Joan Rater On "In The Midnight Hour"...

Original Airdate: 11-20-08

Okay, it’s a little crazy to try to take out an appendix.  I get that.  I think Lexie and Sadie and all the interns get that.  IT’S CRAZY TO TAKE OUT AN APPENDIX!  But here’s the thing – it’s the middle of the night.  And an appendectomy is the easiest surgery you can do.  And they’ve seen them done a lot.  And they’ve done them on the practice dummy guy, IStan. And they’re competitive and feel like their residents aren’t letting them do anything and, I think it bears repeating … it’s the middle of the night.  When all things are possible.  It’s not the middle of the night as I write this, but it’s late, 11 pm, and I’m feeling like maybe I’ll wake up early and exercise before work.  I probably won’t, cause like … um … I never have … but it’s late and under cover of darkness … all things feel possible.

Which brings me to Izzie.  I’ll get back to the interns because more needs to be said – THEY TOOK OUT SADIE’S APPENDIX!- but Izzie … Izzie just touched Denny -- talking, breathing, right here in her bedroom Denny – and she’s just sitting there at the beginning of the episode wondering what’s going on, it’s not possible that he’s here, because he died, but he’s here and he’s talking and now he’s walking toward her and now he’s unbuckling his belt and ….  Crazy.  Unreal.  Impossible.  But ….  I think Izzie is thinking that tonight she’s going to let this be possible.  In the confines of her room she’s going to let this be real. But it’s complicated and scary.  She and Alex are finally good, really good and so what is this, why is Denny here, why can’t she just move on?  And I think she thinks she will -- tomorrow, in the morning, as I’m exercising, she’ll be all moving on and stuff, but tonight …. Tonight why can’t she just let miracles happen, turn off her scientist brain and just be in that moment, the two of them, finally alone together?  And by the way, I don’t think she thinks it’s cheating on Alex.  I really don’t.  Because Denny’s dead.  Whatever this is, whatever he is, Izzie knows this isn’t real, she KNOWS that, but it feels real and she just … closes her eyes and, you heard the sounds coming from the room, as Meredith said, it sounded kinda porny, so whatever’s going on with the dead guy, the sex is good at least …  But by morning, in the light of day, when appendixes have been removed and you realize you can’t stay in your room with your dead ex-boyfriend forever, she chooses Alex and it’s sad as she looks at Denny who seems sad, but he gets it, after all he’s “here for her …”

Back to the appendix.  Sadie’s appendix.  Did you hear Sadie say to Lexie that Meredith is wrong about her, maybe Lexie isn’t such a priss?  And the look on Lexie’s face, “Meredith thinks I’m a priss?”  And that is what takes Lexie over the edge in the middle of the night and makes her go, yeah, we can do this, why not?  How hard can it be to take out an appendix? 

Sidenote-  I had these hedges, really overgrown.  And my husband, who usually trims the hedges wasn’t home, so I said to myself, how hard can it be to trim hedges?  I trimmed one side and then the other, and then I had to even out the first side and then I cut too much and had to go back and then the whole thing looked like CRAP but I had to fix it and then I just started whacking away like a crazy person and then my husband came home and said in a voice that he usually reserves for our 5 year old.  “Honey, put down the hedge clippers and step away from the hedge.” 

I think that’s what happened a little.  In the OR as opposed to my front yard.  Things were fine and then they weren’t and when Meredith and Cristina walked into that horrible scene and saw Sadie on the table and intern Ryan and Lexie just looking shellshocked and horrified, it was like, “Put down the scalpel and step away from the table”. 

Here’s what I love – Meredith and Cristina rocked that surgery.  They stayed calm, they did it, and in doing so they showed everyone – the Chief, Bailey, themselves -- how far they’ve come as doctors.  And Bailey was there to see it and take a little bit of pride in the fact that she raised her babies, she taught them right from wrong, now it’s their turn to do the same thing to their interns …

Speaking of Bailey, how about the scene with her and Callie where she talks about how she’s come to resent the appendix for getting infected and needing to removed?  She resents a surgery that our residents are so excited to perform.  And that gives her pause.  Seeing their passion, missing that passion in herself, makes her wonder if maybe she needs a change …

And Mark and Derek.  I love their friendship. And I think Mark does too, which is why he doesn’t want to mess it up.  But seriously – he didn’t think of Lexie in THAT WAY until Derek mentioned it.  It is Derek’s fault.  But when we find out how Derek’s mom took Mark in, took in a stray, we see a new side of Mark and I’ve got to say, I love it.  That he sees how in distress Lexie is and tells Derek to take her home … or he will …

Meredith and Cristina’s fight.  Cristina lost the solo surgery and feels that it’s unfair that she should take the hit for this, that Meredith should have stood up for her more, but I get when Meredith asks, “what did you want me to say?”  Meredith’s friend almost died, Meredith’s “sort of but not really” sister is probably going to get kicked out of the program … and Cristina knew intern fight club was going on?!! I like that they are both right and that there are no easy answers and that it’s complicated and messy. 

Speaking of complicated … um … Major Dr. Owen Hunt.  Complicated.  And tortured.  Words fail him all night, so that when he finally finds his words and tells Cristina he thinks she’s beautiful … it’s so surprising and nice and she gets this look on her face.  It’s like she softens for just a split second. It’s not what she was expecting to hear, he’s not who she thought he was, and I like that they are both complicated and they sit on the stoop as the sun comes up on a new day and they can just be quiet together.

Because that’s the thing about morning.  It eventually comes and when it does, your life and the people in it, who you’ve become, decisions you’ve made either look good by the light of day or just illuminate how far off course you’ve gone.

Izzie realizes she can’t stay holed up in her room, Ggeorge opens his eyes to the fact that Lexie has been in love with him and he’s been so preoccupied he hasn’t seen it, Derek realizes that he needs to “bring home a stray” and when he does, Meredith is grateful.  Alex tells Izzie, I can handle your crazy, if you want to break up with me, that’s on you.  It’s like the residents are growing up, especially in comparison to the interns who probably just wish they could take it all back. 

So … it’s morning as I finish this.  And I didn’t get up early.  The alarm went off and I decided I’d sleep in.  But tonight’s another night, filled with possibilities, and I bet I’ll set that alarm again and one of these days, maybe, it’s possible, I’ll get to the gym and work out.  How hard can it be?   

Comments

[Miss Kensington]

Really good! Nice MerDer moments (though one does want more!), love Mark and Lexie, loved the last scene with Owen and Cristina, loved Izzie going back to Alex in the end as well.

[cassie]

i don't think izzie has a brain tumor at all. i think it's necessary for her to face the fact that she "killed" denny in order for her to get over him & ever be happy. he's there for her to help her through that. at least that's my two cents on the whole thing.

[Heidi]

I thought Cristina's days as an interesting character were gone after Burke left. Finally I feel Cristina's back. She is getting better by the episode in this season. I really liked the figth between Cristina and Mer, it seemed very real and common amongst friends.

I also liked the scenes between Derek and Mark. It's nice to see them being great friends again.

I really hope Lexie and Mark will get together. I think Lexie could bring the softer side of Mark out, unlike Callie. I also like Lexie better with Mark, because she's more confident and they have had some funny scenes together. I just don't see a future for George and Lexie.

I'd like to see more Mer and Der scenes, where they are all lovey-dovey. I loved the few blissful scenes from the past seasons, like the bathtub scene and doing crossword puzzles. I want that love back.

I hope that this plot line with Izzie and Denny is coming to an end soon. I didn't like Denny that much in the past, maybe because I wanted Izzie and Karev to be together. Now Dennys is becoming in between them again.

I'd like to see more of Bailey and Chief.

[Mellie]

Joan Rater,

I totally get you about the possibilities of the night.

Then again, I'm kinda a borderline personality..

[Mark&Callie4ever]

Hated Dead Denny. Let him stay dead, please.

Hated the interns. They're unnecessary. Sadie needs to go like, yesterday.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Mark/Callie scenes. They are so good together! They belong together. It was so nice to see Mark get some backstory, and to see how gentle he was with the little girl. Please, please...do not put him with Lexie! Mark and Callie belong together!

[L S]

I'll say it again - PLEASE let Denny stay dead and let Izzie move on. That whole story line is just weird and creeepy!

Love Cristina and Owen.

Oh and let Sadie go back where she came from . . .

I haven't ppsted a comment in quite some time, but had to today. I absolutley loved the ep (minus the Denny story line) Great one liners and memorable moments. Favs were Der/Mark moments, Mark/Callie (love these two) and the Mer/Christina fight was shocking by brilliantly acted by the both of them. Loved how Alex stood up for Izzie and Der took in a stray.lol.. Bailey as usuall was awesome. Like your writing and the blog too.

[SallyC]

I am curious to ask those of you who work in medical professions if you have ever known of situations where interns would perform actual surgery on a perfectly healthy person, just as a learning exercise. Doesn't this break their basic Hippocratic Oath? I've heard of medical students examining dead animals outside of the context of their formal studies. But this story line was entirely unbelievable. I was hoping that, at the very least, Sadie would die. It would have been worth it to get rid of her. But, unfortunately, she's still with us. I'm afraid our GA writers are getting desperate, and that's a shame.

[Jaslyn C]

Apart from the Izzie/Denny parts it was a great episode. Finally some backstory on Mark and Derek. Finally a confrontation between Mere and Christina. If you would get rid of Denny I would be sooooo pleased.

[Amanda]

Where do I begin? First, let me just say that I have not missed an episode since the pilot aired, I own the DVD's and I have the dang t-shirts! In other words....I'm a diehard!

I loved the Denny/Izzie relationship in season two.....and I sooo wanted him to live! What you've been showing us these last few epis is that they would have been magical together (which us dizzie fans have known all along). Relative term here being "would have". Bringing Denny back now just seems like a total gimmick. If you wanted JDM to be a part of this series then you should have thought about that before you killed him off. To present this story to the legions of loyal fans you have is practically insulting. I'm hanging in there and hoping there is a "reasonable" explanation for all (i.e. a breakdown or a tumor).

Moving on. I love that Meredith is lighter this season. I love that she is taking in strays and I especially love that Derek took in his own stray! The only complaint I have is that there is simply not enough Mer/Der screen time! We hardly see Patrick anymore and I must say that's a shame because that man' face should fill up the screen for at least 25 minutes of each episode (I kid.....LOL).

The storyline that is causing me to keep tuning in every week is the one involving Major McHottie! I love the dynamic between he and Christina (who is just totally fabulous). Can't wait to watch the development of this new relationship. Very exciting.

I am sick of all of the airtime for the interns, the lack of airtime for George and the addition of Sadie. If I hear "oh, death" one more time I may just throw something at the TV. She is truly an irritant.

Loved Alex and his maturity when talking to Izzie and Definitly LOVED the airtime for my McSteamy. Eric Dane is a true gem.

[Tina]

I thought this was a good follow-up to last weeks mess.

I hope you all are resolving this Denny madness with the next episode.

I loved that Cristina blew up at Mer, reminding her that they should always have each other's back.

Love Cristina and Hunt, Mark and Derek, and Callie and Bailey. I'm excited for the next episode.

PS: I'm a RN, the "fecal transplant" a bit to far for a pretty good looking C-Diff patient. Just give her some flagyl and make Alex and the husband wear gloves/gowns so they don't give it to anyone else.

Still miss Hahn.

Great blog

[MerDer52fan]

How hard can it be to write a story for Meredith & Derek together as a loving couple for more than 1 second an episode?

[Still night]

In the midnight sounds and sights that are innocuous in daylight can be interpreted as possible physical threats. Assuming that one has been awake during most of the daylight hours, one’s rational thought processes can be lethargic or completely absent; hence the interns brilliant idea to perform an illegal appendectomy. Nonetheless the night is also when individuals are willing to disclose personal doubts and pains. Mark in perhaps one of his more tender moments consoled a young girl who has had to serve as zombie wrangler due to her father’s undiagnosed epilepsy by revealing his childhood neglect. After having exposed her relationship whoas to Mark, Callie is knocked in the face by an unconsciously belligerent patient and becomes the one who is in need of medical attention. When visiting a less-than-stellar Callie, Bailey confides in her that she misses the excitement of general surgery that she had as an intern. Christina is even given an opportunity to express vulnerability when she confronts Meredith about not supporting her when she is harshly reprimanded by the Chief. Would the same vulnerability have been as poignant in the light of day? Would the same feelings have been revealed?

Night can be comforting. It offers a solace that the day suspends; it offers rest. I ask: how comforting is it to be vulnerable and be understood? Each character is his or her intimate disclosure was neither judged nor condemned. There are moments when we need a no-strings-attached confessional. After which one can approach the dawn with a healthier perspective regarding one’s circumstances. Therefore in the midnight hours seek rest.

[Laura]

Thanks for a great episode! I loved it! I really like how the residents are growing up, how we learned more about Mark and how he told Derek to take Lexie home, how Hunt didn't know what to say to Cristina and then said she was beautiful, how Alex is showing he is a good guy and is committed to Izzie, and Mer and Cristina's argument (I love their friendship but I really think it's time something like this happened) I'm still a little confused about the whole Izzie/Denny thing but I'm trusting Shonda on this one and will see how it plays out because I'm sure it will be great!

The first MerDer scene was cute and I loved when she sees that he brought Lexie home and is glad that he did. I'm glad they are working through things and are happy! I do think that they need a little more screentime, but I can kind of see, for now, why they don't.

So, thanks again for a great epi! And I love this season so far! And I can't wait to see how it all plays out because I think it will be great! I'm really trusting Shonda and all of you :)

[raprilc]

Ohmigod, would you pls explain this Denny thing, like NOW. It's getting really stupid.

[meli]

Watching Denny the frendly ghost is a torture, watching the Deady-Izzie sex, just couldn't stand it, i literally run from my tv, it is so cringeworthy, it was worst than Gizzie and I couldn't believe that there would be a worst thing, congratulations Shonda on your bright ideas and your "Leap of Faith", i am really scared of your obssesion with JDM now.

I pretended that this Izzie interactions with the Dead Ghost never existed, and watch the rest of the episode, It was very good, except when you show them again together naked in bed, Ewwww, was that suposed to be the most incredible love story? not feeling the "amazing chemistry" that Shonda sees, she projects herself too much in this, it is just boring and cheesy, it makes me quiver, please end it!

[esra]

seriously???no meredith and derek even in the blog???what is wrong with you???they are the main couple and they have just 2 minutes???

[mcdreamyfan]

Okay, FINALLY, this was TRUE Grey Anatomy material. FINALLY! The show was back!!! But please, you made us love Derek and Meredith.. Now you treat them as an old married couple. If I wanted to watch an old married couple I'd watch my husband and myself. Can't you give us something Der/Mer? SOMETHING? ANYTHING?

On the plus side, Mr. McHottie is a nice addition to the cast.. LOVE HIM!!!!!

and it's time to finish off Denny once and for all..

[Nelle]

Who cares about all those interns?

Who cares about dead Denny?

And the million dollar question. WHERE ARE MEREDITH & DEREK?

I have waited half a season now because "Meredith & Derek will be together this season". What we weren't told is they would be together on screen for 5 seconds the first half of the season.

Pathetic.

[Piki]

Denny's ghost will be remember years from now as the jumping the shark moment for Grey's Anatomy. Still a great show, but Izzie deserves better plot lines.
Love Cristina's new love interest , and Callie's breakdown, she's my favorite character, along with doctor Bailey and the Chief.

[Denise]

I'm still watching the episode but I just have to say that I am LOVING Mark Sloane right about now.

[Meg]

The Denny/Izzie story line has to go- its killing the grey's fan in me, I'm almost at a point where I don't care to watch the show anymore, and everyone I've talked to about it agrees.

[poca81]

I don't usually post to forums (although I do read this blog every week) but I really wanted to say how much I dislike the Denny Izzie storyline. I didn't care for Denny much first time round but bringing him back in this way is really unbelievable and annoying. It did tie in nicely with the Hahn episode originally but he should have been left to RIP after that and Izzie should have closure.

I love GA and I used to love Izzie but now I'm finding her really annoying as well. Please tie up this story line soon and let us all move on with story lines as strong as previous ones.

[Heather]

Either commit Izzie or wrap this dead ex-boyfriend thing up next week. Because Grey's might have just jumped the shark by having a character HAVE SEX WITH A DEAD GUY. Come on...SERIOUSLY?

[J9]

Sigh.

The episode was good, the plot line was good, I loved Meredith, I loved Sloan, I loved all sorts of characters and parts of this episode.

I HATE that you brought Denny back though. Hate it. And hate is such a strong word. But it's so annoying, and distressing, and confusing. Izzie can't be near death because everyone else is reacting to her like everything's normal. She realizes she's crazy, so now what? Why can't he just go away?

I feel like there are too many characters now, that they have to fight to get a little screen time. Flip a coin, it's either George gets 3 lines, or Sadie loses an appendix...oh look, Sadie wins! Callie got punched in the face, her nose was broken, her scene with Mark at the beginning was so sweet, and then she disappeared till the end.

It's just...argh. I used to count down the days till Thursday, because it was Greys day. Now it doesn't matter as much.