Stacy McKee on "State of Love and Trust"...

Original Airdate: 2-4-10

Dear Derek Shepherd, First of all, let me clear something up. I know you are a fictitious character on a television show. I know this because I've been writing for you for six seasons now. That's a long time. That's a lot of episodes. That's more McDreamy monologues than I can count. That said, I just wanted to use my blog this time to say: It's ABOUT the hell time you became Chief. I've been waiting for this moment as long as you have, you know. Six seasons. Richard promised you the chiefship way back in the pilot. It's how he lured you out to Seattle Grace in the first place. And then you found out that he'd also promised the position to Burke. Remember that? You've been waiting for this moment a long long time. As have I. So it was a pleasure to write you this episode. To give you the voice over. To watch you step up to the plate and... Flounder. Because, let’s face it. You were floundering this episode. And I dug it. We saw a new side of you this episode, and it was refreshing. You were not polished. You were not smooth. We all know just how much this moment must have meant to you and yet, you were set back on your heels. You had to use NOTECARDS, dude. When addressing the entire hospital. Note cards? The Chief should NOT be using note cards! And, that tie? Now, ordinarily, when you get the chance to take off your scrubs and get all gussied up, I enjoy the transformation. You usually look very dashing. But somehow, in this episode, seeing you in that button down shirt and tie, topped with a lab coat... You reminded me of you as a geeky teenager. The one you told us about in the Prom episode, the one who had braces and played in the band. No offense, but you looked like a little boy playing dress up. Which, by the way, was the point. Because although you have taken over as Chief, you're not quite up to the task yet. I know you wanted to hit the ground running, but it's pretty clear -- the Chiefship is not going to be easy to take over. Richard Webber has left you a hospital in crisis, and his are big shoes to fill. So I don't care how much you or I have been waiting for this moment... It's clear that it's going to take you more than just one episode to actually shine. Which I love. I love seeing you struggle with the job. I was excited to see you go head to head with Richard in that conference room - to call him out, to actually try and FORCE his hand into signing the rehab forms... Holy crap. And then when you turned around and realized you had an audience, when you had to suddenly put your Chief hat back on and send people back to work -- in that moment, it was like a light bulb went off. You - and we all - got a glimpse into just how difficult balancing the job as Chief actually is – and will continue to be. You weren’t able to waltz in and take over seamlessly. You have your work cut out for you. Awesomeness.

And while we're on the topic, I would like to state for the record that I side with Meredith here a little bit. I think you did oust Richard from his job in a fairly underhanded way. I mean I get it, I understand that you can't have anyone - let alone your Chief of Surgery - potentially endangering patients because they are a drunk, but... still. You forced Meredith's hand. And she's right, you did it partly because you HAVE been waiting for the chance to be Chief for a long long time. So I applaud the maturity she shows you here in this episode. She doesn't approve of what happened or how it went down, but as your wife, she's setting that aside and simultaneously being supportive of you. She's helping you pick the right tie. She's telling you that you will be a good Chief. That's maturity we haven't always seen between the two of you and it makes me happy you've finally reached that point in your relationship.

Not that Mark Sloan or Owen are showing the same level of maturity in their relationships right now. I get that you guys are all testosteroney and don't really want to talk about your feelings -- but maybe you could talk a little sense into your two buddies? Mark is punishing Lexie for sleeping with Alex, when he TOTALLY did the same thing with Addison. More than once. He has no ground to stand on! The man-boy is acting like an immature hypocrite. Unacceptable!! And yet - strangely human. I'm sure that's what you would say -- that Mark may be a hypocrite, but only because, for the first time since - well, almost ever - he's been hurt. By a LADY. He was ready to take the next step in his relationship with Lexie and she turned him down, so now he's lashing out. Which is valid, I suppose, but…

Still. He's acting like a jerk.

And Owen - Now, I'm not going to say I don't appreciate an episode in which Owen slams Cristiana against walls and kisses her over and over (you may recall, I scripted their very first wall-slamming kiss outside Joe's Bar last season) - but I have to say... What the HELL was Owen thinking? Literally asking Cristina to choose him over surgery? When Teddy was paging Cristina with a big, amazing medical crisis?? Cristina is right when she calls Owen out on trying to control her all day with sex. Only, of course, he wasn't doing it consciously. He was just falling back on the thing he knows he can rely on between the two of them – their undeniable chemistry. That's his solution when what they really need to do is actually talk. 

Thank goodness they finally do talk. And - boy - that scene blows me away. Every time I see it.

Meanwhile, when – if ever – have you met someone who wasn’t intimidated by one of Bailey’s arias? I know you have some interest in this since you were trying to help set Bailey up on a date not too long ago – so, did you notice that Ben, the anesthesiologist Bailey was butting heads with today – did you notice that he was absolutely NOT intimidated by her?

I don’t know. They may have gotten off on the wrong foot here, but I think there’s a little chemistry between those two. Someone not afraid to challenge Bailey. I think I like this Ben guy. And when it comes to challenging authority – I think you might want to keep an eye on Alex. Arizona seems to have taken him under her wing and I have to admit, I like the combination of the two of them. Alex is notorious for challenging patients or their loved ones if necessary, so he may have just discovered the perfect forum in which to do so. Pediatrics is a specialty where, as the doctor, it is part of your job to stand up for you patients, to give them a voice. It might very well be the perfect place for Alex Karev. (Which, by the way, is something we’ve been setting up for a while – even back when Addison was wandering the halls. Remember? Even she noticed that Alex had a way with the kiddos…) My point is – there’s a LOT happening right under your nose at the hospital right now. Yesterday, it didn’t really matter to you. You weren’t the Chief. But today… Today it has to matter to you. It matters if you have a resident bullying a child’s parents. It matters if a patient wakes up on the table. If the hospital is getting sued. If your authority is being undermined by your former boss, the one sitting in a public space, refusing to sign your papers all day. All of it matters to you now. Because you are no longer just Derek Shepherd, neuro-god. That was the easy job. That’s the job that earned you the title McDreamy. But the tables have turned. You are about to start a new journey, and I’m not gonna lie. I know what happens in the next episodes. Your job is only going to get harder. And harder. And harder. Which is why I’m writing you this letter. Mostly I just wanted to wish you good luck. You’re gonna need it. Sincerely, Stacy P.S. – Please. Do take Bailey’s advice and… lose the tie.

Comments

[Lissa]

I have to agree with everything you said about Mark. I love him and I love Lexie and I love them together. Yeah, I get that he's hurt and all. The way he shouted when talking about it with Callie just shows he's really bothered with the whole thing. I get that he has to have his time to be angry, but, yeah, he did the same thing with Addison so he should consider being a little more comprehensive. And when he almost ran off the elevator, kind of childish. But, other than that, that scene was beautiful. Thank you so much for it. It just broke my heart. And Chyler rocked. The way she was breaking down and trying to not let him see. And him realizing it and almost considering going after her. Just beautiful.

[Sasha Lee]

OMG!!!! Greys is back!!! this was THE BEST episode in months!!! the thrill, the passion the COMMITMENT!!! Guys keep this up!!! this is what we want!!! ; )))

[Bren]

it was cristinas idea to lie for burke. how did burke take pieces from her??? she started the lying about his tremor. SHE ignored her page from teddy. i hate people who cant take blame for their choices

[a pissed MD Fan]

About the episode

The Good

V/O bye PD loved it he has a really nice voice

Derek was amazing as Chief so much better than Richard, I loved that Mer was there to support Derek

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Alex I love that man more and more he will be great in peds. and his scene with Arizona rocks last night.
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I really enjoyed Arizona in this episode.
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Loved the boy scene in Derek office.
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The bad
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Bailey long speeches every week stop the becoming annoying.

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Mark needs to get over his childisch attitude as the silent treatment, Lexie deserves better than that IMO
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Now for the MD PART

I'm really dissapointed bye the laek of MD scene we get in S6, Shonda has found her fav. couple in CO.
WOW CO fans have nothing to complain about the get sweetscene's kissingscene's sex scene's and OMG a real conversation.
Suchs where we MD fans are waiting for, for almost 6 seasons now.
I'm a MD fan from day one and waiting for any conversation between those two for a long time now.
The last scene in Derek office they barely look to each other a nice talk our a sweet kiss couldn't hurt don't you think.

I'm tired of waiting for something good to be happens for MD everyweek.
I realize that we never get more than 30 sec. screentime.

You writers need to think how it come's that after the 100 episode the ratings go's down week after week.
maybe something with MD and AI I fig.

So I'm done this was my last episode of Grey
Bye a really pissed Dutch MD fan.

PS. sorry for my bad english

[Leslie]

Best Grey's episode in a while! I love it when Stacy writes the episodes. She thinks like me and it seems the show goes how I want it to when she writes them! So...GIVE STACY MORE EPISODES TO WRITE!!! I love seeing this side of Derek. He is out of his element and it is cool to see and Meredith is so calm these days, handling things as they come up! YAY! Not loving Teddy so much.....but I'm glad she realizes that she needs Christina just as much as she thinks she needs Owen. Mark Sloan is being a hypocritical, typical male. I just hope he realizes it before Lexi moves on. They are good together. I hope Bailey gets a boyfriend....she deserves some happiness. All in all, this episode was GREAT and I enjoyed watching it. Thanks Stacy!

[Sally]

What an amazing show last night. I loved all of it, the scene with Christina and Owen made me have tears. It was good to see her open up her heart to Owen. I think Alex is finally coming into his own. He is a wonderful actor and it shows more and more very week. Derek is going to have his work cut out for him. I think he now realizes how hard chief is going to be. Thank you for a wonderful show last night. I loved every part of it.

[Beaner]

This episode was classically "Old Grey's" in the best of ways. Loved the little bits of humor that has been missing in the past few years. Loved "hot cross buns" and "don't cry on my ass". It makes sense now to see that it was you, one of the original writers that brought these words to our friends at Seattle Grace. Thank-you!

PS: Good-luck with your little Ultraviolet Girl (or boy)!

[Sophie]

What a horrendous first day for Derek Shepherd. But that's the thing though, he has Meredith to reassure them. He has Bailey whose giving him advice. Being Chief is not going to be easy, people are going to criticize you, and in a way, undermine your authority--but being Chief you have to rise above all that.

Okay, if my previous comments haven't sunk in, I adore Mark and Lexie. And their break up was heartwrenching, and after nearly two episodes--I'm still feeling it. You know what I love about Mark and Lexie? The fact that they are so different from every other couple on the show. Mark, he's just a better guy with Lexie. With everyone else he kind of regresses, but when he's with Lexie, it's like he actually knows what he's doing.

Throughout the entire episode their break up was comical. Mark giving her the silent treatment. The scenes with Callie/Lexie, Lexie/Cristina, Mark/Derek/Owen, Mark/Callie. There was a tinge of humor but then the elevator scene was a change of pace. They were stuck in the elevator together and it couldn't be avoided, and humor aside, Lexie realizes she really is hurt and Mark realizes maybe he is wrong.

Anyway, going into the next episode--well it looks interesting. More drama for Derek, Lexie goes blonde, Lexie kissing Alex--wait what? Still curious about that

Can't wait for next week.

And from the podcast it seems your about due to give birth any day now, so congratulations!

[Hope]

First, thank you for this episode, which was fantastic on so many levels.

I find most of the characters interesting, maybe especially when you are writing for them, but my primary loyalty and interest is to and in Cristina and Owen. And you gave us an epic episode for them. There were so many wonderful moments and one particularly huge revelation, or maybe I should say two revelations because they relate to each of Owen and Cristina separately. First, we just found out that Owen is the one with the abandonment issues, not Cristina, and those issues were clearly made worse by Cristina's offer to "trade" him. When Cristina tries to avoid talking about Burke in the last scene between Cristina and Owen she says "Burke is irrelevant" and Owen replies something like "Like I will be in 3 years." Translation: he is afraid she will leave him, move on from him, as she claims to have done from Burke. Hence the "caveman" behavior (which was, by the way, a lot of fun to watch); hence asking her to ignore Teddy's page. And Cristina has now told him that she is less afraid of losing Owen than of losing herself, as she did with Burke. Cristina's description of the Burke relationship as a series of "lost pieces" of herself is how I always saw that relationship. The Burke relationship is Cristina's only experience of a what a loving relationship does to each partner. She has been keeping Owen at a distance because she is afraid that the power and depth of her love for him (and I believe that she does love him deeply) will lead her back down that path, of giving up pieces of herself that she fought so hard to put back together. These issues have been bubbling under the surface for a while, and since both Owen and Cristina are better at acting on feelings than talking about them, they've been masking them with sex. Thank you, thank you, for finally letting them start to talk to each other - I love both these characters and I love them together and I am looking forward to seeing them grow, as individuals and as a couple.

And, btw, the scene of Mark in bed with Callie and Arizona made me laugh out loud!

Thank you again for a great, great episode!

[orangeena2]

Stacy, It is always a particular pleasure to tune in to an ep you have written - they invariably turn out to be among my favorites. Dead on re McDreamy - as Richard said in a voice over seasons ago - when you're chief, "the scalpel stops here" and now the troubles are in Derek's lap. A couple of other points - at last Yang really spills about Burke and what it did to her and she did it in the usual powerful Sandra Oh scene. He too said she wouldn't let him love her - that's her challenge, certainly, and I don't think McArmy quite grasps how either. Always, always Bailey is heart and soul of this hospital. Loved her wisdom for Shepherd and Weber - in the parallel universe which likely none of us will ever see on GA, she is surely the Chief of the future!
A couple of words about Callie and Meredith - watching reruns of Callie in her early days is sooooo painful as she struggles and fails in every way to fit in. Now - a real friend, still a devil-may-care, tell it like it is girl and yet so obviously more secure (and more interesting and fun as a character IMHO). Yea love, yea AZ! And is there any TV character whose emotional depths have been explored so convincingly as Meredith Grey? Amazing to think this is the girl who just a few years ago let those black Converses slip right down into the bay - she is actually coping with ambivalence, dealing with this wrenching conflict between husband and mentor. Nicely done.
Many classic moments - the 3 amigos scene in Derek's office (love the ferry boat model there behind his desk) and Yang's "sex injury" treatment. Clever little unfolding scenario there with Mark, Callie, and AZ - how many sharp intakes of breath do you think that caused when the scene first began?
This season is strong -life goes on at SG/MW in convincing and captivating ways. Thank you for your writing insights into the creative process. Hope your pregnancy is going well.

[Kristan Hoffman]

Overall: great episode. Thank you for that.

Most of all: A MILLION EMMYS FOR SANDRA OH!!!!!

That scene with her and Owen at the end. PERFECTION. Utter perfection. Thank you.

(I've been telling everyone about it, tweeting it, etc.)

[Lauren]

Mark and Lexie! That elevator scene? Amazing. So much being said without being said. You know, I don't expect them to be fixed overnight, but it's said because they've just realized they're in love with each other, and they can't even show it. I hope they get to in the future.

I remember an interview Krista did early in the fall about Mark and Lexie and how they're used to writing stories about people coming together, but not necessarily people who are together, who work through their issues... together. I was looking for that. I'm still looking for that.

On a side note, Justin Chambers. Can you say Emmy please?

[Liz]

I think that this epi, and this season, is great!
I mean, season 4 was horrible (with the Plant and Gizzie..), season 5 was a little better, but still (with dead Denny and Mer's ex best friend that I didn't care about plus that mean Hahn...), but now, it definitely looks like it's back! That episode was really good!
I really like Owen with Christina. Bailey is back to her old self. Mark & Lexie are great together (hope they'll get back together), Callie & Arizona are very cute as well.
We've got drama, but not ALL THE TIME drama like in season 4, cause we've got some comedy back! (like the scene with Alex, Mer, Chris and Lexie together. Those scenes where they're all together are great!).
Now, the only thing missing is some passionate Mer/Der scenes... We saw some Chris/Owen scenes, but it seems that since they are post-it married, Shonda seems to think that they no longer need to show their incredible sexy chemistry...

[ella]

Loved this episode. Absolutely loved it.

I'm thrilled that Alex has a story of his own that isn't entirely about someone else. I really hope that continues. Agree he's awesome in Peds, and works great with Arizona. They sparkle together; there's such dynamic chemistry between them.

I also enjoyed seeing both Meredith and Alex as the fantastic doctors they are. Love how their careers are unfolding, and am so excited to see their professional progress.

Loved the Chief story, too. It's very true to life. I'm eager to see how it works out for him.

Enjoyed all of the medical stories, too, and loved Bailey's interactions with the new doctor. He was very funny, and seems like he could keep up with her.

Just an awesome episode all around. Really looking forward to next week.

[Kristen]

I just want to say THANK YOU! Using your platform to bring awarness to the importance of organ donation. I notice everytime there is something put in Grey's or PP. I lost my brother 3 years ago, and he was an organ donor. I had a baby 9 months ago, and had a hard time finding an organization that would collect her cord blood... hospital politics, but it worked out... thank you to all the writers of Grey's and PP that put stories about organ and cord blood donation in prime time!

Grey's is the best show on TV! <3 it!

[SMD]

I’m glad that Derek was supposed to be awkward and uncomfortable with the note cards because it was difficult to watch him struggle. He does have to earn their trust. But he was great in the resident locker room at the end. On one hand I’m glad he took Megan and April back and on the other, two more cast members to an already bloated cast?

I’m glad Meredith got surgery with Bailey. Their patient was so scared. I love that Bailey told her that the only other person the chief mentored was her. More Bailey and Meredith please. Mer should be getting more one on one with Bailey who is the rock star general surgery attending.

Bailey and the gas man. Looking forward to that. Anesthesiologists..pay no attention. Grey’s has always put down every specialty because surgeons think they are gods.

Owen was really a jerk in the show tonight. Acting like Burke. Using sex to make her submissive. Making Cristina choose and taking a piece of her. I’m glad she told him in the end. I did enjoy his time with Derek and Mark in Derek’s office. Perfect line with Derek telling Mark it wasn’t his story to tell regarding the chiefs problem and about Burke.

I didn’t really care about Alex and his storyline with the kid from peds. Although I see he’d be great in peds and from past shows has shown an affinity for that.

Mark is being a big baby but that’s to be expected. And how childish that he doesn’t want Callie to even talk to Lexie. Junior high school. He’s always had the emotional maturity of a ten year old. Loved the shot of him in bed with Callie and Arizona.

The chief was so dark and angry in this show as was to be expected. Interesting that Bailey was the one who got him to admit he was an alcoholic and to choose to go to rehab. I love that Meredith told him if Ellis was there she’d kick his ass. Meredith was still looking for approval and encouragement when she told him she was doing the surgery. I was hoping he’d give her some but great scene anyway. Just a tiny thaw when Derek apologized at the end. Meredith too.

Best scene is when Cristina has burned her butt (sex injury) and is the exam room with Meredith and Alex and Lexie pop in. Funny stuff.

I’m glad the Derek and Meredith have matured in that she can still be mad at him but support him too. But very disappointed with the lack of screen time for the two of them together. Thirty second bookends is not enough. Longing for more as usual. Looking forward to next weeks show for V day with them and Mark’s reaction to blonde Lexie.

[Ivy]

Great blog. I liked how you put it together so we could see a little more of what was really going on with Derek's first day as Chief.

FYI, Mark was hurt by a child and he has been hurt before by a woman...Addison!

[Renae]

Why has no one commented on this yet???

[katherine]

This was an AMAZING episode!!! So much going on, getting set up and coming full circle. All at once. Wow!

[Indianapolis Colts fans.....]

I loved this episode!!!! I do not want to see Alex with Lexi. I want Mark to stop being a jerk and fix everything with her.

I did like Ben with Bailey but is he a lot younger than her??

I am ready for Izzie to come back.

Loving the grown up realationship with Derek and Meredith.

Thanks for a great episode can't wait till next week

[Kimberly]

A beautiful episode - one of your best yet.

Alex Karev blew me away!

You surprised me with Cristina & Owen. I thought, "Oh no, don't make her go and do the surgery," but when she didn't, I was also disappointed, especially when it was rounded out in their final scene together. Double edge sword, people! Love how you're tackling the question of career vs. love.

Also, the song at the end rocks! Am off to check what it was ...

[greysfanatic]

this was an absolutely mesmerizing episode. so well written and so great to see how the dynamics of all our favorite characters have changed and are finally moving forward (especially Alex & Meredith).
MEREDITH - how far she has our girl come. i love this part of her journey - best friend helping christina nursing her grate burn marks; amazing WIFE to McDreamy supporting him, even though she doesn't agree with him; kickass surgeon - and now she's got herself a sober mentor with Bailey. the sky's the limit for her. I know you guys will give her other hurdles, but this is not death-wishing meredith and I LOVE her.
CHRISTINA - FINALLY saying what we all know about Burke. he took so much of her and she is still rebuilding. hopefully Owen will rise to the occasion.
ALEX - he was my mcdreamy this episode. he is such a great actor and i just felt that Alex, with Arizona as his mentor, is poised for huge amounts of awesomeness. i can't wait for Izzie to come back and try and throw him off (but just a little bit please).
McDREAMY - let's just say i wished i was Meredith sitting across from him after his long day. saying sorry to the chief, but also knowing he was exactly where he wants to be. SO GOOD
now to watch the Sloan/Lexie dynamic. i think we're in for some good stuff. thanks for a great episode Stacy and a great season!!!

[Keep Owenstina together.]

Great episode - the best in a bit. Thank you for giving Owenstina a real problem other than cheating or tired love triangle. At first, I got tired of the caveman kissing, but it tied up perfectly in the end and was so in sync with the way you've set up the characters. Awesome. This couple and Karev in pediatrics will keep me watching. Also, Arizona is too cute: "I told him we'd clap."

[meluwo]

We just discussed this in my office -- 100% unanimous opinion? BEST EPISODE IN A LONG TIME IF NOT EVER. And??? Izzy was not missed one bit. Mer/Karev/Yang work well together -- and Lexi can hold her own with that group. Thank you very much for having Mer/Der be real and grown up in their relationship (but I agree -- they do need some throw against the wall/burnt buns lovin')!!! Keep up the great work!

[Lily]

I miss Izzie. I realy miss Izzie :(