Allan Heinberg on "New History"...

Original Airdate: 11-12-09

Tonight’s episode, “New History,” is named after a song by Andy Davis, a sly and soulful singer/songwriter, whose protagonist has barely survived a bad breakup and now finds himself unsure whether or not he should embark on a new romance.  He doesn’t know if he’s ready to trust his feelings and create what he calls “new history.”

I love the idea of “new history” because it perfectly captures the relationship so many of us have with the past.  No matter how hard we try to let go of it –– to learn from it and move forward -- all we’re really doing is creating new history, trying to learn from past mistakes, but inevitably making new ones that will haunt us in the future.

The past, it would seem, is inescapable.  Everything we are today is the product of who we were yesterday, last month, last year:  the choices we made, the red lights we ran, the things said and maybe shouldn’t have, the people we loved, and the people we didn’t.  So, how to make peace with the past?  What can be done about the mistakes we made, the lies we told, and the people we hurt to get where we are today?

For Izzie Stevens, the past has never been more present.  Fired from Seattle Grace Mercy West -- and feeling Alex is to blame – Izzie retreated to the Chehalis, WA trailer park where she grew up.  Reconnecting with the man who inspired her to become a surgeon, her high school science teacher, Dr. Adam Singer, Izzie is forced to relive her history as a pregnant 15-year-old who considered dropping out of high school to become a teenage mom.  The irony, of course, is that Izzie’s concern for her mentor forces her to return to Seattle Grace Mercy West to confront her more recent past – her failures as a doctor and a wife -- and the anger and shame she felt as a pregnant 15-year-old is not all that different from the resentment and humiliation she’s experiencing right now.  And the decision she’s facing in the present is exactly the same one she faced in high school. Is she going to let a careless error – and her own hurt feelings and regrets – rob her of her future as a surgeon?  As in the past, Izzie ultimately chooses to confront the issue head-on – to stand up to the Chief and to Alex – and the insight she gains from both encounters – and the encouragement she receives from Dr. Singer – a man who still regrets never having lived his dream – ultimately allows her to take a clear-eyed look at herself, her circumstances, and her options for the future.  There are no easy answers for Izzie at the end of this episode, but you definitely get a sense from Katherine Heigl’s performance that Izzie’s not about to give up on her dream of becoming a surgeon.  Somewhere, somehow, she’s going to be a doctor.

Alex, too, is haunted throughout the episode by his past with Izzie.  He’s obviously still wounded by her having left him – but he’s determined not to allow himself to acknowledge that – to feel it – to reveal himself to Izzie in any way.  And when Alex is finally brave enough to go to the OR gallery and force a confrontation, Izzie throws the entire history of their relationship in his face – all the things she’s had to forgive him for in the past – but in the end, it turns out to be Izzie’s misinterpretation of the past – specifically of Alex’s going to the Chief out of his concern for her – that has created the unbridgeable distance between them.

To one degree or another, all the characters seem a bit paralyzed by the past.  Meredith longs for the moment when George was sill alive, and Izzie was okay, and everyone was happy – a moment she was barely even conscious of when it was happening.  Derek seems to mourn the time when the hospital ran smoothly, and he and Richard were trusted allies.  And by the episode’s end, Bailey acutely feels the loss – not only of her work-husband and husband-husband – but of the time when she had total, unquestioning trust in the Chief.

And then sometimes the past doesn’t stay in the past.  Teddy’s arrival at Seattle Grace unleashes all manner of complications for Owen, Cristina, and herself.  Cristina’s immediately suspicious that Owen and Teddy were more than friends during their time together in Iraq.  Teddy confesses to Owen that she apparently misread their mutual history, and walks away from him, mortified.  And Owen’s left haunted by Teddy’s confession, now forced to re-examine his own history -- and his feelings for both Teddy and Cristina.

Ultimately, however, it’s the Chief’s struggle with the past – specifically with his history of alcoholism – that’s the most devastating.  So far this season, the Chief has behaved in extremely erratic, un-Chief-like ways – crashing his car, alienating his friends, firing Derek, Izzie, April, and Patricia to name a few -- all of which seemed to stem from the stress surrounding his dealings with the board and the subsequent merger.  But the truth turns out to be much darker – and more catastrophic for both the Chief and Seattle Grace Mercy West.  The Chief is drinking again.  And apparently he’s been drinking for a long time.  Right now, only Meredith Grey knows the truth.  And what she’s going to do about it will surprise you.

Tune in next week.  Thanks for watching.  And for reading.

Comments

[Jenine]

Loved the ep! Great scene at the end with the Chief. Very chilling.

btw? Love Lexie. She is adorable. "Yellow". Hahaha.

[LT]

I'm enjoying this season so much more than last season. Part of that has been the absence of Izzy. Haven't really liked her since season 2. If she doesn't come back, that's cool with me.

I usually don't like Kim Raver, so I cringed when I heard that she was coming on. But I'm liking her character. Christina needs a teacher, and not one that is intimidated by her. One that respects her talents and is secure enough to help develop them. I also like the interaction between Christina and Jackson, so hope to see more scenes with them in it.

I've loved Mark and Callie since the beginning. I love their banter and friendship.

Chief broke my heart. I hope that Mer stands up to him and helps him get straight.

Good episode, thanks.

[Hayley]

... good episode, but not great, like the past few episodes.

I blame Meredith's appearance and her weakness.

[faithful watcher]

UGH...why does Izzie have to be so miserable and angry....the story is not being well told..she just comes off as childish.

And the lack of any vetting of the business aspects of the hospital is making me insane...I can suspend disbelief but some of this stuff is just dumb. Last week, the chairman of the board is following a family into the morge? Get a grip!!! And this week you make a big deal out of getting a pro bono surgery for a 67 year old. HELLO!!????? Ever heard of Medicare? He would be covered. And while I am venting, NPH would have been one of the first if not the first thing that Derek would have suspected when presented with those symptoms.

All around, I think GA has lost it's mojo and that bums me out.

[LaShonda]

Great episode. The one thing that would've made it even better is if there were MORE Jackson and Cristina scenes. Please tell me Jackson has a chance with Cristina. Owen does not deserve to be with her anymore. He can go off with G.I. Barbie. My girl Cris needs someone (Jackson) who won't keep bringing her down cause she does a good job of that herself. Shonda, please give this sista more Jackson/Cristina!!!!

[Susan]

OK guys - did anyone else find it questionable that Joe would serve the Chief a "drink"? He's an insider, he knows the history, the lives of all the people who hang @ his bar. They saved his life a few seasons back - for free, remember?! There is NO way that Joe would let the Chief drink (he'd call his sponsor for him...)and no way he'd keep it on the sly like that. Joe's WAY better than that guy you made him out to be last night. Tsk Tsk writers...

[Pat]

I am glad to see Mer and Izzie back this week. I am so sad about what is going on with Alex/Izzie. Watching the reruns on Lifetime is not helping. Please, don't ruin them. I am way too invested!

[Joana]

When will Izzie start taking responsability for her mistakes? First she said Charlie got her fired, then Alex got her fired. What about her? Will she EVER admitt she was the one who made the mistake?

I always could understand Izzie, really, all her actions. But right now I don't recognize her. It looks like Alex could die and Izzie wouldn't care. Where is her love for him? I get that she is mad, but at least some crying would show she is suffering like him. With her teacher she is all caring and lovely but with her husband she can't listen what he has to say? Alex's speech for her was so right. What are you doing to Izzie?

You better make her grovel, cause how many times did she broke his heart? And she is the one who has to forgive him? I'm really having a hard time undertanding this story line, it makes NO SENSE. I hope when Izzie gets back she shows her love for him like never before to win him back, cause right now the audience hates her and that is just SAD cause she was always my favorite.

[Jen]

I hope you're not moving from building a love story for Cristina and Owen to building a break-up story.
That's something I can't bear to watch and will have to quit the show.

[Anne]

A very dramatic episode with lots of cardio not a favorite but a good episode. Nice for Christina and Owen and glad they went off together near the end. Christina was pretty selfish in this episode. Izzie - well I admire her for her pushing for her teacher/mentor to be treated and I agree if she donated 8 mil she deserves some special treatment/leeway when it comes to something like this. I'm glad he was treated (yea Derek! another life saved and for pro bono). I didn't like Izzie in her interaction with Alex - after the cooling off she should have asked bluntly how could you do that, explain what you did - not just rant at him. He was looking out for her but she can't see that hope she realizes it before it is too late. Poor Mer locked out of surgeries due to overstaffing and being peacekeeper of her clan. What do residents do if no surgeries??? That would be frustrating - I guess I'd study like Mer. Sweet moment with her and Derek in the room. Naturally I wished for ooooh maybe another 2-4 minutes - doesn't have to be the whole show (oooh dreamy...) but a few minutes would be nice. The show did a good job with the flashbacks and some scenes of making us feel a bit sorry or understand more about the chief and what he is going through and how he would look to liquor as a crutch. Bailey rocked in this episode!! the affair thing - well I can see how Adele would think that but seriously she should have known how stressed he was about the merger/etc and be rightfully concerned for his health. Bad to step on the drinking wagon again though. I see next week is supposed to be the holiday episode so we likely last new show of the year until jan. Hope is is a really good one!!

[ella]

I really enjoyed this episode, especially the lunch room scene with Meredith, Cristina and Alex. Love the Fab 3. Love Meredith and Alex's friendship, and any exchange between Alex and Cristina. These three are brilliant together. Best part of the show by far, IMO.

LOVED the break from Lexi, Arizona, Callie, and the Mercy Westers. There's been way, way too much of these annoying secondary characters lately. ANY Izzme is too much, too. Definitely won't miss her.

Loved the Chief's story. He's an interesting character; I'd like to know more about him.

Loved the new Cardio doctor, too. She's a much better match for Owen then Cristina, and I already like her more than Arizona, Callie, Lexi, and Izzme combined.

Really looking forward to another holiday episode. Can't wait for next week.

[Laura]

Hate Izzie. Hate her acting like that, it's just too much. Too much of the episode was too mean-spirited. And yeah, please get rid of that guy, whatever his name is with the unfortunate ridge above his nose. Just don't see anything redeemable about him in the least.

[Long Term Fan]

This was a beautiful episode. I sobbed and sobbed at the end when I saw the chief drinking again. It all makes sense now. You guys always deliver... regardless of how awkward the transition is... it always smoothes out in the end. Thank you, and congratulations on 2 amazing episodes in a row.

[GreyCat]

Don't listen to those pulling for Teddy and Owen to supercede Owen and Christina. They are not perfect for each other. What they share as vets makes them valuable to one another as friends but they both need a romantic partner outside of that experience or they'll be living too much inside their war experience all the time.

Christina's impish, sarcastic, even juvenile side is very good for lightening Owen up. When she came bouncing out of the hospital into his arms to give him a thank you kiss that was a great scene showing why they are so good for each other. She lightens him up. He helps her get over her fear of her experiencing and expressing warmth and compassionate.

Owen/Teddy could get to be all deep, dark and meaningful all the time. She does not bring lightness in spite moments like enjoying the rain. I picture them both on adjoining couches at the shrink for the rest of their somber lives. She needs someone who will a light and playfulness to the mix.

My husband is a Vietnam Vet. He likes being able to talk to me about it when it suits him and appreciates my understanding but the last thing he would want would be a wife who reminded him of that experience every time they were together, reliving it full time for the rest of their lives.

As for Jackson and christina, he is dazzling to look at but much too boyish for Christina. She is clearly drawn to serious, mature men, not pretty (way beyond pretty) boys.

[KaraK]

I would be completely unrealistic if Owen doubted his feeling for Cristina. He tried all he could not to fall for her, PTSD and all. Keep Owen true to his character. He's an unstanding guy - that why we fell in love with him and why we still love him. Owen+Cristina+a wall=HOT!! More wall, I say.

[Ana Lucia]

I can't thank you enough for Meredith and Alex's scenes. Their friendship was always my favorite and she is the one who has to be there for him right now, not Reed. Alex needs his friend, the one that always understood him and supported him, the one that knows his story with Izzie and their feelings for each other. I'm very very happy you didn't put Reed on the middle of this, cause she does not belong.

I loved Meredith beating Izzie, what the hell is Izzie thinking? The only explanation that will make us understand why she changed so much is if she is bipolar or something. Cause all this feels so inconsistent and incoherent right now. Unless you are turning her into a bit** on purpose, so you can kill her off and nobody will miss her. Well, I can tell you, I miss her already, cause that's not Iz, that was other person on my screen last night. Fix her!

[Susie]

Great episode. And Andy Davis truly is amazing :) Fantastic song!

[Missy]

Why you do that to O and C??
I don't understand why in season 5 they were soul mates and now you destroy it all!
Are you kidding? Owen was in love with Cristina, he promised 40 years and now he has doubts about Teddy? and I hate her! Pfff you're suck!

[Chantal]

I loved the episode! It was awesome!! Great writing. I love the drama, the humor, especially the scene where they Cristina, Alex and Meredith had lunch. Hilarious!
Always love Bailey. She rocks! I also loved to see Adele again. I've missed her! Funny line "From wife-wife to work-wife, someone's having an affair with Richard", guessed it was the booze but that he wouldn't confess it! Interesting, I wonder what will happen, what Mer will do. Maybe plan an intervention??

I understand Izzie feeling the loss of her job but she should have given Alex the benefit of the doubt. She should have trusted him to not betray her, why should he! So if she lashes out to him the way she does, I can understand his reaction. I wouldn't like them breaking up but that's what I think will happen...

Owen/Cris/Teddy. Nicely written storyline. Because Owen didn't get "Teddy" to come over, but "the cardio goddess" as a present for his girl friend! THEN Teddy finds out and realizes she isn't important in THAT way to Owen and has to rewrite her hopes, which she is willing to do! Honesty above all, no back stabbing here! In the end Cristina CAN be happy with the "cardio goddess" instead of the "might-be-old-flame" but when she finally is there, there might just be something to worry about! Ironically, she says that she jokes about breaking up with Owen if he doesn't understand how much she values her skills, but she might have to reconsider that in the future...??? VERY interesting!

Shortly, I LOVED the episode! Please keep on going this way, only one little request: CITY HALL FOR MER DER PLEASE!!

[Cortni]

Yay for Andy Davis!

[Andrea]

I just read in the comments someone dislikes Arizona...I can say on the multiple sites I go to for greys stuff (sad I know) that's the first time I have read those words.

Anyway, loved the episode. I'm a Calzona fan and Arizona was so cute in this episode..."I like her" haha. Good to see all the couples getting good air time. Kinda enjoying what's going on with Owen and Christina even though I think they deserve a longer "happy time", they've fought so hard already. I think I'm just an Ownen fan as well and don't wanna hate him for questioning stuff with Christina who he's been crazy about. Life happens I guess. Season six has been magic. Thanks.

[jill]

please tell me Izzie can be gone for good? didn't you notice no one missed her when she was gone?

[kc]

This was a good episode - it would have been a great episode if there weren't so many characters that no one gets adequate screen time.

I always loved Izzy, but now I'm liking her less and less. I won't miss her when she's gone (is that the plan?). I liked Teddy - but if she causes trouble for C/O I won't like her for long. I'll try to hold off on the tantrum till I see where that story is going...

The chief's story is well done, Lexie and the elf added nothing to the show and I'm tired of all the Alex/Izzie drama. Enough already. Mer/Der and the 5 kisses - gag me. They're more interesting when they fight.

Can't wait for next week!

[KT]

Excellent episode. It felt like the gold old GA days of season I and II. As long as Mer & Der kiss each episode I am happy. I loved Bailey talking about her work husband and her husband husband! I worry that Teddy might be crazy. Let's hope not. Please keep McDreamy being McDreamy. We count on him being this way week after week. I cannot wait for the holiday episode.

[Erica]

I cannot believe that Owen could possibly now be reassessing his feelings towards Teddy and Cristina. It's unbelievable - after everything she went through for him last season with the PTSD and choking, going to therapy, etc. Plus, the Owen Hunt we saw last season was madly, deeply in love with Cristina - think about the "I think you're beautiful" scene, the vent, the "all you have to do is meet me half way" and "I want to be a better man for you" stuff. It doesn't fit, and I'm not sure where the Grey's writers are going with this, but you got a whole lot of fans hooked on Grey's last season from this C/O storyline, and you're not really rewarding them for their loyalty...
And I didn't even dislike Teddy in this episode - but have lost a lot of respect for Owen over the last four or so episodes.
Please, give them their 40 years :-)