Jenna Bans on "I Will Follow You Into The Dark"...

Original Airdate: 3-12-09

Okay, people…step away from the comment section…step away from the phone (no one at ABC’s gonna answer at this hour anyway, trust me)…and hear a writer out. I know what you’re all thinking – HOW COULD THEY HUMILIATE SHADOW SHEPHERD LIKE THAT!?  Just kidding. We’ll talk Mer/Der and the bat and the ring, we will, but first I would actually like to start with Shadow Shepherd, ‘cause he’s part of the bigger issue here which is…

Derek Shepherd is not in a good place right now. In fact, dude’s pretty much at his worst. Remember when our friendly neighborhood serial killer Eric Stolz told him they had a lot in common? Derek’s started to believe him. What I love about this storyline, besides that it gives the talented Patrick Dempsey a chance to show us just how big his acting range is, is that you’d never think it would happen to Shepherd. Shepherd knows brains like I know…well, nothing. Maybe chocolate. But the point is, he’s not just a star in his field, he runs his field. It’s like the Pope having a crisis of faith.  And everyone’s feeling it – Mark, literally with his maimed hand, Richard, who can’t possibly run his surgical floor without his star neurosurgeon…and sad little Shadow Shepherd, who finally gets his shot to impress his colleagues, and not one of them can even remember his name. (Even writing the script, I couldn’t keep it straight. When Darren, our script coordinator, was clearing the names, he’d call me and be like – so, it’s John, but everyone keeps calling him Jim, right? And I’d be all, yes. Wait, no. Wait, yes.) And it’s not because he’s not a good surgeon, it’s just with Shepherd around, who pays attention to the bald dude in glasses? In the end,  Derek’s legendary status ends up hurting Derek the most. Because when people expect greatness out of you 24/7, it’s damn near impossible to live up to. You’re bound to take a big fall.

Like the interns do, I’d like you to ask yourselves – if you were handed a death sentence today, couple of months to live, what’s the first thing you’d do? Personally, I wouldn’t waste any time. I’d immediately re-introduce trans fats into my diet and then hop a plane to one of those huts over the ocean in Bali where the floor is glass so you can experience all the marine life without actually having to get wet. But that’s me. Izzie’s clearly a better person. Just when she’s found her niche at SGH, teaching the interns, she gets slapped with cancer. Wear sunscreen. But instead of hightailing it to a Balinese paradise (seriously, those huts look COOL) she takes her devastating diagnosis and channels it into an educational - albeit macabre - game for her interns, who are sorely in need of some attention. Shonda’s had this Patient X thing in her head for a long, long time – and when she first pitched it out, I immediately loved it. And hated it. I still love and hate it. Because it’s so totally messed up and unfair. What Izzie’s doing, teaching the interns, is a selfless, meaningful endeavor that no one else, even Alex, will ever give her credit for. Everyone’s been busy clamoring for surgeries while Izzie’s quietly achieved the impossible – she’s turned the gaggle of morons we met in season 4 into doctors. And now she’s DYING. And no one gets her, and no one knows it, and it’s seriously UNFAIR. Wear sunscreen.

Except Cristina.  Now A LOT of thought and discussion went into the decision that the person Izzie goes to first should be Cristina. And some of you were probably thinking, why not Alex? Why not George? Hell, why not Mer? And that’s what Izzie was thinking too, in the end when she’s standing in the resident lounge, eyeing all of her friends, wondering whose evening to ruin. And she decides on Cristina. Because at the end of the day, even though they’ve never gotten along that well, Izzie knows Cristina’s strong enough to take news like that. She’s not gonna crumple, she’s gonna take the news like a hard, cold scientist and that’s what Izzie wants right now. It’s what she needs. ‘Cause she’s got a hell of a fight on her hands and the odds are stacked.  I’d want Cristina Yang on my case too.

 
So my Mom – she really loves Grey’s Anatomy. In fact, she calls me after every episode, thrilled and excited to tell me what scenes she loved, what lines made her laugh, whose performance made her cry…Tonight I asked her what she thought and there was a long silence. And then: HE HIT THE RING WITH THE BAT!? I know many of you are equally as shocked, maybe a little horrified, and I’m with you. It was brutal to watch. But here’s what I really want you to take from it – Meredith’s reaction to it all was infused with a maturity and strength that was five seasons in the making. She didn’t crumple to the ground sobbing, she told him to do his worst, because she’s not going anywhere. She knows he’s drunk and angry, she knows he’s lashing out at her because that’s what you do when you’re drunk and angry and filled with self-loathing, you lash out at the last people in the world you should be lashing out at, the people you love and most importantly, she knows Derek doesn’t mean it. She knows he’s at his lowest, professionally, personally…so she’s not gonna bail on him. She’s gonna let him have his little “the world is a better place without me operating in it” tantrum and when the dust settles, Mer’s still gonna be standing there, supporting him.  Because that’s what you do in a relationship. That’s what you do in a marriage. For better or for worse, right? So you can choose to see the end of this episode as a MerDer nuclear holocaust, but I really hope you don’t. I hope you can see it as I do – as progress. Twisted progress, yes, but hopeful all the same. For better or for worse, people.

 
And with that…let the discussion begin! 

Comments

[Shondra]

NO MENTION OF OWEN HUNT?? SERIOUSLY????

[ibamyk]

i was proud of mer, standing there, not falling apart... she didnt fall apart whewn the chief told her about the ring.... a few seasons ago she would have been running to christina asking what to do, now... she knows what to do... good . besides, if anyone knows about dark and twisty- its mer. she (hopefully) will understand. i still love slexie.... you put me back together... awwwwww!!! ,

[mamaloa]

I loved the Izzy and Alex scene tonight. I hope that Izzy can fight this and have everyone help her, and I hope that Derek will be able to come around and help her out with the brain part of it. Owen was wonderful tonight, and he looked soo hot!!!! OMG!! I loved the fact that Izzy went to Christina of all people. Izzy is a pretty selfless person and she was the only one who kinda told everyone not to be judgemental towards Derek, when he was sitting on that couch. I've always liked Izzy, and was appauled that her part has been so poorly written. I'm glad you are getting her groove back. I hope her character doesn't die off on us.
PD's acting is fantastic. You have really given him something to work with this time. Keep it up. I don't want to see him constantly mushing over Mer. Also, great to see a strong Mer too. I'm not so sure about the two of them together, though. I never will like that couple, even if you go ahead with all the proposals and wedding or whatever. I'll never really like them. It's a bit tiresome. Although, I like that you are making their characters stronger but it's about 3 Seasons to late for me. Wow!!! Batting that ring!!! Woa!!! That was a bit scarey. I've never saw Derek's character like that. I want to go find the ring. Love diamonds!!!! I felt you did good writing, next to the cross over.
One more thing, more of George and please loose Callie/Arizona. I would love to see Callie with Mark. I'm tired of seeing old men chasing after preschoolers.

[Nancy]

Jenna
WONDERFUL EPISODE. You are my favorite writer hands down. You really get these characters and give them fresh, interesting dialogue and keep the storylines moving.

I am normally full of complaints, but while this episode was angsty and sad at times, it was wonderful.

I am suprirsed how much I liked the Patient X stuff. Really clever and well done. Also, I'm not ready to lose Izzie. And, my heart goes out to Alex who has no idea what is coming. Poor guy.

Now, for the record, I stlll hated all the Denny stuff and think this storyline would have been more effective without Denny.

I love Cris/Owe
Alex was fabulous
Still really not like Mark/Lexie. I just can't get on board with that.
Also, most I'm bored by Callie and Arizona.

Saving best for last, I LOVED mer/der. I totally get what you are saying in your blog. I saw real growth tonight and I love Meredith being the strong one. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I also appreciate that you addressed it in the blog.

Overall, I want to say that I love how mer/der have progressed this season. I can't wait to see where they go next. They make the show for me and I love seeing their growth. Also, PD and EP rock their scenes. They have amazing chemistry and watching them tonight was no exception. They don't have to be naked to be electric (although I don't mind those scenes either).

Overall Jenna you are a fantastic writer. I hope you get to write the Season Finale.

[Carrie]

This was the first episode of Grey's I've watched since the writers strike and while the overall quality is much better than that crap, there are things that never change, like Derek Shepherd being a self righteous jerk. I'm willing to bet that there will be no apologies(there never is) he will get a free pass because he is so "dreamy". I think Meredith should learn from him and how he dealt with her, she should go to a bar to flirt with a hot guy who could be the highlight of her week.

[sienna]

Derek accusing Meredith of quiting? seriously if anything he is the quiter in this relationship, he gave up on her over and over, he is such a hypocrite ass.

[Laura]

I absolutely loved the episode. This is the first time since Izzy cut her hair that I have warmed up to her again. I adored Alex, Lexie and Cristina in this episode too.
I have to say that the Mer/Der drama didn't hit home with me this week, mainly because Derek had lost my respect so much before this whole debacle. I totally agree with Mark's speech at the start! Plus I think Derek is an arrogant jerk who doesn't deserve Meredith, and he has been since towards the end of the third season. I understand where you are going with the storyline but I am struggling to find any empathy with his character.
Anyhow I measure episodes by how many times it makes me cry - this time was 4 which I think is a record! Keep up your fabulous work, thank you for your fantastic show.

[Red]

Im soo glad Izzie's condition is starting to come out, it's been long enough.

My only real complaints about Thursday's show was how little screentime merder and mcsexie had. I love the mark/lexie pairing and can't wait to see how far you let it go (forever please).

[Rizzie]

Uff! You've made me cry like you haven't in quite some time... I just can't resign to the idea of Izzie dying... why for the love of God? And Alex? the guy's not gonna believe in love anymore!!

And on some MerDer word, you're totally right, I see hope, and I'm so proud of Meredith, I can see how she's "healed", not in a dark place anymore... old Mer would have runaway the minute she was told there was an engagment ring.

Can't wait to see next episodes!! Keep up the good work!!

[Kelly]

Justin Chambers, Katherine Heigl, Chyler Leigh, Eric Dane really moved me with their performances. I love that Justin is getting more material and he is knocking it out of the park. I love that Alex is coming into his own as a doctor and how open he is with Izzie. I adore Alex and Izzie together, as I do Lexie and Mark. I loved Lexie's speech to Mark and his reply. I am rooting for those to in the long haul, just like I am Alex and Izzie. Also I like Lexie's speech to Izzie about fighting and percentages and her mom's death. Heigl and Leigh rocked that small but pivotal scene. I felt really bad for Shadow Shepard. That wasn't even funny. Things like that and the cheif and residents acting like little kids is probably why doctors flee SG.

[nicole l]

Looking forward to watching this one - live in australia so we get it a little delayed so i sneak ahead with reading updates on the episode review/blog etc.

Importact fact about melanoma - sunscreen does not protect against it. Look up that astounding fact, as I did when i first read it - seeing as how the hole in the ozone layer is biggest over Australia we are fairly obsessive about sunscreen/hats/sunglasses and just staying out of the sun from 10-3 - but please people be aware - sunscreen does not and cacn not prevent melanoma! It can prevent other forms of skin cancer but sadly not the deadliest kind. Very scary and worrying.

Stay out of the sun. Wear sunglasses. Wear a big hat.

[Kelly]

I love Mark and Lexie together. The chemistry is awesome there.

Are Cristina and Callie still roomates? I miss their friendship

[Leah]

It's no wonder that Katherine Heigl won an Emmy for her performance as Izzie Stevens. Every scene of hers is delightful to watch and honestly, the only reason why I even watch Grey's Anatomy anymore. She just kills every scene and makes it heart wrenching and real, with emotional intensity. You can't help but feel her pain, and it hurts.

This is a great episode after a string of well written episodes in the latter half of this season. It seems like Grey's Anatomy has gone back to the elements from the first two seasons which made the series a hit. Well written episodes about characters and issues we care about, mixed in with comedy and ending with heart drenching drama. Although I absolutely hate the idea of seeing Katherine Heigl leave the show, the storyline is so intriguing that I refuse to stop watching and going through the battle alongside Izzie.

One last thing. Seriously. Give T.R. Knight screen time. George loves Izzie and he knows something is wrong and I can see him as the sole person who will be most affected by this news (even besides Alex). Give him screen time. Give him a chance to show his acting prowess as the grieving doctor who is about to lose his best friend and almost-love of his life.

[Iris]

First of all: AMAZING!

The MerDer scenes were so powerful. I'm glad she's sticking by his side. And I'm not really happy with him, but I get it. He's hurt and insecure, while she's whole and healed. I can't wait to see how everything works out.

And Izzie, yeah ok, KH did a good job, but I just don't care. The only reason I want her to survive is Alex. The poor guy deserves happiness.

Cristina and Owen are great too, but he needs Dr. Wyatt. Maybe he can take Derek with him.

Yes, I did feel sorry for Shadow Shepherd (I can't remember his name, lol) Please give him a nice girlfriend or something. They can walk in the background without taking screentime from the actual cast. :P

The chief is an ass. Callie and Arizona are hot together.
And more Mark and Lexie would be appreciated, preferably with less clothes on. ;)

[justagirl]

I can’t deny that Derek was less than McDreamy last night, while his behavior cannot be dismissed or excused and an apology is in order he’s hurting. Not that hurting makes what he did right, but when you get to that level where the world is crushing you, when you just want to give up your clawing to stay alive and you lash out. All you can think about is how to stay alive, to stay afloat and you don’t know what to do. The loved one in such a situation needs to do exactly what Meredith did, stand firm. “I’m not leaving, no matter how bad it gets, no matter what you say I will stay by your side. We will get through this. And they will. It’s just a bad patch. And Meredith has really grown and really been healed because she didn’t run, she stayed.
It’s exactly what Cristina said to Owen. It takes more than a few bad dreams to scare me off. I love their relationship. She has also grown and matured. I love that about a show as it ages you really get to see the characters grow.
I also love Mark and Lexie, ‘little grey you didn’t break me you put me back together. My three favorite Grey’s couples.
Bailey and the Chief’s interactions were great, the tattaling while juvinile was adorable. Though necessary because the chief was in the wrong, he needs to let people grow and support them in their endeavors and respect their needs. I liked that he urged Meredith to go to Derek, but I am not sure I like that he told her about the ring. Hmmm. The fact that he told her and she still went to Derek also showed how much she’s in and how much she’s grown.
Izzie breaks my heart. Her diagnosis is crushing. I cried as she told Cristina which by the way I loved how unassuming and therefore her Cristina was. She is a solid friend, and those in this world are rare.
Overall I thought this episode was a great way to come back. I am excited for next week.
Oh and by the way I couldn't remember shadow Shepards name either. I thought it was John at the end.

[Marie]

I loved this episode. It has been a wonderful season. I only hope that Mer/Der get together and that they get more screen time. It is called Grey's anatomy for a reason

[A.D.]

wow... what an episode...
I really loved:
tough Meredith
grumpy Derek
Callie & Arizona
more George-time
Izzie.
also, the Chief and Bailey were hilarious. (:

I think the scene with the ring-hitting was a really good one, and it couldn't be done better. of course, MerDer are going to get over this, there's no question about it. you could see it in Meredith's expression - the love, the determination.

as for Izzie... I would really like if the writers would think hard about her future. if she survives the cancer, than all the show's reality is gone, and it will become a fairy tale. but, on the other hand... I don't want Izzie to die! this is a tricky storyline and I'm looking forward to seeing how will it all work out.

Alex was good.

Yang/Hunt - classic.

it would be great if we could continue to see more George.

I really root for what's going on with Callie and Arizona, it's great.

please, cut down on Lexie & Mark.

and to all grey's anatomy writers, cast and crew: thank you all for this wonderful episode and the previous one, too! it's been a long time since GA was this good! looking forward to march 19th!

[Jennifer]

I wonder if any of the writers are in happy marriages. I'm not an expert, but I've been married for 7 years and dated my husband for 4 years prior to that and not once in all that time has he ever come close to saying the horrible things that Derek said to Meredith. Do we have arguments, heck yeah, but that whole business of calling her a lemon was AWFUL. In an age of ever increasing violence, where celebrities are publicly beaten and then go right back to the abuser, what an unhealthy message is it to send to people that saying things like that to the person you love is a normal reaction. If you want Derek to look like a jerk, you succeed. Yes, we do tend to take out the brunt of our frustrations on the people who are closest to us, mostly because they're the least likely to run screaming when we do, but there's a line, and he crossed it. (Or should I say YOU crossed it as HE is only a character in a script) I'm as big a romantic as anyone, and I love/hate the drama of the Mer/Der routine, but to perpetuate the myth to young viewers that this is what love is, is to do them a huge disservice.

Minus that drama, loved the episode. I've missed the huge realm of emotions that I experienced several seasons ago. It was back last night.

[Karen]

Such a great episode! Loved it.

The MerDer of it all *swoon* Patrick Dempsey has done such a great job coming unraveled right before our eyes. He really excels at dark and twisty. His version of a drunken @$$ was done perfectly--totally made everyone squirm and think he was a jerk. And Mer - I was a little worried that she keeps saying "he's fine"... I wasn't sure she was really getting it until the end.

And at first I was really, really miffed by the Chief telling Meredith about the ring, but now I think it fits. It sort of falls within his father-figure role with her. Perhaps she did need it pointed out that Derrek is NOT fine.

And everyone else! Fabulous. I was a little creeped out by Alex's brag to Izzy about being a star; but I guess that was the point, right? Out of character for him, because he usually isn't THAT guy.

And Izzy - so sad! I love that she grasps the 5% and holds it near. I can see Alex being a great support for her as this advances... I wonder if he comes up with some revolutionary treatment for her now that he's the one to watch.

I think it's interesting that Alex and Derrek have essentially switched roles--Alex was dark and twisty, Derrek was the one to watch. Interesting!

I am anxious to see where this all goes. Although I can already see the cliffhangers at the end of this season and the hooks for next season. CAN'T WAIT!!

[Liz]

As someone said:

"Derek is verbally abusive and Meredith is his verbal punchng bag! Jesus! I know I'm stating the obvious here with this post. It's just that I am SO SICK of Derek's verbal abuse toward Meredith every time he is feeling negative about something!

I was really feeling for him until that last scene between he and Mer at the trailer! What a complete S.O.B.!!!!! NO WONDER PD was allowed to talk about the pending engagement on The View! You know what though? I can't believe I'm about to write this - but right now - I want Meredith to tell him to kiss her as* and move on! The things he said to her - my God! He called her a lemon! He KNOWS she's anything but unfixable! He KNOWS what her childhood was like and yet he's always so horrible TO HER when he's got things going poorly!

I was so , so proud of Meredith for standing up for herself, though! She didn't take his crap. Sorry for the vent! All I can say is if they want us to really believe Meredith and Derek's 'union' is all hunky dory - Derek better be on his knees apologizing profusely to Meredith first! And then getting some sessions with Dr. Wyatt for his da*n anger issues!"

Well you can say that again! EVERYTIME Derek feels bad about something, BANG! Meredith is a wh*re, a lemon (meaning defect!), or ALL their problems are all HER fault (never mind that he broke her trust and made her a dirty mistress, then chose the wife, then said "I need air", then hid the Chief thing, then flirt with the sister and told Mer it was the high of his week! (way to hurt someone!), then the plant.... then taking all the benefit for HER idea & research for the clinical trial & calling her a baby....).

But you'll see. He will see the light, and here comes the great McDreamy speech: mumble an apology & tada! Here is the ring, let's get married and if you say no or want to wait, then you're damaged!

*sigh*

I'm sorry for being cranky, but d*mn, when I saw him HIT that ring! His MOTHER'S ring!!! And everything he told Meredith? It was the wh*re thing all over again.

I bet that the ring will be perfect though, when after that hit there should be pieces of diamant everwhere..

[Maureen]

An overlooked scene: the interns delivering the bad news to Izzy. It captured perfectly the callousness of physician trainees among themselves when they think that no patient or family are listening.

[MrsB]

Finally an episode that left me wanting more...more...more....Great show...All of the characters were outstanding...The story line sooooo human.Can't wait to see the final episodes of the season...Don't disappoint us with Mer/Der - they have alot of stuff to work out BUT they are the reason I continue to watch.

[Megan]

Oh my gosh, that moment with Alex, when he was shaking--honestly, that was one of the best moments. He was amazing, and I was so proud of him!

Derek and Mer... beautiful. Of course, the ring thing may have stung, but Mer has really grown since season one; and I'm sure Derek will be searching for that ring the next morning!

The Chief seemed very immature, but I guess that's expected when your hospital is falling apart. I just love Adele!

Izzie's scenes were amazing. The way she is doing this selfless thing--I've always adored her character, but now I love her even more. She has such a big fight ahead of her, and I'm glad she told Christina.

Great job on the episode!

[dawn]

OMG! i can not tell you how much i appreciated this episode. i am a stage 3 melanoma patient. i am so happy to see exposure and hopefully education on this. shonda, please check out mpip.org... you will see the real struggle that goes on everyday in patients with melanoma. this disease has no age limits! thanks again
dawn

That was 3 out of 3. You are officially my new favorite grey's writer. Although Derek's hypocrisy made me want to punch him but I suppose that's not really your fault.