Zoanne Clack on "Where the Wild Things Are"...

Original Airdate: 4-24-08

Okay, before I start the blog, I wanted to mix this up a little in the spirit of the episode.  Let’s have a contest.  10 points for whomever tells me why Bailey’s carrying her baby around all the time.  25 points if you can tell me the name of the crazy tumor that Phillip ends up having (no cheating by going back and looking!!!  We’re on the honor system here!).  40 points for the guesser of the theme of this episode.  And here’s the motherload, the “medical mystery” if you will: there are lyrics to a song referenced within this blog (which also gives another clue to the theme).  80 points for the person who can name the song (and an extra 20 for the artist).  Answers are in spoilers at the end (remember: honor code people!).

Alright, you with me?  Let’s start this party right.  I know I, for one, have been a bottom-feeder for the last few months.  A scavenger sitting in the mud and spitting out rocks on the bottom of the fishtank, flipping through my TIVO and watching umpteenth re-runs, models modeling, mensa members losing to fifth graders, chefs making 20-course meals out of garbanzo beans, and stars doing everything from dancing to rehab to showing us their “other talents.”  Although I do admit that I have been crazy inspired by The Biggest Loser.  Love it.  Can’t get enough of it.  I sing the theme song to myself as I get up in the morning (What have you done today, to make you feel proud…?)  And the piece de la resistance:  Groomer Has It.  Animal Planet.  Feel the burn.

Did I mention I’m SO GLAD WE’RE BACK????!!!  So glad prime-time network TV is back and can fill my TIVO with sweet, yummy non-rerun fictional candy again.  Can I get an Amen?

So what’s been going on in the 6 weeks (tv time) since we’ve been gone?  I’ve heard a lot of speculation out there, but Meredith is absolutely.  Not.  Pregnant.  Not even close.  Hasn’t even had sex.  With anyone.  Meredith.  Our beloved, “have-sex-instead-of-problems”, “meet-your-soul-mate-and-sleep-with-him-after-picking-him-up-in-a-bar” Meredith.  She’s traded sex for… therapy?  Therapy?  Our Meredith?  She senses there’s something wrong, something really wrong.  But she can’t put her finger on it.  Or can’t admit what she’s already put her finger on.  Therapy is interesting because it’s the one place you get to talk about yourself incessantly and someone actually LISTENS.  They’re actually paid to listen to your drivel.  And occasionally give you mind-blowing assessments of your behavior.  But Mer’s not quite taking full advantage of that.  But it looks like there’s some movement at the end… we’ll see what she does with that.  Maybe it’ll help her actually start acting like a human being around Derek.  They haven’t spoken in the entire six-week interim.  Mer’s been totally avoiding him and he’s been avoiding her.  But they can’t keep that up.  They can’t handle that.  Deep, deep down, on their basest levels, taking intellect out of the picture, they belong together.  They need each other.  It’s instinctual, base, feral. 

But what if it’s not?  What if all of their instincts are wrong, like with Izzie?  She put all of her blood, sweat and tears into Cheech, I mean, Otis, and for what?  Poor Izzie.  It’s time for her to figure out who she wants to be and what kind of doctor she wants to be.  On her own.  Not emulating Cristina, not fighting for lost causes, something where she can take charge and find out what she’s good at.  Don’t you think?  Thank God Richard’s around to put everything into perspective for her.  Maybe her instincts weren’t great, but she’s human.  And being human ain’t so bad.

Unless you’re Cristina.  When being human is bad.  When being human means that you have to go against all your natural instincts to win at all costs.  When being human means you have to put your tail between her legs (figuratively speaking, of course) and sacrifice the win to get where you want to go in life.  To realize that sometimes in order to win, you’ve got to lose – you have to give up one thing to gain another.

What you gain can be what you need.  Humans need human connection.  And when they don’t get it, they tend to take it out on other people and not realize what they’re doing themselves.  Who could I possibly be talking about?  Maybe a little guy we like to call George?  George walking around like a wounded lion.  Pouncing on people left and right, trying not to show the scars of being left out of his peer group.  Poor Lexie got the brunt of this… little did he know he had a friend right there, the whole time, wanting to be there for him.  And frickin’ Lexie!  There’s someone who needs to be loved.  So sad.  So vulnerable.  Which kind of actually makes her strong in a very co-dependent kind of “please like me” kind of way.  She’s like a little puppy who works so hard to do right and please their owner (except that puppies don’t usually have the whole alcoholic father part).  Her pleasing puppy is in sharp contrast to Alex’s underdog, who’s always fighting to keep his head above water.  For him, it’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes him wonder how he keeps from going under.  There’s something going on with him.  With his past.  Something that doesn’t fully let him reach his ultimate potential…. Hmmm, maybe we’ll start finding out what that is soon.  Every dog has its day.

Humans also get jealous, and boy is that running rampant around Seattle Grace.  Cristina so wants to be in the Callie-Erica crowd and she’s so not.  Callie and Erica are like birds of a feather now.  They stick together.  And Cristina is not in any way a part of their flock.  And what about Mark?  He’s totally jealous of Derek.  It’s like Derek is the prodigal wolf that strayed from the pack and Mark’s been waiting for him to come back, but Derek’s not coming.  Mark thought they’d go back to the pre-Addison days where they were hunters on the prowl, spiders spinning their webs.  But Derek’s already moved on to new prey.  Already catching someone new in his web. 

And that somebody is Rose. During the time we haven’t seen them they’ve developed a bit of a mating ritual where she pretends she doesn’t care and tries to hold on to her iguana aloofness even in the face of the overwhelming cuteness that is McDreamy.  And for once, he’s not trying to hold back the McDreaminess.  Usually reserved only for Meredith, he’s weaving his web and it’s trapping Rose.  The more she resists, the tighter the web gets around her.  I don’t think she’ll be fighting it much more.  But will Derek watch her struggle in his web, store her up for later, or go for it?  He seems pretty determined… she wants what he wants.  She’s a real woman ready for a real relationship.  And despite Mark’s incessant taunting, Derek’s going to stay true to Derek.

As Bailey stays true to Bailey.  Taking care of the hospital, the residents, her baby, her life, and overall just being supreme ruler of the universe that she is.  But can she handle it all?  Is she superwoman or is she about to implode?  Or perhaps even explode.  I mean, she just went through one of the biggest tragedies of her life, feeling like she may have failed in protecting her own little bear cub.  Then here comes this literal mama bear that kills because her bear cub was just touched.  Overreaction?  Or simply just instinct?  Can Bailey’s instincts be as sharp as she thinks they can be?  I think she really believes she can handle it all.  She is woman, hear her roar.  She’s also a doctor.  And a chief resident. A wife.  A mother.  (CAUTION: SPOILERS (answers) AHEAD!)  She’s split up with her hubby and she’s trying to get as much time with Little Tuck as possible (10 points).  She’s a Mama Bear.  Which is how we got to our theme: Animal Instincts (40 points).  A freakin’ bear attacked Phillip because he had a malignant glioma (25 points – and I’ll give it to you if you guessed just “glioma”) that was causing him to go against his own natural instincts.   Not to mention our residents are running around the hospital like rodents, feeding off of the life (and death) of the hospital. 

And now for the ultimate.  The motherload.  The “medical mystery” of it all.  The 80-point monster:

The lyric was: It’s like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under… And the song is called “The Message” (circa 1982). 

20-point bonus if you guessed Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

How’d you do?  Max is 175…

Comments

[Adam]

Thank you, Zoanne. And Shonda. And all of you. For the truly remarkable. The truly amazing. The amazingly awesome episode you presented to us tonight. I can literally say I've never been so excited about Grey's Anatomy. Just...thank you. So. Freaking. Much. From the bottom of my heart.

You guys? Totally my heroes. Seriously!

[Lara]

The episode was good, but I cannot help but want George and Izzie together, they have such chemistry and tonight again proved it

[jessicafreels]

THank god your back...and thank god you didn't shove Rose down our throats. Im glad all they did is Kiss. It means Derek is thinking and not acting...which of course is what MARK does. I loved the Chiefs speech to Izzie, and I loved that part of Clea Duvalls scalp was just hanging....I don't know...that part of Greys always makes me feel like Seattle Grace is one cool place to be a surgeon

[Jayne in MI]

IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
GOOD TO HAVE GREY'S BACK! WHO-HOO!!!
Kudos on an amazing episode to reel all of us back in! I'm eagerly awaiting "the kiss" that Shonda teased us with (in TV guide). I can't wait to see Meredith and Derek back together. I said it last year, and I'll say it again, America needs a love story, not a broken heart! I hope that's what we're going to get this season! Keep up the good work!

[FamousArtist]

Fabulous, fun to read, blog, Zoanne! Fabulous episode. My favorite part is that the real Meredith is back. The one who is a really good doctor, like she was in the first season. I love Mere when she isn't being pathetic. That is just the best. Thanks so much for that, Zoanne, Shonda, and anyone else out there who was involved!

[Grey's Fan]

I'm so glad you're back, too!!! YAY!!! Love reading your blog entries, too!

[marah]

I hate Derek with Rose, Meredith deserve so much better

I like George and Lexie as friends, but I want him with Izzie as a couple, they belong together

[Laura]

I want George and Izzie back, please do not put her with Alex and pleaselet george and Lexie be just friends.

Gizzie forever!

[Lorna]

Zoanne, what a fabulous blog, you get the characters so well and tonight was a great episode, I do hope we get MerDer and Gizzie reunited though.

[Donna]

Some thoughts:

I love fesity strong Mer back, I am glad she won

I felt bad for Izzie though, but loved her convo with the chief

Loved George and Izzie scenes, those two need to be a couple

Callie and Hahn, are you going there, the big L word

I like George and Lexie friendship, they are both so cute

[Ephraim]

Fantastic. With 3 or 4 new or juiced-up story lines...

Was it my imagination or did the recent bride look a lot like Meredith? I know they're not related, but it made that story line so much better.

It looks like Callie is going to get more air time. Fantastic!!

[Maddie]

I LOVE MEREDITHMEREDITHMEREDITHMEREDITHMEREDITHMEREDITHMEREDITH!!!!!
she was wonderful tonight.. a real leading lady. please continue to write her like this!
seriously shonda and co this was a spectactular episode. i love the humor and the contest was a great idea.

LOVE MERDER! they love eachother and im excited to see how you get them back together.

THANK YOU FOR ENDING GIZZIE.

*This is truly a Grey's Anatomy episode. It was fun sassy and heartbreaking. "intestines in the hand!"

thank you for bringing back the best show on television!

[Perin]

I love the episode.

All of it was good.

I could still feel the chemistry with Gizzie, the romantic one and all the feelings, and I am glad about that.

How they got together was a mistake but they belong together and when they are ready, they will be, I hope

I will always root for them

Meredith was great, the old Mer was back

Please fix Cristina though, I do not recognize her since Burke has left and Sandra Oh deserves better

Lexie is a cutie and she and George make great FRIENDS, but he belongs with Izzie

I like Alex and Ava and am sad to hear they are ending

[Ky]

Wow loved the episode it was so much better then I had anticipated!!

Don't like what you said about Derek showing his McDreaminess to anyone other than Mer because he shouldn't be... but what you say and what we see are completely different seeing as though Lauren and Patrick's chemistry no where near matches his and Ellen's... you could even argue that they have none....

Anyway loved the episode and for the love of everthing holy do not let Rose and Derek have sex because I will be sending you my bill for my lobotomy...

Thank you

[Debra]

Tonight's episode was great! I loved the Gizzie scenes. Please, please, please put them back together as a couple. No Izzie/Alez and no Lexie/George! We want to see what Gizzie CAN be if you'll just let them. I'm begging you, give us Gizzie back!!!

[Nora]

The kiss, could it be Callie and Hahn?

That would be cool, I also would love a Gizzie, MerDer or Mark and Callie kiss.

Not Alex and Izzie, don't like them.

Gizzie were hot in the closet and I love George talking about Izzie's hot hair.

Derek is a jerk, he does not deserve Mer, but I want them together as they have chemistry, he needs to go with therapy with her.

Lexie is such a sweet girl.

Glad George admitted he was lucky to have her as a friend.

Give Cristina, Izzie, Mer and George some happiness.

Make Alex less of a jerk

Give me the MerDer of old.

Reunite Gizzie

Make Mer and Lexie close

[Casi]

Amen.
I will sleep well tonight now that you are back.

[CT GIRL]

Why is nobody saying anything about Addison????

[Ashley]

way to go meredith, avoiding derek for almost an entire episode! this is progress.

i love mer in therapy. i hope there's more.

i feel awful for christina, even though the brownnoser deserves to NOT get what she wants all of the time.

[Angela]

I loved the George and Izzie scenes!

[Matthew Rushing]

Brilliant! Loved every minute of this episode! Thank you!

I love George and Lexie friendship scenes.

I loved george and Izzie scenes, the chemistry is still there. Hopefully they get together one day the right way, Izzie was right the affair was a mistake, but george and Izzie as a couple and as true love was SO not.

We Gizzie fans have been waiting since day 1 and we will wait till they get together the right way, however we have to wait.

I love MerDer but I am disappointed you are reuniting them so soon, they need more time to fix their problems, to be alone and look at why, even though they love each other, they cannot make it work.

Four episodes is too fast to solve all these problems

By far one of the best blog I ever read

[Claire]

How can you win when even the writers seem to take pride in bashing Meredith who shined in this episode and swoon over McDreamy. All I can tell you is the scenes between Dempsey and Stamile are hard to watch and I know you are pretty much done filming your last episodes for this season, but honestly it's too bad you are pushing that Rose character on us and pretending the Derek/Rose characters "have" something. I love Grey's and I LOVED it tonight, but not for the ill conceived Rose/Derek paring. Let's face it, it's painful to watch. It was for the lovely performance of Ellen Pompeo as Meredith with all the warmth,humor and sadness that any actress can bring on a character. I can't wait for the day that even the person who writes this show avoids the urge to bash her while trying to get us all to love the less than honorable actions of Derek. It's just a shame. But the show rocked tonight!

good blog. great blog in fact. and good episode. the theme had more layers than i realized and this blog supplemented that. glad to have ya'll back. especially since the whole gizzie diaster is finally at rest.

[Lizzie]

I love the episode, and your blog is amazing, I never read you before, but you get the characters and the show s well.

I have one complaint:

george and Izzie CANNOT be just friends, they CANNOT.

Hello, have you seen how amazing their chemistry is?

[Neila]

Yay Mer, she was so strong that episode.

Boo Derek! Such a jerk, everyone blames Rose, but I blame him!

George and Izzie, sigh, so perfect. Why are they not together like they should be?

Seeing them makes me so happy.

Make Izzie his girlfriend and Lexie his best friend, love george and Lex as cute friends and Gizzie as cute couple.

Callie, Mark and Hahn could be interesting

Yay for Addie being back next episode

[Canadian Grey's Fan]

I loved your blog Zoanne!
I'm so glad Grey's back in full force!!!
Please don't keep Derek and Rose together for too long... we need a love ending for MerDer this season, no more broken hearts! Meredith is making a effort to be normal, you could see that at the end of this episode.
I'll be counting the days for the next episode... looks good in the preview, Addison & Ava/Rebecca are back! let's see what you, Shondra and the entire team come up this time... I bet is goooood!
Keep up the good work!

[Looking Up?]

First epi I've watched this year - in hopes that Mer/Der are back... more "glanced at" than watched - still wary that my hopes will be crushed again. But - will stay around to see what happens and be back totally if they get together for real. One more "tease" and I'm gone for good.

[Jen]

I loved this episode to pieces. It really showed the competitive side to surgery which is important and needed to be addressed that they're all in this "game".

I love where you're going with Lexie and George. I think they're friendship is great and George really does just need a friend. I dislike him with Izzie in a romantic situation. I don't think they're friendship will ever be as strong because of it.

I love that we're getting bits and pieces to Alex's past. PLEASE SHOW MORE OF THIS. I really hope he opens up to either Ava or Izzie. I think Izzie has always understood him, even when he hurt her and vice versa. I think she's the only one that hears him.

I'd like to see more banter between Hahn and McSteamy but I also love the new friendship between Callie and Hahn, it's great.

The best part is Izzie's recognition of her mistakes that she has made and the writers validation to the audience that they had over stepped the whole Gizzie thing.

Can't wait until next week.

[Gina]

Less than a minute of actual Mer/Der time at the end of the episode and they rocked it with all the chemistry in the show. Twice as much Rose/Derek time and again zero chemistry with less than that as an interesting story line for those two. I'd never thought it, but you actually paired Demsppey up with someone he has no compatibility with. It shows you, your first pairing of Derek and Mer at the beginning of the first season was the right one as every other Derek/Mer/? paring doesn't hold a candle to theirs and the Rose character is beyond hard to watch. I have no interest in her story. Bring back Meredith and Derek!

[Nancy]

Poor Cristina, give her a break!

Poor Izzie, I love how she and George comforted each other. I want those two together. George thinks she has hot hair, that made me squee.

I do not want her back with Alex, I even like Derek and Rose more than Alex and Izzie and I would feel that way even if I was not the number 1 Gizzie fan.

I love MerDer but I want Derek to beg her on his knees to take him back.

I like Rose, she deserves better than Derek, they all do.

McDreamy NOT.

George squeeshing the bugs, so funny!

[Paula]

Quite trying to sell me on Derek and Rose. I almost didn't watch tonight because of them, but I'm glad I did because Meredith rocked it! Bring back Mer/Der because this Rose thing is just plain wrong no mater what you say.

[Marie-Louise]

REUNITE GEORGE AND IZZIE!

The show is good but it is missing its magic and that is them together

[Trena]

Hello,
Welcome back!!
I love this show I have missed it so much tonight epi was wonderful. You had me laughing just enough.
The elevator scene w/Mark and Der was kind of weird.
I like that he is on mer side. Rose looks like a nice enough person but she just going to get hurt. I hope you can end this little side without to much pain for her.
Anyways Thank you for tonight loved it.

[Megan]

The show was good. I miss Gizzie and MerDer though, especially Gizzie.

When they were in that closet, the chemistry was amazing like always.

I really do not get the no chemistry thing you guys put on. It is screaming off the TV every time they are together.

The only couple remotely as hot is MerDer and you keep messing with them by having Derek being an abusive jerk who doesn't know how to love Mer as she is.

Alex and Addison were hot too and you sent her to a new program.

The rest of the couples are meh.

I mean, you get three amazing couples in the history of the show and you mess all three of them up

I am especially mad about Gizzie as you never gave them a chance to show how amazing they could be, we just got a little glimpse and what we saw was gold

[Tash]

I sooo badly want to watch see this episode. It sounds amazing and I am very excited about the rest of this season. From what I hear this episode was a great comeback. Thanks for starting to restore Grey's to Grey's!

[Amy]

If that was Derek's version of being "charming" around Rose, then I think you've forgotten just how charming he used to be. You can't be charming when you've got no chemistry and Derek and Rose? There's not an ounce of chemistry there. His version of 'charming" with her made me vomit a little in my mouth tonight.

[Hate Rose]

Meredith rocked!

The elevator scene with pretty and prettier were freaking hilarious!

Rose serves no purpose and makes me wary of watching the few remaining episodes knowing I will have to see her face onscreen, even if only for a few seconds. The kiss was sickening to watch. The sooner she's out of the picture the better.

Can't wait for Addison's comeback.

Please get rid of Rose.

Hahn and Callie are boring to watch.

Lexie was actually likeable.

Please get rid of Rose.

Love Bailey's new hair.

Cristina is starting to annoy me with her "Please let me into your little cliche" stuff. Liked her better when she was strong and self assured.

Please get rid of Rose.

Good episode tonight.

Oh...please don't let this much hyped up Derek and Meredith reunion to come at the last 5 minutes of the season finale and leave us on yet another cliff if you expect the shippers to come back next season.

[Rach]

It's been a long wait and I wasn't disappointed. The episode was amazing and had a nice balance. I'm finding my way back to loving every character, or at least tolerating everyone. And the promo for next week, I'm still grinning. I can't wait for Addison to grace Seattle with her presence again. I'm looking forward to seeing her interactions with everyone-Mark and Callie in particular.

You definitely delivered an hour's worth of escape for me and I'm just excited to have Grey's Day to look forward to again.

[Lulu]

Cristina deserved losing, she was so mean to both Izzie and George, my favorite characters.
Mer is a nice person and I love she is going to therapy, might I suggest Derek join her, couple therapy?

George and Izzie proved again they belong togetehr, such chemistry.They are cute, lovely and hot.

Lexie and george can be the next BFF, they have such a great friendship chemistry.

Th chief comforting Izzie was sweet.

[lili]

Rose irritates me beyond belief. I can't see how Meredith can go back to Derek and maintain herself respect after this and I'm not gonna buy a merder reunion unless there is some serious begging and pleading and groveling on Derek's part. Derek has even bigger problems than Meredith and I hate how the show never acknowledges them everything is always Meredith's fault while Derek is the perfect guy who can show house plans to the love of his life one minute and ask another woman out the next. Derek is the one who needs the therapy at least Meredith recognizes her issues. Didn't she list them all to Christina a few episodes back? I'm glad that she is dealing with them now I hope that Derek will do the same soon and gain a little bit of self awareness I'm not holding my breath though.

[Jamie]

Thanks for the Addison promo.

[Sabrina]

The episode was good, but a few gripes.

Callie is not interesting, I have no interest in seeing Hahn and Mark fighting over her.

George and Izzie are the best couple on the show, when will you get that and reunite them?

MerDer are great but Derek is being an idiot

Cristina is unrecognizable harpy lately

Oh and I BEG you do not EVER reunite Alex and Izzie, they are beyond horrible

[Aubrey]

My sister and I beg you : PLEASE PUT GEORGE AND IZZIE BACK TOGETHER WHERE THEY BELONG!

[Brenda]

Izzy rocked! Alex rocked! Meredith rocked!

Derek is scum Meredith deserves better than him. Rose can have him. Rose is perfecto for him totally his #1 fan.

[Denise]

Is it okay that Meredith is my favorite character? That identity with her, that I like her? Because it seems to me that all of you writers have been so bent on getting us all to dislike her it's almost like I need permission to do so. Do any of you writers like her because almost all of these blogs show you to believe otherwise and truly, it needs to stop. Meredith made the show tonight, yet you make her seem pathetic. It's just not right. Think despite all of your endless blogs to the extreme dislike, I will still like Meredith. She's simply your best character no matter how many times you tell me how pathetic she is.

[Caroline]

I love Lexie, she is the cutest

I agree about the Gizzie affair being a mistake but they are not a mistake as a couple

George and Izzie are THE BEST COUPLE EVER, and I will NEVER stop believing that

I so wanted them to kiss in that episode.

I cannot wait for Addison to come back, hope she and Mark or she and Alex kiss

[Ann]

Why is everyone saying MerDer is getting back together but when I watch I see him treating Mer like crap and chasing a nurse? I saw more Derek and Rose than MerDer. You guys expect people to think Derek is worthy of Meredith? He ain't.

[Jesse]

Very decent episode. I actually really did enjoy it. I love see Mer shine. She is wonderful.

Like everyone else, I hate wasting screen time with Derek & Rose. Their flirty scenes are idiotic and painful to watch.

I know you want to convince us that Derek is conflicted and all, but the idea that he migth choose Rose over the love of his life is sillyness. Stop it! BTW, I don't think Rose comes across as a real woman ready for a relationship. She comes across as a McDreamy groupie. It is embarassing. I am embarassed to watch her.

So, again, it is all good stuff, but WE HATE ROSE. Look, I know Mer/Der will be together for good. But, even though I know that, the Rose/Derek stuff kinda kills it for me.

Anyway, sorry to beat a dead horse, but god I hate Rose.

[Katie]

I LOVED MEREDITH tonight!! Found a way to save the guy with the tumor. That is my girl.

McDouchebag can go play with the skanky nurse. Meredith is better off.
McSteamy and Meredith? Pleease give it a chance between them he cares about her more than McDouchebag.

[Liz]

Meredith needs therapy and Derek is so McDreamy for going after Rose cause she wants what he wants but Mere gets scolded by Addi for letting him go? WTH kind of womans abuse is this. Derek's the WORST type of man Addison and Meredith should be happy to be rid of him.

Like he has no problems. GMAFB.

[chris]

Rose is wretched to watch. Derek with Rose is wretched to watch.

[kammommy]

So for a few months I actually thought "I'm okay without Grey's" and would go about my regular life.
Then I watch the show tonight. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!@% I was in denial, I was pretending that I didn't care, that I didn't miss the show. But I did miss it, every single character, and I am soooo glad that it is back on the air.
Thanks for a really good show tonight. I enjoyed it - a lot!

[Julie]

I agree with the post above about Meredith. I love her character, yet you writers in the blog, and ABC promo department, and the media love to dump on Meredith. I'm so sick of it. She is my favorite. She makes the show worth watching.

I also agree that I'm tired of the McDreamy is perfect crap. I'm so over it. I still want Mer/Der together (I think) but boy you make it hard to root for them when Derek is being such an ass.

I have NO interest in Rose. None. Zero. Zip. I pray that you limit her scenes as much as possible. The only saving grace is that rose/derek have no chemistry so it is obvious that she isn't a real threat.

But, it breaks my hear that you are wasting time with Rose. And, she is not a real woman. She's a lovestruck moron. Please don't let her have sex with Derek. That is sacred for he and Mer ONLY.

I'm super excited about Addison. Hate Ava, but whatever.

It is pretty obvious where you are going with Hahn and Callie. I'm okay with that storyline. I'd rather see over the top drama somewhere other than Mer/Der.

BTW, I am completely and totally bored by the Christina sucking up to Hahn stuff. Come on guys - it has been like a 150 episodes of that. Let's give Christina a more interesting and meaty role.

Derek & Mark are great together. And, I love that Mark hates Rose. Join the club McSteamy.

[MPF]

Welcome back!!! Missed spending Thursday night with all of my favorite characters.
Loved tonight's episode. Loved Meredith. Finally, we see the old Meredith again!!!

[SallySunshine]

Just one question. WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DEAL WITH DEREK'S ISSUES?

[ToolateforMerder]

It would be nice if one of the writers acknowledged sometime that DEREK ALSO HAS ISSUES. He is not perfect, or dreamy, and I find it insulting that you keep on selling this poor Derek is a god vs Meredith is so so damaged.. I makes me hate him even more. Let him keep his “perfect” nurse (your words not mine) and find Meredith someone else. Please, this is really humiliating for woman.

[tets]

Meredith the rockstar surgeon is back! I can't stop grinning. All I need now is for the plant to disappear for good. Then for me Grey's is truly back.

[NC]

AMEN! Welcome back, good show =)

I'm liking "Medical Mer". She seems more confidant, less whiney, and I'm glad she won. (the tumor jump was a bit insensitive, though). Interesting to see how the therapy sessions go for her ...

Which brings me to Izzie. Izzie needs to have some couch time, SERIOUSLY! But many "YAY's" for the demise of Gizzie =)

Good to see Callie finding a confidant, though just because Hahn is being a b*tch to Cristina doesn't mean she has to, too. Being a "mean girl" was never her style, so I hope you guys don't go changing that now.

SO HAPPY that George called himself out on the complaining! Are my eyes decieving me or is he starting to grow up!?!

The Mark and Callie dance scene in the promo - on fire! Tell me you're not going the lez route with her and Hahn?! *not that I'm against a homosexual relationship on the show, it's just not with those two is all* Addi's remark to Callie seemed like a big, fat, anvil ...

[Sara]

Whoohoo, SO excited Grey's is back!!! It seemed like an eternity! I really enjoyed the entire episode, except for the Derek/Rose kiss..ugh! I can't stand Rose. She is so plain & boring.

Lexie is becoming more likeable. This was the first time I didn't think she was annoying.

I loved Meredith tonight, so smart, but still struggling. I wish she would just express her true feelings to Derek already. And Derek needs to beg for her back after making her suffer watching him & Rose. And I love that McSteamy tried to make Mer feel better.

I hope to see her back with Derek soon...get rid of Rose!!

[Crystal]

I just wanted to thank you for mentioning Lupus! I watch this show religiously and as a 22 year old with Lupus, I really appreciate the exposure, however limited to the disease. Thank you!

I LOVED every bit of this episode! I am so darn happy that you're back! I was really nervous/scared to watch with all the Derek and Rose crap being shoved down our throats in the promos but so glad I caved and watched!

It's SO obvious that Meredith and Derek are still so in love with one another! I'm very interested in seeing if their reconciliation will be believable, strong and healthy! I have to tell you - Derek NEEDS to step up to the darn plate and take responsibility for his part in what happened between him and Meredith. They BOTH made mistakes, not just Mer!
I LOVE that Meredith is in therapy - now Derek needs some, too!

SO GLAD Mer won the contest and her clinical trial looks like it's going to be so very interesting! ESP. since she and Derek will be working so closely with one another!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lexie. I laughed so HARD at her stealing stuff but the best was when she took Rose's flowers! That was fabulous!

Also loved the sister/Resident moment between Mer and Lexie! Really happy to see the promise of their relationship developing positively!

Finally, next weeks episode LOOKS amazing! I can not wait for Addiosn to shake things up and kick ass and take names!

Congratulations on a very well done episode! 'Season 4 - part 2' is off to am awesome start!

[Kim]

I absolutely loved this episode! It was so much fun to watch! Ellen is so talleneted,and you guys gave her so much good material to work with tonight. I really liked Ellen had a lot of screen time. Keep it that way! Also, I love Lexie the way she decorated her apartment to help George. I hope Lexie and Mer become closer in the next episodes.

[s.cali]

That was fantastic. Welcome back.

[sarah]

I kinda didn't like the episode,
I wanted more alex and izzie scenes they belong together.
please dont put george with iz again!

[Jeffrey Bryan]

Bwaha? Um... did I just read a ton of comments begging for Gizzie? Really? Painful, forced, crappy storyline Gizzie? No. Please no.

Great first episode back. It definitely felt like a "back to basics" which I greatly appreciated. Kudos, keep it up.

PS - Christina needs a better storyline than sucking up to Hahn. I mean... seriously.

[LS]

so, for serious, are you making Callie and Erica a couple? Because they would be a great couple. I really want that. Just so we're clear.

OMG, this episode was ok, but i'm really excited about next week. ADDISON!!!! She's back in SG! Yayyy!!! It looks like it's going to be such an awesome epi!
Welcome back guys! It's been so long but you held your own tonight, and from the looks of things your getting right back into the wing of things!!! Hoorah Greys!

[Kyle]

Tell me why you writers always run Meredith down like you do? I loved this episode and cheered for Meredith and reading what you wrote about her almost made me dislike what I just saw. Just so you know, Derek is not the be all end all of male existence. He is a liar and he's been horrible to Meredith and yet you writers keep acting like he's some gift to all on this show. The Rose character is beyond boring and I'm just counting the days until she exits, but to see Derek with her almost makes me wish he'd leave right along side her. I love Meredith and Derek, but I root for Meredith and applaud her as a woman who watches this show and cannot believe how the writers tear into her on these blogs. Please STOP IT!

[B]

Very good episode, and I'm so glad the show is back!

I'm kind of surprised at how many posters here want Gizzie back - they were NOT good romantically. Great as friends, not as romance. If you can possibly get Christina Ricci back, the character she played would be great with George, but please, NO MORE GIZZI!!

I have to say, there isn't much chemistry with Derek and Rose. The fact that we've skipped 6 weeks of them dating doesn't help. We've had little time to get to know her, and there just really isn't anything built there. Not that it should happen now - just saying it's a tough sell. (No one's fault about the strike; it's a side effect.) - Derek seems like he's just trying to convince himself that he cares for her.

Love Erica and Callie together. I can totally see them as friends (or more?).

Love that Cristina gave up the contest to learn something she really wanted. Hope we see specifically how she's coping w/o Burke. (Whom I do miss, btw.)

Love that Meredith is in therapy (and woo hoo for Amy Madigan!), but I have to agree that Derek could use some too. Healing is a slow process, and I like seeing Mer take it on. Also loved her taking a step to really help people with the new clinical trial, rather than just diving into surgeries.

Love that Izzie seems to have hit whatever bottom and may find herself again. She's been rather adrift; a bit of acknowledgment that it started with Denny would be great!

Mark really needs a storyline. Seems like there's so much potential, but he always just sort of hangs around all the time.

Can't wait to learn what Alex is really about. We always seem on the verge of learning more, but never quite do.

Loved the woman who was married to the guy with the tumor (sorry - I'm terrible with new names). I felt so bad for her.

Lexie was very sweet, and she is like a lost puppy. She and George seem like a good pair to comfort each other (though maybe not as a romance ... Christina Ricci - I'm just saying.)

Bailey rocked, as always, and the Chief was great too. So glad you all are back!

[Ashley]

Can I just say, it HAS been WAY too long. Glad that the show is back. I enjoy watching the madness of Seattle Grace unfold, but please let the beauty of MerDEr and Gizzie bloom. At least prove to this pessimistic twenty something that love is real!

Seriously!

[Karen]

loved da episode!!!

i cant wait for meredith to work out all her problems so that merder can get back together!!!!

also saw the promo for next episode!! omg addison is back for an episode, i hope she whips merder into shape and make him realise that he sooo meant for her, and she's sooo meant for him...

[emeleye]

WELCOME HOME! Glad you're back. Keep up the good work.

[Pete]

Very good epi. Glad y'all are back, some thoughts:

Mer rocked it, cant wait to see how this brain tumor project pans out

i like Rose, I even like her with Derek, but I don like her with Derek for much longer than a few weeks, he ad Mer have to be together, but this Derek Rose thing is interesting and creating a lot of anticipation for me.

Want to know more of Alex's backstory, I've waited the whole series to learn about him, he needs to hook up with anyone but Yang

Gizzie sucks, glad its over, but how to you restore their iconic friendship, or do you? I see Lexie being George's new Izzie, but I see her more as a romance for him than Izzie was. George needs someone, maybe Callie again? Repair their damage?

Wanted to see Callie/Yang bond and be what Callie/Hahn is now

Hahn/Mark-not crazy about it but wont oppose it happening, I like her being tough and unattached

Mark needs to get over Derek and start being the manwhore we want to see

Yang- needs something, I dont feel Burke closure and this Hahn purgatory she's in is stagnating her character development in my opinion

Addie-bring her back for good

Derek-keep him looking hot

Keep up the good work!

[Bianca]

I hope that Derrick and Meridith get back together. Alex is much deeper than we think.... I am ready to see his story.. Christina has to feel nuts living in that apartment with Callie...WheW... I am ready to see Addy come back..waiting for next week.. I'm a little concerned about how many more episodes we will get with the srike and all.. and how the season 4 DVD is going to be.. mmmmm...thanks so much for rescuing my Thursday night.. you truly saved a life.. :)

[Mer/Der52fan]

I loved the show. I loved Meredith. And I loved the end when her and Derek were together in a scene. I canNOT wait for Mer/Der to get together. I LOVE MER/DER!

[Anna]

Good episode!

But please, please, please, don't have Derek and Rose sleeping together!!!

[Manolo16]

Seriously, Welcome back! Not just to prime time TV but back to the old Grey's when the episode is over and you just can't wait until next week. It has been a LONG time since one has felt this way.

Rose it out. Not interested, seriously......

Shonda's got her groove back!!!!

[Madeline in Maine]

Thank God you put Mer in Therapy! The only way she can begin to have a relationship is to figure out why she is running away! She is also going to have to learn how to tolerate all the anxiety that comes with intimacy.

I would love to see Mer end up with someone who loves her in spite of her flaws.

[Tammie]

It is interesting to read all of these comments...most of them want Izzie and George back together. I have always been a fan of them together and always will be. I thought that the majority of people out there did not want them to stay together. They have awsome chemistry...it just oozes out of them!!!!They can't help it. So, I too, want them together. And I am sure they will be when the time is right! Happy to have you all back!

[Diana C]

Great Episode. Loved EP
The best in such a long, long time. Bravo.
I loved Derek but Ellis was right,when he is out of her life, she excels in her job.
I am glad Mer is the only woman that does not kiss up to Derek. I am glad we saw less of him yesterday

[Kat]

SO glad you guys are back!

About the episode last night, it's such a relief that you are allowing Meredith to show some growth. Finally.

As far as Mer/Der goes, too many writers fall into the trap of "once they are together, they are boring". No, once tv couples are together, they are written boring. If anyone could avoid that, it would be you guys. I want to see an ADULT couple staying together and what that means.

Oh, and Rose has got to go. Nothing personal, its just that there were more sparks in that 30 second interaction with Mer/Der at the end of the episode then all of the Rose Derek scenes combined.

Finally, if you put George and Izzie back together again, I'll barf.

[New Yorker]

Liked everything about the episode but Derek and Rose. Can't stand her and can't wait for her to be gone.

[Leah]

A few things, I am glad you said the Gizzie AFFAIR was a mistake, but not their love. Their love never was, the timing sucked, but I always believed and always will that they belong together.

I hope this breakup is just to reunite them down the line the right way.

I can be patient, but it will be hard as I miss them so much already.

[Leanne]

Derek is not worthy of Mer, yet you act like he is McDreamy.

Alex is not worthy of Izzie or any female, but I am sure you will reunite him and Izzie, ewww. Izzie should be with George, he is the one she has the chemistry and love with.

I am gla dMer won, it shows she is a strong, independent person.

Lexie the clepto and George killing cockroaches was hillarious, they are so cute as friends.

[Gizzieislove]

NO TO ALEX AND IZZIE AND YES TO GEORGE AND IZZIE!

[Sandy]

Thank you so much for bringing the strong and intelligent Meredith back. Her character was unrecognizable for the last year. She was the best and always intune with her patients until you decided to destroy her. Thank you for bringing the Grey of Grey's back.
Derek and Meredith still have chemistry even though you have tried to stop it. It can't be denied!
I never thought of Callie & Hahn together as mentioned above but please don't go there.
I hope we do learn more of Alex's past. Lexie is growing on me. Hopefully George will be George soon.
Other than being gory great episode and I hope you are back on track to what made Grey's the best on TV.

[Michelle]

So Izzie can put a patient through unnecessary and costly ($120,000!!) procedures for her own selfish reasons, and the most discipline she gets is a pep talk from Richard? In a real hospital, she'd be reprimanded harshly or worse ... fired.

[vstewart]

I love the direction the show went last night! I gotta say all week, I was like a kid before Christmas. And on Christmas morning, I didn't get socks, no, I got toys and books and cool clothes!

I just love the restoration of Meredith. It's great to watch. She was a great strong person in Season 1 & 2 and got a little lost in Season 3- too many bad things at once can do that to you- but now she's working through her stuff instead of just suffering.

Great job, guys!

[Nik]

I loved the "Lexie stealing" moments and the fact that the "Old Mer" is back, I am so beyond happy about that. EP is amazing.

Aside from all of that, I loved the one second of MerDer time we got. The entire episode of Derek all smiley and mcdreamy to Rose and just generally being happy, he never looks as happy when he was talking to Mer. He is only fooling himself and leading on someone that doesnt deserve it. I'm still not happy with him and it really bothers me that the writers tend to blame it all on Mer when clearly Derek has major issues himself.

All in all, this was an amazing episode, you did a great job! I loved the MerDer portion of this blog and the fact that they can't stay away from one another. Definitely makes me want to stay tuned.

I wanted to list a couple of my favorite comments from this blog:

1 It means Derek is thinking and not acting...which of course is what MARK does.

2. America needs a love story, not a broken heart

I couldnt have said it better myself.

Were so glad to have you back and can't wait for next week when Addison returns hopefully she knocks some sense into Derek.

[Terry]

Zoanne et all,

I must begin with a huge Thank you! I had lost all but a small slither of hope and in all honesty was completely prepared to change the channel or for this to be the last episode I ever watched.

Did you fix everything in one episode...nope. But I also didn't want you to. I loved this episode and hope that the remainder of the season continues to show character development and growth. I also enjoyed getting back to the medicine.

Thank you again!!

[Taylor]

The episode was good but the showhas lost its magic for me since you broke up Gizzie. They are good as friends, but they are AMAZING as a couple and yesterday seeing all their chemistry, I thought what a waste of amazing chemistry, sigh.

I miss them

[love from Indy]

I am so happy the show is back. I was worried because I didn't feel that excited. I mean I wouldn't have missed it but I didn't feel that anticipation I usually fell after not seeing a new show for so long. But then............

I am so happy the show is back 5 new episodes and I know they will go by quickly but it is 5 new episodes. Right now I don't care if MerDer are together, or if George and Izzie are going to be OK. I'm OK with the rumors surrounding Callie and Hon I am just so happy my show is back. It was the best hour I have had with tv watching in oh so long.

Don't worry I will get back to worring about who is doing what or who, but right now I am just enjoying the fact that the show I love is back and my characters are back and I get 5 whole episodes that I haven't seen before.

Thank you Shondra and Zoanne for bringing my show back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Caitlin]

I know, why do all those women want Derek? Because he is supposedly hot, well his personality is not.

I miss Gizzie and want them back together, so glad we got no Alex and Izzie scenes, I hate them

IZZIE BELONGS WITH GEORGE

Cristina is so lost since Burke left, poor her

Callie does not interest me

[Jenna]

Loved the eppy, was one of the best I've seen since mid season 3. I think rewatching past eppys of Greys is really helping to bring back the lightness and fun. Loved how you're getting our strong Mer back. I so missed S1 Mer. I however was not happy how Derek seemed so arrogant and just flaunts the nurse around Mer, uh if he has a heart at all and any memory at all? Doesn't he remember how much it tore Mer to shreds watching him with Addison? My heart broke a little for Mer as she has to sit by and watch him with "the nurse". I think we need to hurry up and get that storyline wrapped up, it's so not Derek to be doing that in front of Mer. It seems every eppy he loses a bit more McDreamy, Derek is so out of character right now, I barely recognize him. Mer in therapy kudos. However I think that Der is the one that needs the therapy.

Cristina-I miss the kick ass surgeron we once knew. She would've never given up a contest like that!

Looking forward to next Thursday-I hope Addie lays into Der for being a McBastard and it looks to me like she'll be there for Mer a bit. All in all pretty good eppy back!

[Laura]

Sorry, but I found this ep to be really mean-spririted. First of all, I have no interest in seeing roaches and guts. The fact that Meredith threw her hands up in the air and yelled "TUMOR" was totally offensive, and I hated that Izzie ran all those tests on him. And the scene at the end when Yang goes home to her apt and they pretty much ignore her? Really mean and who would really act that way?

[Elizabeth]

Overall I thought it was a great episode.

The one thing I don't understand is why it seems like you are blaming the failure of Mer/Der all on Meredith. I think they are equally to blame for the end of the relationship. When is Der going to change? When is he going to work on his problems in therapy? In order for them to get back together they both have to admit their mistakes and apologize. It's not just Mer's fault. I hate to break it to you but McDreamy hasn't really been acting Dreamy for a while.

On another note, thank god Gizzie is dead. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Pixiedarling]

I liked the ep tonight!!!!! It' about time we got some REAL writing and dare I say, Grey's seems to be getting back on track to it's original greatness (back on track mind you, NOT there yet though ).

I'm still a little annoyed by Izzie. I just want to see season 1 & 2 kick @ss Izzie. Whiny Izzie continues to grate on my nerves.

Where were the interns this episode? So the residents have a contest and their interns are left to fend for themselves?

I want them to wrap up this Hahn hating Yang thing. We get it! You don't like her! We get it! You are still her teacher though!

LOVED Derek and Mark's "bromance". Although I do miss the Eric Dane stubble. :-\

LOVED that Mer shouted out "Tumor!" and threw her arms in the air when she made the diagnosis! Hilarious!

LOVED klepto Lexie!

Welcome back Grey's!

[liz86000]

Well, I think it was a very good episode! For once, I didn't want to drink myself to sleep after having seen Grey's!

I loved Meredith. Strong Meredith. It's good that she went to therapy, but it was completely stupid when she said she has no problems. Come on Shonda, she KNOWS what her problems are, she even listed them to Christina!! Did you forget what you wrote (if it's even you!) already??!

Anyway, besides that, I loved strong Mer. But Derek is an idiot. Not only it made me very sad to see him so happy with Rose, like he didn't even miss Meredith AT ALL in the 5/6 weeks, but I really HATED when he said that Rose didn't sleep with her yet cause "she's a lady, she has morals". WTF? Does he again think Meredith is a whore for sleeping with him on the first night then?? Pff...

But at least there was THE look. Their look. At the end of the epi, they looked at each other, and you could see "oooh, it's SO not over between those two". So let's all hope. And hope that he WON'T sleep with the Plant!! Cause that would ruin any
reunion between Mer & Der for me.

I also hope that in those next 5 epi, we'll see Derek apologize. I'm tired of everything being always all Meredith's fault. Let the *ss take some responsability is the fact that she has trouble to trust him (after all he did to her, it doesn't surprise me..). I hope he'll see how much he hurt Mer. Still does, flaunting his relationship with plot device...

By the way, can we say that Rose is REALLY strange?!! If Addi called Mer a twelve year old, then what is Rose? Three?? She's behaving like a 14 year old girl that has been kissed for the first time!! And Derek wants a MATURE relationship??? That girl is SOO weird...

Finally I'll just quote something about Rose & Derek that I found SO right!:

"I think she comes off exactly like the type of woman Ellis called Derek out as needing. Someone to idolize and worship him. He'll have that meanwhile Meredith is figuring out medical mysteries."

It's one of the truest thing I've ever read!!

Meredith rocked this episode! She is by far my favorite character ever.

This was a great epi, thank you so much for writing Meredith what you did in this epi.

Ellen pompeo blew my mind away. she is amazing.

this is the show we love. all about Meredith and the interns first. then the orhers...

please keep it like this.

[Chloe Q]

Thank you for an amazing episode. I loved every minute of it. I was so proud of Meredith - knowing that she needs to talk to somebody is a big step. And it was so true to her character that she not talk at all for the first few sessions. But I loved her saying it was time for her to start talking in the end. And I also loved how focused she was on her work, and how hard she worked to try to find a way to save Phillip, and how excited she seemed by the chance to actually help people at the end of the episode. Can I just say, by the way, that Ellen Pompeo was amazing in this episode. She's always amazing, but I loved her performance last night - so subtle but so heartbreaking at the same time.

As far as Derek is concerned, I'm not sure what's going on with him. It seems to me that he is in denial of his true feelings for Meredith, which may be why he hasn't slept with Rose yet? I hope that's what you mean when you say he's going to stay true to Derek. I don't want him to hurt Rose just to make himself feel better about losing Meredith. But, I agree with you, Meredith and Derek are meant for each other. They just need to realize that, and give in to that.

Please make Derek wake up and see that he needs to take responsibility for his actions (Addison? Where are you?). I need him to acknowledge that his behavior has something to do with Meredith's hesitance to trust him. I need them to have a real conversation. I need them to tell each other that they love each other! I have a feeling this is coming...

Anyway, I loved the episode. Brilliant from start to finish - good medical stuff, funny (loved the contest!), and touching. Thank you!

[Gdog]

Thanks for the wonderful blog, I really enjoyed it! The show seemed back tonight. There was drama, there was emotion, there was hope but none of it was overblown.

Thank you for giving us a strong Mer and not the drunk whining Mer. Thank you for ending Gizze ~ it was painful, although they are "gold" as friends. Thank you for developing something for Cristina that doesn't revolve around Mer. She needs to go out on her own as much as Mer does. Let her find her own way.

Overall- great episode - I'm actually excited for next week which is a huge change from the earlier episodes this season.

Keep up the great work!

[L]

For starters, awesome blog. Very fun to read.

Second, awesome episode. I loved Meredith catching the brain tumor, loved her winning gracefully, and especially loved her researching a procedure that could save lives. And loved Derek's pride with her diagnosis, and suggestions.

Can't wait for next week!!!

Oh, and thank you on no Gizzie.

[KYLE]

This was a fantastic Epi
thank you so much

please keep giving Ellen P. such great lines. Meredith is the heart of the show. it's all about her and happens around her. thats how we love it. And Ellen just rocked the episode last night. amazing actress...

Mer and the interns come first. please make it like that again. tonight was a great example of great it was. thank you.

[melissa]

Grey's is back! How I've missed it. So glad you've got your game back on. I thoroughly enjoyed the episode. Can't wait for more.

Overkill on the animal theme. However, I loved the image of Alex lying on the top bunk like a jaguar lying on a tree branch. There were a LOT of animal references. I hope MerDer will let their animal instincts bring them back together again. I also hope that Der apologizes profusely to Mer for hurting her over and over again. He needs to grovel.

[mamaloa]

I am a minority, I guess, but I loved the Rose/Derek scenes, and the fact that they hadn't jumped into sex yet, and are waiting until they are serious, according to him. According to what is written, McDreamy says that she is moral and a lady. That's great to hear. Now, that has been done correctly. I know that everyone wants Mer/Der together, because that is what they are used to seeing all this time. I think that Rose/Derek should be given a chance. But, I don't know why everyone is fussing. You know that it will probably be Meredith, because it's always Meredith. Too bad a good character like Rose has to be the one that is hurt. I really wish that the writers would change their minds about this character being with Derek. Take a chance and do it. Otherwise, like I say, bring back Addison and put him back with her. I loved the elevator scene with Derek/Sloan. It was too funny. I hope that friendship will remain and no more stealing girlfriends or spouses away from each other. I hope that either Mark and Hahn will get together or Mark and Callie. Please don't go there with Callie and Hahn. That would be to sickening for me. Let it be the friendship that Callie and Addison had. What you all need is some more hot actors for some of these girl's. Please bring one in for Meredith. It's time for to have someone and not Derek. I like that she is going to a shrink, and trying to fix herself. Like many have written, she's good without Derek. The competition was cute, but once again a little bit immature. We are getting a little bit from Alex on what he's all about but not quite there yet. George and Izzy are once again back to their old friendship and that's great to watch. This whole Gizzy thing was bad. I like that he's friends with Lexie, and I think they are more suitable for each other than Izzy. Christina needs someone, and Izzy does too. I for one am still wondering why Izzy was never put with someone like McDreamy. That would be really interesting, if that ever happens. But, now, I like Rose and I hope she doesn't get hurt. I hope Derek will decide that it's actually her that he wants. For those who say there is not chemistry. Look again. Plus, has anyone noticed that it's always the blondes that get the guys? I mean there are a lot of gorgeous brunettes around too.

[Jill]

Loved every second of it!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

[Miranda]

Wow, I can't believe I just got to watch GA again! It seems like ages ago when I saw a new epi!! Maybe this will somewhat break my HGTV addiction.

Anyway, great to have you back. I enjoyed seeing Amy Madigan as Mer's therapist and was proud of Mer for going and for her huge step at the end. Also, although Mer is miserable and having hellacious insomnia, it was nice to see her back to good form in her career because she is very smart and a good doc, which sometimes gets forgotten.

Good story arcs set up here. Anxious to see what happens with Alex.... finally some more backstory on him!! I can't wait.

I love Lexie and all her cute nerdiness and people-pleasing mannerisms. I like her friendship with George.

Izzie keeps making the same mistakes over and over. Interesting...

Uh oh, a Bailey implosion/explosion will not be pretty. I don't look forward to that.

I'll be anxious to see what you do with Rose and Derek. I think Rose is nice enough and she definitely is more mature and with less baggage than Meredith. You actually made me not even care about Mer/Der anymore so you have some work to do thre. I am feeling indifferent towards them -- too much stuff has happened and too much time passed with no new shows so I feel nothing -- maybe I need to see Amy Madigan!

I am soooo excited to see Addison next week! I can't wait. I do prefer her hair better red. And, McSteamy is so much more sexier with his facial hair -- could he please grow it back just for me?! hee hee

Looking forward to next week and welcome back.

[Ami]

During the break I watched all the episodes over again, from the beginning. Meredith does not belong with Derek. He has treated her like an expendable yo-yo from the very start. He pushes her away for any minor infraction, and then turns those eyes on her so she comes back with her heart in her hands. Last night, she was strong, independent, and intelligent. It is about time.

[MPF]

I don't know who posts the episodes online, but I would like to point out that there is an episode misssing. The episode "Lay Your Hands Over Me" is not available online. Maybe you can let the person in charge know. I like to go back and watch, and online is the only way I can at this point.

[Mary from Washington]

Hey Zoanne,

Fabulous episode. I'm so glad you guys are back. I didn't think I'd be able to stand waiting but somehow I survived (by instinct ;)) and now we're off and running again.

Just wanted to let you know that I supported the writers while the strike was going on. I sent four pennies to the AMPTP, a box of pencils, and I bought the Writers' Strike t-shirt to help out. I'm glad you guys fought the good fight, but I'm even happier that you're back :).

Ok, so back to the episode. Can I just say that anyone who doesn't like Mer is crazy!!! She was so amazing last night. She's competitive and wants to win, but above that, her basic instinct is simply to save lives. (And be with Derek, but she just doesn't know that yet.) Hoping the psychiatrist can help her out in that department.

And P.S., that little Dose kiss at the end was definitely not needed. I really hope McDreamy doesn't become McAss and sleep with Rose. Mer didn't sleep with Finn, so he can't sleep with Rose. That's how TV relationships work. Haha. Please don't make him lose his McDreamyness.

And I'm hoping Addie can talk some sense into the two them when she visits next week. I'm so excited.

Once again, thank you so much for all of the hard work that you all do. Thanks Shonda and Krista and Betsy and Allan and Linda and Zoanne and everyone else that makes this show possible. Have a great week.

---Mary

[Jasmin "R"]

I am a Grey's Fan, but most of all Meredith Derek Fan. I thought the episode was excellently written and acted.

Ellen Pompeo, if tonight was any indication of the next 6 weeks,I hope will finally get an Emmy nomination as acknowledement. Her eyes speak volumes without a single word uttered.

Finally, I thought, we get a Meredith that is continuing to grow, seemingly stronger (she has got to be hurting inside, we know she is) and it was wonderful to watch her. Then, we get a comment like yours, where you allude to her not acting like a human being.

Why is it that it is Meredith that always gets these comments, I thougoht she was fabulous! And she reflected her humanity in every single scene she was in.

As for your comment, can they make it, are their instincts all wrong? Well, let's hope this is headingdown the path Shonda Rhimes indicated.

Glad she is not pregnant.

Hope we will not be subjected to any more Rose Derek intimacy then we saw last night.

One more thing, would I take him back if I were Meredith, probably not, not after his comment of Rose being a lady.. which makes mer by his own words a "whore"

Mcdreamy, in my eyes, has a lot to redeem himself for.

I'd likely say, Mark, go for it... go for Meredith, she deserves better than Derek right now.

Quote:
But Mer’s not quite taking full advantage of that. But it looks like there’s some movement at the end… we’ll see what she does with that. Maybe it’ll help her actually start acting like a human being around Derek. They haven’t spoken in the entire six-week interim. Mer’s been totally avoiding him and he’s been avoiding her. But they can’t keep that up. They can’t handle that. Deep, deep down, on their basest levels, taking intellect out of the picture, they belong together. They need each other. It’s instinctual, base, feral.

But what if it’s not? What if all of their instincts are wrong, like with Izzie?

[Robin]

I just don't get why people are into George and Izzie. I don't see the chemistry, and it doesn't make sense- they are best friends in real life, which could hardly make for sexy interactions. I totally just don't see it. And I think you must not have seen Alex and Izzie the first time around. Now that was hot. They should replay that first kiss in the bar- the one I rewinded and watched four times. Hot. And I LOVE Alex- give us more of him. But without Ava- she is annoying and selfish.

As for Rose- she is in love with Derek after 5 or 6 dates over the course of more than 6 weeks? Really? That seems a bit melodramatic. Maybe if it was every day for that time, I would get it, but once a week isn't enough to fall in love so quickly! It just didn't seem natural. And speaking of six weeks- was it ever mentioned that it had been six weeks? Without this blog, was there anyway for the viewer to know it was that period of time?

[Casey]

The episode was awesome!!! Meredith was great! I really enjoyed seeing Izzie as her old opitmistic non whiny self. Please don't put her and george back together! I can't stand Rose, ready for her to leave now!! I think Derek lied to Sloan about her wanted to wait to have sex. I think he's the one who doesn't want to yet because he is still in love with Meredith.

Ya'll are awesome!

[Casey]

The episode was awesome!!! Meredith was great! I really enjoyed seeing Izzie as her old opitmistic non whiny self. Please don't put her and george back together! I can't stand Rose, ready for her to leave now!! I think Derek lied to Sloan about her wanted to wait to have sex. I think he's the one who doesn't want to yet because he is still in love with Meredith.

Ya'll are awesome!

[Annie]

Wow for one a woman writer who is not all in love with McJerk, oops I mean McDreamy.

I think I love you.

The guy is such a loser if it was not for his good loooks no woman would go for him.

I miss George and Izzie as a couple so much, it actually feels like one big ache in my heart. I missed many couples, but never to that point before.

I love that Lexie is being such a good friend to george, he deserves it.

I also think he had every right to be angry, he keeps losing and being humiliated, it is not fair.

I want him to win FOR ONCE.

[LaurieNY]

I really should be doing Yoga now but once again I get sucked into this yummy GA blog - it's been a long wait. Sometimes anticipation sucks and gratification is where it's at.

Derek so lost the "I kissed Rose" arguement and looked like a wus saying "I can't take this anymore". He should have just apologized to Meridith instead of saying "you don't trust anyone".

So happy super genius in- therapy Meredith is kicking butt. She solved the Medical Mystery and now is doing cutting edge neuro research. Derek is going to come crying back to Mer and goodbye to nurse Rosie (no competition).

Loved the entire episode & all the characters - except really hated the scuzzy George/Lexie apt - that's just too gross.

Way to go getting Addison back into the mix. What an ultra fantastic bonus for us.

[abbie]

seriously hate rose!!! ah! she bugs the crap out of me! And Derek is so no longer worthy of Meredith I love them together but he's an idiot...idk how you are going to fix it this time....

[Susanne]

I am SO glad you are back!
The episode was great and even worth the wait!

Meredith and Derek back together PLEASE!!!!!!!!! I beg you as your most loyal fan - do not make us wait until the end of the season.

PLEASE get rid of Rose. She annoys the heck out of me.

Please tell me that you are not going to do the big L with Hahn and Callie. I have nothing against it - but they seem to go the other way. I want to see Hahn and Mark. I think she would keep him in line and it would be a blast to see.

Bailey needs some lovin. How about the guy from her past that was on a few episodes ago come back? She is SO much more then Chief Resident and Mom.

Finally - thank you SO much for being who you are and writing this amazing show. I literally plan my week around seeing your show~!

[Kimmy]

Great episode - fast paced, sweet, and yet sad - everything I've been missing with Grey's gone, so ... THANK YOU for bringing it back to us.

I personally don't like Meredith, so I don't care for the Mer-Der-Rose triangle. I like Mark, though, so I was sad to see him so upset about not getting his old hunting buddy back. Poor guy.

Love the Lexie/George friendship, and how it's shaping up. Please, please leave them as friends! It would be nice, for once, to see a girl/guy friendship that STAYS just a friendship.

Callie and Erica are HOT, and the kiss that has been speculated about and mentioned had better be with them! I see so much chemistry between those beautiful women!

[Staunch Mer]

Mer is way too good for Derek. Let him and rose go get married and be boringly happy with no screen time thanks. Very clever to pick rose to play opposite Der so they have no chemistry on screen whatsoever however you do realise this makes it awkward and yucky to watch.
I hope you arn't going to throw dippy Der back with Mer without making him face up to all his issues. My concern is if they get together and Mer doesn't conceive or whatever exactly when Der needs her to he will go out and find a replacement. Der is way too needy and controlling for Mer. Let her find a strong man, wish you had never killed off Dylan, their she had chemistry with him unlike the ridiculous pairing you did with Mer and Finn.
Hope you make Mer get Der to see all of his numerous errors in their relationship and no begging from Mer to Der please or I will switch off!!

[ChasingCars]

First off - Thank you for coming back. I have been waiting for last night for a long while now and it was well worth it.

Mer - Thank goodness the girl is getting some therapy. She is so messed up and she needs to fix herself before she can give what Derek wants and she ultimately wants and needs. Yes she needs Derek, partially to prove to herself that she can be in a relationship - a real relationship; and then to prove that she can be happy - really happy. Mer is growing up and being a big girl. Admitting you need help is being really mature. Thank you for helping her grow.

Der - Contrary to everyone else's sentiments, I think that Rose is good for Derek. He deserves to be with someone that wants what he wants. But this will be a rebound girl. I see some foreshadowing with the maligant brain tumor guy.

Ok, there is an elephant in the room and no one is talking about it. Addison is coming back. Holy moly! What the heck! Next week is going to be awesome, but I hope that Private Practice will be back next season - because I love that show. Its a doctor LA thing.

[Nola]

I love Mer but I hated how mean she was to Lexie.

I want George and Izzie together, how can you not know how many fans those two have?

You seem only aware of the Gizzie haters.

How can the Grey mag know how many Gizzie fans there is and you don't?

You are the ehadwriter but you seem totally out of touch with your audience.

[cassandra]

The small amount of time Mer/Der were together on screen sizzled. Zero chemistry between Derek and Rose. She's gotta go..and soon!

[Gizziebelonngstogether]

We did a little poll on the Gizzie LJ community, which is the biggest Gizzie community on the Net with more than 500 fans.

Some questions invoolved favorite Gizzie moments, but my favorite part was what would you do if you met Shonda.

Reading it was a riot, maybe you should read it and get an inkling of how angry we Gizzie fans are and how tired we are of you ignoring us, one of your biggest fanbases.

http://community.livejournal.com/george_izzie/291743.html

[wendy]

I'm loving how the majority of the posters are pro-Gizzie. As am I. I almost feel like you're trying to force them back on us as friends. But the CHEMISTRY! I love them and want them back as a couple so badly.

But I do have to say I really enjoyed Meredith tonight. For the first time in a long time. Loved her.

I really look forward to exploring Alex more - he's definitley the most under-developed character and I hate that :o\ I'd love to learn more about his twisted self.

Glad you're back :o)

[McSmart]

"Maybe it’ll help her actually start acting like a human being around Derek."

When are you going to quit trying to sell this Derek is " McDreamy" crap to all of the independent , smart, women out here? Meredith needs to act human around Derek? More like Derek needs to act human period!!

I would love for the writers to make two lists, one with anything "dreamy" Derek has done, and the other with all the lies, poor behaviors, and all around idiot behaviors he has displayed. My guess is he would have a new nickname real fast, and it wouldn’t be one that the censor on here would allow through!!!

Meredith ROCKED last night!!!

Derek and Rose have no chemistry at all!! In fact sorry Rose is so poorly written, and acts worse then a 9 year old!!

You have such a star studded cast then and then you ass "Rose"? You need to correct that situation, and get rid of that character now.

And Derek talking about Rose being a "lady" and having "morals" , has be bothered to take a good look at himself? And as far as you trying to push us on the whole she has morals and is a lady thing? In real life, any women with morals and that is a lady, steers clear of a man that is involved with another women on any level. She knew all about Meredith, so don’t tell me she has morals!!

One more thing, can you kind of avoid having Rose smile? It gives me nightmares for weeks!!!!

[Daisy]

I am so mad you acted like Gizzie never existed. We Gizzie fans remember and we will always remember, and we will never forgive you for killing our wonderful couple like that.

McDreamy? Sorry, I only saw McAss. Derek saying Rose is a lady and has morals infers that Meredith is not. I am glad that Mer is getting back to being a force of nature and throwing herself back into her work. I love these two together, but Mer is a healthy person away from Derek. And Derek, I don't care about him anymore.

I thought that Mark was a friend to Mer, but he realy just wants Derek to himself without any permanent female relationship. I am glad that Mer won the contest.

[New Yorker]

Can't wait for Rose to be gone and for Meredith and Derek to be together.

[Al]

Great great episode!

Meredith freakin rocks. She was amaaaaazing this episode. I haven't realised how much I missed her till I was watching the episode. Seriously, that girl is awesome and last night she stole the show...

I still don't know what you are trying to do with the whole Rose/Derek. I think it's ridiculious but well, since it's evident nothing is going on between them (well, despite the fact that Rose has serious problems)I'm gonna say that you keep doing what you're doing.

Mark is a GREAT character... he was sooo good last night. I love how he acted like the fans saying all the things we wanted to say to Derek and Meredith.

I love the trial thing... they are gonna spend some great time together.

Although I love the fact that Mer is going to therapy because it's really gonna be good for her.. I would like for Derek to realise his problems too. And most important, for Mer to realise Derek is NOT perfect. We saw in this episode she thinks of him as the perfect man that she can't believe wanted sth to do with her. So I think she has to know he's not better than her. And I hope you make that point in the show because sometimes it feels that you are writing Derek as the perfect man and you'r letting Meredith take all the blame. And the truth is... Derek has a lot (if not the most part) of blame to take.

I really hope you don't solve their problems by Meredith being the one that changes and we have Derek recognise for once in his life he has a problem.

oh btw, Lexie freakin rocks. I laughed soo hard with her. She is an amazing character.

Keep the good work, and bring Meredith and Derek back together in a believable way please

[Meredith]

MerDer are in no way ready to be back together.

I resented the fact you had Gizzie act like their love never happened. There are many Gizzie fans out there, me included, and you hurting us over and over again to make the haters happy is just making a lot of us tune out

I tuned out after 30 minutes and I don't think i will be tuning in again

The Gizzie fans deserve a lot more respect than we have been getting.

[Anna]

Seriously? You're going to "fix" Meredith with therapy? You think we are supposed to buy that after going through all the crud she has for years now, she's suddenly just going to "get it" while sitting on a therapists couch? Um, no. Not buying it.

[Talia]

You broke my heart when you broke up Gizzie, I thought it could not be mroe broken but yesterday having Izzie harshy tell George their love was a stupid mistake broke my heart even more.

I am sorry, Gizzie were why I watched and you just went way too far in destroying them. You hurt me way too badly.

[Liz]

This was a good episode.

I had a lot of fun watching George and Lexie in their new pad.

But come on, George and Izzie belong together!

They cannot be just friends.

As is always the case the episodes that aren't dragged down with Meredith/Derek drama are enjoyable. An example was last night's episode, l really enjoyed it. Liked that it was more balanced, showed all the characters and that there was little Mer/Der.

Loved Alex, Cristina, Mark and Mark/Derek. The Mark/Derek scene was the highlight of the night.

The TUMOR! end zone dance was the low point. Self absorbed Meredith once again - yay for me and my contest, oh sorry you're dying. And nice to make the man's wife feel like garbage in the process.

Sparkly pager must be super special as once Meredith had it she was suddenly able to speak, find cures and be professional by talking to Derek instead of sending George.

Why did Meredith tell the therapist that she hadn't slept in 5 weeks, alluding to it being since she and Derek broke up (