Jenna Bans on "Sympathy for the Devil"...

I will admit it. I have what you would call a doctor fetish, a sort of hero worship if you will. I trust them implicitly and wholeheartedly, if they say I need antibiotics, I do not question their judgment. When they tell me to pee in a cup, I dutifully hold it all day so that I can produce a sufficient amount and not disappoint them. When my husband berated me for not telling my beloved internist about a certain issue I was having, I said, “But what if he thinks it’s gross? And then doesn’t like me anymore?” You see, I lurve doctors. Because they are smarties who save lives. And I like to pretend they have all the answers to explain every possible anomaly of the human body, that they learned all these answers in a very popular med school course called “THE ANSWERS!” Sadly, this is not the case. There is no such course. And so they graduate and become doctors without having all the answers. They learn how to use good judgment to get close to the answers…and then they guess. And sometimes they’re right. And sometimes they’re wrong. And sometimes it’s too close to call, which brings me to…

Meredith’s judgment as a doctor.  Man, was it tested thoroughly tonight. When adorable serial killer Eric Stolz makes his argument, that this dying kid needs organs, that he is a match for said dying kid, and that he is about to be lethal injection toast in a mere five days, Meredith sort of… agrees. As much as she doesn’t want to agree with a serial killer, as much as Derek makes a very good argument that the guy’s trying to screw the system and it’s not their job as surgeons to help him do it…she still agrees. Because a kid is dying. Because Bailey, unflappable Bailey, is out of ideas and seems utterly broken by that. Because perfectly good organs are going to waste. So she betrays Derek and the oath she took to do no harm, and she does harm. She does harm for what she tells herself, is the greater good - and she helps a patient try to kill himself. Which is why I love Mer in this episode – agree with her or not, she makes a bold, consequences be damned, choice in the end. She just can’t help doing what she thinks is right even if it seems so, so wrong. Even if it comes back to bite her in the ass HARD in the next episode – and by the way, I can’t wait ‘til you all see what happens, because it is truly awesome.  She does this because, like Carolyn Shepherd points out to Derek at the end, she doesn’t just see things in black and white, she sees the grey.

Carolyn Shepherd has arrived.

Nothing was more fun on set than to watch Tyne Daly become Derek’s mom. Because she did BECOME Derek’s mom. She was tough and no-nonsense and I don’t blame Mer for being scared out of her mind. I’d wear an absurdly high ponytail too if Carolyn came sniffing around me, checking me out, making sure I was good enough for her son. But as steely as the former military nurse that raised a bunch of little Shepherd babies seems, she’s got a soft underbelly. She immediately recognizes Owen’s pain, even though he’s a fully functioning kick ass trauma surgeon, he’s not okay. He’s not over what he went through in the desert. And she sees that. She sees that Mark Sloan’s finally picked a good girl – even if Lexie lives in an attic like a sorority girl and still drinks from a juice box. And best of all, she sees through the ponytail and the frozen robot smile and the crazy and realizes that Mer’s the one for her son. Personally, I think Carolyn spends a lot of time thinking about how Derek’s father’s death has affected Derek. I think she feels it’s hardened him, made him a man who can’t be swayed from his convictions, sometimes to his detriment. Sometimes at the expense of his humanity. And I think she sees the exact opposite qualities in Meredith. Mer doesn’t see the same line separating right and wrong that Derek does. In fact, I don’t know if she even sees a line at all. Probably more of a blurry smudge. And I think Carolyn feels Derek needs a little of that in his life, needs a little grey (ew, I know, sorry, couldn’t resist). And by the way, that scene at the end when she gives Derek the ring off her finger, and tells him Mer’s the one?? I love the way they played that scene. I didn’t script the tears or Tyne resting her head on Patrick’s shoulder…they just came to that naturally and it kills me every time I see it. Because every son has his issues with his mother, and Derek’s no exception, but at the end of the day, these two are in a really good place – they have a pretty healthy relationship and you hardly ever see that on TV.  Speaking of which, I’m going to call my Mom right now…

Okay, now onto relationships that aren’t so normal. Izzie’s been enjoying herself lately, living it up, she’s got two boys on the hook, granted one’s dead, but she’s trying really hard not to let that bother her. But suddenly there’s all this real life drama going on around her – Derek’s Mom is coming and Mer’s freaking out, Cristina’s getting asked on first dates, and suddenly Izzie’s finds herself living vicariously through her friends, and can’t help but notice how her own life isn’t measuring up. Sure, she’s got two boyfriends, double the doting, double the kissing, but I think this is the first time Izzie’s actually comparing them to each other. And it pretty much boils down to this - one is clumsily and sweetly asking her to road trip to Iowa to meet his mother – and one is invisible to the rest of the world. And no matter how much Izzie loves Denny, how grateful she is to have him “back”, she has to admit, in the end, there’s no future with Denny. And there is one with Alex. And it kills her to do it, but she takes action, she chooses Alex. And I’m really proud of her for that. I love the break-up scene, because Denny may not be real, may not even be alive, but in that scene, he still gets dumped, he still gets the “it’s not you, it’s me” speech from Izzie. Which, and I may be in the minority here, was a little funny to me. In a sad/funny way. Because you can see on his face in that moment he sort of can’t believe she dumped him. CAUSE HE’S DEAD.  But she did. Even dead guys get dumped. Now the next move’s up to him…

Cristina and Owen are really having a rocky time of it, aren’t they? Boy meets Girl, Boy kisses Girl, Boy goes off to War and comes back all effed up, Forgets who Girl is, Remembers Girl, Asks Girl on Date then shows up Wasted.  Now Cristina’s still not talking to Mer, still blames Mer for not having her back in the whole interns gone wild debacle, but if things were normal between them, these ladies would have A LOT to talk about. Like the fact that Owen asked Cristina on a date and then showed up drunk. (But, if you noticed, still brought beautiful flowers - even intoxicated, Owen’s still the consummate gentleman) And the fact that he then proceeded to get in her shower FULLY CLOTHED and tell her about his best surgery ever – which was pretty much a tragic horror story. It’s becoming pretty clear that this guy has been deeply broken by his Iraq experience, and I think Cristina’s finally realizing the extent of the breakage. But it’s not gonna scare her away. Because it takes a lot to scare Cristina Yang. And because she feels drawn to Owen, despite the warning signs of trouble ahead, despite him wearing shoes in her shower, and when she gets in the water with him at the end, we see something on Cristina Yang’s face that we hardly ever see – the complete absence of judgment. Total acceptance of Owen, battle scars and all. Because we all know that when it comes down to it, when it counts, Cristina’s anything but a robot. For me, that was probably the most important scene in the script to get right. And Jeannot, our amazing, adorable French director with his adorable French accent, nailed it. (to be perfectly honest, he could have shot his own toes for 42 minutes and I probably would’ve loved that too – seriously, he’s that adorably French) Kevin and Sandra nailed it too. And even though Kevin had to stand in a freezing cold shower for about three hours in an Armani suit, he did not complain ONCE. That guy is game.

Anyway, back to the white coats.

I suppose you could argue that they’re just human, just like the rest of us. They don’t rely on super-powers, they rely on years of training and educated guesses. But I will not stop obsessively loving/stalking them and here is why. The thing that blows my mind is that they have to trust their own judgment, every day, make snap decisions and go with it – and when a life is on the line – that takes guts.  When was the last time you ordered a latte and didn’t immediately wonder if you maybe wanted a cappuccino instead? For me, it was this morning and if people’s lives depended on me making timely, confident decisions and not looking back… well, they’d be dead as doornails. So I’m gonna go ahead and say that while they may not be gods, they may not be flying around in capes, the people in the white coats are still pretty damn special. And yes, maybe just a little more special than the rest of us. 

Comments

[PamelaJaye]

Jenna,

I haven't read your blog yet, but I really liked this week's ep.
Partly because it was more interesting, and partly because I hadn't realized that this was a three parter - and I usually hate three parters, and this ep I didn't hate.

I also liked Derek's mom giving him the ring. (apparently she never gave it to Addie?)

and when did Lexie start living in Mer's frat house?

[JT]

OH MY FREAKING GOSH! This episode was so insanely awesome! Last week,
I was thoroughly unimpressed with the direction GA was going then BAM!
you writers surprise me with such a great episode.

I think I loved pretty much everything in this ep. You guys even managed to make me
hate sadie a little bit less! And you guys also managed to make the
creepy "much-older-guy-with-young-girl" relationship hilarious. Can't
really blame Sloan though....I suppose ANY man would go for a younger
woman if he thought he could get away with it. It sure as heck would
explain why creepy old dudes hit on me all the time.
Although......Sloan IS very very good-looking......I think he WOULD be
popular with younger women.

Anyways, this ep was so great that I *HAD* to post a comment here.

1) I LOVE OWEN, even when his behavior is vaguely scary! (It's not
really his fault because he's under immense stress.)
My favorite thing about Owen is that in spite of his own problems, he
really listens to what other people say to him. When Cristina told
him she was sick of his hot-and-cold behavior, he immediately asked
her out to make his intentions clear (and boy was it hilarious how he
asked her out. And how great was it that he asked her out in front of Izzie).
I adore Owen and I'm so sad that he's having trouble re-adjusting to
civilian life due to his experiences in Iraq. Normally, a mildly-wacko
guy would scare women away but I think I speak for MOST of us gals
when I say, "OWEN! I wanna cuddle you back to mental health!" (Just
kidding. I DO realize PTSD is very serious and complicated. And that
lots of our returning soldiers are struggling with this very problem.)

Seriously though, I appreciate how Derek's mom could tell immediately
that Owen was having trouble (probably because of her experience as a
nurse in the military). I hope Derek's mom will tell Derek to be a
good friend to Owen and help him while he's down. Poor Owen looked so
haggard and hesitant when he was speaking to Derek's mom. I bet Owen,
like many soldiers, isn't comfortable with revealing just how much
mental scarring he's received from his tour. Poor poor guy.

And I felt so bad for Owen (AND Cristina) when he showed up for his
date both late AND drunk. He looked so pitiable standing at
Cristina's door in his spiffy outfit with flowers in his hand. And
yes, he DID seem very crazy when he started to shower while fully
dressed....but hey, at least the guy cared enough to wear a tux for
his date, right? AND at least he knows Cristina deserves better!
*SIIGH* I can't help but lament repeatedly, poor poor Owen! I know Cristina will treat him kindly so I'm not too worried. And I really hope that one day, Owen will feel a bit
more like his "before" self. Argh! Poor Owen! I just wanna hug him!

Lastly, I'm deliriously happy that Cristina treated an obviously
distressed Owen so tenderly. The fact that she didn't immediately
throw his drunk butt out of her apartment proves she's the right woman
for him. I LOVE CristinaxOwen! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! I'm so
addicted to this couple right now it's ridiculous! And I also adore
the actors who depict my favorite characters! I enjoyed CristinaxBurke
but I am RABIDLY in love with CristinaxOwen.

2) I love that Derek's mom gets Meridith. His mom is kinda odd and
very nosy but she gets Meridith and supports her son's relationship
with her. YAY!

3) I love that Callie will start to walk tall again. Kudos on the way
you guys managed to use the "short guy story" to parallel Callie's
situation.

4) I LOVE that Izzie broke up with Denny. Honestly, the man is dead.
He needs to leave. And Alex shouldn't have to share her with an
invisible person.

5) I love Alex's maturation. I confess, I really used to hate him. He
used to epitomize every quality I dislike in a person but now he's
changing. He's making plans. Good for him!!

6) Loved that Meridith cared enough to put in the effort to impress
Derek's mom, even if she DID act totally freaky.

This episode would be PERFECT if you guys had managed to resolve the
ridiculous CristinaxMeridith fight. I had fights like that when I was
a little kid and I tell ya, it's just not worth it. Good friends,
especially those unusually compatible ones, are hard to come by. If
you've got one, hold on to her. They should BOTH apologize and
explain their point of view to each other.

But all in all, this episode gets an almost perfect score. I have zero
complaints!!

ps
CRISTINA! TAKE GOOD CARE OF OWEN!!! (And I know she will because the girl is fiercely loyal and "mates for life".) Because one day, when he's feeling more like himself, he'll be the one to give you true happiness!(If I believed in soul mates, I'd say he's Cristina's!)

pps
Owen's "best/worst surgery" and the patient he "saved"? Heartbreaking. Goes to show that physical mending alone isn't enough.

ppps (I swear it's the last one)
Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd totally rocked this episode!

[JT]

KMK was in that shower for 3 hours? Wow. No wonder Owen Hunt looked so distressed (LOL)

[Kelly]

I love Momma Shepard. Patrick Dempsey and Eric Stolz are doing a phenomenal job. Their scenes are intense. Alex is one of my favorites. I have really enjoyed his growth. I loved him with both Addison and Izzie. I hope Izzie chooses Alex over Ghost Denny. He has had it rough. Lexie is a good woman and she is the right woman for Mark. I love the Mark and Lexie chemistry and hope the show gives them a real chance with no cheating and not just a fling. I hope they get more talking scenes. I enjoy their connection and banter of the beginning of the season and I love the way they look at each other. Bailey is too emotionally attached to her patient and becoming annoying. I was glad to see Arizona stand up to Bailey. I feel for Owen. I hope he asks for help, maybe from Derek.

[Lynette]

Thanks for a seriously solid show! Welcome back, Shonda. We have missed you!

[Monica]

Question: Do you guys even care about Callie?

[JackieS]

I should have known this one had a French director. You had me at Jeannot. We have a cousin Jeannot too!

This was the first eppy I could stomach since October. If Denny wasn't in it, I would say it was one of my favorites.......maybe top five. I thought it was great except for Denny.

Alex...........well he's just perfect......parfait!!

[Sara]

I am so glad that the viewers were able to see Cristina as a human and not as robot. Can't wait to see how the Owen/Cristina relationship develops.

[sapient]

I am so excited for next week! Is Alex going to see Denny? Is Derek going to go for it? Is Owen going to freak out and backtrack?
This episode was great, I loved the relationships, and I loved the way that lil Gray is getting under Sloan's skin more than he will admit. Love love love it

[LylaReese]

Loved Tyne Daly. Loved Izzie (for the first time in a while), Alex, Derek, Meredith, Cristina, Bailey and Owen....well everyone-at least everyone that got five seconds! Where or where did GEORGE go?!!??? What happened to more Callie?!?!?!?
PS-I think Arizona might be growing on me a little.....but please, bring back GEORGE and keep up with more CALLIE!!!!

[MindyM]

I guess this show is doomed to be both great and absolutely hideous all in the same episode. It's almost become positively schizophrenic.

Yes, I get the ethical dilemma Mer is facing with the serial killer guy. It was probably the single most compelling thread that wove its way through the whole show. I see that she is conflicted and I love that about her. I love the fact that she doesn't see life as black and white, like Der. She sees the gray areas in between.

That is what happened to me as I grew into middle age. I am much older than Mer, but she has been and will always be, my soulmate in this show. I used to see things as all black and white and thought I knew everything in my twenties. But as I lived my life and made my mistakes and experienced tragedy and pain, I started to understand that things are just not that simple. So I love that she is torn in this moral dilemma. In some strange way she does connect with this monster who has heartlessly killed five women. They seem to "get" each other. She also knows that he is a match for the kid that needs those organs and is his last hope for survival. I have decided to refrain from judging her actions. I am just going to accept them. She sees a way to save the little boy and let this killer die here and now, rather than by hanging or lethal injection. It was wrong from the point of view of medical ethics and I am sure there will be hell to pay, but I do understand why she did it. Totally.

I think I am exhausted from talking about dead Denny and there really isn't anymore I can possibly say that I have not said already. I can only reiterate one more time just how intrusive and absurd he is in every single episode.

Jenna, you can try to talk about this whole sorry, imbecilic nonsense as though it really makes sense, but it will never make any sense or mean anything other than the fact that you writers are disrespecting and insulting the viewers who have faithfully supported this show. Enough said.

I loved Momma Shepherd. Tyne Daly is one of my favorite actresses of all time. She was just so darn good as Der's Mom. She understands him so well. I am glad that she could see who Mer really is, even with her stumbling confession. She sees a lot. I don't think she's right about Mark and Lexie, although she is dead on about his emotional age. But that scene at the end between her and Der was so real and genuine and moving in a quiet way. It's great to hear that they improvised some of it. Believe me, it worked.

That scene with Owen and Cristina was incredibly powerful. I think it's time you let us see more of this complicated and fascinating man. Of course he's not over the trauma he experienced in Iraq. Even Momma Shepherd picked up on that pretty quickly. At least we are getting to see some of his pain. Cristina was magnificent in her total and complete acceptance of him in that moment. That is a bond of trust that can't be broken.

Well, we have Izzie and Alex really becoming a couple. She's actually going to meet his mother! Now if we could only get rid of Denny the pesky ghost. I still love Mark and Callie. Their friendship brings out the best in both of them. I am also glad that Callie got to show some of her pain. It's about time. This woman is still pretty mixed up. I don't think she has fully recovered from George cheating on her with Izzie and their subsequent divorce. It was wonderful to hear her little speech to Mark about how each defeat in love made her a little bit smaller. Who among us has not felt the exact same way. When Mark told her to walk tall, I almost stood up and cheered. Now if only we could forget about him and little mixed up Lexie.

I feel like I am being tested by you writers. I can't stay away, yet I hate some of the really dumb ideas you have come up with lately. You need to get it together. Play to your strengths guys! You know what they are.

[CodeName]

I love the fact your moving forward on the denny issue. it needs to come to a conclusion ASAP. and i hope it allows for greater character depth for heigl. and for justin chambers.

Otherwise i loved the direction this episode is going. shades of grey to borrrow a name from another show really felt apt.

[B]

Wow. Excellent episode. Really excellent. So much great emotion, and depth. Sorry to say, it's been missing for a while, but this episode was wonderful. Meredith - wonderful; Derek's mom - wonderful; Alex - wonderful; and most wonderful: Cristina and Owen. Oh my, those two together, and the scene in the shower ... such excellent performances, such understated yet raw emotion; best scene I've seen anywhere in a good while. I loved Cristina's human side. She really does have a lot of "room" and she was able to recognize someone who truly needed her. And that's what I love about Owen. As tough and masculine as he is (not macho, just really masculine), he is also very aware of others, and open to learn. Except when it comes to his own pain, which he kept hidden, but now between Derek's mom and how he feels about Cristina, he let himself be vulnerable enough to show it to her. Wow. Awesome, awesomeness. Great job all around. I just can't say enough good about that whole scene.

I still wish the Denny story would wrap up, but it looks like it's starting to, and so I won't go on about it.

I also like that Mark is coming more into his human side. I loved the remark about him being 15 emotionally and so needing someone younger. I hope there's not a huge blow up when Meredith and Derek find out.

Speaking of that pair - it was nice to have them actually in the story tonight! Now we just need them together more.

[Sarah]

Thank you Jenna. Like last week, we again see both Meredith and Derek as a mature couple, a couple growing and a couple who may not always see issues the same way, but are not running anymore. Thank you fro not letting them run anymore. When Moma S gave Derk the ring right off her finger and basically told him what we as viewers have known for seasons now, that Meredith indeed is "the one" I was so grateful. Please keep it up. Patrick and Ellen just shine together and their stories both together and in solo scenes are wonderful. Finally a huge pay off for fans and it is beyond appreciated. Loved the episode.

[Jackie H]

I must say I really enjoyed seeing Derek's mom visit SGH. I LOVED her interactions with Mer and Mark and of course that final scene with Derek. I loved everything about this episode with Mer being able to see things beyond black and white and do something about it, even though it is crazy to think she gives death row guy a way "out" in a way. but loved it all...except for Denny, I'm sorry but I have always loved Alex and Izzie together. Even when Denny was alive I didn't care that much for the whole thing, but it wasn't bad. This dead Denny thing is terrible. I'm sorry to say that it is one of the worst story lines ever. I hate it, his character has been ruined and turned into pure annoyance for all. He needed to be put to rest the second after he visited dead Mer and then had a sweat moment with Izzie passing in the hall. PLEASE get rid of him, it's just bringing down the show for me and my friends. We love the show and still do but seriously, seriously Denny has to go. I know he will but it appears that next episode he will be an even bigger thorn which I'm sad about. Please don't ruin this great show with this. Also why is George practically nonexistent in the show, i think he had like one scene this episode. Hey lets get rid of Denny and bring George back =)

[Marlen]

Than you for this episode. My faith on Grey's Anatomy might just be returning. I mean it. Derek's Mom rocks! And McHottie showing up wasted? Genius. My favorite part was Meredith's dilemma. So real. You said that what she does "comes back to bite her in the ass HARD in the next episode": Please, people don't ruin MerDer. At least not for too many episodes. And last, it's about time Yang and Mer become friends again. I miss them!

[Deanne]

best episode this season!

[Anne]

Medical storyline wise this wasn't my favorite episode (killer, legs, boy) but the cast's personal interaction was very good.

I wasn't sure about Derek's mom but seriously I think every scene she was in was one of my favorites. Loved her and Derek together- amazing !! Can she be a regular this season? But my all time favorite scene in this ep was Derek and his mom talking outside - that was unbelievably awesome they rocked that scene. Kudos to Patrick and Tyne. I liked that Mrs S realized that Meredith was right for Derek and why. Hopefully helping him realize they together will make a great team/couple.

Mark and Callie scenes were amazing as usual.

Great to see Derek, Mark and Callie operating again.

I finally liked more of Izzie this ep - she was more of the Izzie I remember and very supportive of Meredith even though she tried to make her more like Izzie than Meredith. Unlike most of Merediths friends who weren't as supportive.

Alex is really growing on me - I like him and Izzie and I'm glad he is making plans with her.

Mark and Mrs Shepherd guilty look scene - too funny - she nailed him good.

Meredith tried so hard in this episode. She cared about the little boy, she was compassionate about the serial killer, she tried to be a bubbly person for Mrs S. She is an amazing person I think she just needs others to help her realize it. I'm glad Mrs S sees that in her. I'm not looking forward to next week where it looks like pretty much everyone is against her professionally. Which could affect her relationship with Derek in a negative way. So much for the ring....

Bailey - I love Bailey but in this episode she took everything a bit more personally than she'd allow from her former interns. I see similarities in how Meredith and Bailey acted in this episode - they both cared about their patients and wanted the best for them.

I thought the moments with Meredith and Derek were very good - loved meeting mom scene and lunch scene and ponytail scene.

[susan]

I LOVE Owen too. LOVE him. Really love him and Cristina. I cannot get enough of these two. I love watching them interact -- trying their best to figure it out. The timing and chemistry with each other is gold. Sandra Oh and Kevin McKidd are amazing. Great episode. I can't wait to see them really together.

[Suzie]

How did Mer's sister end up not living w/Geo any more? Did I miss something?
I like Callie and Sloan's friendship. I think this shows growth in both of their characters. Ditto in spades for Alex.
Will Tyne Daly be back, or is this a one shot deal? She and P.D. seemed to have great chemistry as mother and son. Having a mother as direct and unafraid to butt in to the business of others had to be a challenge for him, especially with 4 sisters. Further development of that aspect of his character would be interesting.
What are the writers doing to Sarah Ramirez? How can she play this story line that is so confusing. Is she hetero? Bi? gay?? Seems a bit late in life to just start with those feelings, but what do I know?
Good epi tonite!! Thanks.

[Gina]

Hey writers...here's an idea...how about give Callie some happy? The poor girl has never gotten ANY, and it's really frustrating for her fans.

And while we're at it, you wanna maybe show George a little bit more?

[JeanM]

Tyne Daly made the whole show. She never fails to command the scene. More of Carolyn, please. Wonderful episode!

[merderfan]

A ring for our Mer!! Squeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! This episode was simply amazing Jenna!!! Keep up the awesome work! :))

[Kiki Inez]

i have to say, i thought this was a .... REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, fantastic episode of Grey's! this is coming from a long time fan who has watched the show since day one and still can't get enough of the reruns on lifetime. i am just like everyone else and totally love Christina and Owen. i think them taking their relationship slow is a very good idea, but when she stepped in the shower with him, all i could think was, 'man. wish i had a man to help out in the shower'. dont know if that's good or bad, but that's the reaction i had! (j/k) i also loved Tyne Daly as derek's mom. and meredith was right, she did want to like her. she just wanted the girl to be herself and that was the best part. so glad izzie broke up with denny and even more glad that she and alex have grown together! i did miss a few parts because my mother got a little too happy with the remote and messed up a few scenes for me, but all in all, i loved the episode to bits! can't wait til next week!

[jesseee]

great blog.
still no callie :(
noone ever talks about callie even though shes great.