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

[jmiller]

Great episode; you didn't talk about Alex and how his head is telling him plastic surgery is where he wants to be, but his heart is pushing him to OB. Sloan was such a jerk to him; loved it when Alex turned off the phone. Christina ans Burke...that whole situation is going to unravel in an ugly way and I am SO looking forward to finding out what happens next! I LOVE Bailey; the look on her face at the board was heartbreaking.

[SheilaW]

So far in Season Three there have been bits and pieces and scenes that I have liked in each episode but something always seemed to be missing. Last nights show is my favorite episode. It felt like the "Greys" that I love. Great job with writing it and as usual the actors did a phenomenal job of bringing the characters to life.

[swirlforgreys]

Great episode! I love that Derek and Meredith are taking their relationship seriously enough for Derek to take some space and for Meredith to understand that he needs the space. It's like they realize how much is on the line - this is the real thing! (I guess you writers do know what you are doing!) It gives me great hope for their future! I just hope Derek doesn't need too much space or too much time. Meredith will wait, but can the fans wait much longer? When they do finally get together, it has to be for good and it has to be good! They've been through so much, and they deserve some happiness! So much more to say, but ... gotta go!

[shelby]

Thank you! I almost didnt' watch after last week (well the last time a new episode was on)..it's coming back around. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

[Sara]

thank you for your insights.
I think Grey's Anatomy is getting weird. I mean Izzie broke all the rules there are and Denny ended up dead. She goes around the hospital talking about the fact she is now a millionaire... McDreamy left his wife for Meredith, pushed her to break up with Finn, and now has things he needs to sort out? Christina & Burke, I won't even start with that..
Since when did GA become a day-time soap?

[McY]

Great Dark and Twisty Episode! I love that finally, finally Burke and Christina got an episode worthy of all the truama and tension that his return to Seattle Grace has warranted. The thing you didn't say is that he should tell someone; he shouldn't be operating with his secret. Christina shouldn't be helping him hide this but I love her so much for shaking her entire world and doing it. What happens when he can't do something in a surgery and when Christina can't do it either! And Bailey seeing her writing on the board after that exxhange with Burke was just a "lightbulb" moment.
I also loved Callie this episode. She's sticking to her convictions or at least trying really hard to. When she told George "don't chase me unless your ready to catch me," I clapped. It's just so hard as a woman to walk away from the man you love when you know you deserve better from him and there he is telling you he'll do better. BUT does he mean it? It gave George something to think about.
Honestly, I'm glad that Mer and Der didn't get much face time. I'm tired of the back and forth. I need some space from it!
This epi was definitely worth waiting the extra week to see!

[Jodi]

Ok, so I disagree with the whole Der/Mer thing. He was the one to profess his "Love" to her when she was dating Finn. He wasn't giving her up to Finn....Now all of a sudden he needs space?? If I were Mer I would be ticked! It's like he is playing some game. Plus, he didn't even talk to her about why he is acting this way. If he really loves Mer he would talk to her!

[Bajan chick]

Hi Stacy

I have to be honest. I was bored this episode. I had just spent the previous hour thoroughly entertained by a cute, quirky show. You might have heard of it – Ugly Betty? And when Grey's started, I actually debated whether or not to watch it. I mean this says a lot, when in seasons gone by, I would never have voluntarily missed an episode.

But although I was bored, there were several entertaining aspects, of course involving my fav. characters.

1. Alex. I'm not at all surprised you forgot to mention Alex in your blog, because Alex is one of the most underdeveloped characters on the show – and the one with the most exquisite potential. But us Alex shippers will continue to fly the flag for him. I mean, come on, he had a bit of everything tonight didn't he? Burning his bridges with plastics, diving head first into OB/GYN (he was clearly interested in spite of himself) and then vintage Alex at the end after he heard the convo between McSteamy and Callie. One could tell from his expression that information will come in very handy one day! God, I love evil Alex. His subtle shows of humanity make my week and I will happily continue to watch this show so long as you write more for him.

Bang (known to you as Burketina): I'm ambivalent. By far this is my fav. couple, and while I'm glad they're getting screen time, I hate this unethical path you've taken them down. I get that Cristina is committed; what I don't get is Burke's willingness to keep up with the charade. This is Burke. Burke!! He's too honourable for this, and while I agree that getting shot does a lot of things to your psyche, I don't necessarily like the changes you've shown so far. Of course, it's coming to a head soon isn't it, now that Bailey suspects something. I'll watch next week's episode first then comment afterwards. BTW, how sexy is IW? Put him in scrubs with a cap and I'm one melting puddle!

3. There were some little moments I chuckled at: Mer and George in the elevator pretending to be Cristina and Izzie (funny!); Chief doing "surgery" on his shirt. There are more, I think, but I can't remember.

What I didn't like:
• Nancypants: Too little, too late. While the look into Derek's New York life was okay, did anyone else think "okay, so why exactly is she here now as opposed to when Derek or Addison first came to Seattle"?

• Mark/Callie: Why are you doing this to Callie? We're to believe in the past week she's slept with Mark 3 times to prove what? She's hot and dirty? I really don't see the motivation behind this and you're destroying a character who has potential.
As for Mark, is he the show's resident man-whore? Because since he's been in Seattle, that's all he's done. And judging by next week's previews he's not done yet. In my mind, he's a perfect waste of screen time that could go to your otherwise fine actors.

• I have to ask like Addison did: Do I have to order a second skin or something or will every patient Addison see in the future have some sort of infidelity problem? (Didn't address that in your blog either – you know, the medical case, part of what this show is about)
Is this part of the "SO MUCH WORSE" campaign that Shonda initiated in the season premiere? Because let me tell you: Addison and Kate Walsh have some serious fans out here. And a lot of us feel you're trying to screw Addison up, but guess what? We don't care! We still love her and will push her popularity levels even higher. Don't get me wrong. What she did was sh****, low and she deserved to pay for it – and she has in spades. It's time to let her move on. The viewing audience does not need to be hit by an anvil every episode reminding us of her infidelity.

• Derek: I actually have no problem him saying he wants space. Then again, I'm not a Mur/Der fan either, but it's important when breaking off one relationship to have some space before going into another. But Derek can't seem to decide on what he wants. He's been taking advice from everybody this season and next episode is going into the woods (not by himself as his sister suggested). Meh. Who cares.

So that's it. BTW, Ugly Betty may do to you what you did to Desperate Housewives. Keep that in mind.

[Terri]

Stacy. Stacy.... Stacy....Stacy! I get it! You are Ham. And well, you aren't the only one that's Ham. There are tons of GA addicts looking at each other, texting each other this morning saying the same thing. We are Ham, committed to following Meredith and Derek on their journey painful, confusing, many time maddening as it may be, but we are committed and we are Ham. I have to tell you I was a bit apprehesive going into tonite's episode not really being able to gauge the direction of where 'our friends' characters might take. And right now darn it I don't care, no I don't care that I can't predict what happens in their future 'cause I'm Ham and committed to where ever and what ever road they go. You as part of Shonda's McDreamy writing team haven't let us down yet. The journey is just beginning and for me I'm going to enjoy. Stacy what more can be said but many thanks for an amazing episode. Loved it.

[Kelsey]

As always, excellent episode. You guys really outdo yourselves everytime.

I think a lot of people will be happy after this episode. Meredith and Derek finally got their cutsy scene. But Derek seems to be the only one who has progressed in this episode. I didn't get a real feeling of resolution from the other stories.

I LOVE Nancy. She reminds me of Addison. She's smart and funny and she interacts so well with Derek. I love seeing more backstory from the days in New York.

Bailey was sad this episode. She wasn't being her nazi self. It was good to see her character was flawed. But I felt like the story was never finished. At the end, she was still feeling incompetent.

I think the problem I have with this third season is the number of characters. There are too many people. Not all of the characters have a role in every episode. I hope that changes. There have been I think three cast members added since the beginning of the show. Not that I don't love them all, but I want to see more of them.

Izzie's story was cute. She works well with Meredith. And I loved the storyline.

Mark is not being nice again. What happened to being in love with Addison? Now he's chasing Callie? He's so mean to Alex. And I like Alex. We need to start seeing the "under belly of the reptile" as Kate Walsh would put it.

Which brings us to Alex, possibly my favorite character this episode. He should go neonatal. And hook up with Addison. Seriously, they have so much chemistry. I also felt that that wasn't resolved either. Because Mark just resigned Alex off of his service. There was no Alex/Addison interaction. He needs to talk to her if he wants to be on her service. Which he obviously does.

So I just hope next episode finishes everything! I'm really looking forward to it!

[Bajan Chick]

One last comment:

Alex: Last night confirmed for me something I've always suspected. Alex is a survivor and for the most part is tougher on his adult patients, the ones who can do things to survive. But he's always more caring and concerned about the children and babies. I just love how he sticks up for them!

[Mae]

Well, I am not sure how I am feeling about "let the angels commit". The show did have (thankfully) more of the "old, familiar grey's feel to it. I enjoyed seeing the some of the humor again.
So I hope things are getting back on track and not headed for soap opera hell. I liked the fact that we got to see into McDreamy's past life. Also, we watched as Addy and Mark look (sadly) at their past and more happy times leave them when Der's sister walks away.
I am still not happy with the Mer/Der thing. Granted a little space (mourning losses) to Derek would be reasonable, but can't they have a conversation for real instead of a blurb in the stairwell. Something as important as this conversation deserves more than a passing comment.
Seeing Miranda questioning herself is an interesting angle and I liked that we saw a glimps of her old self coming through again.
I really am tired with the entire Mer/Der thing being stretched out forever and a day. I think the writers are going to loose many people if they don't get them together soon and Please! enough with the Burktina plot..come on now..they couldn't exist in a hospital in their own microcosm like they are..
Stay more true to season 1 and 2 and keep it more real.....

[Beth]

What a meaty and complex episode--well done! Thank you!

[NY Jen]

At least your admitting that the Mer/Der think was horrible. Would it have killed you to have him explain to her why he needs space.
You all rank low with me now. Not sure why i even watch anymore. your slipping.

[tina]

shonda,shonda,shonda, maybe you and the cast and crew should start watching dancing with the stars....in order to win you have to get better. what a terrible road you have traveled this season...the writing is so so, the scenes choppy, even the actors are acting bored.....i actually looked at my clock and said it isn't over yet!!! i am sure if you watch the way the viewers watch you would actually see there is just no consistency week to week.....let's just say that everybody's in the kool-aid but don't know the flavor!!!!!

[Melody]

Stacy-

Thank you for bringing back the old George and Meredith! These past few episodes, I've watched them and I'm so glad that they have moved past the awkward sexual mistake and can be friends again. The elevator scene with George being "Cristina" and Mer being "Izzie" was cute and hilarious :) Speaking of Cristina, omg, who does she think she is?! The intern suddenly running the place? Oh wow, I love Cristina but what she is doing is wrong, wrong, wrong, and I can't wait to see Bailey call her on it. And Burke too...he should know better. I felt so bad for Bailey :(

I'm glad that we finally met one of Derek's sisters! But I'm sorry...Nancy really is a McBitch. She called Mer a "slutty intern", and more than once :(

I missed that Derek and Mer didn't have a lot of screen time together, but I understand. I think they both need some space. But I know I'm not the only one that was kinda hoping they would forget all that and kiss in the stairwell. When they get back together, you've GOT to give us tons of moments like that...us mer/der fans are going crazy with the wait!

Thanks so much Stacy! Great episode :)

[Naomi]

This was my favorite episode so far this season.

[blackdiamonds]

It's evening here in the Middle East. I am waiting for this particular episode to be avaiable online so I can download it and watch will happen.

P.S. I love this show and am totally crazy about it. I've been recommending it to everyone since I first saw it. Keep up the excellent writing ;)

[Elizabeth]

I don't think Cristina is being a ham...I think she's being selfish. She wants to do the surgeries, etc., but she's not doing it for Burke. She's doing it because she's selfish. It's going to blow up in her face.

I loved the episode...especially the part where George and Mer are in the elevator. George impersonates a good Cristina...very nice!

[Kim]

First I'd like to say what is up with the commercials? There seemed to be a lot of them last night.
Second, What does Nancy do for a living? Did I miss that somewhere?
Also, how would Christina be able to even touch the board? Let alone be so bossy to a nurse (or whoever it was that writing on the board) They are still interns, sleeping with Burke or not, there is no way she would be allowed near that board.
Third, something is missing from the last few episodes. I can't quite grasp it, but there is just something not there. It's like the characters aren't meshing together. I don't know.
I will still watch but I just want the old feel back to the program.
Find it. Commit to finding it please.

[Karli]

I loved tonight's episode. As my mom said, it was very action packed. I am loving Alex more and more. I'm so glad he's not going into plastics. I feel so bad for Bailey, and I can't wait to see what happens next now that she sorta knows about Cristina and Burke's deal with the devil. I don't feel that bad for Izzie, I do feel bad for Addison, and I want George and Callie to just work it out.

[Grey Addict]

I hope we see more of Derek's sisters. Great episode! Thanks for giving me an hour of singleness and romance every week.

[Marcia]

Stacie,
I wish you had written more about Mark and Addison. Does he love her or not? If he loves her, is he going to do something about it besides trying to get her into bed? I find it hard to believe that Addison would be interested in him only for the sex. (In previous episodes, she has said over and over again that Derek was great in bed.) There has to be something good/appealing in Mark that she could no longer see in Derek. No one throws away a marriage to a good man just for sex. If they knew Mark forever, Addison would know he couldn't be trusted. Right? By the way, what are Derek's feelings regarding Addison? Is he just angry? Did it hit him he might still love her? Does Addison still love Derek? Why didn't they have kids? All the burning questions about this relationship drive me up the wall. :) This thing with Burke and Cristina won't end well. Bailey is going to take her down! What about Izzie - is she going to handle the pressure? Any chance of her getting back together with Alex?

[karen.jersey]

Amazing episode! The Burke/Bailey scenes were great--and the look on her face was priceless at the end of the episode.

Glad to see Alex getting more likeable.

[Laura T]

Stacy, you actually love daylight savings time. It's the ending of DST that you don't like. DST ended last month.