Debora Cahn on "Love/Addiction"...

Addiction.  Who doesn’t love a good addiction?  I know I do.  You try something.  You like it.  You try it again.  You build a little ritual around it, make it a special part of your day.  You tell time by it.  “Must be noon, cause I’m jonesing for another cup of my special English tea!”  or  “I know it’s morning cause I’m awake and ready for a hit of crystal meth!”

DON’T DO METH, KIDS.

See, here’s the thing:  anything can be addictive.  And it’s not always easy to spot when something slips down that slippery slope from experiment to habit to addiction.  Derek and Meredith thought they’d ended it.  Cold turkey.  White knuckle.  Over.  So over.  Well, it wasn’t totally over.  There was a bit of a hang-over.  A little no-strings-attached sex.  Just for old times sake.  No harm, no foul.  But the thing is, there is harm.  Derek doesn’t like it.  He wants to talk.  He wants to sleep over.  He wants lunch, with the woman he loved, or loves, or has some impossible to define love related interaction with.  He’s settling for just the sex, cause that’s all she’s willing to indulge.  But that’s only hurting him.  It’s just enough of the drug to keep him hooked.  Never enough to satisfy him, only enough to make him want more.  And he knows.  He knows he’s got a problem, but he can’t walk away.

Love.  It’s like crystal meth. 

DON’T DO METH.

Even Callie’s strung out.  Callie, who always seemed stronger than the rest of them.  More together.  Less at the mercy of her emotions.  Sure, George’s on-again, off-again interest, his loosey goosey commitment made her kind of nuts, but she always seemed like she was handling it.  Now she’s walking around the hospital like a crazy person.  Falling down on the job, which she NEVER does.  Unable to concentrate on anything other than the sneaking suspicion that her husband’s having an affair.  She knows it, in her heart she can’t deny it.  But she can’t face it either.  She’s in a marriage that’s destroying her, and her husband’s about to come clean and maybe put them both out of their misery, but she can’t let him do it.  She can’t let him say it.  She’d rather be a strung out junkie than deal with the pain of withdrawal.

That’s a pretty serious drug.

BUT NOT AS SERIOUS AS CRYSTAL METH, WHICH YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T DO.

I watched this documentary on crystal meth.  The fabulous Stacy McKee saw this documentary called “Montana Meth” right when we were starting to put together this story, and she told me to watch it, and EEEEW.  Meth is a nasty drug, and it makes you do nasty, gnarly things, like trade sex with people who don’t shower for a hit that doesn’t even make you feel good, and all sorts of other things that I don’t even want to get into.  I watched it with my 15 year-old niece, figured I’d do a little, “I’m your cool aunt and I’ll show you this documentary on meth and scare you away from drugs” and I’m a little worried that I traumatized her for life.  Meth is foul.  Don’t do meth.

And don’t get into relationships with people who can’t handle them.  Don’t you just want to shake Derek and Callie?  Don’t you want to shake them and say, “These people keep telling you they can’t give you what you want – believe them!”  But shaking them wouldn’t help.  Because they’re addicted.  They can’t walk away even when they want to. 

Maybe it’s okay.  Maybe you can’t avoid addiction, all you can do is pick your poison.  Special English tea is better than meth, and love’s better than special English tea.  It may put you through the ringer sometimes, but when it’s good, it’s really really good.  Worth coming back to, time and time again.  Worth getting hooked on.

Comments

[Sadie]

Am I the first??? wooooo!

[ann]

pease explain what is the addiction of meredith

[Annie]

So...i take it that you guys dont want us to use meth...EVER! =)

[jill in lafayette]

LOVED LOVED LOVED the scene with Bailey & Alex where she chewed him a new one and then thanked each other. CLASSIC.

Good job on this episode. I think we're on a good start for this season. I still think Mere needs something "good" in her life!

[ali]

Thanks for an amzing episode! Much though I loved season 3, I felt something missing from last season. I am so excited that it looks like you guys have gotten back to season 1 and 2 calibar episodes: great medical cases and charector arcs that, rather than verging on ridiclous, are so intriguing and evict a bit more sympathy. I care about these charectors more than ever (okay, sometimes maybe a little too much), and can't wait to see where they're going next :)

[TheCoffee]

Well, nice episode. i liked the meth story, although i don't do drugs and never would (yeah, and i've seen enough of those "stay away from drugs" films... but still, good thing for those who haven't)

And the rest (especially merder, or course) was exciting in that TBC way that will keep me excited for the next few days.. yay (;

[Emily]

urm... yeah, although i loved it all as i was watching it, i kinda guessed everything that would happen... SURPRISE ME!
loved dereks comment about mark & nurses.. glad to know that is true and not just in my imaginary/extended greys world.

[Melissa]

Still not a fan of George and Izzie, but at least he is showing some sense and willing to tell Callie the truth. Conversely, a little part of me even appreciated Izzie's sensitivity towards the incredibly bad day that Callie was having when she told George to wait on telling Callie about them.

So, as it comes to Gizzie, my stone cold heart thawed just a little bit.

As for Meredith and Derek, I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship being limited to sex and mockery. However, it isn't as if Meredith didn't tell Derek exactly how much she was ready to give.

As usual, my favorite characters were and will remain, Bailey, Alex, and Cristina. I'm not sure what Alex has been through in the past that he knows what meth smells like on a person, but I hope the writers will continue to develop his character a little more.

[fischfutter3]

loved the episode...poor derek! meredith just doesn`t know what she`s doing to him...

[Amber]

Okay, before I comment on the episode (which by the way, I loved) I MUST say that the "Montana Meth" documentary was good. But, I also must say that it is NOT representative of all of Montana. I live in Montana and LOVE this state.

While Montana does have a huge Meth problem, we're working on it....so please, please, PLEASE don't think Montana is filled with meth-heads running all over the place!

With that said, I wanted to congratulate the Grey's writers on a great first two episode's of season four! Addiction is a tricky thing, especially when it involves already broken people. I should know a little thing or two about addiction, as my addiction is this show. I am in it for the long haul...just like McDreamy is in it for the long haul with Mere.

I hope and pray and desire with all my heart that Mere will work on her "issues" this season so that McDreamy doesn't slip right through her hands. Mere needs to realize that there are people(men--or more specifically--a man)out there that can love her, take care of her and be there for her, and NOT hurt her.

I feel for Mere. Mere is the fictional me. If Mere was a real person, Mere and I would be best friends (no, soulmates), get blitzed together and make irresponsible choices together. BUT, if I were lucky enough to be Mere's friend, I would also take her to task...slap her across the face and make her realize what she's doing exactly.

I plead of you, please make Cristina a stronger and better friend, so that she can wake Mere up from the nightmare that she's been living her whole life! Where is the friendship accountability? Mere needs someone to give her a good reality check. The best person to do that is Cristina, but I fear she is in no position to do anything like that this season. So, please have someone give Mere a quick kick in the butt!

I look forward to the "reincarnation of self" that Mere will experience this season! She deserves to be happy, as does McDreamy...so let's get it done already!

[Lois]

Wow. I didn't see the similarities between Callie and Derek's situation with the addiction thing. I got Derek's because I'm hardcore MerDer so it was plainly obvious to me that Derek is addicted to Mer any way he can possibly get her and he can't let go because it would destroy him. But I've been so anti-CaGe for some time that I didn't see Callie being addicted to George and not being able to let him go even though she knows it's not working. Wow.

CaGe needs to end. Or actually let the "Ca"llie and the "Ge"orge out of their "CaGe". See what I came up with there. Never would be a good relationship when the ship names CaGe.

Mer needs to get woken up. I know she has the whole issues because of her dad and her mum and she can't let Derek love her because she has major abandonment issues. But maybe Lexie can somehow help her with that. Lexie is in a way the anti-meredith. And yet she is similar to Meredith. Lexie also has some of the Dark&Twisty. So maybe that can kinda help Mer become human-like and have a proper grown up relationship with the perfect man who she could love if she let herself.

Dammit.

Why do I ramble so much?

[Tina]

Well, I'm hooked on Grey's. I can't help it...it's MY addiction! I'm SO looking forward to this season. I can't miss it! I absolutely LOVE George and Izzie, but I know it's going to be a rough one. I hope they last. Also, I hate that Callie gets hurt. I hope you find a strong counterpart for her. She's a FABULOUS character! I'm waiting and watching...

Cutting to the chase here:

Lauren S. ...if she's playing Derek's new loveydovey interest...I'm joining Dwight over at Dunder Mifflin Thursday nights. Yup.

[Lindsay]

Ok, enough is enough. Meredith and Derek - in order to be viable, need to be together. We've seen him walk away from her (twice) and her walk away from him. Can we stop going around and around? There are a lot of emotional issues that they can work through as a couple that will make for ridiculously wonderful drama - that they deal with TOGETHER.

[Aimee]

:) Such a great episode.... I'm completely hooked on this series again!

[Madison]

George/Izzie needs to just end. It's not cute. It's not okay. It's gross and horrific and what it's doing to all three of the main players is going to leave them without redemption.

Callie's not strung out, Debora. She believed in her marriage. She believed in George's proposal and in HIM. That doesn't make her a junky. That makes her a fool and it makes George and Izzie the addicts.

I took the leap of faith that Shonda asked me to take and I'm so over it. This is not the show that I fell in love with.

[Sabrina77]

So after everything Meredith and Derek have been through. After everything the fans have been through rooting for this couple, the writers have likened them to nothing more then an illegal narcotic ? I mean seriously ?

[Kate]

Derek is not honorable. No matter how many times you let other characters say he is. I mean

Denny: Do you know what kind of miracle it is that Derek is who he is? Do you know how rare it is that someone like him even exists?

Addison: I have a great guy, I don't have a baby, because I'm focusing on my career.

Meredith: Derek is the world most perfect man?

Seriously?

[Daniel K]

Please, for the love of god, put Callie out of her misery sometime soon. When she showed up I thought she was cool, maybe not right for George, but smart enough to walk away when it wasn't going well. I thought she was strong, and through being around her, I thought she'd toughen George up, get him ready to go after what he really wanted, and walk away when it was clear that she was the rebound girl. Because, to all of us on the outside, that's what she was. She picked up the pieces after Meredeth messed him up, and would hopefully ensure that it wouldn't happen again, but somewhere down the line, as said above, she got addicted and became this insecure woman who not only wouldn't let go or walk away, but who would sink her talons in so deep that she would marry him in a questionable emotional state, and use pregnancy as a threat and a way to keep her marriage together.

Her husband is in love with another woman, one who gets him so much more than she ever could. After all, don't we all want our partner to be our best friend? Please, just let these two go their separate ways, so they can both move on to much, much bigger and better things.

[Lexie]

Thanks for a great show. As always, there is something in Grey's that relates to my own life (thank God its not that I am a meth addict! Just the loving the wrong person stuff!) - I think that may be true for most of us loyal viewers. We're addicted!

[Seriously?]

We get invested in a couple for over three seasons so you can tell us their love is like crystal meth? Are you kidding me? And no, I don’t want to shake Derek, I want to shake some members of the writing staff and ask them what the hell are you thinking?
I am so done, unlike you characters; I am fully capable of kicking the addiction I had with this show.

[Becky]

I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed in this season. I am a huge Grey's fan...I've been with you from the very beginning, and have stuck up for the show and writing when others were putting it down last year. But this season has been a let down. I can't get over the gaps that Burke and Shephard have left behind. The whole Izzy/George/Callie thing...I love its potential, but it never goes anywhere! When will we get more of Karev? He's been one we haven't had a clear view of yet...he's so rich...there's a great story there...TELL IT!!!! Mer/Der are great...I love that Der knows Mer so well and that he recognizes that he can't walk away from her, no matter how unhealthy it may be. That is fantastic writing - very real life! Unfortunately, Mer/Der aren't enough for me. I keep telling myself that I've only seen two episodes, that the season is young, that things have to get better and the connection I've felt with Grey's since day one has to return, but there's that seed of doubt that's found it's way in. Please don't give it any water to grow!

[Kelly]

Shonda...I have a problem. Like you, I am a huge Mer/Der fan. However, I am getting tired of watching Mer with all of her issues. Please Heal the poor girl!!! We have now watched several episodes of self destructive, Meredith. It's time!!! Time for her to heal, time for her to communicate, and time for her to express her love again to Derek. You know, even damaged people..can be happy. We love them..now keep them happy, and together forever. It's time !!

[Rachel]

I loved the humor of this episode.

I hated the George and Izzie of it all, however. Why does the homewrecker seemed to be rewarded at every turn? Izzie has a deep, emotional problem that should be addressed before she moves on with anyone and whoever does get saddled with her shouldn't already be married.

I don't buy it. Denny JUST died. She can't already be in love again.

And Callie's the addict? Hello? You wrote this episode and you don't realize that George and Izzie are the ones addicted to each other? Please.

I would happily turn the channel if I wasn't so invested in Cristina.

[Roberta]

People should not feel sorry for Derek. Come on! He sleeps with Meredith and gets her to fall in love with him, even telling her if you get to know me, you will love me, and never tells her he is married. Then, Addison shows up and Meredith makes this amazing speech asking him to choose her (which if he had maybe they would be in a better place now) and he doesn't. Then, he gets jealous when she is moving on and sleeps with her making them both feel like horrible cheaters (all over again). Next, he tells her he chose wrong and wants her, but then walks away. Then, they get together and as she starts sinking, literally, he treats her like an albatross around his neck and flirts with McBar slut, who turns out to be her half sister. He really has been quite a jerk when you take a closer look. She has never lied to him, betrayed him -- nothing, and he has taken her for a total roller coaster ride. He truly is only McDreamy in his looks, but other than that he is a selfish, self-absorbed jerk. And he's been this huge jerk even knowing all Meredith has had to deal with and overcome. I think she is too good, way too good, for him.

[Kate]

I actually think I am going to be sick! So everything you have been telling us about Derek & Meredith for the past 3 season has been a lie. Just last week...These two love eachother, they really love eachother....but now Derek loved, loves or whatever. Sick!

I guess I am sick for watching this trainwreck. There could have been so much more. What a waste!

[QueenC]

When is George/Izzie going to end? When? I'm so tired of finding reasons to leave the room while they're on my screen.

We used to have weekly parties in my neighborhood because I had the big screen t.v.. No one comes anymore and I don't have to wonder why.

[gladluvgrey]

Now I don't know what to think. I'm all for MerDer and you say that we'll be shake Der and make him realize that Mer will never handle the relationship he wants??? I want to be optimistic for these two, because they're the main reason for me to watch the show...and your blog isn't helping. I know Der deserve more, he wants more and now, he is hurt by Mer's decision of only gives him sex, but I want to think that Mer will grow up and realize that she wants more too and that she can let him loves her. She knows she had a problem, and with her talk with Lexie, I really hope she's giving a step forward and figuring out things. So, I don't want to give up on MerDer and on the show because I love them, it's my Addiction and I can't walk away...but I want more.

[Roberta]

Callie begging George not to say anything had me bawling my eyes out! Brilliant! And Alex figuring out the meth story was amazing. I love him. Awesome episode.

[Melrose]

I thought this episode was far better than the premiere, but I still can't sit through the George and Izzie junk. I flip the channels while they're on. I just hate it. It makes my stomach hurt.

They were much better as friends and George and Callie were much better with each other. Callie loved George back to life after he felt wronged by Meredith and she made him retire his Bambi costume and become a man.

I don't know who or what the current George is, but he's no one I care to know. Neither is Izzie.

Callie, on the other hand, is a great character so if you have to demolish her then at least let her make babies with McSteamy or head to Addison's show because Sara Ramirez is a wonderful role model and actress and she keeps me tuned in.

[Jamie]

So once again this relationship that we ALL love so much is gonna fall and Shonda is laying out the roadmap to it.

What a BIG shock ONCE again it's MEREDITH'S FAULT. She loves him, we all know it, but the way Shonda now writes about her, it will again be on Meredith if/when this this relationship again fails

This is your lead character Shonda, but you seem to hate her more than some of the jaded fans do. It can't be all her fault.

Boy that Derek is a lucky character though. He doesn't need PR..He's got Shonda Rhimes defending him in every podcast and blog.

Survey says: Relationship over by sweeps and of course it's gotta be Meredith's fault, becasuse Derek's perfect (well in the creators eyes anyways)

Gaaaawwwdd...I actually believed you Shonda when you said this season was gonna bring the fun back. Mer/Der not together? Well that's no fun at all...

[Allie]

Nice blog. Short, simple, and to the point. This episode was one of my absolute favorites!!! All of my friends thought it was the best episode YET!!! The storyline was amazing. (And if you werent flipping out when crazy meth dude punched alex than took the baby...well your crazy) And I REALLY loved the topic...addiction. Oh and how addicted are all our little friends at Seattle Grace? VERY ADDICTED!

Derek and Meredith. Oh Derek and Meredith. I love them. I do. But poor Mer needs to sort through her issues. I love Meredith. I will always love her. But, I'm really rooting for her to give Derek a chance. A real chance. I want them to talk and have lunch dates and flirt. I want that. Derek wants that. And i think in a way, Meredith wants that but doesn't know how to have it. I love how Derek is addicted to her. (reminds me of the song Addicted- by Kelly Clarkson) He's stuck. Wanting her. Needing her. But not being able to escape her. I loved how he went home with her in the end...that made my McDreamy heart skip a beat. MAJOR SWOON! I just hope Meredith lets him in and they can get into a real relationship. Please? Give them a chance...but, I still love where this is going!

Keep up the great work!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!!

P.S: CAN DEREKS MOM PLEASE COME TO SGH?!?! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

[Amy]

I loved the episode, and Der is addicted to his love for Mer and to her, even in real life marriage after 25 years you need to still be addicted to that love and that person, so for me it was a beautiful moment!!! This just better not be saying Mer will never give him more, because the fans fully believe in Shandra and that our MER-DER will be together and happy from this year on out!!

[abbiekay]

Actually, I want to shake Meredith. I hope she can come to her senses before Derek shakes his addiction.

[Rachel]

This one made me cry, alright almost every one them makes me cry. Poor Callie, she needs a little McSteamy to take the edge off that addiction. ;)

[Cinny]

You realized that you just compared Derek and Meredith, the reason that keeps everyone watching, to a deadly, dangerous, illegal drug???

I thought I was okay with what happend...in fact, I was okay with the whole episode until the end of it---it showed tons of promise to returning to the Grey's that I loved so much. But I have to tell you...I'm hanging by a thin string right now. The fact that you used the words "He wants lunch, with the woman he loved, or loves" takes away a little of that hope. The fact that there is yet ANOTHER character joing the show soon as a possible love interest for Derek...well, that takes away even more of my hope. I care about the characters that are on the show already, not the ones that are coming in to stir up drama. I like drama, but this is going about it completely the wrong way, because you are continuing to alienate your fans.

4x06...that is the episode that everyone is holding out to. And I'm going to wait to. I keep telling myself that I should just trust you guys...but, you know, sometimes, you have to give up your addiction because it hurts you. Grey's...it's hurting me right now. So...we'll see.

And Gizzie? Don't get me started.

[Rhonda]

I have no words. I really have been waiting for this blog so I could speak and I'm just drawing a blank.

Let me say this:

I used to put my Grey's Anatomy scrubs on, pop a bowl of corn, turn off my phone and watch the episode. Then, because I record it, I'd watch it a second time so I'd be the smartest one at the water cooler on Friday morning.

Now? I use my time to pay bills and glance up at the television when people I like are on there.

I like Callie. I like Cristina. I like Mark. Alex is okay. Bailey still rocks.

But everyone else has gotten so pathetic and ridiculous that I have to look away. George and Izzie? Seriously!? Sex and mockery?! Seriously?! Chief Webber crawling Callie for *everything*, but doing NOTHING to Izzie for LVAD-gate? Yeah ... seriously!?

I put my scrubs in a yard sale last week and then as an afterthought I grabbed them back out. I think I'll burn them in the fireplace to purge my system once and for all.

This is not Grey's Anatomy.

This is George's Anatomy knowing and loving every woman on the show. I don't buy it.

Meredith is finally communicating! Derek and Lexie just don't like what she is saying.

Was Derek "testing" Meredith when he had Mark tell her not to wait for him and that he was in surgery? Was he trying to get her to go to Joe's with Mark?

Meredith IS an only child. I get that.

[Addicted]

I have an addiction too. It's for Grey's Anatomy, and I am about to end the relationship. It will be hard, I have been addicted for 3 years. Heavily addicted. But now I feel manipulated and used by my favorite addiction. I was SO deeply invested in some of these characters. I was in love with Mer/Der, I was in love with IzzMe/Alex (Even IzzMe/Denny for a while!), I even loved my somewhat dopey friend George. I loved the strong kick-butt Cristina & Callie...but I realize now as I rewatch seasons 1 & 2 that none of the characters that I grew to love exist anymore. Instead of Meredith growing and learning from her expieriences, she continues to regress. Izzie turned from one of my favorite characters to a whining, preachy, witch. George merely exists in name now. His character has been distorted so badly since season one that I don't even care what happens to him. Cristina shines only because of Sandra Oh, and we still know nothing about Alex. He is the only character that remains fun to watch...though if Rebecca comes back, that will be over as well. Callie was introduced as this beautiful, sexy, kick-butt ortho doc, and she's been reduced to nothing but the girl who is "curvy", and not quite as beautiful than the blonde supermodel who got her man (WHY again are they fighting over George????) I feel manipulated. Not one of our favorite relationships has turned out favorable. Watch out Gizzie fans....though I will NEVER understand WHY anyone would want them together, it will STILL end up bad. It's the way of this show. You invest your time and hopes into a relationship, and it ends in adultry or death. I don't want to be let down anymore. I continue to watch hoping beyond hope that there is hope for Mer/Der....but after reading the latest gossip, and promos...I GIVE UP. I have many other ways to spend my time. I am just so sad because this is the first time that I have been so invested in a television show.

oh, I do agree with one part of your episode. Meth IS VERY BAD.

[Addicted]

I am addicted to this show. Las year I felt the pain and not the high. This year I am feeling the high and not the pain. Keep up the good work.

[Chelle]

Grey's Anatomy ... it's like Crystal Meth.

The drug pusher says, "Leap with me, trust me" and like lemmings we do just that.

I'm going to rehab.

It's called 'The Office'.

[What?]

We get invested in a couple for over three seasons so you can tell us their love is like crystal meth? Are you kidding me? And no, I don’t want to shake Derek, I want to shake some members of the writing staff and ask them what the hell are you thinking?
I am so done, unlike you characters; I am fully capable of kicking the addiction I had with this show.

[Mary from Washington]

Hey Debora and everyone else working over at Grey's. Thanks for the amazing episode last Thursday. I can see that Grey's is finally starting to get back on track. I thought the part written for Chandra Wilson was great and she acted it perfectly as usual.

I'm also a huge Meredith fan and I just want to say that I think Mer has every right to not want to know Lexie. She was hurt as a child and that was partly because of Lexie. Because Thatcher had a new daughter to take care of and nurture. He ignored Mer and chose to forget about her. So Lexie can't expect that suddenly Mer is going to want a sister. Especially a sister who inadvertently made her the way she is.

I absolutely love that Derek is addicted to Mer. I have to say I'm addicted to MerDer, so we're all even, but I think it works. I hated the bouncing back and forth for Derek where he was there and then not. The real Derek can't be away from her. He will take anything she's willing to give, so although it hurts him, it's part of his biology. It's what makes him tick. And I can only hope that Mer will eventually be able to let him in and love him back. (We already know she loves him or she would have gone to Joe's with Mark), so we just need more change (hmmmm, reminds me of a season slogan I may have heard.)

And I'm sorry, but I'm a little tired of Gizzie. From everything Shonda was saying pre-season and the title of the next episode I can only expect that Gizzie is ending soon and probably O'Callie along with it. I think these characters need fresh starts so I hope we get them in the coming episodes.

And finally I just want to say that I'm obsessed and addicted to this show (to a point that my family thinks I need rehab), but I just want to thank all of your for your hard work and I can't wait for more episodes to come. Thanks.
---Mary
P.S. I'm assuming you like that I'm addicted, so I don't feel as bad :).

[Kykooz]

Okay well you managed to keep me watching because i wasn't going to continue if MerDer broke up and they did yet i am still watching because i am really hopefull that you can really do it this time. I hate to inform you that i used to watch the show for all the characters, but the summer before season 3 something snapped and i became a HUGE merder obsessor soooo i really need things with them to get better because frankly thats the only reason i watch the show.....

Gizzie is just nasty and annoying and taking up screen time that i would rather for merder

Its makeing me mad that Derek is all butt hurt because episode 1 he got it and understood her, but now he's all pouty and hurting and i think he should just stick around and wait for her... i mean that is if you say you can't see him anywhere else besides her side....

And lastly i am tired of the daddy issues as an excuse i really hope mer can really mature this season..... so please don't dissapoint me like you did last season....

I'm with the other poster who is "cutting to the chase"....

If Lauren in for Derek as a love interest (right after he professes his "undying" love for Mer and has hot "breakup sex)...then Dunder Mifflin is my new home on Thursdays at 9.

While things appear to be "happy and lighter this season" at the moment....I have this horrible feeling about what is to come. And a new love interest for Derek means his OLD love interest is no longer in the picture.

At least Jim and Pam are together at The Office!

[Shane]

I never thought I'd say this, but my guilty pleasure, my addiction, my Thursday night rendezvous has come to a screeching halt.

I hate the George/Izzie storyline.

I hate that Callie is the new Meredith and must therefore be abused.

I hate that Burke is gone.

I hate that Meredith and Derek are in this pathetic S&M phase.

I hate Bailey's bad attitude and Webber's too.

I can't see a single reason to stay and watch. Sara Ramirez is enough of a lure for me, but I'll just look at her website.

Maybe I'll go fishing next Thursday to seal my independence.

[Noreen]

So you're telling us "don't you feel like shaking Derek and Callie and tell them to get out of the situation?". Yes I do, indeed. Instead of asking us, MAKE IT HAPPEN. Write the story and make it happen. Let Derek and Callie have that little smidgeon of self-respect and tell Meredith and George respectively to just go to hell.

Gizzie needs to end. It's disgusting. And the addicted there are George and Izzie, not Callie.

Until I see Meredith dealing with her issues and behave like an adult person, I don't want her anywhere near Derek. Fix it and make it happen. Fix Meredith, and let Derek have some dignity. Only after that happens they can be happily together.

[Please]

Can you get Derek some rehab to get over his addiction? Please let him be with someone else, someone that cares about him even remotely. You know, someone that wouldn't mind eating lunch with him.

And - when is someone going to have a drink with Mark? Poor guy!

[nikki]

my addiction is clearly greys!!! new ones, reruns i gotta watch! ha
loved this eppi and the storyline. i feel bad for derek that he loves meredith sooo much and she just cant return that love. it saddens me. and meredith shes being a little unfair to lexie. i want them to be friends. i think they got could use someone to lean on. and alex he could smell the meth...so whats that say about where he came from?? hmmm. interesting. next weel looks STEAMY!!!

[Jayne in MI]

Loved the episode...I am so rooting for Meredith and Derek. I loved the scene at the end when Derek saw Mark talking to Meredith and couldn't take it, he just had to go get her.

Here's what I don't get...you really believe when someone is in love and devoted to another person,that's "addiction"? As long as the other person is in the relationship too, that's just called committment. (Sometimes I wonder if people in Hollywood become so wrapped up in Hollywood, they forget about the rest of the world and how real people live). This show has been so good because it "lives in" the real world, and that's what keeps us hanging on until next week (as yes, that's our little addiction!)

So, let's give Meredith and Derek a shot at a healty relationship... she's never had one in her life, so why should anyone expect her to know how to? Derek can teach her that when the going gets rough, the tough stay, they don't leave!

[Ridley]

Leap of faith.

Shonda asked for a leap of faith and now I remember why I have no faith in anyone.

George and Izzie as a couple is the most laughable and unrealistic thing I've ever seen.

Meredith and Derek having sex and mockery is a slap in the face to the viewers who begged for them to have sex.

Callie is not this weak, spineless beggar that you've made her become and if you let go of the only decent character on the show then you're crazy because Ramirez is amazing.

I just hate to see the final nails going into this coffin but I feel like I'm watching if happen. So I better look away.

[Not happy at all]

Okay see this is one of the many things I am confused about. Nothing is consistent with any of the writers. There is no "loved" Derek LOVES Meredith, no past tense, he loves her, an all-consuming love. You can't have Shonda saying the exact opposite last week and you saying something completely different this week. EVERYONE needs to get on the same page, you cant expect us to believe that they arent BOTH in love with each other.

This is the biggest frustration with this show, it's never consistent.

The character of Meredith is already treading on thin ice, fans actually hate her, now what are you doing? You are making the rest of us hate her and shes my favorite, always has been. Why can't she take a few steps forward rather than 20 steps back, if she backs up anymore she will end up in the drink again and that has already been done.

When did she become so cold? the "perfect" man just asked her to have a damn sandwich with her.. she kicks him out in the middle of the night when he has to get up early. She rips Lexie apart, whats going on?

While I'm all for hot sex, I dont like seeing Derek so broken, we need to see some depth, it's not that hard to figure out what to do with our favorite couple. I suggest you figure it out soon before the ratings plummet even more.

I'm really at the end of my wits here, I dont know how much more I can watch. I thought the "old greys" was supposed to be back. Where is it? What happened? I know things arent going to get better overnight but from all of the spoilers I am hearing its only going to get worse. Have you noticed the dramatic drop in ratings?? Do you get WHY that is??

Addiction..hmm.. I know a little about that.. see I'm addicted to this show. As Mer said in her VO, you have to hit rock bottom, well I gotta tell ya, I'm almost there.

[Angela T]

Thank you so much for mentioning Alex in your -oh, wait. You didn't! You gave him a very nice story, I'll give you that. The best of the episode. But, you people hardly ever mention him! You hinted at back story, you showed him with a baby (cool!), you showed him making a stupid decision, and then you showed him knowing it and taking his licks (literally) like a man when he was told that he did something stupid. The writing of other characters could take a lesson from that. Speaking of....

And, could you people please stop pumping up Derek? He's not "the world's most perfect man" Nowhere close. He's not honorable (Mama Burke needs her head examined if she thinks either him or her son are honorable). And, his faults aren't just letting Meredith not give him what he needs (again, putting the major amount of the problems on her). He causes some problems, he has some definite flaws. And, they would be easier to swallow if people would acknowledge them on screen. Instead of everybody talking about how perfect and wonderful and honorable and what a miracle he is. No, I don't want characters perfect, but it's even worse when a character isn't perfect, but the show won't acknowledge it.

And, yes, as Chief Resident, the buck stops with Callie. She's responsible. I get that. But, it wasn't lack of concentration that caused the problems. It was Alex disobeying protocol (while Callie was in surgery, so she couldn't hold his hand and she shouldn't have to). It was Bailey, acting like a brat, overriding her decisions. A lot of people are making things difficult.

[Lillian]

Meredith and Derek need to have a long talk.Become a couple after the talk and none of the writer can break them up.I am gone otherwise.

[Rita]

I've had enough of Meredith and her issues and enough of Derek getting all the criticism when he's the one who is being used, not Meredith. Enough of using her problems as a pathetic excuse. She is a poor excuse for a woman. She doesn't do anything to fix her problems. And it is YOUR fault. Because this happens because of the writing. I don't want this Meredith with Derek. Let Derek be happy with someone else, Meredith doesn't deserve him.

[Glad]

I read the announcement for the new actress. I am hoping she is a love interest for Derek. He may not be able to walk away from Meredith quite yet, but I have. She's annoying and acts like a child. A grown up love interest for Derek would be outstanding! I was a bit down on the show but I am now going to keep watching because I am really excited about Derek being free of the Meredith the anchor and with someone else! I can't wait!

[Seriously?]

I'm cutting to chase as well, If you are thinking of bringing in a new love interest for Derek to increase ratings for the Fall Sweeps, you do realize you are digging your own grave, right?

There is no way I will watch Derek with anyone else, Addison was hard enough. I cant and wont do it again.

I will kick this addiction quickly.

[Donna]

I loved the episode and I have just one comment. Thank God Bailey is back!!! Listening to her chew Alex out brought a smile to my face.

[Allie]

Hey, Allie again, but yes... if this lauren person is a new love interest for Derek i will cry. =( But then again, it would be interesting to see how Mer deals with it, maybe it will give her a wake up call! BUT I REALLY HOPE ITS HIS SISTER!!! right?! Its his sister right??!

P.S: Idea for finale: MERDER PROPOSAL!!!! That would make your fans swoon. But if you want the proposal, you need to get the relationship back on track. they're kinda falling off the deep end. (and judging by the comments, you guys better save them...FAST!)

[Debra]

I also am totally addicted to Grey's and I don't do drugs OR TV much! Like so many others here, I, too, love Mer/Der and I can't believe where this is headed or that a new love interest is coming on for Derek. He told Meredith she was the love of his life. We all know she loves him, too, and is afraid of that emotion. Let them work it out together. It is okay for some characters to be happy. Some of us folks really are!

[Loving McSteamy]

I have loved each and every scene with Mark during the first two episodes, especially the Mark/Derek scenes.

Glad to see that someone cares at all about Derek. Its clear the love of his life doesn't as she can't be bothered ever thinking of what he would want or need. Let miserable, Me-Me-Me Meredith be alone and let Derek move onto someone else, someone that can at least try to love him back. You've damaged Meredith beyond repair, I will never root for this couple again, except to root against them. Bring back Finn for her, someone dull and boring for her to drag down with her misery.

[Not happy]

I think I now hate Meredith as much as I hate the Gizzie storyline. I never thought that was possible. Congratulations on the not so fine writing.

[She's So Over]

I think the term is "character growth"...How about giving Meredith a nice dose of that?

She's was dead and is now alive, and yet nothing has changed. I know you need her to be "flawed" but, enough is enough. Either let her character grow and learn how to let people (other than Cristina) in, or kill her off like you do all of her relatives.

[Channing]

In Season One, I was spellbound.

In Season Two, I was amazed.

In Season Three, I felt like I was being buried in a grave and the last few episodes were shovel fulls of dirt being thrown on me.

In Season Four, I'm clawing out of the grave and running, not walking, to the nearest exit.

You can have your Gizzie. You can have your Mer/Der of it all. You can have your game of 'kick the Callie' and let Izzie get away with murder again if you must.

I'm done.

[Steamyfan]

I so love what you're finally doing with my favourite guy McSteamy: giving him a storyline! Can you please give him and Derek more than 30 seconds per episode? The two of them and Alex and Cristina are the highlight of the episode, and the only good reason to watch for me right now.

Meredith is such a pathetic whiny mess that I feel like slapping her when she shows up on screen. She was a bitch even to Lexie. Fix this character please. And keep her away from Derek until she she's fully fixed.

Let Derek be happy for once. Make him date other people, and make Meredith see what she's giving up. Maybe that'll wake her up.

[Melly]

LONG LIVE GEORGE AND IZZIE! I seriously love them, right now, they are the one thing keeping me watching this show. LOL, you talk about addiction, well right now they are my addiction of choice.

[anne]

I adore Meredith, I really do. I like that she's messed up, and insecure, and unsure just like we all are. I think the people who call her whiney should carry a tape recorder around with them all day to find out how much they whine, too. But it really, really breaks my heart that Meredith can't seem to get over her intimacy issues. We all know she has them - even she admits it, but it's frustrating that she will stand there and talk about it very flippantly with a stranger but she won't actually get some help or take some steps to fix it. At the very least, I hope that in the future she will talk to Derek more about her hang ups. She has almost him twice before because of circumstances beyond her control, this time she has the control and I hope that she will step up to the plate, or I am walking away. I miss strong, kick ass Meredith. I admire Derek for his patience and his commitment, but he needs to stand up for himself and do a better job of communicating his needs to Meredith. Maybe, since they are "broken up" , he can sweep her off her feet again, and maybe this time she will let him. THANK YOU for letting Meredith have good hair this season, it was soooo tragic last season. thx

[Gizziefanforever]

I for one love the George and Izzie of it all, they are what keeps me glued to the screen. God I so wanted them to kiss when they were in the hall. George is so much mroe confident, happy and sure of himself when he is with Izzie. Callie makes him feel like he is nothing pretty much and he always seems so despodnent with her. Izzie gets George, faults and all, and he does too. They belong together.

this whole mer/der thing can be perfectly summed up by elliot yamin's song "wait for you". both mer and derek need eachother. mer will come around, i hope, and then they'll have this amazing thing because they stayed with it.

[Kate]

First of all, I have to say that this is the first episode since mid-season 3 that felt like "vintage Grey's" to me. I really enjoyed it. That being said, please tell me that we aren't supposed to buy for one second that Callie and Derek are in the same position. Callie may have thought that George was her McDreamy, but I don't think that George ever felt like Callie was his Meredith. I am fine with waiting for Meredith and Derek to get through this "impasse" we hear so much about, but in my opinion, we still need to feel that the love is still there. No matter how much Meredith would like for their relationship to just be about sex at this point, it just isn't. Breaking them further and further apart would be the biggest waste of chemistry on tv. Period.

[kendra]

i love this show. plain & simple. I may not always like what's happening in the characters' lives, but i love the writing and journeys you take us on. and i love george & izzie together! i have hope for them; i think they would complete each other. i'm in this right along with you... keep up the great work!

[Happy]

I have a problem. I'm seriously addicted to Grey's Anatomy. Especially Derek and Meredith. So, when is Meredith going to open up to Derek and let him know how she really feels about him??? What is it going to take to make them work as a couple? I guess I'll keep watching and see what happens next ...

[Lena]

OK, first of all, I want to say I really love george and Izzie. They make each other so happy. Izzie was glowing when they were in Mer's living room,l I have nevers een her like that. It seems George just ahs this magical effect on her.

And thr George with Izzie is the George that I love, the confident, funny, bumbling, sweet, adorable George.

Izzie makes George the George I love. When he is with Callie, his hsoulders slump, he follows her around like a bad puppy, a defeated, sad little man. With Izzie, he is all determined and cute and proud and sexy.

I want George to be happy, I want Izzie to be happy, I even want Callie to be happy.

And for that to happen, George ahs to tell Callie the truth so she can be free to be with a man who loves her, maybe Mark.

And George and Izzie have to be together, because there is now ay they can be happy or whole without each other.

[DealWithIt]

So let me get this straight:
You asked us to take a leap of faith...FOR WHAT EXACTLY?!? Are the writers running out of story lines already? Do you have to resort to breaking Mer/Der up partially because other story lines aren't that great?

Here's a prediction: Derek begins to fall for that new doctor played by some new actress who's all over the internet now (not Lexie). He becomes happy w/her and Meredith's jealousy is what finally kicks her into gear to be able to have a normal relationship w/him...just in time for S4 to end.

If that's where you're going then I quit. GA isn't that big of an addiction after the monstrosity of S3! You go down some stupid road with your two main characters and just watch how quickly your viewers jump ship!

Don't destroy S4 like you did S3...and you're on your way already! GA isn't an addiction...we can very well live w/o it if it becomes as offensive as the person who doesn't shower for a week!

YUCK!

[Kellie]

I never thought I'd say these words but here goes:

Meredith is pathetic. Can Derek PLEASE be with someone new?

I'm over Mer/Der, so over. She's unbearable.

[kaitlyn]

George and izzie are my addiction. There almost kiss in the hall amazzziiiiinnngggly hot. i know its about to get hard for them, its going to hurt. I am definately going to have withdrawals.

[Joy]

Can you please have Mark shake Derek? He's DA MAN for the job! He cares about Derek, in his own twisted way because of his huge mistake, but he does care. That would be a great scene! Let Mark shake Derek and get him over his addiction.

I agree with the poster Glad. A grown up love interest for Derek would be outstanding! Finally!

[Bethany]

The show has gotten boring. Thank God for George and Izzie, they make me want to watch the show. They are the only fresh, not stale story right now. It is so obvious they belong together. They are sweet, cute,sexy, funny and most of all, HOT!

My friends and I were all screaming Kis, kiss, for the love of God, kiss. The chemistry was melting down the screen.

Please more of them, they are the only thing keeping me watching.

And please Callie, let him go!

[Linda]

OK, I feel abd for Callie, I really do and I do like her, BUT I never liked her with George. He never was reall hers to begin with and seeing his amazing sceens with Izzie, it is clear what woman he should be with and it is NOT Callie. They are toxic for each other. Seeing the little sneak peek of how Gizzie would be as a couple left me wanting more, they would be such a great couple. Shonda, please give George and Izzie a chance, there are tons of us that really want them together and happy and have eben rooting for them since day 1.

As for MerDer, they are wearing thin on me FAST, change them or drop them.

[McDark&Twisty]

Hey, the blog is up! I would have posted a comment sooner, but I was too busy doing meth.

;-] Sorry. I had to.

So, I discovered on the last blog that I'm not aloud to say I hate Shonda, because my bitter comment never got posted. Fine. I'll let that go.

I'm finally beginning to accept the fact that Burktina is forever gone and over. I definitely don't agree with it and still think that it really isn't what should have happened, but this is a television show for goodness sake, how long can I really stay bitter?

So, with that aside, I'm glad to say that I'm enjoying this season. It's very nice to not spend every episode in agony, freaking out about what happened/what's happening/what's about to happen. This particular episode was really great, it feels like the old GA in ways, and in others it feels like something completely different, and I like that. It's like the show's finally come out of the crazy land of season 3 the same show, yet changed from the experience.

Well, I would talk more, but I'm off to go do more meth. (Heehee ;])

It's nice to start to love GA again.

[McDark&Twisty]

Oh, and I almost forgot: EW GIZZIE.

There.

[Florinne]

George and Izzie are the one breath o fresh air, the one ray of light on the show right now. They ahd me smiling like an idiot and leaving me wanting a lot more loving with them throughout the episode.

I don't get the people whow ant George to stay with Callie. He amde a mistake amrrying her when he was not in his right mindm, should he pay all his life for it and lose the possibility of true love with Izzie?

Should Callie be stuck in a marriage that is destroying her inside and outside?

Not all mariages should eb saved. And sometimes, just sometimes you find true love in the worst of timing and circumstances, but it doesn't mean you should not fight for it.

So I say, let Gizzie live, please please please.

[McSam]

Watching Derek go through this was pretty upsetting. Usually we get mad at Derek for whatever reason (having a wife, picking his wife, callig Mer a whore etc.) but now i'm sad for Derek. He loves Meredith so much he can't walk away. Because he needs her so bad, even though sex isn't enough... he'll take it. Which is upsetting. Like i have said. I do hope Meredith gets her act together for her sake.. AND Derek's. He needs her. She loves him. And for them to be with anyone else at this point is stupid and makes people mad. Like me. i'm mad. And upset. I hope next episode isn't as upsetting.

[enough]

When did this show become George's Anatomy? Oh wait, that happened last season. Enough! George and Izzie is gross, just plain gross. It needs to end yesterday. It's neither cute nor interesting, it is disgusting.

Enough of Meredith behaving like a spoiled child: she's not the only one in this world having issues. Make her behave like an adult, it's time she grew up and faced her problems. Enough of sad Meredith. Make her grow up and be a happy adult.

Enough of Derek being responsible for everything: he has a right to enjoy life and be happy. He has a right to have a decent woman by his side. He has a right to walk away from the misery Meredith is for him now. You've turned this couple into a trainwreck. Break them up already, I can't stand watching them like this. They're annoying.

Keep up the good job with McSteamy, Alex and Cristina. And more McSteamy/McDreamy! Their scenes are great!!!

[More]

Can we have more of Alex, Cristina, Mark and Derek please? All the rest have been ruined, can't stand them.

Thanks.

[Nonna]

I am tired of Derek and Meredith, they are unhealthy and not sure how anyone can root for them a this point.

Right now, the only couple I remotely care about is Gizzie (George and Izzie). Seeing them together is always so ebautiful and heartbreaking, they are SO in love and so want to be together. t was a gorgeous thing to see them light up just being near each toher. I would have really loevd a kiss but I am glad they are waiting to tell Callie first (something Derek did not have the decency to do with Addison).

This show clearly indicated how guilty they both feel about Callie and how they never wanted to hurt ehr, you can't help who your ehart loves. And I think Callie and George bring the worst in each other while Izzie and George bring the ebst.

Gizzie forever!

I also loved the Bailey and Alex convo, I loved hwo he accepted criticism from ehr, he obviously respects her a greatd eal.

he rest of the show was kind of meh but thanks for all the special Gizie stuff.

[Katie]

I WANT MER/DER TOGETHER!!! Except not anymore.

[nana]

i want alex and izzie together

i want burke to come back

i LOVE CALLIE

calling derek "the world's most perfect man"???? oh dear, now the writers are on meth again

[See..]

This is what I am talking about.. look how many people hate Meredith. WHAT ARE YOU DOING???

[Lissa]

Thanks thanks thanks for the beautiful George and Izzie scenes. The determined scene I had alreadyw atched on Youtube like 200 times befroe, but I loved the scene in the hall. That was so old George and Izzie with their fun. Izzie rambling so cutely and George going all Izzie, ha ha. He looked like an impatient kid. Those two have this innocence about them that I love. They are perfect for each other.

I loved when they were all lirting and saying they couldn't do anything and Izzie got like evry close to George and was looking down at his lips, mmmm, and then in his eyes with a big happy smile like she was happy just being near him. And I loved how Georeg's voice sort of croaked because he wanted ehr SO bad. And Izzie's little I REALLy need to leave as she was scared she would kiss him if she stayed. Wow, so hot!

Those two are IT for me now.

Also, Sandra Oh was just magnificent, I loved ehr as always, at the end when she is all alone and looks so lost, I got so mad at Burke and wanted to give ehr such a big hug, sniff, my ehart broke for her.

I also hate what you are doing with MerDer, continue that way and you will ruin them for me.

Oh and poor Lexie, I love Chyler Leigh, what a brilliant addition!

[Lex]

I really enjoyed this episode. Addiction is a hard thing to fight. And much like George's patient, some don't make it through it. Their hearts just aren't strong enough. But I have faith that Derek and Callie can make it through their addictions. Callie needs to finally face the music and give up her addiction to George. Its only hurting them both now.

I really enjoyed the interaction between George and Izzie. I really hope that George, Izzie, and Callie can all come away from this happier. They all deserve that. Like Izzie said in this episode, just because people do horrible things that doesn't mean they are horrible people.

[Done]

I'm too mad to even form a coherent response.

Basically fix MerDer or I'm done along with millions of others.

[JennT]

We've been fans of show from episode 1, but the episodes from the ferry disaster last season and the first two episodes of this season have ended it.

Rather than watch it once myself and a second time with my SO, I record the show and watch it as background, while he couldn't even bring himself to watch this week's episode after Izzie decided to save the deer. Seriously?

The spark and the sizzling electricity is gone. Strong and interesting characters are gone, and their ability to bring out strong and interesting parts in the remaining characters has not been replaced.

[nomoregizzie]

I love Mark! I love Alex! I love Cristina and Callie! I love McDreamy!

But why is Meredith a bitch?

Gizzie: don't get me started.

[Claudette]

I want to say that I am really loving Chyler Leigh as Lexie. she is such a breath of fresh air, such a sweetie, I love ehr already. I hated how Meredith was with ehr, I love Mer but that and her behavior with Derek are really turning me off. What did sweet Lexie ever do to deserve this?

Also loved George and Izzie together, was not a big fan at first but they have been growing so much on me especially since last episode, they are in love, I ahd doubts about that at first but not anymore. And while they may seem an unconventional couple, George and Izzie are more alike than some would think. They have this dreamer quality about them, this sweetenss, this innocence, they are the two who feel more insecure and who get emotionally attached to their aptients, and they justmesh together. He makes ehr laugh and she makes him sure of himself. They just fit togetehr so naturally that I don't know how I could ever imagine them with someone else before. No matter how weird it sounds, those two just fit together.

[Seriously?]

What have you done? You are turning hardcore Meredith/Derek fans against them, is that what you want? They are the reason a majority of us fell in love with the show. If Derek moves on, even kisses someone else. I'm done. I know I'm only one person but I can guarantee I will not be the only one.

[Shannon]

"Love is like Crystal Meth". Say What? Krystal Meth kills. Love heals. Lack of love is like crystal meth. Meredith's childhood was like living in a crystal meth den. She is not a child anymore and is no longer living in that den but as many know, recovery from dope can take a long, long time. Recovery from a real dope addiction starts with the cessation of using drugs. Recovery from Meredith's 'addiction' has to involve being surrounded by people that give her unconditonal love, no matter how often she pushes them away. Derek has Meredith's recovery in the palm of his hands. He loves her. She loves him. Her acknowledgement of this to Lexie was a huge step in her recovery, whether people realize it or not. Make no mistake, Meredith never wants to live in that loveless 'den' again. Meredith WANTS to let Derek in. She just doesn't know how. Meredith needs to be loved with no time contraints. She needs to be loved, no matter what. Love is healing. Please do not mistake the immaturity and selfishness of Callie marrying a grieving George with Derek staying with Meredith. They are two different scenarios. Not to long ago, in Grey's timeline, Meredith begged Derek to pick her! Choose her! She wants him. He wants her. Let the healing begin...

[Stephanie]

I loved, loved, loved this episode!! I am not one of those fans who are threating to leave...this show is my addiction, lol.

Oh btw,...Derek LOVES Meredith...none of this "loved, loves" He loves her period. But I hate seeing Derek so hurt and upset and I hate that Meredith can't seem to realize that. I think she may know but thinks that "hey he is still here" *rolls eyes* I love Meredith but this whole "I cn't do anything but S&M"...so not the character I fell in love with. Word.

Derek is my favorite character, the first one I fell in love with and please....stop hurting him :( If Meredith cant give Derek more then please let him move on. And when Meredith is ready...she can relcaim her man. But she has to prove to Derek that she means it. But that doesn't mean I want him to have a new love interest. But I have faith and will continue to follow you. *hugs*

Ok.

[Marie]

Just wanted to say how much I loved the Gizzie scenes of the last episode. I love how they are themselevs with each other, totally at ease, totally happy, they just seem to make each other giddy and it is so great to see. I don't think any other couple on this showgets so much joy just being near each other.

And the almost kiss in the hall, very very hot, needed a cold shower after, hope we get some loving soon butAFTER he has told Callie the truth, she deserves it.

I don't wish any ill on Callie. I am not a bg fan but I do feel bad for ehr and not looking forward to being hurt. I do want George and Izzie togethher though, more than anything. I justw ant them together the right way.

I know you guys can make that happen and I know it will be a rough ride for George and Izzie, but I love them and will hang through hoping we get a big payof in the end, many people have been waiting since season 1 for this couple and they deserve a happy ending.

Lexie is sweet, I can't help but love ehr and Chyler is doing a fabulous job, hope she and Meredith are able toebcome real sisters.

Not sure what you are doing with Meredith and Derek but my interest in them is waning very fast, so do something.

That story with the parents and their baby was ehartbreaking as was the young man dying so young.

And poor Cristina, she really loevd Burke and he never shold have left her.

[vstewart]

Loved the episode- sharp, funny and I have no idea why Sloan saying "come to Daddy" made me laugh so hard but it did.
I loved the Meredith/Derek break up sex - i don't think it's pathetic- I think it's realistic but I agree with people saying that Meredith needs to grow up a little (especially since she does seem to be self-aware in this episode.)
I don't mind Gizzie but I want Callie to kick some butt when she gets out of this destructive relationship. Maybe she and Bailey need to do some shots together-they actually seem like they'd be pals. LOVED Bailey's speech to Alex, by the way.
Nice work!

[Debbie]

I for one love George's anatomy, he is and always was the ehart of the show for me.He is the character I can relate to, the one I root for, even when he messes up. There is this likability about TR Knight that shines through in George and makes me love him no matter what.

And George and Izzie? Best thing that has ever happened on this show. They have humor, passion, sexiness, chemistry and they also can break your heart with just one look at each other. I am totally addicted to them, and I don't want anyone curing me of my addiction.

[Stephanie S]

I loved, loved, loved this episode!! I am not one of those fans who are threating to leave...this show is my addiction, lol.

Oh btw,...Derek LOVES Meredith...none of this "loved, loves" He loves her period. But I hate seeing Derek so hurt and upset and I hate that Meredith can't seem to realize that. I think she may know but thinks that "hey he is still here" *rolls eyes* I love Meredith but this whole "I cn't do anything but S&M"...so not the character I fell in love with. Word.

Derek is my favorite character, the first one I fell in love with and please....stop hurting him :( If Meredith cant give Derek more then please let him move on. And when Meredith is ready...she can relcaim her man. But she has to prove to Derek that she means it. But that doesn't mean I want him to have a new love interest. But I have faith and will continue to follow you. *hugs*

Ok, loved Mama Burke..but not that she comapred Burke and Derek. Derek never seemed to want to change Meredith. He just wants a relationship with the love if his life.

Loved the converstaion with Mama and Cristina. Also loved the wedding gifts, lol. I loved Mark and his expresso machine!

How cool was Mark and Derek?? Love seeing what their friendship is like. I would be open to a scene of them on a double date *laughs*

Go Alex...oh man when the father hit my Alex....thats a big no no! Loved that Bailey chewed him out..they may not be her interns no more but she still has them in her sight....*sighs*

Callie/George/izzie...loving the drama and am wondering where you are going with it. Hmmmm *laughs*

Awesome job and keep it up. I love the show, MerDer is my ship but I don't just watch for them. I love each and every one of the characters and am excited to see what happens next.

[Disenchanted]

You are telling me that after everything Meredith went through last season, she is right back to where she started? Seriously, I love these characters, but I am sick of the pathetic storylines. Ever heard of character growth? Relationsips where people actually work through their problems? This is so not Grey's. I am content to watch my Season 1,2, and first half of Season 3 when I need a fix. Breaking up the major couple or reducing them to 'sex and mockery' is completely foolish and will destroy what is left of this once loved show. It is amazing how Derek went from loving her and wanting to show her they can work to needing to let her go because he is addicted to her in the span of one day (in Greyland that is). Make up your minds already and make a decision. I, for one, am ready to jump off this merry-go-round. I should have followed my instincts at the end of last season and started watching 'The Office.' I think it is time to break my addiction and change channels.

[Kyra]

Callie and George need to die and he and Izzie need to get together, they would be the perfect couple and this episode shwoed it.

Callie need to be with Mark, they have such sparks and always have.

George and Izzie and Callie and Mark are what the show should be doing.

Derek is a jerk and Meredith is neurotic, and I am sick and tired of them and your obsession with Derek. I ff all their scenes.

Alex and Lexie could be very cute (JC needs a story fast and Lexie is soa dorable and sweet, she would be so good for him).

And bring back Joe and Walter, I love them!

[Funnythingaboutaddiction]

The funny thing about addiction is, as Meredith said, "you have to hit rock bottom". Well, I'm there. I'm hanging on by a thread. If Meredith and Derek arent fixed, I'm going to cut that thread. I'm out. done. That's it.

[Mary]

I loved this episode, and I do feel like more of the fun of the first two seasons is working it's way back into the scripts.

My one little beef? When is Derek going to acknowledge the things he has done to break Meredith -like choosing Addison, calling her a whore, deciding to be "the better man" and walking away, and then deserting her when it looked like she was going to get in the way of his being chief? Meredith doesn't deserve all the blame for their dysfunctional relationship.

I really hope that Meredith shows some growth this year. I already see growth in Christina's character. Now that Mer has acknowledged her problems with letting Derek love her I want her to fight to move beyond that - in whatever way works for her. And I want Derek to see his part in things and be willing to address that as well.

[ztastic]

I agree with the people saying last season wasn't the best, but it was still better than most other shows. I've watched every week since week one after Desperate Housewives when you guys took over Boston Legal mid-season and was shocked the first season finale when Addison showed up.

Second season, with the Code Black, which is still one of my favorite episodes, was brilliant and made Grey's what it is today.

Last season, as Shondra said, was a burning down of things. Which explains a lot because it wasn't the best, but it was good in it's own way.

I don't care why people care so much about Gizzie. Srsly? Get over yourselves. Can you say you never fell for your best friend, and never did it with them one night when you were drunk and going through a rough time? The plot line is very real, it isn't out of no where. Besides that, it hasn't been all happy for them. It is has been really rough on the two of them, and soon we will see what happens when Callie finds out and I think it will be soon be the end of them. So stop being stupid about that plot line, I like it.

So, basically, keep up the good work and ignore the morons who think they know what is best for the show, when they obviously don't because if you are a die-heart fan you would still love it because it is still Grey's.

p.s. I loved the gift scenes with Christina! It was classic Grey's that went missing for a bit! (:

[Kristin]

Please keep Mer/Der together. Don't they deserve happiness? Don't we? Explore the relationship - not just the on/off thing - which has been done 3 seasons now. Give Cristina and Alex some new loves to explore. But please give Mer/Der sometime to be happy!

[Kate]

I love Meredith's narration about "How do you know when you've hit rock bottom?" LOVED IT.

This episode was amazing. I swear, Grey's Anatomy is my Crystal Meth--you know, without all the gross side affects and what not.

[joanna]

I don't understand the age difference between Mer and Lexie. If as Mer said that her dad left them when she was 5, clearly he needed to meet Susan and then she needed time to get pregnant and give birth to Lexie making the age difference at a minimum 6 years. There is no way they are 6 years apart. Maybe 2 or 3 at the most. Just doesn't add up in my opinion.

[Sparkle]

Haha...for a second there I thought you were saying that we weren't supposed to love. I was like wait...what?

Well, my addiction is this show. It's the only thing that can make me feel totally awesome and completely unfulfilled at the same time. Even when everything's going wrong, I can't seem to get myself away from the tv, so I really hope everything works out. Because as much as I love Derek and Meredith, I feel like something really bad's going to happen.

And Callie/George/Izzie...I'm just waiting for the explosion. Have been for some time.

[meagan in milw]

Thanks for the PSA. ;) I haven't seen the documentary mentioned, but I'm obsessed with Intervention on A&E, and meth? Just no. (Addicted to a show about addiction. Heh.)

What, exactly, was Lexie's addiction? Pursuing her long-lost sister? And when she finally elicits a conversation, it...hurts?

Still loving the numbering of Cristina's interns: "Number 2! Stay!" Crazy, that. But so Cristina.

[Mel]

Can you please just lock Meredith and Derek in a room until they talk to each other... and just not Mer, Derek needs to explain Chief to her and also Addison because she's never been given an anwser to that issue too!
And don't say you can't because you're the writers... you write the show!
Ignoring the fact that you are slowly destroying the couple I watch the show for, the episode was great and I love that the humour is slowly coming back.

[Bunnicula]

How many more episodes of Gizzard are there?

Because those of us who need barf bags ahead of time would love a little warning ... maybe in the form of a shark fin at the bottom of the screen ... so we're aware that you're about to jump and can look away or take a nausea pill.

I'm going to do like others have said. I'm hanging on until episode six and I've given up the barf bags and invested in a large bucket for the projectile vomit. I can always use it this winter to carry firewood in if I have to abandon the Grey's ship.

Gah, this is ridiculous.

[Patricia]

I hate this Izzie and George crap. It's crap. It's pure undiluted crap.

Why would you ruin two great characters like this? Why? If you didn't want Callie and George to be together then you shouldn't have written them together.

She's hotter with Mark anyway.

[Dennis]

i would never use drugs .. so you can stop saying it :).. but there are many kinds of addictions.. oxygen being one :P.. but seriously, no matter what kind of addiction your on, just remember: you cant do it alone

[faym]

Stop it. Meredith and Derek are not an addiction they are in love. Let them be together and happy. Let Meredith let him in. Stop it Shonda. What I want to see is Momma Burke calling you for YOUR actions. Listen to her. Stop it!!!!

[Jenna]

I'm so glad to be seeing Patrick Dempsey get a decent amount of screen time this season, its about time. I love the scenes with Mark and Derek, Derek and Bailey, Derek and anyone (except Meredith). Please continue to give Derek storylines that aren't about Meredith. Looking forward to more with the Mark/Derek friendship, I love them together.

Ok, so, even Meredith realizes that the only part about MerDer that works is the sex... well, you know what that means? It means the relationship does NOT work.

Someone else already summed up Derek's behavior throughout the show-- so please, Shonda, rewatch the series and maybe if you pay attention to Derek's actions rather than drooling over his looks you'll see that he's the farthest thing from "the perfect guy".

Meredith cannot connect to Derek because they aren't in love. They're in lust. That's why it's the sex that works and nothing else. Derek isn't the right kind of guy for her at all and he never has been. Every other male character on the show would be a better fit for her. Every other guy could help her in some way. Derek can't.

And just because he comes up with romantic things to say at opportune moments doesn't make it love either-- there's a reason it's so much more meaningful to hear romantic things from the other male leads on the show. They are real people. Derek isn't a human character. He's a shell of a man at best and all he does is walk around thinking he's God's gift to women and thinking of romantic things to say. They're never sincere from Derek because they happen to often-- it's just his thing. It's not real.

Meredith's emotional limitations are why they can't be together and healthy and happy? No, Derek is the reason why they can't have that.

Let MerDer die in peace. They had their moment in the sun-- it was season one. As soon as Addison showed up, they were done. They were together for 4 episodes, all they did was flirt and have sex... it was hardly the next best thing since Romeo and Juliet. It was a fling that never got the chance to blossom into a real relationship, and was crushed in such a way that it wasn't worth salvaging.

You've been destroying the Meredith character through this relationship and you need to take McDreamy down from the damn pedestal you insist on keeping him on.

Also, if Meredith knows she has problems, and knows why even, there's no excuse for her not being in therapy. She's diagnosed the problem, she's just choosing not to treat it-- she's not deserving of much sympathy anymore.

Anyway, if you write it well, enough fans will stay with you to see the characters (Mer and Der) move on to other couples... if you are any good at what you do, then you shouldn't lose the fanbase by ending a couple that has never had any substance anyway. They really are no better than crystal meth-- in fact, the relationship has pretty much proved to be that damaging to both the characters.

Meredith should be with Alex-- he gets her. Plus, they have enough of the same issues they'd be forced to call each other out on them. They'd be forced into fixing themselves and it would work. Unfortunately, it seems like you may be taking the Alex/Lexie road instead... but at least that will give us some Mer/Alex scenes, which were sorely lacking last season.

I love Meredith when you have her with characters who love her too-- when you put her with Derek (who should've been there to hear Burke's parting speech to Cristina, as it spelled MerDer out ten times better than it did Burketina)-- she's a worthless doormat, who, frankly, would've been better off had she stayed on the bottom of the Sound. Derek makes her life wholly not worth focusing a TV show on...

[Katie]

I know all about addiction... relationship addiction.... Kevin addiction. It's horrible, a horrible feeling to know that something could slip away from you and not only is there nothing you can do but you can't stop it, so you just wait for it to slip.

Loved the episode!

[Cathy]

I can get the idea of Derek and Callie being addicts, I guess. Quite honestly, I don't get where Callie fell down on her job when Karev did something completely stupid and confronted an addicted felon. She's Chief Resident, not the Den Mother of a Cub Scout Troop. Bailey got tons of support from the Chief when Cristina did tremorgate and Izzie did LVADGate, but he slaps Callie for his? Whacko, and not very Chief-like.

Also, please end Gizzie. They are truly a terrible plotline and quite honestly are bringing out each other's worst qualities. Not a good thing.

So, I was one of those people who hated last season. Hated it. I was one huge complainer. And I'm here to say that I'm really loving this season. This FEELS like Grey's again. The magic is back. So, kudos to you writers!

I don't quite understand what all the fuss is about Mer/Der. I like Mer/Der. I was a hardcore Mer/Der 'shipper for a while and I'm not particularly worried about them. I don't think that comparing Derek's love for Meredith to a crystal meth addiction is particularly insulting either. In fact, I like where that storyline is going for once. I'm really hoping that the presence of Lexie is going to force Meredith to confront some of her daddy issues. Just DON'T have Lexie become Derek's new love interest. Or bring in a new one. Because, then, I will be forced to complain again and while I can't say that I would stop watching (I'm too weak!), I would certainly be one unhappy Grey's fan.

I'm also here to commend you on your handling of George/Izzie. Because I HATED George/Izzie last season. I found it grotesque, incestuous, not to mention out-of-the-blue, and, this season, I'm finding myself not wanting to barf when they come on screen, which is a big step up from last season. I'm trying really hard to learn to like them. And this is being made easier by the good writing this season, not to mention my undying love for Izzie (yeah, so she's self-centered and a bit whiny, but, come on, she saved a DEER--by the way, I really liked the deer thing last episode). So, keep up the good work!

And I have to agree about wanting to shake Callie. I mean, I've never liked her very much, but, seriously, your husband doesn't love you and that really sucks, but have some dignity about it. Oh sob, George, why on earth would I want you to tell me you're having an affair when I can just sit here and cry about it like a pathetic little high school girl. HONESTLY. My inner feminist wants to kill her.

Loving all of the Cristina and Bailey snark this season. Awesome. And please focus a bit more on Alex! Because he's really interesting and we know so little about him.

Can't wait until next week!

[Bernadete]

Please, could you just kill George and Izzie? Think about it would provide some drama and I would never ever had to see those two. Because right now I hate George and Izzie. And I really, really, really hate Gizzie. And I'm hating that you could even suggest that Callie is the one to blame for the failure of this marriage. She is not addicted to the marriage. She just loves her husband with all her heart. All she ever did was love and support George. And George is the one that slept with a woman who always showed contempt to HIS WIFE.

[Cesar]

Here was my problem with the episode: While I understand the story you're trying to tell with Callie, how she is addicted to George and would rather be "strung out" than face the reality of it, I don't feel comfortable in seeing the rest of the hospital treat her like crap. The Chief berating her during her surgery was out of line, and Bailey disrespecting her is completely out of character for the usually professional Nazi (though her blow out at Alex was very her). I don't think that Callie has ever been worthy of this horror - I actually think she's had it the worse out of all of them, and I hope that she emerges victorious or something at the end of this.

And Mama! What the heck? Doling out sage advice that was ridiculous and wrong. Cristina didn't love Burke as best she could - she loved him enough to have him change her around, and I hate that no one remembers the fact that she shaved her frickin' eyebrows for him, and he left her in essence because she didn't walk down the aisle fast enough. If Mama's advice is meant to be ridiculous, then that would be one thing, but everyone's acting like she's on the money, and this? I don't like.

"Grey's Anatomy" is my addiction. But the high is definitely beginning to wear off. I am hoping that Shonda and the rest of you guys renew my faith. Please?

[Audrey]

This episode was OK. It's leaning towards being what GA is really all about. My major beef now is that Meredith is no longer just a girl with issues. She's a consciously selfish individual. Before, she wasn't aware of all her issues so they were tough, cute and believeable. Now she knows all this crap about her however I find it hard to believe that she is OK with those issues. She doesn't seem to be making any effort to work through them even when she knows the love of her life is on the line.

It's not plausible. An emotional struggle perhaps but not a calm acceptance of being screwed up. She's regressing each and every episode. I want to root for her, I really do but you're making it VERY hard. Soon, I'm not going to like her at all.

[Bridget]

Callie was always the bebound girl from Meredith and truth be told, I always thought there was something more there with George and Izzie, they were so close. I know what they are doing is wrong, but I cannot help rooting for them, they are so beautiful to watch together.

[Kachiri]

Yes, I admit love is a pretty addictive force, and this is coming from the Meredith/George type that can never seem to manage more than what will keep the other party hooked. I don't mean to be that way and seeing it on TV in the form of Meredith...well it seems alot more ANNOYING and UGLY! Still, though I understand Meredith's actions it is her, not Derek I want to shake! He's freakin' McDREAMY. The guy all us damaged types are making excuses not to commit to Joe Blow for. He's the imposible guy. Not to be rude or anything but Mer's behavior is no longer cute or acceptable any longer. She's too smart to be so dumb!

I have thought for a long time that both the relatio