Allan Heinberg on "The Heart of the Matter" ...

Original Airdate: 10-18-07

Not long ago, one of my smartest and most soulful friends found herself in the middle of a brutal divorce at exactly the same time my own ten-year relationship imploded.  We were both wrecked by the experience, but we got each other through it by convincing ourselves and each other that with enough time and therapy, we’d one day be able to let go of the all-consuming self-righteousness and rage we still felt toward our exes (who deserved it) and move on with our lives.  But a year and a half later, it still wasn’t happening.  We were angrier and bitterer and really tired of being single.  That’s when my smart, soulful and now impatient friend told me she’d figured it out.  “I have to forgive him,” she said.  “I’m never going to be able to move on until I forgive him.”  And I knew she was right.  I had to find a way to forgive my ex, too.  But how?  I mean, even if I was finally able to let go of all my anger and be grateful for the ten years we had together, how was I supposed to get in touch with him after sixteen months of terrible silence and say, “I forgive you”?  What the hell does he care if I’ve forgiven him.  He’s probably already moved on with his life.  He probably doesn’t even think he needs my stupid forgiveness.

So what did I do?  I did what most television writers do when they need the answer to one of life’s unanswerable questions:  I wrote a GREY’S ANATOMY episode about forgiveness and hoped to learn a little something along the way.

So, the subject of forgiveness:

George cheated on Callie.  He did.  He didn’t mean to exactly -- after all, George has proven himself to be a principled, loving person in the past -- but in a moment of angry, drunken weakness, he fell into bed with his best friend and apparently fell in love with her, too.  And then -- as if that wasn’t bad enough -- George lied to Callie about it.  For a long time.  And when he did finally tell Callie about his infidelity, he didn’t say he was in love with Izzie.  He told her he’d slept with her.  Maybe because he didn’t want to hurt Callie any more than he already had.  Or perhaps because he was hoping she’d be the one to end the marriage so he wouldn’t have to?  But that’s not what happened.  Instead George got the one response he’d never even considered.  Callie forgave him.  For Callie, that’s what you do when you love someone -- especially when you’ve made a lifelong commitment to someone -- you forgive him.  No matter what.  That’s what love’s about, right? 

So Callie forgave George.  And George suddenly found himself paralyzed -- unable to move in any direction -- until it became clear in that moment of near violence with her patient’s boyfriend that Callie, in fact, did not forgive George.  In spite of her best efforts, she’d been hurt, betrayed, and publicly humiliated to the point where forgiveness was impossible.  And she certainly had no forgiveness in her heart for Izzie -- even though Izzie seems to have finally realized that, although she and George may be the star-crossed heroes of their own love story, in Callie’s story, they're the bad guys.

Richard’s story also turns on the question of forgiveness.  As much as he still loves Adele -- and wants to stay married to her -- he cannot allow his feelings for her to dictate the way he fulfills his responsibilities as a physician.  Which has always been the conflict in their marriage.  And which -- in the context of Camille’s life or death decision -- Adele ultimately deems unforgivable.

As for Camille, keen-eyed GREY’S ANATOMY viewers will notice that the role is now being played by the brilliant Camille Winbush.  (If you’ve seen THE BERNIE MAC SHOW, you’ll recognize her instantly as Vanessa, Bernie’s sane, sharp-tongued niece.)  When the incredible Tessa Thompson, who originated the role of Camille, wasn’t available, we were fortunate indeed that Camille was able to step into part at the last minute with such extraordinary grace, intelligence, and heart.  I know cast changes are jarring, but Camille’s performance is so beautiful and so strong, I’m hoping you’ll forgive us.

In fact, forgiveness figures prominently in nearly all our characters’ stories.  Cristina forgives Lexie for being an intern.  Lexie forgives Cristina for being the new Nazi.  Mrs. Bitzer forgives Meredith and Norman when their carelessness makes her Icelandic dreams come true.  But for me the most remarkable act of forgiveness comes from Derek.

As a GREY’S writer, the question I’m most often asked (by parents, siblings, friends, and agents) is “Why aren’t Meredith and Derek together?”  Especially since Addison is gone and there don’t seem to be any concrete obstacles standing in their way.  “Why,” they ask, “can’t those two just stop whining and get together and be happy for a change?”   And most of the time when people share their feelings on the subject, it’s poor Meredith who gets the blame.  She has issues.  She’s dark and twisty.  She’s self-destructive and can’t allow herself even a single moment’s happiness.  But I don’t think that’s entirely accurate or fair.  After all, Derek lied at the beginning of their relationship by not revealing he was married.  And then when Addison showed up at Seattle Grace, he left Meredith and went back to her.  So, I can understand why Meredith has trust issues with Derek.

But in terms of why they’re not together now, the most compelling analysis comes from Mark Sloan (and it’s a remarkable testament to the power of forgiveness that Mark and Derek’s friendship has survived to this point) when he observes that Meredith is essentially still an intern.  She’s just starting out -- as a physician and as an adult -- whereas Derek’s life and career are firmly established.  He knows exactly who he is and what he wants -- and he’s ready to settle down.  He’s ready to get married and build Meredith a house and have kids with her and grow old with her.  And I’m sorry, but Meredith just isn’t there yet.  Nor should she be.  She’s a second year intern who’s only now coming to terms with who she is and what she wants to be.

Meredith and Derek love each other -- they do -- they may even be each other’s soul mates -- but right now they’re at vastly different points in their lives.  It’s no one’s fault.  It’s just a fact.  And by the end of the episode when Derek gets on the elevator, I think he finally sees and accepts Meredith for who she truly is -- regardless of whether or not she’s able to give him what he wants in that moment.  He simply loves her.  In spite of everything that’s gone before and no matter what happens next.

Which seems to me to be what forgiveness is really about:  acceptance.  Letting go of the hurt feelings -- or more precisely the ego blows -- we experience when our lives -- and the people in our lives -- don’t behave the way we want them to.  Which, let’s face it, is most of the time.  But if we can somehow recognize and accept ourselves and others for who we are -- without judgment -- those “hurt feelings” fade away and are replaced by what feels a lot like forgiveness.  At least that’s what happened with me and my ex.

Thanks for watching.  And for reading.

-- Allan Heinberg

Comments

[Stephanie S]

Ok I can only comment on the last half hour due to storm coverage here, lol. I will comment later when I finally see the whole episode. I loved the Meredith and Derek scene. Wow...can they get any better I ask you? But you guys have to stop saying "maybe soulmates" They are period. I get what Derek was saying and I thought it was beautiful *smiles*
I am a die hard MerDer shipper and I firmly believe that she wants it but has to work out some issues. May not want it right now but I think she wants all that Derek wants. And I love that he laid it all out for her, makes me wish I got to see the scene with him and lexie :( Trying to be patient here, lol.
From what I watched, Greys is awesome once again...this could be my new fav....but next week may be even better! I think our Meredith is growing up *awwww* Good Job! Oh and Sara? Rocked tonight! Just nailed it, gosh I love her! Oh and I see Lexzie emerging once again!!! I love that it was Alex who had the biggest issue with it..I knew he still loved her!
Yeah and any love interest for Derek? So not interested here, lol. Just had to say that, lol. *hugs*

[Mary from Washington]

Hey Allan,

First of all, I just want to commend you on writing a magnificent episode. You did a great job, and I know that writers don't always get the glory in television or film because they are rarely in the spotlight, but I just want to let you know that I appreciate the work you do so much and I'm sorry that you're not more appreciated. I know that Grey's couldn't exist without people like you, so thanks.

Now on to the episode. I loved this episode so much. It packed in everything I love about Grey's. There was humor, drama, tension, affection, and of course kissing ;).

First of all I just want to say that Sara Ramirez was amazing tonight. That girl can act and I really hope you guys aren't planning to write her out of the show. Even if she isn't with George I think her character is strong enough to survive at SGH without a man helping her succeed. Her performance was both heart-wrenching and beautiful. Do I hear Emmy calling?

Secondly I love love love love love love MerDer. Did I mention love. I'm not only in love with them, but in fact obsessed with them. And Derek did a very noble thing tonight. He finally told Meredith that he understands her and accepts her for who she is. Mer is a woman who has been hurt in the past. She was hurt by Thatcher, her mother, Derek and probably others as well. It's going to take her some time to understand who she is and learn to trust again. And I'm glad that Derek is willing to wait.

Now on the other hand, if Derek is willing to wait I can't say I'm really happy over the prospect of him dating other women. If this leads to a jealous Mer who sees someone peeing on her territory and reclaims her man, then I'm all for it, but I'm afraid that this could be dragged out until the season finale when we have some kind of triangle (real original for Grey's) where Mer finally realizes her love for Derek, but he's about to propose to another woman. *Oh no!*. Please don't let this be the case. I want Meredith and Derek to work through their problems. Not avoid them and never talk. The lines of communication are open at this point, and I would like to see Derek move slowly with Meredith until she is ready. (He may be surprised that she could change quickly if not pressured.)

Well, I guess I should wrap this up. Once again, I just want to thank all of you for the hard work you do. I know actors often get sole credit for television shows and I know that there's much more to it than that. If it weren't for the writers especially, there would be no words for the actors to recite. You are the storytellers. Thank you and I'll be here again next week.

---Mary Senn

P.S. Shonda and Betsy, I have listened to the podcast every single week since you began and have never missed one. I hope you know that you have more than a couple loyal fans who love to hear you two say, "Phone!"

[jenn from dallas]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXPLAINING ABOUT MERDER!! I mean on some certain sense I understood that, but after the drowning and all I figure that she was ready to move forward. It was just frustrating for me to see nothing really changing; before and after the drowning was the same if not even more depressing after, of course its not all meredith fault though. I was just wondering if she would have any kind of flashback to remembering that happened (which would be really cool by the way). Great episode! I wish Derek will just sit back and think of all he did and said to meredith. sigh

I loved how you portrayed Callie, and Izzie finally figured that its not just about her and George, and Callie will go away when she finds out.
\
By the way, I'm not a big fan of how the shows go through marriage like its something important and yet they still cheat. Like seriously?!?
=)
Great episode! I'm crossing my fingers for some real MerDer relationship eventually.

[woohoooo]

gotta say- last year the show was going downhill. but now, i am so happy to see it back to its roots. you are doing a phenomenal job once again and i'm so glad because the last thing i wanted to see was my favorite show being cancelled.

--

on a more serious note. i'm 16, and i just found out my friend has a rare form of cancer. i won't see her for six months. i hope you guys know how much your episodes really hit home with many viewers. maybe you could base a medical case on my friend? just a thought...

[Auni]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for writing the first absolutely FANTASTIC Grey's episode this season. The others had some good and great parts, but yours was consistent, very deep and very well thought out from beginning to end. Allan, I just have to say that I love your writing and what you do for the characters. This isn't the first time I have loved a Grey's episode and looked to find your name on it. I just wish you wrote more of them!!

Thank you for such a meaningful theme. I feel like the themes that come from personal experiences feel the most real to viewers. And that's just what this episode did. If there's one thing I feel Grey's has lost lately, it's that sense of groundedness and believability. Thank you for bursting Izzie and George's bubble and making them realize that what they were doing was hurting so many people. I'm not saying they can't be in love (though I feel that they have both had better, more compelling pairings), but they needed to be aware of the magnitude of what they were doing. And what Alex said to Izzie about why he was mad at her--it was so unexpected, yet so fitting and felt so right. My heart did a happy little leap for joy. I hope things continue in that direction.

But most of all, THANK YOU for bringing some believability to their relationship and why they are not together. THANK YOU SO MUCH for not blaming Meredith. I spend so much time defending her and explaining that while she had trust issues to begin with, Derek hurt her like she had never been hurt before when he lied to her and then chose Addison. She was still so sweet and naive and trusting in the first season and beginning of the second season. She did, after, give the whole "Derek, I love you...pick me, choose me, love me" speech. She was trusting to some degree and put herself out there and SAID SHE LOVED HIM (first, might I add), which we have (surprise surprise) NEVER heard her say to him since. So I do not blame her. Thank you for pointing that out. On the theme of forgiveness, yes, she forgave Derek for what he did, but that doesn't mend what he broke (to use another quote from the second season). She is still very much broken inside, and while she wants to be whole again, it'll take a while and perhaps some more stability in her life for her to get to that place. I love Derek for seeing that about her, for loving her and forgiving her (he certainly owes her a good amount of patience and forgiveness...she spent all of second season unwittingly waiting for him when she had practically NO hope of return).

But WHY OH WHY that line at the end about someone else coming along??? Derek himself was so hurt when Finn came along and he wasn't even with Meredith. Please let him be patient and don't let him get involved with someone else. It will break Meredith's heart, PARTICULARLY if it is Lexie (which, from this point on, given the bar flirtation, she might be suspicious of). But more importantly, Derek would never get involved with Lexie if he loved her the way he does now. I know Meredith may suspect it later on (that will hurt her enough), but PLEASE do not let anything happen. I think it might break the collective Grey's viewing audience's heart along with Meredith's. And then her trust issues really might be beyond repair.

But, at the risk of being terribly redundant, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for such an amazing episode that made complete sense, felt real, and for the first time in a while, pretty true to the characters we all grew to love. It had that magical Grey's mix of humor and joy and heart wrenching sadness (but not depression-inducing sadness that comes from killing off Susan or drowning Meredith--events rather hard to take seriously in their inconsistency with the show's general tone). I know you can't write every episode (and I really do love most of the other writers), but please try to keep it that way!!! Thank you for bringing back the magic!

[Mel in NC]

I get it, I truly do. We have waited for Derek to explain to Mer that HE gets it too. Just tell my why on earth did you have to ruin it by him saying to her...unless someone else comes along that is ready to accept all I have to give and is ready to give me all I want?

That just trashed that whole scene to me. Couldn't he just have said, I love you and I'll wait for you?

[Paula]

I love Meredith and Derek. Why do you keep doing this to them every week? Is it that hard to make them a couple? We've waited four seasons for this?

[Mcdoucheisback!]

Well your concept of love seems to me very different from mine. Love is definly NOT telling the person you love who happens to have abandonment issues that you will wait “until someone who wants to play house with you comes along”. I am sorry but that is not love, or dreamy, it’s SELFISH and Disgusting. Please give Meredith someone who really loves her no matter what, that can fight for her and who RESPECTS her.
Congratulations, you have made me hate Derek, I am of the Mer/Der train. Too bad that was the only thing that made me watch.

[Bittersweet & beautiful]

This by far has been the best most well rounded episode all season. Writing,acting, all of it.

Since I'm truly a mer/der fan, all of their scenes today were great, throughout the episode with and without each other. But the end, what a powerfully beautiful statement of his feelings. We saw hope,and love in both of these characters for each other.
Then, the unexpected blow. I've watched the end about 3 times, and finally it dawned on me, she in essence begins to trust, she wants what he wants to, though she is not ready, she wants to try. But, though I understand why he had to say it, he walks away from her, again.

I know there's ratings and sweeps, but really, we are not watching this show to have them turn to other people. Yes, Meredith is an intern, but she's not 22, and if they do love each other, isn't it time they start working on how to be together, rather than apart.

I can't compliment the writing and the episode enough. Just bittersweet ending, hoping that Derek dating does not mean finding that person that can give him what he wants from Meredith,and that she in turn, interpreting him walking away, again, does not turn to finding tequila and sex as her best friend again.

I understand, truly, what you explained about them, but any woman listening to Derek's words, could not have let him walk away.

At the end, I was speechless, I hope you get to write the episode when she too, realizes that he is the love of her life, and doesn't want to let go. You sold us on her coming back for Derek, because a whiff of him was not enough, please develop that character we hve come to know and love, dark, twisty and damaged opposite Mcdreamy, loving her in spite of it all.

[mamaloa]

Wow! Nice blog. You sure got that one on fast, and I'm the first to write on it. What should I say. I'm one of the anti Mer/Der fans, and I'm writing first, ha! I'm glad that Derek realizes now that Meredith is not ready, and maybe she never will be, or both will move on to someone else. I know a lot of people want them together, but I never felt that they were right from the very beginning. Maybe if there wasn't an Addison, but even if there wasn't an Addison, how can one dertermine they are in love with a one night, drunken sex? If they hadn't have discovered that they worked together it would be another one night, never to see you again type situation. At least with Meredith. So there was an Addison, and Derek had almost everything he said he wanted with Meredith already with Addison. My question is: Why is it he can forgive Meredith but never could he forgive Addison? He now even forgives Mark for what he has done. So, I say bring on the new love, or bring Addison back. Make him realize that he can have it all and a women to really love him, and make it work out. You are creative writers. Who's to say that the main couple has to be Meredith and Derek. The main couple should have been Addison and Derek, but hey bring on a new love for Derek. Make them be the hot couple. You're creative, you can pull this off. Make the public forget all about Mer/Der. You've pulled it off with Mer/Der, you can certainly pull it off with Der/????? Meredith is too immature, like Mark said. She's a baby, and needs to grow up, and if she does grow up finally, who's to say she's going to want to be with Derek? As for George and Izzy. Once again, another drunken sex situation, but the difference is they new each other. At least those two had conversation. They were close friends, and they should continue to be that way, and I think George should do everything he can to get it right with Callie. I also noticed that Alex was upset with Izzy for saying she's not ready after Denny to be with anyone else, and then she suddenly falls in love, and with George!! How cold is that? I mean I think Alex is an ass at times, but he does have a point, and if Alex new that it was a one night sex after being drunk all night. George couldn't even remember what he did, he was so drunk. I have to say this was better writing. You always have done good writing. Another question. What are you teaching the youth, if you work out a one night stand?

[p.s.]

thanks for posting so quickly and for a well written blog.

[Sara]

first!
absolutely loved the episode. even though i know i'm in the minority, i'm a huge fan of george and izzie together. please keep them as a couple! but it was still good to see callie finally stand up for herself in a way.

[Rebecca]

You have to understand Allan..it's only been a year for Meredith, but for us fans, it's been FOUR. FOUR long years of wanting this relationship to work.

And so for the writers of Grey's, you have to try to move it along just a bit faster. This was the most incredible love story on GA, but you are darn close to it ending in fans eyes and what a waste of a story for those of us who invested nearly four years in it.

We aren't "interns" either, so it's hard to just give out acceptance to this story. Maybe you can try to understand that when a fan asks you about Meredith and Derek. At least try to see it from our angle please.

Don't end them PLEASE.

Callie rocked tonight btw..

[kammommy]

Excellent episode. Thanks. I felt tonight that the old Grey's was back and there were surprises in each story. I felt "whoa" in so many places this evening. There are a few things I still don't understand but I'll wait to see where the path takes us.
But I have to admit - if McDreamy stood there and told me that he wanted to marry me, have kids with me and grow old with me until we die...well, I would be a complete idiot to not jump in his arms and say "ok!" So, to Mer: "stop being an idiot!"

[Denise]

Meredith and Derek are the main reason I watch the show. You break my heart with them every week. I wish you could just let them be a couple faults and all for a change, because the ups and downs are insane to watch.

What you said about Derek: it's about time. I've been waiting for him to realize that most of the problems between him and Mer came about directly BECAUSE of him. He told her to trust him and have faith...Addie shows up. He says he's getting a divorce...he doesn't (and he gets mad at her when she "tries" to move on). He says, I'll always show up...then ignores her calls and avoids her for days without telling her why. Then he says, I don't want to breathe for you anymore...so she turns to her friends who were always there, and he gets hurt and jealous.

Derek is the brooding, overthinking kind of guy that sometimes doesn't know how to say what he truly feels. Like with that whole "I met another woman" moment; it was intended to open Mer's eyes, but sounded more like an ultimatum-type thing. I'm glad that in this epi, he was able to better understand where Mer's coming from and that they're at different points in their lives. I do think he also needs to realize the extent of her trust issues with HIM and not just her non-parents et al. He helped break her, even though he didn't realize the extent of the damage...probably because he was hurting too and was more focused on that.

Mer in this epi showed some growth, which I was happy to see. She said that she hated the IDEA of Lexie and not the actual person...which leaves the possibility of a relationship between the two of them...maybe. I like that she took full responsibility for Norman's mistake; she makes a great teacher and cares more than she tries to let on. (Actually, Mer has always been more...mature(?) at the doctor thing than the other interns) and is already showing herself to be the better of the old interns at teaching the new ones. AND, she didn't run when Der said those things...progress!!

Oh, and how McDreamy was that speech? Seriously, only Patrick Dempsey could pull that off...*sigh*

yeah, I wrote a lot, but they're two of my favorite characters

As for the rest... :)

I'm glad Cristina was taken down a peg or two in regards to being a better teacher. She's always been a strong surgeon, but very condescending to those she considers less capable...which includes interns. Add that to the fact that Lexie is related to her person and that affects Meredith...so she'd be harder on Lexie just for that alone. Not to mention that Lexie shouldn't have touched the guy...

I don't like how much Derek stepped in though. I think he was a little harder on Cristina than necessary because he's kind of jealous of her relationship with Mer. In the end, I'm glad Cristina realized that she has to be a better teacher...but still insists on calling Lexie "three." lol!

I don't lean either way for the Iz/George/Callie triangle...personally, I think both women could do better. And Izzie has changed so much, that I don't quite like her at this point. However, this epi made me love Callie more than before. She's strong...yes, made some big mistakes in the past with George, but only because she really is an insecure person when it comes to him. I love that she tried so hard to take the high road through the entire epi, but in the end was just too hurt to actually MEAN the forgiving. Loved what she said to Izzie...very true.

I love Alex. A lot. I think he has shown tremendous growth over the seasons (with minor setbacks lol). What he said to Izzie...wow. He loves her, has since the beginning, but he's also too screwed up to know how to deal with that. He waited through the Denny thing, and she said she wasn't ready. That probably hurt him...especially to find out that she did move on... to a married man, which Alex rightly feels disgusted with. Izzie and George? Very self-righteous, judgemental people...they've always looked down on Alex (hello, never considered him an actual part of the "family" in previous epis) and for them to betray another person that way? Well, it appears they shouldn't be so condescending towards Alex after all.

umm, the Ava thing? I don't much care for...feels too much like the Denny thing or something.

The chief parts. LOVED. I'm glad he stuck by Camille (noticed the actress change, but loved her!) and didn't give in to Adele's emotional blackmail. Because that is what she did. She threw the past mistakes in his face when, for once, he DID put his family first. Camille wanted to go home, so he gave her what she wanted.

Always love Bailey! She kicks serious @$$ always!

AWESOME EPISODE!

lol...I'll stop with my novela-type post now... :)

[Jamie]

Mer/Der are the only reason I watch the show anymore..You are ming it so hard to hold on to hope here. You write these lovely blogs of hope after you spend the episode bringing whatever they had in the promo crashing down.

It really is hard to hang on anymore.

[Lois]

Absolutely fabulous episode, truly characteristic of the Grey's that I love! The only problem I have with the show right now is Alex. It was great that he finally shared his unhappiness about Izzie, but can we finally hear what he has to say about Addison? I'm still really angry that after a whole season of building up a strong romance, much more than just sexual tension, their relationship was used as an excuse to send Addison to her crappy new show. The return of Ava next week might just make me throw up.

[C2]

I liked how Alex forgave Izzie for going to George instead of him when she was ready to move on after Denny.

I kind of can't stand Callie, and absolutely can't stand her with George. They make no sense together. She stole him from Izzie, when it comes down to the bottom line. Callie deserves someone who loves her - the way that George and Izzie have loved each other for a long time, even if they didn't see it.

Derek's speech at the end was beautiful. If he goes to someone other than Meredith though, he's kind of a dog and that won't help the trust issues. If he sleeps with Lexie, or has a relationship with her, I will never watch this show again, ever.

Thank you for writing a beautiful episode about forgiveness.

[Jen D]

What a beautiful episode - you guys just get better and better. :) I love the point that Alex and Izzie are at, where they really can forgive each other, even if it's in an unconventional way.
And no one, *no one*, delivers a speech like Patrick Dempsey. Absolutely stunning, and if the group of us who watch it weren't already in love with McDreamy, we are now.
Callie was great tonight as well - every line, every moment she was on screen you could feel exactly what she was feeling, and when she finally admits to George that she hasn't forgiven him, it's perfect in such an imperfect way.

[Mike]

Nice to see that Derek finally got that Christina needs to be helped too. She's still learning herself.

Go Callie! She was just heartbreaking tonight. So awesome. Made me hate GIZZIE even more.

And Mer/Der...Geeze, let us have SOME hope. Seriously, how can you keep coming up with new ways of keeping them apart? Do they pay you extra for that?

[Matthew Rushing]

I love the podcasts too, listened to everyone! Phone!

[Sharon]

What Derek did to Mer tonight. To call her out on what HE EXPECTS yet again after ALL she's been through is hardly McDreamy at all. She fought for him in season one. I guess everything has to happen on Derek's timeline. Nice. (not)

[Pam]

Why don't you just level with us Allan...The writers are never gonna let Mer/Der be together are they?

[Sammi]

Alex and Izzie. OMG ALEX AND IZZIE.

He finally called her out on "not being ready" and it was fantastic. And NOTHING in the blog.

Go Alex.