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

[Mckiddbabe]

Jenna, I said this in one of the threads and I'll say it here. You guys finally got your groove back!
the ponytail scene featuring Mer and Cristina was terrific. So glad Cristina is finally talking to her BFF, even if it's the usual Cristina way.
The Owen and Cristina scenes are so wonderfully written, please keeo it up. If you don't know it already, there are loads of Cristina-Owen fans out here. Please don't let us down. Treat Owen's character with the respect it deserves and keep giving Kevin and Sandra the material that they handle oh so well. Wishing you and your colleagues lots of clarity and inspiration.

[Miglet]

Lovely blog and lovely episode.

I am going shallow though and thanking you, the adorable French director, and Eric Dane for the most inspiring shirtless scene since Sawyer sauntered out of the surf in the "Lost" finale.

Seriously.

Thank you.

[Sarah in Mpls.]

I can't believe it! Two fabulous episodes in a row!!
I love Carolyn Shepherd!! - the microwave/frog story, Lexie drinking out of the juice box and verbalizing that Mark has the emotional capacity of a horny 15 year old! I loved her instinct about Owen, Lexie and Meredith. Overall I LOVE her and would like to see her again.
Loved Mark trying to sneak out of the “frat party”
I like that Cristina told Mer that her ponytail looks ridiculous. Baby steps…
I love Eric Stoltz! I'd have compassion for him too. I like Mer's attitude towards him, she’s just trying to be humane. “Whatever helps you sleep at night”.
It will be interesting to see what develops between Der and Mer since he yelled at her when she wouldn't sign the form. He’s SO angry.
Kevin McKidd? What can I say? He and Sandra are great together. The surgery story was so intense. WOW!
And finally, I completely agree with you about Patrick and Tyne. How fabulous was that last scene? OMG!! Unbelievable!
Can’t wait for next week…
:-)

[owen+cristina shipper]

I adore Owen Hunt. So please please please, give him (and Cristina) more screen time. I can safely say that adding Kevin McKidd as a permanent cast was the best decision you guys made EVER. He brought back the show to life. I'm sad that Owen and Cristina's relationship is still kinda rocky, but I know that it just HAD TO go through that phase before they jump into a real relationship. And I can't wait to see that. I want to see a happy, angst-less Owen and Cristina together.

P.S. I also hope you're cooking up (if you haven't already) an Owen+Cristina sex scene soon. ;)

[Cynthia]

FINALLY a great episode! I loved it from beginning to end. I didn't even have to Fast Forward the Denny scenes.

Eric Stoltz is doing an amazing job as the serial killer, bringing depth to what could be a stereotype.

The Owen scene in the shower was great. In my head, I thought "get in there with him!"... and she did. Yang rocks.

I've never really been fond of the Mark/Lexie pairing, but I'm starting to let it happen. I've always loved the relationship he had with Callie, so I'm glad to see that it's not being ignored. As long as he's still there telling her to walk tall, then he can be with whomever!

Keep up the great work!

btw... still sad over the gradual disappearance of George.

[JT]

This was a great episode--I was enthralled throughout---even the Denny/Izzie portions (and I've been waiting for that storyline to be over since it began--yay for the end being neigh!)
But..yes. I looked down at the clock about 50 minutes in and was like...oh no. Its gonna be over soon....but I don't want it to be. I'm not done with this episode! And then I proceeded to go back and replay parts that I loved: Owen asking Christina out, the Owen/Christina date debacle, alex and denny conversation...Well Done M'dear :) More of this caliber, please!

[Taleena]

OMG! If Eric and Patrick don't get nominations for this 3 episode arc (I am assuming #3 will be as perfect as 1 and 2 have been) then someone is not doing their job. These two are phenomenal. I actually got to watch the two episodes one after the other. I think it added to the grip these episodes had on me. Now I kinda wish I would have waited until next week for #3 to record first. Oh well... it was amazing. I couldn't even go to bed without first reading the writer's blog and comments.

COMPLETELY AMAZING!!! How does Shonda and company come up with this stuff???!!!

Keep it comin'.

[tets]

My love for EP increased a thousandfold. She rocked!

the best epi because izzie break up with denny. This action is really good for everyone.

[Vaelan]

oh wow! what a great, great epi! I´m sitting here with goosebumps and butterflies in the stomach.

I loved, loved, loved the scene with Derek and his mom. And the shower scene with Kevin McKidd, a perfect, gorgeous actor who is so well suited for Sandra Oh since they are on the same level of supreme acting.

Just please let Danny go. Don´t take it any further. Enough is enough with the dead guy.

I say the same as Jackie S above, if you were to cut out the Denny scenes this would be in my top 5 greys epis ever.

[White coat]

Bless your heart. Toiling away all day in a hospital I so rarely hear a thank you! Nice to know some people fangirl us :).

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?

Ah but we do you see. Sorry to break the spell there. I don't know anyone that doesn't second-guess themselves every day. Nice to know that we're fooling ya'all with the face.

Thanks for a great show!

[Jamie]

Now that Meredith are together, healthy and growing as a couple, my only fear is you do the standard, "will have the engagement ring-show it to several of her friends-and at the last minute decide not to give it to her" It's been done millions times on tv, please Grey's, don't do it a million and one. Or worst yet, a season long engagement, only to end it before the wedding-another OVERLY USED tv show gimmick. These two characters deserve to live this one out (without gimmicks) and the fans that have waited 5 seasons deserve to see it! Thank you:)

[McFan]

Great episode. The storyline has stepped up. Only just realised the connection about Meredith seeing grey, and not black and white. Silly me.

[esra]

I have missed this great show :)) you're come back:) thanks for this amazing epi:)

[Just a girl]

This episode in my mind was a complicated one. I loved it because it showed real insight into the characters, it was like Derek’s mom was a catalyst for this she seemed to bring out secret feelings, the secret thoughts we have about ourselves that we think we hide very well and hope no one finds out. It was a very introspective episode.
At first I wanted to say that Meredith wasn’t strong enough to handle the inmate (who by the way is just chilling, a sociopath to be sure) that she would take pity on him and put herself in his place because deep down she still feels dark and twisty, and knows what it is to have secret pain. I felt he was messing with her mind with his whatever makes you sleep at night and his traumatic tales of childhood woes and injustices in death. In him and his actions I wanted things to be black and white, cut and dry. That he was too evil, too unfeeling, and too guilty to be worth anything humane. But I think I was partly wrong, though I stand firm by the accusation that he was manipulating her. What Derek’s mom said about seeing things in gray makes sense on a variety of levels. She has a level of compassion that transcends even the greatest of sins that is an admirable quality.
It also provides more clarity to why Derek and Meredith seem to be on completely different roads at time. He sees things more black and white, a wrong was committed a consequence must result. It is how he has coped. I see both sides and understand the conflictions. On a brighter note I loved that Derek’s mom gave him the ring and that it never belonged to Addison. I am glad that she said Meredith is the one. That was good. I even liked that Meredith admitted to her she wasn’t so bright and shiny. “To thine own self be true.” (I am now hoping for an engagement sometime this season ☺)
To gush, I loved that Mark was in Meredith’s attic with Lexie! (By the way when did Lexie move out of the crap apartment?) Loved how he snuck out and his incoherent mumblings he used to escape. I loved that Derek’s mom called him on it (like the time he put Derek’s favorite frog in the microwave, ‘I didn’t press start.’). I also liked how she interrogated Lexie and found her to be well suited for Mark. Who knows perhaps this will be a lasting relationship as well. (I hope.) I’m glad Mark and Lexie are together. I think together they can work out their insecurities. They are good for each other.
Before I talk about Cristina and Owen, I am glad Cristina reached out and told Meredith her high ponytail was awful (too 80’s in my opinion.) That was a step, they’ll be ok. I found the way Owen asked her on a date to be charming, he wasn’t hiding anything it was cute. They are interesting to watch. While she doesn’t totally get it she does. Because she lets him in and helps him. She is who she is, not like with Burke, because Owen doesn’t make her feel bad about that or try to change it. I loved that he showered with his clothes on and that she went in with him. I love them together.
Callie and Mark’s friendship is wonderful, and a much better fit. His final words to her in the elevator were perfect. Walk tall. And as for Alex and Izzie I hurt for Alex because I feel he is about to be dealt another blow. I so want for him to have uncomplicated in his life. I love that he is with Izzie and that he wants to take her to see his mom. That he is trying. And I love that Izzie broke up with Denny, but I know he brings with him a dark shadow. I just hope it’s one that passes quickly.
Also Bailey seems to be having a hard time, and I don’t know why. She is challenging a lot and perhaps just trying to find her own. I hope she does. Not sure how I feel about Arizona, I like that she’s optimistic but I don’t know. Though for the first time I liked Sadie, her confessions about broken pieces, it was the first time I really liked her.
So I loved this episode, and all I keep thinking in each situation the defining phrase that was whispered through the walls and down the halls was “To thine own self be true.” That Will Shakespeare was a pretty smart guy.

[McWalls]

Tyne Daly was a welcome addition. Seriously. Bring her back. And please, we need more Mer/Der time. And no more dumb dead Denny - bring in a long lost twin if you must, but NO MORE DEAD DENNY. You are chasing away your loyal fans (not me, but others).

[MrsB]

All I can say is welcome back!! I almost didn't tune in last night and I'm glad that I did. The epi was amazing! The stuff that wins awards and acolades from the fans...The original cast was the focus and focus you did - on Meredith, Christina, Alex and Izzie...Still no George but the other men - Derrick, Mark and Owen were amazing. The shower scene was so touching and revealed alot about both Owen and Christina. Glad Mer was honest with Derrick's Mom and she realizes that Mer is the woman for Derrick. Now let's see if Derrick can handle it next week and stand by Mer - like he said in Season 3 - he'll always come home no matter what happens during the course of the day. Not trusting you guys much but hopeful they will have an adult difference of opinions on death row guy. Who by the way is amazing as well. Callie - back to being beautiful insecure Callie - love her!! Not in love with Lexie but I'll live with her. Wish there was more of a story with her and Mer. Loved that Christina broke the ice with Mer about the ponytail.Keep it up!!!! You are one of the better writers and hope you have more epi's this season.

[Jamie]

Kudos to a second fantastic episode! I agree with most of the posts above. Major Hunt was fantastic and the story with Cristina was fantastic... Derek and Mer wonderful and his mother seeing her for who she is.. priceless!

Izzie and Denny was sad.. Because well he is dead.. and he wont be able to do those things with Izzie, ever... and that is sad...

All in all a good episode... Though I am concerned as to where Merediths decision will take her.. Will it cost her Derek..
I HOPE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BUt its nice to see them again... its been to long!

[carli]

loved everything except mark and Lexie. Still totally disgusting and you guys pointing out that she has juvenile friends, drinks out of a juic box and is actually only 24 does NOT help and even though I love Tyne Daly and love her as Derek's mom her telling us she's good for Sloan does NOT help. It still feels wrong and dirty just like Sloan said. and how are we to believe that she's good in bed when Alex Karev forgot he even slept with her. Mark and Callie make total sense and then you went and ruined it with him abandoning her in the elevator to go off with immature Lexie, UGH! I want mallie, I want them now!!!
Don't get me wrong I liked the episode, I did, but Mark and Lexie soured it for me and until they are off my screen for good I don't think I will be able to enjoy this show and may even tune out.

[Mari]

I echo Lynette: Thanks for a seriously solid show!
That's what we need!!! And that's what THE best show on TV IS!!!

[Maggie]

I can't rave enough about the shower scene with Owen and Cristina: he showed his vulnerability and strength by telling her about the horrific "best/worst" surgery, and she showed her tenderness and true heart by listening to his pain and loving him all the more for it -- I LOVE this couple and fervently hope that you will continue this excellent storyline and truly use the amazing talent of these two actors! They're the main reason I continue to watch your show and I don't want to stop now; I also love where Meredith and Derek are going; GREAT work on this episode!

[Holly]

Aeesome epi!!! I loved, loved, loved it! Derek and Mer were both great. I loved Mama Shepard and how she nailed Mark right away. Hilarious that Sloan ran into Derek on his way out of the 'Frat house' but was too pre-oocupied to even figure out that Mark really wouldn't be there at 4 in the morning. Eric Stoltz is fantastic- loved him since "Some Kind of Wonderful". I enjoyed Izzie helping Mer and figuring out that she had to choose. Loved Alex and his growth and his suggested trip to Iowa. Most of all I loved, Cristina, and despite her being mad at Mer, just having to comment on the ponytail. Maybe an end to this battle soon? Her scenes with Hunt were great-I love this pairing and how different is it from Burke and Cristina. So glad Mer/Der had more screne time (seriously? It's about time) and I cannot wait to see Derek give her that ring. Thank's for an awesome night and an awesome episode. You guys rocked it!!!! But...we need more George!!!!!

[tina]

wow, the complexity of this episode blew me away-- excellent, excellent work by everyone. tyne daily and patrick- there are no words for their chemistry. beautiful. kevin and sandra- don't even get me started. the moment i saw she was taking off her shoes to get in the shower i started bawling. how can one scene be sweet, sexy and sad all at once? eric stoltz- creepy beyond recognition, but effective. and lastly, speaking of chemistry, i can't get past the fact that mark and callie seem too "right" for one another, even though he's taking a lexi detour.
can't wait for next week!

[jog1982]

At last some good is coming from Grey. It's been a while. Actually since Hahn left and Denny and Izzie started their ridiculous love affair. This episode worked more or less apart from the denny stuff. The last scene when you see denny talking to Alex is ridiculous and doesn't work at all. Now that we know that Izzie has some sort of tumor it makes no sense to shoot a scene where he appears and izzie is nowhere to be found!!!! Apart from that some good and hopefully the trend will continue.

PS where is george??

[Still on the fence]

This episode was ok, just ok.

The show is still not up to standard. There were lovely scenes such as Der and his mom. Of course you left it with Mer thinking Mom hates her...that's what I would have thought. Owen and Christina were great, as were Arizona and Alex on the plane coming back.

Is hating the Mark/Lexie - it's gross! Still can't stand that George is not around - I hope you at least let him tape his 2 sentences at the beginning of the week so he has the rest of the week to do whatever he wants. What a waste. Still hating Dead Denny and Sadie. I don't like the over protective Bailey. We've seen this with the CF patient some seasons previously.

I'm asking politely...please fix this show. Ditch Denny and Sadie, Give us Mer/Der, Owen/Cris and let's keep getting to the soft center of Alex. Please??