, after a very long gut wrenching day. Derek finally fesses up to the fact that he hasn’t so much as even called Meredith – but he should have. (Damn right he should.) And Meredith – trying so very hard to keep herself together, not to cry or scream or whatever it is you DO in that situation – the situation in which Derek SO SHOULD HAVE CALLED – and she says, simply: “But you didn’t.” God, that moment kills me every time. It just breaks my heart because – by not calling, Derek has said so much more to her than he ever could have said in a conversation. He’s shown Meredith that he has things to sort out. He’s shown her he’s not necessarily ready to move forward with her right now. He’s shown her the very thing she realizes, right there in the stairwell – that despite all this being newly single-ness… Derek needs some space.

So, in that moment, Meredith gives it to him. And don’t you just know that it kills her inside to do so, but… that’s what it means to be Ham. You just have to commit to something. Whether you want to or not.

Now – as for Derek, I for one really enjoy seeing him with his sister. It’s fun, frankly, to watch him interact with a woman he ISN’T sleeping with. And it’s just so nice to get a glimpse of who he must be at home, with his family – with all of his sisters – as a brother. The line where Derek tells Nancy that she sounds more and more like Mom everyday? Yeah, my brother’s said that to me a few times. And the part where Addison and Mark watch Nancy leave – and they sigh to themselves about how much they miss her? Can’t you just picture what the pre-Seattle Shepherd family holidays must have been like? Don’t you just KNOW it’s a blast to hang out at their place? I LOVE how Nancy gives us this teeny tiny window into the family that helped turn McDreamy into McDreamy.

Ok – now I have to take a moment to talk about Bailey. Holy crap – the look on her face at the end of this episode? Killer. But the part that the ham in me HAS to talk about – is the exchange Bailey has with Burke, after the Humpty Dumpty surgery, when Burke (backed into a corner and with absolutely no choice) is forced to tell Bailey that he “just couldn’t use” her. Burke – Burke of ALL people – should have Bailey’s back, and yet – he says something like that. And Bailey, of course, thinks she knows exactly what Burke means – because Bailey said the exact same thing to Izzie Stevens earlier in the day.

Bailey doesn’t trust Stevens. Bailey is disappointed in Stevens. Bailey doesn’t even really want to work with Stevens (remember when Bailey questions the Chief about putting Izzie back on her service?) So to Bailey? It’s like Burke must feel that exact same way about her – it’s just horrible. For Bailey, for Burke.

Until that final moment when Bailey sees Cristina writing and erasing things on that OR board…. And it hits her. There’s more to this than meets the eye. Which tells us all that clearly – things are about to get even more horrible for Cristina.

Oh, Cristina. Seattle Grace’s own Lady Macbeth… what can I say about Cristina? She’s (barely) holding it all together. She and Burke have started this thing – they have become a team, a well oiled machine, only… how long do they really think they can keep something like this up? Theirs is a temporary fix to potentially very big problem… they’ve barely been able to put their system into place and already, it’s beginning to unravel. But the thing to remember is this – Cristina is the definition of Ham. She is doing precisely what she has to do to protect Burke – whether it earns her points or burns bridges with her friends or her colleagues – she’s doing what it takes. Because she’s committed.

Alright – it occurs to me that, by being such a committed piece of ham, I’ve managed to write a very long blog already, and I still haven’t been able to address many MANY of our other characters. SO – quickly –

Izzie understands Gretchen (The Crazy Burn Girl) so well, because that speech, where Gretchen talks about only being known as one thing, as a failure? Izzie gets that in SUCH a big way – I mean, here she is, finally at work, and she isn’t even allowed to touch a patient because the last time she did, it was Denny. Talk about only being known for one thing? All anyone at Seattle Grace knows Izzie as is “The Intern Who Quit After Killing Her Boyfriend.” Izzie has a lot to prove – just like Gretchen. Luckily for us – Izzie’s journey doesn’t wind up with IZZIE being committed…

And George & Callie. Poor poor Callie – I’m on her side, folks. The girl’s so damn in love with George. And he’s blown her off over and over and now that she’s finally really truly broken things off with him– NOW George decides he’s the Pig? Is he kidding? Could his timing be any worse?

There’s a reason so many people (including our characters) have a fear of commitment. It’s a tricky thing. It usually comes at a cost – and sometimes that cost can be very high.

Or in the case of this particular blog, far too wordy. So this me, signing off for the night, hoping you enjoyed tonight’s episode– and, btw – don’t look for Debbie’s Blog right now – I’m sure I won’t be posting it until tomorrow… After all, even Ham has to sleep some time!

Comments

[Viktorija]

great blog. and you can write as long as you like. i doubt any of us would complain at getting a glimpse into the writers' minds.

great episode.

[lost]

George called Callie a pig...I was waiting for her to slap him silly. The look on Derek's face when he walked around the corner and saw his sister with Mark and Addison. And then to learn that his sister slept with Mark too. Ugh - that would have sucked.

Good job tonight.

[Megan]

I was so excited when the season began......now its all gone (the excitement) and I am conflicted, Something is missing maybe its the HAM.

[Joice]

Poor bailey, she needs to have a talk and burke needs to tell her, she would have his back... remember, since the baby? her heart has gotten bigger and her hormones, please please let bailey know that she's appreciated. she's so fragile...

[Great Episode!]

I loved the episode, although I am just getting so impatient with McDreamy and his not calling Meredith!! Come on already!
Thanks for all you do!

[Shanna]

Does anyone actually like Daylight Savings Time??

I love the show, but a lot of us are getting tired of it dragging out last season's drama.

Bring back the edge.

[Jorge]

Thanks for delivering another great episode, as usual. It was on par with your usual vast awesomeness.

Seriously.

[I'M LOVIN IT!]

I've fallen in love with Grey's all over again. I had my suspicions before but I just loved this episode. I understand that Derek needs time and I'll try to be patient with him. Can't wait for the next episode. Looks like tons of fun. Oh Christina, poor Christina..like you said, her trouble's only just begun. Sandra plays her so AMAZINGLY, I was dumbfounded tonight by her performance.

[interested]

i have to say i side with each of the characters issues at the moment... but here's to hoping this doesn't spell disaster for all of them because that would be much to much to handle... and mer/der should be together so i hope this break will be only just that

[Lorna]

I really loved the episode Stacey. Good stuff...really. I also enjoyed reading your blog. I cannot count the number of times I gasped or felt my gut shifting. Excellent acting from Bailey! Chandra always has me really feeling with her. I love love that woman. I wish everyone would stop wanting to see this and that happen with the characters on the show. Let the writers do their work! Telling a story on a fictional TV show is not about right or wrong, what's real or not...unless it was Sesame street or Barney. It is there to entertain us and GA is doing just that. Tonight's episode proves that you guys are the best.

[Katrina]

Amazing episode it was all the things I LOVE about Grey's deep, awkward, and funny.

Best ep of Season 3!!!

[teddi =)]

loved tonigh's epi.. :) oh burktinaaaaa... "oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive" is not a popular saying for nothing.. i'm so sooo scared..

hahahah, "mcdreamy doing the mcnasty with mchottie... that mcbastard" ....HAHAHHAHA!!!
when you think about it, george is actually the perpetrator of a lt of the plays on the Mc stuff you got going on.. mcVomit.. haha, that was classic.. this one's going in the anals o history for sure. :))

i'm still waiting ofr mer and der to get a moment.. :) i know i know... the "i should've called.." ..." But you didn't" isn't a very good thing, it's bodes troubed waters.... but just the fact that she's taking this leap and him needing space... sort of proves to me that there is just something there. something there to take that needed space for. something to take a leap for. these just have to get doen. get over and done with... but McMerandDer will have their day.. :)

thanks for a great epi!!!

[Darvi in Illinois]

Stacy,

Great Blog & episode. You rock (as yourself & Nurse Debbie!!!). Keep up the great work!

[mindyeva7]

Well, I have to say the ONE person you didn't address and the only one I thought was a great storyline tonight was ALEX! How interesting it's getting with his inability to stay away from gyne patrol!
I was left dissapointed AGAIN with the whole MER/DER issue. I mean, how long can this be DRAGGED on? She left her boyfriend after he asked her to and now he needs space? In real world, that would have meant the end of the line for Derrick. But then again, we are talking a soap opera arnt we? I mean, John and Marlena just got back together after a year or so and thats 5 days a week baby. So we are looking at like, what 2008 before the MER/DER situ takes place? Hmmm, getting tempted to leace it on my tivo for a while, just not up to the hype anymore.......

[Astra Teresa]

This is the first time I am commenting. And I get to be the first one commenting for this week's blog. DOUBLE SCORE!!

I just want to say THANK YOU!!! I was getting worried with the writing for a while just because I am a die hard fan and wasn't so happy with how the past few shows were going. I thought they were a bit slow pace for Grey's. But I love Grey's so much!!! And I thank you for this episode because I thought it totally ROCKED!!!

Pretty much all I wanted to say. Thanks again for an AMAZING episode!

Much Love!

[S.]

I'm over Burke and Cristina and their drama that we all know is going to end badly. I'm over Meredith and Derek and their drama that we all know is never going to end. I'm over Izzie and the way we're supposed to believe she deserves to be let back in the program. I'm over Derek and his constant need to be the victim. (Seriously, next week, I think he should get eaten by a bear. Or fall into a lake or something. I'm not picky.)

The one thing I'm still in it for is the Addison-Alex dynamic. There is amazing potential for a powerful (platonic!) relationship there and I hope it gets explored adequately. Because really? Kate Walsh and Justin Chambers are carrying this show right now.

[kendra]

Stacy, I Lo-o-OVED your episode. Thanks for a great hour. It was so worth the two week wait. Thank you!

[MythCri]

0 Comments? I am left assuming there are many awaiting to be approved...there is no way the fans of GA would have yet to comment on the episode.
And what a wonderful episode it was. Izzie is back at work and already breaking the rules. Mer and Der finally got to talking and finally looks like they're on the same page. Still not together but all misconceptions and ill will have been cleared from the air. George has finally hit the wall with Callie, last chance, either he gets to be the "ham" or he has to walk away.
Then there is Christina, she is doing everything to protect the man she loves and there at the end between backing Burke into the corner with Bailey and getting caught messing with the OR board, you know it is all going to come crashing down. I'm afraid what will happen to their relationship...what will happen to Burke when Bailey finds out, 'cause we all know, Bailey will find out. Is Burke going to continue to resent Christina for pushing him? Is Christina going to hold up under the pressure of Burke's right hand and knight in shining armor? What will happen if and/or when she can't be at Burke's side?
There are a million and one bad reasons for this new aspect of their relationship...and I can't help but wish the ill fate which is inevitable in primetime drama from crashing down.

[Jeannie]

Ham,

I am so sorry as to be petty enough to count mentions but so far, only one blog has really dealt with Addison.

We're DYING here, the woman is THE reason for watching for some of us!

Derek and Meredith is all well and good for those who want to revisit their adolescent awkward stage, but some of us want some well trammeled, really deep seeded character relationships. Clearly Addison, if she chooses to accept either Mark OR Alex, is not going to have an easy time of it, not even mentioning having to slog her way through her own emotional battleground!

There is such abundance in this story direction and, let me repeat, we're DYING!!..

That said, my condolences on the daylight savings thing, seeing alot of that in the face of my office mates too...shame really that it's so hard on you poor joes...

oohhh looky i'm the first one tonight..i think. just wanted to say you are doing an awesome job, and we really appreciate the blogs. Oh, and i hate daylight savings also it gets dark waaay too soon these days. There needs to be more time in a day.

[SHelley]

okay christina and burke are in a scary spot right now, frankly it's just dangerous. and all their faces at the end showed it all... scary. Izzie it was heart breaking, everything is different, she isn't trusted, mer is her boss, but in the end her experiences helped a patient, she is in no way "fine" still and won't be for awhile. The best part i think of this episode is Mer being Izzie and George being Christina, as both those people are who they use to be, and it's again heartbreaking. Great episode, just left us wanting so much more. PS love alex this episode

[Leash]

Great episode!! One of the writers on TWOP wrote this about Greys and I thought you guys might get a kick out of it

"McDreamy gets on the elevator and finds Meredith there. It seems like these two are always alone on elevators. Do you think people see them and just decide to take the stairs to avoid all the staring and flirting?" LTG

[karen in WI a GREY pig]

Stacy,
I have been emailing Oprah as she is looking for the GREATEST GREY'S Fan right..I kept telling her I was a Pig for Grey's...
YOU brought all the characters to their original places yet with showing their maturity over the last 2 seasons it was a cumulation of excellence.
Derrik's sister let us know by allowing him to open up, that his dad is dead, 4 sisters and a mom...hmmmmm. Woman issues you think?
George on Gynie squad, Alex stepping in during that surgery that was brilliantly written. Sloan continuing to be the jerk he thinks he is going to stay ..somewhere down the line i would hope his kindness will prevail.
Such complexity with all the characters and yet simplicity in their desires of love, life and pursuit of their careers.
Callie, she so is into George still and George well he will become the pig..what a great analogy and the way they executed that scene, oscar winning material.
The woman who was pregnant & her fiance ...what great chemistry. NOW, can we see more of Nurse Tyler, he does such an awesome job. Handsome man too.
Chief having Derrick sew his button on..how funny yet insightfully bonding that was. Bailey, she will come back stronger. She knows what is going on with Burke and Yang and she will get on top of it. I have a feeling that Burke in next epi when he & the boys are out fishing something will come to front concerning his hand.
Interns aren't supposed to be writing the boards, the nurses,attending and residents. Not interns.
But Bailey knows that.
Izzie she once again saw the inner workings of someone. As long as she can do that and not fall in love again, she has a great chance of becoming a great surgeon.
Meredith, my dark & twisty hero...she can laugh, she can channel izzie, she can tell cristina i will be here when you need me. Dear Meredith.
Stacy thank you thank you thank you..GREAT GREY'S episode. Great.
there is a forum on delphi

The Title is called GREY'S ANATOMY ADDICT~PLUS. We are
enhanced by one of the top websites for Grey's also and we give links to ABC of course.
Stacy, you are a wonderful writer thank you thank you thank you again.
karen mckee armstrong
(must see if we are distantly related)
kindness seriously!!!!

[Kryss]

I figure there'll be tons of thoughts on most of those topics and that chances are good that my feelings will be covered somewhere in there.

That said, I HAVE to comment on Callie! I feel so empowered to "know" her when she's able to stand up for herself that way!!! I adore her, I want to be her friend, h***, I want to be her. Just as Derek's lack of calling spoke volumes, so did George's decision to watch her walk away, no calling after her, no nothing. In that moment, he cared enough about her to realize that he didn't care enough about her to be what she deserved. I adore him for that too.

One last thought on someone not mentioned; I'm really loving Alex and the changes in his priorities. He's gone from being a complete jerk that's just a way to break up the group's togetherness to being someone who holds his own and who can be compassionate while still being painfully blunt.

Thanks for so many great scenes with some of the characters that often end up more in the background!

[Geoffrey]

That was my favorite episode of season 3 so far--heck, maybe even my favorite episode of the whole series so far.

It was so dark and raised a lot of questions. Great developments with the characters!

Keep it up my little geniuses!