Pete Nowalk on "This Is How We Do It"...

Original Airdate: 3-24-11

I know, I know.  You’ve come to this blog hoping I’ll shed some light on next week’s episode.  “It’s a music event?  What does that mean?  How does it work??”  Well sit back and relax because I’m going to tell you… 

Nope, not doing it.  I’m too much of a rule follower.  You don’t want me to tell you anyway.  There’s only seven more days to wait.  The music’s coming.  IT’S COMING!!

In the meantime let’s stay in the moment.  Namely, the very last moment of this episode.  Arizona asked Callie to marry her.  It wasn’t planned.  There was no ring or getting down on one knee.  It just happened, in the middle of a fight no less.  As someone who rarely fights (yup, passive aggressive, non-confrontational, bury my resentments way down deep person here), I’m a little jealous of Callie and Arizona.  They bicker.  Rant.  Say what they mean – even if it’s mean.  Mark has been a thorn in their relationship’s side since the beginning.  This happens in many relationships.  How can you love someone whose best friend you hate?  And what if that best friend is also an ex-lover/now baby daddy?  This is a tough one for Arizona.  She’s tried to suck it up.  But there’s only so long one can bury their resentments.  Mark wasn’t part of the deal when she signed up to love Callie.  But now he’s very much in the deal.  Rather than run away and find some new girl to love though, she stayed by Callie’s side.  Even more, she keeps throwing herself in deeper.  And now she’s asked Callie to marry her.  This is what it means to have BALLS people.  She’s not gonna run from the problem.  She’s going to face it head on.  Love Callie harder and insist that Callie do the same.  Marry me, she says.  And then, well, that’s when… 

It’s maddening not to know.  I feel your pain.  Just seven more days.  Breathe. 

In the meantime let’s talk about Richard.  Dude’s spent most of his life working.  And what amazing work he does.  He’s just invented a device that functions as a pancreas and, amazingly, might cure diabetes.  It’s crazy.  A surgeon’s dream come true…  But now there’s Adele.  She has Alzheimer’s.  The diagnosis couldn’t have come at a worse time.  As Adele finally tells him through tears, this isn’t fair.  They’re finally the husband and wife they always wanted to be.  And now…well now it might be too late.

Derek did his best to help the Webbers out.  As you can imagine, the rules surrounding an FDA clinical trial are strict.  Fudging with them is pretty much career suicide.  And even though Derek ultimately refused to do this, you can see how easy it would’ve been for him to change Adele’s score by one point.  No one would find out.  That’s not Derek though.  Meredith reminds him of that.  As always, these two have each other’s backs – at home, at work…   It’s this type of relationship their patient Sonya won’t let her son Tarik throw away. Facing the end of her life, knowing that it’s approaching at a terrifying speed, Sonya has the clarity to see that Tarik needs to move back to London to be with his boyfriend Gavin (who is played by Colin Farrell in the spin-off episode in my head btw).  Sonya knows meeting someone you like is hard enough.  Someone you love though?  Someone who loves you back?  That’s once in a lifetime.  Screw clinical trials.  Screw self-sacrifice.  Go, be happy, she tells her son.

April’s struggling with her own relationship.  Stark, a.k.a. “Robert,” likes her.  And she likes him back.  But love?   I don’t think April’s knows what love is yet.  She knows it probably won’t happen with her and Robert though.  She wishes it could – screw what other people say, let them make fun – but it’s been a month of dating and she’s not feeling it.  It doesn’t help that Jackson and Lexie are feeling it – and each other – in front of her all the time.  On washing machines, in on call rooms, on communal couches…  Who the hell doesn’t want that?  And how the hell are you supposed to carpe diem when you’re stuck at home with only a bowl of popcorn and old movie to keep you company??  Hells if I know.  What I do know is it’s not going to come if you spend every night on the couch.  I for one am hoping April gets off the couch soon.  Maybe she should take pointers from Mr. Dirty Hot.

Alex gets his fair share of play.  I’m guessing it’s the same for Lucy.  Just look at them.  Hot hot crazy ridiculously hot, right?  Still, there’s something going on between these two that’s stalling their hook up.  For episodes now they’ve been playing hard to get, flirting one moment, acting aloof the next.  To be honest they’ve been pissing me off.  Do it already!  Luckily Meredith was there to put an end to the games.  She tells Lucy about the real Alex, about the sad, ridiculous, terrible crap he’s been through.  Not that Alex will ever know that.  So Lucy dropped her guard and finally put the moves on him.  April, are you taking notes?

Maybe you’re just like April and need more pointers.  Fine.  Let me present you Henry.  “What’s so wrong with a great story?” he asks after Teddy denies him AGAIN.  (Protest too much Teddy??  Methinks so.)  Maybe it’s the terrible tumors that grow on the guy but Henry knows there’s no time to wait.  He wants Teddy so he straight up tells her that.  Risks rejection.  It’s inspiring.  Crazy.  And HOT.  Same with our nurse Eli.  This is a guy who can hold his own in an argument with Bailey all day and still get her to come home to him at night.  How?  Because he knows how to separate work and play.  Compartmentalize.  Let’s hope Owen can do the same now that he’s choosing Chief Resident.  Just a reminder that becoming Chief Resident has been part of Cristina’s life plan since, well, forever.  Having anyone, let alone her husband, get in the way of that is FORBIDDEN.  Tough times for Owen ahead, I’m guessing.

You’ve now read this entire blog, suffered through my babbling, all in the hope that you’ll get scoop on next week’s episode.  I’ve given you crap.  So far... 

Here’s what I can say.  It would’ve been very easy not to do next week’s episode.  Shonda could’ve buried the musical idea in that giant trash heap of big, bold, scary ideas that never get to see the light of day.  Shonda’s not much a couch sitter though.  She likes to bet big.  And I can confidently say that all of us fans of the show have benefited from her love to gamble.  We’ve been entertained, moved, inspired…  So my advice is just to enjoy the suspense of the next seven days.  And maybe, if you find yourself bored or sad or spacey or stagnant during this time, use the time to bet big in your own life.  Break a few rules.  Give the finger to the man.  Really.  Try it. 

Comments

[Amanda]

Fantastic episode. Adele and Richard broke my heart. I love this season of Grey's. I'm so happy to see the story spread around and characters like Richard and Adele, Bailey and Eli, and so on all getting some screen time.

I'm excited for the music episode.

[Lisa]

You have gotten to the point were you recycle MerDer scenes from past seasons.

Shame on you writers.

[NMC]

I must admit I am excited for new week's episode. The whole musical thing was a bit hard to comprehend at first, but from seeing the previews, I'm excited.

I really, really hope the Lexie/Avery thing is purely physical. I mean that's all we saw them do. But, only a few episodes Lexie told Mark she loves him and love doesn't go away that fast. I can't wait to see what happens when Mark is in crisis next week. Lexie's not the person to let someone suffer alone.

[LauraJane]

Really, I waited an entire month for an 8 second RECYCLED MerDer scene? Are you guys really that bored with them? Or have you just completely run out of ideas for an actual MerDer storyline?

[Steven]

Hey Pete!

Your episode was amazing! That last scene, I just knew it was coming. I had my eyes closed cause I knew they were going to crash. It was so intense!

I love how Lucy made the first move. I love how Cristina now has to work even harder to prove that she should be picked for chief resident. I loved the way Arizona proposed. In the middle of an argument. Grey's does awesome proposes! I really hope April and Stark can work things out. This episode was amazing!

[Leez]

Please, no more Teddy and Henry.

Used to like Callie, but not anymore. Wasn't keen on Arizona and yet felt sorry for her having to put up with Callie & Mark.

Quite like Stark and April, but not together.

Don't care about Lexie & Jackson.

[Miami fan]

Good blog, thanks for actually talking about what took place and the characters and not your personal life as seems to be par for the course this season.

But... nothing will get me to watch the musical episode; first time in 7 seasons actually refuse to watch old iconic songs being passed on to new -non original characters that made the scenes poignant. Feels like it's passing from the old guard, forget the old and let's create new scenes for the new wave of fans that may tune in; the old ones...well, just not sold on this at all.

Speaks volumes that 12 are interviewed about Musical episode, but not EP/PD

Meredith & Derek 8 second end scene, many are saying it's same as season 5 quickie scene...looks very very similar... any truth to it? Was it an extended version that got on screen now?

[Jane]

You know what is sad, ridiculous, terrible crap regarding the character of Alex?

Answer: It's the fact that the writers of this show either refuse of aren't interested in giving him a decent storyline!

We can't even get invested in this little story with Lucy when we ALL know she isn't going to be around much longer because Rachael Taylor has been cast as one of the new Charlie's Angels.

And no, I'm not looking forward to the musical episode. Sorry, but it looks silly. I would have preferred if a fraction of the time and work that Shonda had thinking it up had been spent on actually thinking about and writing a story arc for Alex this season.

[nyla]

Loretta Devine nailed it tonight. My heart breaks for her and the Chief.

Glitter pens! Onesies!

I kepts screaming at Callie to put her seatbelt back on (and I know I wasn't the only one). Please oh please let the Mighty Oak be okay.

Was surprised, pleasantly, that Arizona proposed. But of course when something great happens, the other shoe has to drop.

I am on pins and needles waiting for this musical. I can't wait!

[Jess]

That was a great episode. I loved Adelle's speech, it was heartbreaking and beautifully delivered.

I really, really hope that in next week's episode Mark doesn't lay the blame for the accident on Arizona. She had been through enough. Maybe it will be a turning point for them and they will find a friendship in it. But really, please, I am begging you, please make Mark take a step back from the middle of Callie and Arizona's relationship. I get that it might be too late this season but for next season, please.

He is the father of the baby, I get that. But he isn't the third wheel in the relationship. And the scene where he tries to humiliate Arizona with the baby shower list was terrible. Please, let him have his own girlfriend and stop trying to poach Arizona's.

[Kate]

honestly? i dont even care about this episode enough to do an in depth commentary, but i will say one thing:
you used STOCK footage of MD in bed together from season 5 episode 11 instead of shooting a new scene. Fans deserve a LOT more than that. MD fans have been screwed this entire season. Now you're not even bothering to film new scenes? Did you think we wouldn't notice? Clearly you underestimated how much fans love Meredith and Derek. AFter seven years of loyalty we deserve a hell of a lot more.

[Sally]

Oh Greys, you are losing me. When did this show get so tedious. Also, Teddy and Henry are such a waste of screentime.

[Enforce]

Loved the epi. Period. And that's something I haven't felt since 'Disarm'. First, THANK YOU for dissolving the creepy Stark/April thing. Ewwww! Please find someone sweet for April!! Adele almost made me cry and I'm feeling really bad for the Chief right now. Alex and Lucy? I'm loving it. Too bad she's off to Miami. Is it bad that I'm disappointed that Sonya left the trial?
Ok, so, I am loving Arizona. She is determined. And Callie is my girl, no matter what. It hasn't gone unnoticed that Callie has yet to say 'I love you' to Arizona which tells me she is not back 100% yet. She's still afraid. So, I'm hoping all the fear, lack of trust, etc. will be resolved next week. Loved the baby shower scenes by the way. Mark was being a jerk towards Arizona. He loves to torture her. But, I love Mark so I just find his antics endearing. And LOVED, LOVED that you played Adele's music.
What else? Lexie! She belongs with Mark. Period.
On an unrelated matter, what happened to Callie's cartilage research? And, how come there's no forum for Private Practice? I was so hoping that Addie would be pregnant! Love Amelia! BTW, Looking forward to Sunday when I can get Sara's music on iTunes. It's about time!

[Enforce]

Forgot to say, loved your blog!

[AR]

Good post, thank you.

I have nothing but admiration for Arizona's character and how much growth she has undergone this season. She has proven over and over again that she is a good man in a storm. She loves Callie with as much focus and fierceness as she shows in her work (pretty please can you finally let her be a doctor again?).

Now if only Callie would show some appreciation. Callie as you all have written her is an insufferable, selfish, self-absorbed brat. Whatever happened to that big heart she's supposed to have. It just disappeared. Callie has treated Arizona like crap for several episodes now. Why does she need to get hit by a truck to buy a clue?

The way this stupid threesome and pregnancy have unfolded, I don't care whether the baby lives or dies. You've done nothing to make me feel emotionally invested in this pregnancy or the fate of the fetus. In fact, I hope there is no baby, because all you've done is show all the reasons why this situation is totally screwed up and unworkable. Callie doesn't know how to draw boundaries with Mark, and Arizona will always be a second class citizen in her own relationship. Marriage or no marriage.

Callie now needs to prove she's actually worthy of Arizona's love. Not just talking about singing during a medical crisis, either.

The writing for the threesome was bad, by the way. Just lame and off, especially compared to how good the rest of the episode was. The Adele story was so touching. Thanks for that. She and everything connected to the Alzheimer's trial made the episode for me.

[Jenna]

Well, I liked tonight's episode. I found the chief and Adelle's story a little heart breaking and a lot poignant. I don't care about all of these MerDer winers either...I like the parts of them we are seeing this season. I LIKE seeing them happy but truthfully, happy isn't as open to long story lines and tons of screen time. I think you guys have done an excellent job of keeping them on enough for me to feel happy and giving them some solo screen time (the all Meredith episode from a few weeks ago is still one of my favorites ever).

I'm nervous and Calli and the crash...I love Calli. Even with the semi-annoying last few episodes of Calli and Mark and Arizona. I love them all dearly but I agree that Mark needs to take a small step back. Also, I hope he and AZ can find positive footing with each other soon! Maybe next week with the stress?? I always love Alex and any story time he gets although I'm sad to know his new girl won't be sticking around. I like her. Stark is more likable after this whole April thing but I'm still not loving him. I'm excited about Christina and Owen's scene tonight. I think it means they'll get more screen time soon and I can never get enough of them :) Lexi and Avery were entertaining tonight although I'm still feeling luke warm about Avery's character overall. He seems like a floater. Eli and Bailey...meh.

Overall a good episode. I'm intrigued by next week and somewhat excited. We know Sara Rairez and Bailey can sing beautifully so it should be interesting. PLEASE do not kill of Calli. I lost George and Izzie already. I don't know if I could forgive you guys! Keep em' coming!

[MRR]

Your paragraph about Callie and Arizona? Pretty much perfect! Loved, loved, loved it! Especially the last part.

I still cannot stand Lexie and Jackson. They end up killing entire episodes for me, but your blog and my excitement over the musical squashes that feeling.

I liked the small little Mark/Lexie scene. The whole awkward 'I'm happy for you' talk is so much better than Mark ignoring her last season after their breakup. I'm hoping they have some good stuff in the musical. I noticed Mark was talking to Lexie in the promo for next week, so I'm excited about that!

April. Love her. She's been one of my favorites since last season, but I find myself liking her more and more each episode. And really, someone just needs to love her already! (Someone that she can potentially love back.) I'm hoping it's Alex next season.

Loved the whole Alex/Lucy thing. They're fun to watch, and I really like Lucy. I'm bummed she's leaving, because she became one of my favorite characters quickly.

Okay, Callie and Arizona. I loved that Arizona proposed while they were fighting. This storyline just got ten times better.

I felt bad for Henry. I want to see Teddy in a relationship.

I'm ready for the musical!

[cha]

adele made me cry today... & im trying very hard not to. that scene was so moving. cristina is so funny that she's freaking out that owen has to decide on being chief resident. and of course, my fave couple, callie and arizona. i can't help but notice arizona focusing on callie while driving and i keep saying eyes on the road! eyes on the road! please don't kill callie... :(

[gem]

all i want to know is why a merder scene was reused? why couldnt we have a new cure, adorable bed scene? what are we missing?

please can there be an explanation?

merder fans miss our ship, on screen last night yet barely spoke to each other??

[LadyBug]

Gotta say Not digging Avery's attitude. Hes a cocky one and would have to go. On to Callie/arizona story.. oh I see this going so wrong. I seem to remember Shonda saying she wouldn't allow babies on the show

[lothiriel]

i didn't watch the show coz i can't stand Jackson/Lexie, i am just glad that mark and lex talked, and that he just didn't ignored her ! hopefully they will be back together !

[PJ]

Love Adele, alway have, great scenes with the Chief.
Please can we have a REAL romantic scene with Meredith and Derek instead of a reused scene,really it has come to that, sad.
Mark looks like a hundred miles of bad road, it was sad to see him when he notice Lexie and Avery, please end that relationship soon. Mark and Lexie should be together.
It looks like next week all all about Callie and Arizona, and although I hope all is well with them, they need to go in the background for a little while.
Bailey and Eli, you go girl.
Although Cristina SEEMS to be the frone runner for Chief Resident,there have been times she has not been worthy of the position, remember Callie, the paperwork would get her down. Do the right thing Owen pick someone else.

[Lena]

WTF Shonda you can't even shoot original Mer/Der scenes. You have to take the quickie from S5 only just to satisfy the fans" you think we didn't notice!!!!!!

Well I will be glad when this CAM Storyline will be over but then again let it go one I don't care!

I'm done with Grey's if they gonna use scene from earlier seasons then this show is gonna downhill there is more on TV then only Grey's. so good luck you gonna need it!

[Haru]

The crash was so obvious -specially whit Arizona not looking at the road- but i did not care great episode. I just hope for one thing and two optios.
1.- That nither Callie or Arizona die (Arizona daying it's a long shot but then again Shonda did kill a guy in PP so...)

2.- That she does not lose the baby.

2.1.- That if she does lose it, she does not place the blame in Arizona.

[lili]

It was a boring episode. Only got a bit interesting when Adele realized she had Alzheimer. LORETTA DEVINE gave a SUPERB performance! I am hungry for MORE MERDER story. Next week musical looks intense, but I am so sick of Callie, Arizona and Mark's story. They are annoying! I would love to see more screentime dedicated to Derek's Alzheimer trial please.