(S05E10) Sympathy for the Devil

When you see life in black and white, it’s then that you need a little Grey.

Sorry, but after Momma Shepherd’s winning speech to Dreamy about how Meredith fits into his life, I couldn’t resist. Not only did she sign off on her approval, she also handed over the bling. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this season doesn’t end in a wedding. The bigger question is, will there be a runaway bride?

Tonight’s episode wasn’t just filled with relationships ending and beginning (Izzie/ Denny and Dr. Hunt/ Cristina respectively). It’s most interesting story lines had to do with the patients. I always appreciate how the writers of Grey’s Anatomy can constantly keep that healthy mix each season.

As promised, Eric Stoltz, the deathrow inmate was back and this time not only was he begging for death on his own terms, but also that his organs go to Bailey’s young dying patient. While the plot reminded me a bit of a Jodi Picoult novel I once read, I still appreciated the humanity that was involved by all of the staff in order to deal with such a sensitive ordeal. Bailey bit off some heads, but with her bleeding heart, it was understandble. On the flip side, Meredith found herself providing compassion to a killer as well as helping out the greater good by aiding him in donating his organs after ending his own life. Twisted, but still fulfilling as far as endings go.

In the future with Denny out of the picture, I expect Izzie and Karev’s relationship to revive some life into it. Also, now that Mrs. Shephard (Tyne Daly) encouraged Steamy to wise up and accept that he can have a fulfilling relationship, even if it is with the much younger Lexi things might just get serious. Could both Grey sisters end up with rings? Maybe that’s stretching it, but we shall see. Oh and to top it off, as I originally called it, Dr. Hunt and Cristina are made for each other. Sopping wet baggage and all.

(S05E09) Wish You Were Here

I always love it when some of our favorite stars from the past show up on today’s TV hits. Tonight’s Grey’s provided us with one such appearance. Eric Stoltz, who’s been in countless big and small screen hits such as one of my favorite 80′s movies “Some Kind of Wonderful,” showed his stuff once again for long time fans. This two-time Grey’s Anatomy episode Director set his character mark as a death row patient brought in to be treated by Yang, Grey and their respective romantic others. Thus making the characters question whether everyone truly does deserve fair treatment.

With Meredith and Hunt siding towards equal rights for all we find ourselves at first cheering for their open mindedness, while simultaneously growing colder every minutes towards the often self righteous Yang and Dreamy. Things are never black and white though. A lesson we quickly learn when the serial killer admits to his wrong doings with lack of sympathy and then is glimpsed again in the next episode carelessly trying to set them right with an organ donation. With such controversy in the air, this storyline has set up a great hook certainly encouraging tonight’s viewers to tune in next week. As if we weren’t going to already!

On the other hand, I must admit that I was a bit let down that Izzie’s admission to Denny’s presence in her life didn’t bring a bigger reaction from Alex. Yes, I find myself loving his character more for his complete understanding, I just don’t think he yet gets just how real of a problem Denny’s “presence” will create if this double lover life continues. Meanwhile, I’m still interested in what Izzie’s unrealistic visions will boil down to. While I originally thought it was a teaser to her demise, now I’ve heard a rumor that it may mean simply her brain is playing tricks on her due to a tumor. Not that a tumor is small potatoes, but you know, a long-time character leaving the show is bigger news. So will we lose Katherine Heigl? I’ll certainly continue tuning in to see.

(S05E08) “All By Myself”

It’s solo surgery time on Grey’s Anatomy and tonight’s episode did not disappoint.

In an attempt to punish Cristina the chief makes her choose which of her peers deserves the honor of the amputation surgery. After each doctor pleads their case, in a surprise move Cristina takes some advice from Dr. Dickson, whom I believe she now feels akin too in a way, and decides to set emotion and side and go with skill. Thus Karev, the well-versed surgeon is chosen.

Of course, Karev immediately runs to Izzy’s side to share the good news and ask her to join him in the OR. When he realizes that the first person he wants to run too, the one he cares the most about is Izzy, he confesses his love in a truly touching declaration. And, though I love Denny – ghost or not- I can’t help but feel bad for Karev. Competing with a dead guy just doesn’t seem fair. More over, if my suspicions are correct, Izzy won’t be of this world for very long and that is just heart breaking to think of considering this poor love struck guy.

in other news, the war rages on between Cristina and Meredith. In fact, Cristina doesn’t seem to have any true companions right now, that is unless you count the sadly awkward Dickson or the spontaneously lustful Dr. Hunter. With such a tough skin I’m surprisingly myself here, but I actually feel really bad for Cristina. Her predicament is not fair, and if next week’s teasers are any clue, the battle is only going to get worse before there’s any hope of it getting better for her relationship with Meredith her “person.”

(S05E07) “In the Midnight Hour”

Let’s dive in to tonight’s Grey’s Anatomy. Izzie is still seeing dead people, or more correctly, just Denny. I still hold to the fact that Izzie’s spirit is in some sort of crazy limbo right now and that’s why she can interact with both Denny but still be alive and in a pretty decent relationship with Karev. In time, I expect that distorted line to cross over (pun intended) one direction or another. And, between you and me, in my opinion both death and Denny will be on the winning side.

Sadie’s still crazy. i suspected as much when she first stabbed herself literally in the back, but when she invites Lexi and the other interns to take out her appendix while she all but watched, that pretty much sealed the deal. Amazingly nobody lost their job in the sordid ordeal, but it is possible that Cristina and Meredith just lost the close bond that binds them. Who knew it could take so little? Drama’s good for ratings, but I don’t see this little tiff lasting much past sweeps season.

All other major story lines were a bit dull and drab. A man gave his wife his poop in order to save his life. Now that was more gross that entertaining. Another patient keeps his nine year old awake in fear due to his epileptic sleep walking disorder. Now that was just sad, however, bonus points to Steamy who extended, to my surprise yet again, his tender side by looking out for the young girl by giving her a night of true rest as well as a healthy Dad.

Honestly, overall, nothing truly groundbreaking happened in tonight’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy. And, for any other show, this would be pretty normal and therefore just fine with the average viewer. On Grey’s though, it’s a rare episode when we aren’t shocked, awed, brought to tears and/or laughing out loud. So, did I like tonight’s episode? Sure, it was okay. Can they and will they do better? I’m quite sure of it.

(S04E06) “These Ties That Bind”

Wow, personally I’m feeling very out of the Grey’s Anatomy loop tonight. Having done some research before writing last week’s post and checking out a few of the TV rumor mills on-line, I’m ashamed to say that not only did I not realize Hahn would be leaving the show, but I also didn’t realize Denny would be staying for the time being, which leads us to the next bomb that was dropped.

Could Izzie really be dying? It’s not that I find the idea preposterous, and certainly, it would lead to some very exciting chemistry between her and her ghost fiance, but if Katherine Heigl left the show before the final curtain call, I’d be pretty bummed. And yes, I know that she ticked off quite a few of the “right” people along the way, but really, her character has been a lot of things, but boring isn’t one of them.

Did tonight’s show preview a future that was, well, pardon the pun, gray and dismal? With Alias’ Melissa George joining the cast as Mer’s best friend and new intern I’m sure Lil’ Grey’s story line will liven up, but can this new cast that’s taking over compare to the original cast from Grey’s Anatomy’s first season which we all fell in love with? I’m having my doubts. Besides which, rumor has it, Melissa George’s character Sadie is a bisexual. That doesn’t exactly mesh well with the rumor that’s spreading that Brooke Smith was fired from the show due to her character’s sexuality becoming a problem, now does it? I don’t know about you, but I’m confused. And, to be honest, a little upset with the choices being made by ABC on this one. Please Shonda Rhimes, enlighten me!

(S05E05) “Rise Up”

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, once again, makes a brilliant guest starring role in tonight’s Grey’s Anatomy. In his famous role of Denny, Izzie’s one-time fiance, Morgan appears by Izzie’s side to help her through a very delicate surgery where she must literally face the ghosts of her past in order to save a man’s life.

What’s more is that the man dying after having had his heart stolen from him by Izzie in her attempts to save Denny has become a patient with great personal importance to Hahn. And let’s face it, Hahn rarely let’s any patient get to her that personally. Putting this connection even above her relationship with Torrez, Hahn has now threatened to campaign the past injustice of her patients stolen heart to individuals over the Chief’s head. Sadly for Izzie, who’s job will once again be put on the line, as well as the hospital’s reputation, Hahn doesn’t seem like a lady who makes threats, just promises. As if they weren’t already, things are about to get interesting.

Speaking of getting interesting, the chief announced tonight that there will soon be a solo surgery up for grabs for one lucky resident accompanied by an even luckier intern. It should come as no surprise that Christine spent the evening gunning for the position. To spice things up though, the dynamic between her and the new Dr. Hunt grew even more complicated as Hunt spent the night doing everything in his power to put Christine in her place. I have to admit, I really like this guy. Yes, he’s tough as nails and a bit unfair to Christine, but he’s also incredibly smart, reasonable and willing to grow and learn as a doctor regardless of how far he’s come. What’s more, it was clear after having Christine tell him just how little he really knows about her and her reasons for becoming a doctor, that the spark we once saw between the two is far from extinguished. I say, burn baby burn.

So no, I can’t find any more rumors about a possible extra Denny return (which is probably for the best concerning the current Izzie plot), but still, a girl can hope. For selfish reasons only, I do wish there was another character like Denny out there ready to sweep our characters off their feet, and steal the viewers hearts. Here’s to hoping.

(S04E04) “Life During Wartime”

It appears as if the writers and producers of Grey’s Anatomy are looking to stir things up a bit. Besides the normal high drama and romance infused plot twists, two new characters have also been introduced to the show. As I previously called it, Journeyman’s Kevin McKidd has found a home at Seattle Grace. Already causing quite a stir, ex-Iraq trauma soldier Major Long made enemies with just about every member of PETA by throwing several pigs to the surgical table in tonight’s episode. ABC was quick to point out that no actual animals were harmed, but oh if they had been, I’m sure Izzie wouldn’t have been the only one upset.

Having first pegged Long as a potential love interest for Cristina I’m now beginning to wonder if that storyline is more meant for her new intern Ryan or if you’d prefer, 4.2. Now I know, there hasn’t been any signs of flirting, interesting or really any chemistry whatsoever between the two, but if we’ve learned anything about character entrances in Grey’s it’s that someone who gets their fair share of camera time with only a limited role on screen, is about to bloom into one of the shows better known.

Besides the Ryan’s attention grabbing performance, another, much younger performer proved herself as a TV star. Hero’s Adair Tishler shown in her brief few minutes on screen as the patient who’s life seemed destined to end. As an actress who once played young Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City, obviously the writers couldn’t let that happen. This truly loved child must be saved, but, of course, not without a lot of drama, a medical break-through and a surgical break-down throw in for good measure.

Mostly importantly, tonight’s episode brought a lot of hot topic issues to the surface. Just in time for the elections if you ask me. And good for them, we can all retire from the TV screen with opinions of homosexual realtionships, wartime psychology and animal rights in mind. The producers of Grey’s did more tonight then offer entertainment with the chance of escapism, they also invited you to take the underlying subplots a step further. Ponder, discuss and explore at your own speed, but remember Tuesday’s the big day to state what’s important to you. No matter what you decide, don’t miss your chance.

(S05E03) “There’s No ‘I’ in Team”

In tonight’s Grey’s the whole team of residents gathered together to perform a domino surgery arranged by Bailey. It was excellent, not only getting to see the dynamics between the various kidney donors and receivers, but also witnessing the team together on the same case.

With Lexi cheering him on, George began his first day as an official Doctor, proving that eventually he’ll have to show more of an edge in order to get respect from the interns who were once his buddies. Speaking of buddies, it became all too apparent that that’s all Lexi will ever be to George. Fed up with George’s oblivion Lexi let out some of her frustration and might have lost a friend in the process.

Of course Torres and Hahn held a major part of the plot tonight, having just spent the night together after their first date. I’m still not buying that Torres is a lesbian, even though she is up for another round of trying… with Sloan’s guidance of course.

Derek was a complete tool tonight. Not only did he take all of the credit for the surgical method that he and Meredith achieved together, he told her she didn’t deserve any of the glory. Oh, and also that she was a baby who still has a lot to learn. Now there’s no need to get mean Dreamy. Guess we can all be lucky that in the weird world of surgery a kidney in a jar can earn back a doctor’s love.

While tonight’s episode was a good one I’m left anticipating next week’s unfolding. After a steamy kiss this week, it’s clear that Izzie and Karev are back on and about to be hotter than ever. What’s more is that prediction for Cristina’s future seems to be coming true. Kevin McKidd is joining the cast… for now at least. The male counterpart to Christine’s cut-throat side, this should get interesting and fast.

P.S. Can I just say how much I still adore Joe the bartendar?

(S05E02) “Brave New World”

Let’s all love lotion. If you were able to catch tonight’s Grey’s Anatomy then you know exactly what I mean. With lotion comes comfort, ease, friendship, but not challenge. And if there’s one thing the cast of Grey’s loves, it’s a challenge.

Izzie took on Karev wild west style and won thus taking on major brain surgery. McDreamy entered Meredith’s domain full force and came out on top scoring not only a place to stash his stuff, but the comfort of knowing that Meredith does indeed want him in her life and home. Perhaps taking on the scariest challenge of all Torres and Hahn officially entered an unknown territory of same-sex relationships. With Bailey’s gracious help though they seem to be wining and dining quite nicely.

Unfortunately, not everyone was a winner tonight. Izzie is still stuck in a no-win situation with Karev being torn in two directions, one pulled by her heart, another by her brain. Is he a good guy who’s confused and full of problems who’s worth the time? The vote’s still out. Then there’s poor Lexi. Though George finally passed his attending test, with the help of Lexi, it certainly didn’t help their relationship. Always the friend, I have a feeling she’ll be moving on to more hopeful territory soon. Perhaps to McSteamy?

I have no complaints this evening. Not uncommon, I know. Admittedly the dermatology scenes were a bit bizarre causing me to initially balk at the unrealism, but it worked. It was a good comparison thus proving a point. It’s not so bad to love lotion once in a while.

 (S05E01) “Dream a Little Dream of Me”

Grey’s Anatomy is back and better than ever! During the show’s two-hour season premier relationships began, flip-outs occurred and more than one prominent star appeared upon the scene for some excellent guest roles.

Specifically, Bernadette Peters and Kathy Baker, both had very dramatic roles as women who’s limo hit a patch of black ice causing their driver to fly through the window and their friend to loser her memory. As if the physical damage wasn’t enough the drama continued to unfold as viewers learned that the women’s husband were also in an accident. As the surgical team goes to work healing all of the couples wounds, the Peter’s character learns that her husband was cheating on her with Baker’s fictional husband. They came to the right place for a dip from marital bliss. The cast of Grey’s are no strangers to infidelity and relationship drama.

Rose spent most of the show B-I-T-T-E-R towards Derek. Going as far as accidentally stabbing him in surgery before finally moving on. (OK, perhaps he deserved that.) Lexi on the other hand, spent the night yearning after George. Who, as always, is totally unaware. Could their be love for Izzy and Alex? Doesn’t look like it… but maybe in the future. First, Alex needs to get over himself and accept that he is, indeed, a “good guy.”

In my opinion though, the most exciting relationship happenings involved Christina. That’s right die-hards, I’m skipping over the lesbians on the exciting factor. Good for them, but really, who didn’t see that happening? Nope, instead I’m looking to Christina to stir things up once again. Journeyman’s Kevin McKidd entered the ER as a military surgeon who was in the husband’s accidents and attempted to save a life via ball point pen. Alright MacGyver! Anyhow, McKidd’s character had it bad for Christina. With a take charge attitude like that, obviously Christina was equally intrigued. Sadly it looks like McKidd’s role is up… but one never knows when it comes to Grey’s. Heck, even Denny had a small appearance in a memory during the season opener.

Overall the show was a great opener of things to come. The Chief promised all staff members that the bar will be raised going forward after a bad rating. I can’t wait for them all to step it up a notch. Quite a challenge for such an intense hospital show. Then again, look at how long ER has been around.  Also, Derek’s moving in with Meredith so that ought to be interesting. Oh, and did I mention Callie and Erica’s budding relationship?

Talk to you next Thursday! I just can’t wait for what’s to come!