‘Grey’s Anatomy – The Complete Tenth Season’ DVD Review

Article first published as ‘Grey’s Anatomy – The Complete Tenth Season’ DVD Review on Blogcritics.

ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy is one of those rare shows that somehow manages to only get better with age. It constantly reinvents itself, allowing for dynamic characters, and a slowly rotating cast. Those who were fresh-faced interns at the start, are now wizened veterans ten years later; others have moved on. New blood enters, but the series keeps focus on the long-time players, too. That’s why I’m happy that The Complete Tenth Season, which collects last year’s 24 installments, is now available to rewatch on DVD.

Season 10 begins in the aftermath of the previous year’s cliffhanger with an intense two-parter, which includes a notable death. But it also begins with life as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) has just given birth. Grey’s always seems to force you take the good with the bad. There’s a split between Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw). Shane (Gaius Charles) feels responsible for his friend’s death, but there’s also relief in the knowledge that Richard (James Pickens Jr.) has survived, and Cristina (Sandra Oh) and Owen (Kevin McKidd) come back together, even if only temporarily.

Grey’s Anatomy is, first and foremost, a melodrama, occasionally stretching believability from time to time. But it’s the  actors bring authenticity to their roles, creating characters with whom we empathize. We root for them and cry for them. This keeps the series “must-see.” Is it soapy? Sure. However, it’s also consistently compelling, and it stays out of the realm of cheese, at least most of the time.

During the season ten journey, a lot happens. Arizona leaves Callie early on, but their coupling is far from over, and the two work through many obstacles as they try to recover what they once had–before a plane crash left it hard for them to connect as they once had. Meredith also faces marital woes, struggling with Derek (Patrick Dempsey) for control of her career. They are parents now, and there is only so much time in the day to work when children must be taken care of, meaning one of them needs to sacrifice professional goals. At the same time, Alex (Justin Chambers) is beginning a relationship with Jo (Camilla Luddington) and Cristina and Owen wonder if they can get past their opposing desires about children. Richard eventually recovers from his accident, Avery (Jesse Williams) makes one last play for soon-to-be-married April (Sarah Drew), and Bailey (Chandra Wilson) searches for joy in research.

The dynamic of peers being in charge gets stronger. In season nine, a group of doctors take over the hospital. In season ten, they learn what that means, trying to find money to fix things and fund projects. This is a little more difficult for these people than performing surgery, and it’s fun to see them out of their element. Yet, it still seems like a good idea to add this other layer to the show, giving us a view of yet another side of what makes a hospital tick.

Sadly, this is also Cristina Yang’s last year. The writers give her a big sendoff with a large story arc, getting her to the place where she can walk away from Grey Sloan Memorial at peace, and soar beyond what she could accomplish in their small pond. By the season finale, fans will be in tears to see her go, but happy for where she has ended up.

The departure of this pivotal original cast member is at the center of the DVD set’s longest special feature, a 25-minute retrospective as Sandra Oh chats with cast members and crew, recollecting pivotal moments for her character. It’ll make you cry almost as much as the final episode does, and is worth a watch. A shorter featurette, “Medical Medical,” isn’t anything new; it’s a featurette about how the show deals with medical jargon, but it’s light and enjoyable. The release also includes an extended episode, a blooper reel, and quite a few deleted scenes–a nice package of extras.

My only complaint is that as of this writing, the release is not available in Blu-ray. It looks so much better when it airs in HD than this DVD version can provide. Hopefully, Blu is on the near horizon for Grey’s.

Grey’s Anatomy – The Complete Tenth Season is available now.

"Stand Up" and Take a Bow, GREY'S ANATOMY

Article first published as "Stand Up" and Take a Bow, GREY'S ANATOMY on TheTVKing.

ABC's Grey's Anatomy completed the first half of its tenth season this week with "Get Up, Stand Up." It's the day of April's (Sarah Drew) wedding, but her co-workers and friends are distracted with their own problems. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Cristina (Sandra Oh) are still fighting, Alex (Justin Chambers) isn't sure he can come to terms with his father, Jimmy (James Remar), Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) turns down yet another job offer, Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) is upset that Callie (Sara Ramirez) still doesn't understand her, Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Ben (Jason George) bicker over why Bailey had issues at work, Ross (Gaius Charles) continues to overstep his boundaries, and Jackson (Jesse Williams) considers taking a big risk.

If that sounds like a lot, it is, and I didn't even mention everyone in there. There are smaller stories about Owen (Kevin McKidd) urging Derek to serve his country, Bailey getting back to being a teacher, Webber (James Pickens Jr.) beautifully handling a staff member's break down, Alex pledging to spend his life with Jo (Camilla Luddington), Edwards (Jerrika Hinton) being out of sync with Jackson, and Leah (Tessa Ferrer) deciding to back away from Arizona, some of which tie into the more central bits, and some that don't, plus patient stuff, too.

Grey's Anatomy has built a tapestry of a lot of different strands, and in this structure, in which all of the arcs from the fall run must come together, they somehow manage to serve just about the entire cast without feeling rushed or crowded. It's a delicate feat, to balance so many varying plots, and yet, they do it expertly, delivering yet another fantastic installment.

April's wedding should be the focus. It's her big day, one that will potentially change her life forever. She does get a nice moment when Owen tells her how much of the staff showed up, but other than that, she's constantly battling for attention. April has learned to stand up for herself over time, and she attempts to in "Get Up, Stand Up." However, there are just too many things going on for her to grab the spotlight for more than a moment at a time, unfortunately, which means this is not her perfect wedding.

Jackson's proclamation, which almost doesn't happen, is inspired by his patient, who loses the ability to speak, as well as some advice he once received from Mark's mom. It's cool that these bits are tied together, with events in Grey's Anatomy rarely standing alone, built from much precedent. "Get Up, Stand Up" ends without April answering Jackson's declaration of love, but no matter which way she goes, at least Jackson made his feelings known. Which, consequently, surely destroys Edwards.

Arizona and Callie and Bailey and Ben have problems in their own relationships, and in both cases, it stems from not being on the same page. While this episode is one of revelations and discussions, neither member of either couple that is suffering manages to really make themselves understood in the hour. I want both unions to survive, but the only way they can do so is if Bailey and Arizona take some inspiration from Jackson and speak up for themselves. Then, their partners can decide if they can accept those feelings, or if it's time to move on.

Shepherd is likely going to throw a wrench into his own marriage when the President of the United States calls and asks him to accept an assignment. He has been the good husband, allowing Meredith a turn to be first, but how can one say no to the country's leader when he literally calls? Surely, Meredith will have to understand the extenuating circumstances, but something tells me she won't take it so well, especially with her study floundering.

At least Meredith should have Cristina again to fall back upon. Cristina and Meredith are best friends, so it's been rough watching them at odds. But it's also understandable, as their lives have diverged in important ways recently, forcing them to grow apart. I think they'll always have affection for one another, and now that they've aired their gripes, they can work past them. However, I don't think they'll ever be what they once were. They served purposes in one another's lives that they no longer can, and by necessity, that's going to change things.

Ross acts like a total jerk, speaking over Cristina at a press conference and insisting on doing a surgery that he can't handle. This pot has been brewing for quite awhile, ever since Heather's death in the season opener, as Ross becomes driven and overworks himself, and it cannot help but boil over. He's put too much stress on himself and he inevitably breaks. While we can see how this comes about, it's regretable and sad. Now, he needs rest and healing. Whether that happens with a reduced workload on the job or Ross being fired, he has to stop for awhile.

Is Ross finished being taken down, though? His mistake could very well cost Jimmy his life. Alex doesn't like Jimmy and is ready to be done with him, but Jimmy is still Alex's father. Alex will feel something about Jimmy's death, and should be angry at the man that killed him, or almost killed him, if that's how this plays out. Just as Alex thinks he's out of the family drama, this could very well pull him back in.

All of these things are wonderful character moments, expertly acted and extremely well written. I am constantly in awe of how the show maintains momentum and quality year after year, but it has. What's more, it has earned the right to tell stories that took a very long time to develop, paying off the fans who have stuck with it for a decade, and growing characters in ways shorter-running series do not have the opportunity to do. It does not squander this privilege.

It's one of the few shows I make effort to try to keep up with on a weekly basis, rather than marathoning it some weekend right before a finale. "Get Up, Stand Up" proves just why Grey's deserves this type of devotion, just as most of the episodes throughout the past couple of seasons have done, too. Series should go out on top, but this one still seems like it has a lot of life left in it.

Grey's Anatomy will return in February on ABC to air sans reruns through the spring.

Hey GREYS ANATOMY, "I Want You With Me"

Article first published as Hey GREYS ANATOMY, "I Want You With Me" on TheTVKing.

ABC's Grey's Anatomy begins their tenth season this week with a two part episode, "Seal Our Fate; I Want You With Me," that picks up on the same night last spring's finale ended. The storm still rages on, the team searches for one of their own who has gone missing in the hospital, a marriage falls apart, and a strong, new bond is formed. It's quite an episode!

Fans of Grey's Anatomy have waited all summer to learn the fate of Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), last seen lying on the floor, electrocuted. With everything going on at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, his absence hasn't really been noticed, but they do need him in surgery so Ross (Gaius Charles) is sent to look for him. Ross bumps into Brooks (Tina Majorino), and, wanting to steal her assignment, tells Brooks she is supposed to find Webber. Brooks locates Webber all right, but not noticing the danger around him, get shocked herself, bumping her head on the way down.

What this means is that both Webber and Brooks' lives on the line through the first hour and into the second. This is kind of a neat little fix, from a behind-the-scenes perspective, because Grey's gets to kill someone while still keeping beloved original cast member, Pickens. After all, while the other four interns have been promoted to series regulars this season, Majorino's schedule precluded her from accepting such an upgrade, so this ties up her storyline neatly, while having her departure make an impact, sort of like when we lost two of Mercy West residents in the shootout season finale a few years ago.

In fact, the death of Brooks sparks a major change in the remaining four interns. Ross, Murphy (Tessa Ferrer), Stephanie (Jerrika Hinton), and Jo (Camilla Luddington) haven't bonded yet the way the first five interns did way back in season one. Losing Brooks and forced to sit together to figure out something to say to Brooks' mother finally puts them all in a situation where they must rely on one another. This is a great moment for these four characters, developing them into something that should change their interactions from here on out.

That is, if they're still around, since the girls chase foolhardy Ross, who is rightly feeling extremely guilty, off to help people trapped by a mudslide, a dangerous operation. Might this three-part episode actually by a four-parter? Or will the story just skip ahead next week, revealing that the characters, so recently upgraded, are safe?

While Brooks passes away, Webber's life is saved. It's not an easy process, to be sure, with Bailey (Chandra Wilson), Yang (Sandra Oh), and Catherine Avery (Debbie Allen) arguing over treatment options. None of their opinions matter, though, because Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), who has just given birth and had surgery, is listed as the decider of Richard's care in his personnel file.

Meredith and Webber have always had a very tense, yet close, relationship, he being the man who came between Meredith's parents. Meredith looks up to him, and even when she doesn't want him to, Webber attempts to be a father figure for her. It's an uneasy alliance that has occasionally been addressed, but never had any resolution to it.

Now, ten years in, Grey's Anatomy finally forces Meredith to decide how she feels about Webber. Richard has put his absolute faith in her, and while Meredith could sit out of the game and let the other three bicker over what to do, she makes a stand, becoming Webber's advocate. She says that he's family, and she's right. He has been for a long time, but until she says those words out loud, it's not established. This will likely mean a different relationship for them from now on.

I am really moved by the scene in which Bailey leaves a voice mail for her husband, Ben (Jason George), about what has happened with Webber. Living apart is very tough for the newlyweds, and this bit shows Bailey's longing and pain. I really hope Grey's reworks the plot to move Ben to Seattle ASAP. He's a great character on the show, and will be welcome to stick around more.

Meanwhile, things are still extremely tense between Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) after the latter's indiscretion is discovered. Arizona wants to talk things out and thinks she can make it OK, but Callie doesn't want to even be around her wife, grabbing their daughter and leaving the apartment while Arizona is still at work. Is this the end of their marriage?

I'd like to think not. They've been through a lot together, and while they still have a long way back to normal, as evidenced by their fights in last spring's finale and these premiere episodes, at least they are communicating. Yelling gets their feelings out, and perhaps, given space, Callie will begin to understand and forgive Arizona. In the meantime, it's a good sign that they are sharing custody of the daughter they've raised together, Callie not pointing out that Arizona has no legal right (which is probably true) and cutting her off.

It's interesting to see Callie hide out at Meredith and Derek's (Patrick Dempsey) place. They would have taken her in before last season, but it's only with recent stories that they want her to stay with them so they can help her. Taking over the hospital and all the time they've spent together away from work has changed the dynamic of the group, and it's touching to see how they have truly become a family for one another. Neither Derek nor Meredith take sides in Callie and Arizona's marriage, but offer support to whoever needs it, and try to provide a way to keep the lines of communication open.

Yang is involved in all of this, hanging out at Meredith's house, convincing Callie to let Arizona have a few minutes with her daughter when it's not her night. And she helps talk Meredith through the Webber thing, even when Meredith decides against Yang's recommendations. Plus, we see Yang have a few last trysts with Owen (Kevin McKidd) before deciding to finally be done with him for good. These are a lot of different sides to Yang, giving her a number of strong character scenes in the two hours. This season, her last on the show, will definitely be amazing, if these installments are any indication.

Also on the relationship front, Alex (Justin Chambers) and Jo finally have sex, and Avery (Jesse Williams) turns April (Sarah Drew) away. This hurts April, and drives her back into Matthew's (Justin Bruening) arms, accepting his proposal. Is April doing the right thing, moving on as she should? Or is she just fooling herself, using Matthew as a way to avoid the pain caused  by Jackson's rejection? I really don't think April should, or will, stay with Matthew for too much longer.

It boggles my mind how Grey's Anatomy continually re-invents itself in a way almost no other program does. Ten years in, the players are still growing and changing, and the stories move them in unexpected directions and still challenge them to rise to new, difficult occasions. Sometimes it seems artificial how many disasters come to this one particular location and staff, but it is never handled that way by the characters, always finding something authentic in it for them to work with. "Seal Our Fate" and "I Want You With Me" are very good, very enjoyable episodes.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

DVD Review: ‘Grey’s Anatomy: Complete Ninth Season’

Article first published as DVD Review: ‘Grey’s Anatomy: Complete Ninth Season’ on Blogcritics.

The ninth season of Grey’s Anatomy‘s is a time of great transition. As it says on the cover of the Complete Ninth Season DVD, “Everything Changes.”
The entire season focuses on the effects of the plane crash in the season eight finale, as well as events that intercede to set the doctors’ lives on new paths, proving that a series can still maintain a freshness and extremely high quality almost a decade into its run.

The season premiere, “Going, Going, Gone,” picks up months after the plan crash. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) is grieving the death of her sister, Lexie (Chyler Leigh), Derek (Patrick Demsey) has traded being a surgeon for teaching, Cristina (Sandra Oh) has not returned to the hospital because she can’t bring herself to board a plane, Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) is cold towards her wife, Callie (Sara Ramirez), because Callie has amputated Arizona’s leg, and Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) seems to be recovering, only to take a turn for the worse and dies.

This is the starting point for a roller coaster of a year. We see how the doctors try to cope with their losses and move forward while dealing with the guilt plaguing those who may be responsible or should have been flying that day, too.

The hospital pays out a huge settlement, which threatens its very existence, and the desperate plan to save the facility has great personal cost both to those keeping the mission a secret and those on the outside wishing they didn’t have to look in. And a marriage crumbles as an interloper (White Collar‘s Hilarie Burton) somewhat inadvertently takes advantage of the strain.

There is also turmoil that has nothing to do with those events. Webber (James Pickens Jr.) faces a crumbling marriage as his wife, Adele’s (Loretta Devine), mental health decays. Jackson (Jesse Williams) wants to confess his feelings for April (Sarah Drew), who is rehired at Seattle Grace Mercy West, but she is moving on with a paramedic named Matthew (Justin Bruening, All My Children).

But there are happy times, too. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) gets to marry Ben (Jason George). Meredith discovers the joys of motherhood. Cristina finds true wisdom in working with Dr. Thomas (William Daniels, Boy Meets World). New ownership looks good for the hospital. Owen (Kevin McKidd) finally stops fighting with his wife. Alex (Justin Chambers) falls for a kindred spirit. Life is a mixed bag, and there is always happiness sprinkled in the sadness.

Best of all, the halls are now ringing with a new class of interns (Camilla Luddington, Gaius Charles, Tina Majorino, Tessa Ferrer, and Jerrika Hinton). These five are built to last, unlike previous batches, with four of the quintet signed on as main characters for the upcoming tenth year. (In-demand Majorino has a previous series commitment that prevents her full-time return at this time). They remind us of the youth and foolhardiness that once belonged to Meredith, Cristina, Alex, and their friends. They are a reflector to show the growth of the central cast. They reinvigorate the story, and give the series promise of many more years. In short, they are a fresh injection of welcome blood.

The original characters are still our most beloved, but as Grey‘s approaches a milestone decade on the air, it cannot remain stagnant. The writers deftly balance plots of both new faces and the beloved veterans, keeping things going, even as they reinvent themselves, and tying both together in a pleasing patchwork. This is a stellar season, full of terrific installments which I cannot praise enough.

The bonus features are light, unfortunately, though how much more can be said this far along? “Happy Trails with Jim Pickens, Jr.” revels in the real-life passion of horses and charity that our Dr. Webber has. “The Long Road Home” is also about fifteen minutes, and covers how Arizona’s storyline this season was approached, and the special effects behind the now-one-legged doc. Plus, there are a LOT of deleted scenes, and a couple of minutes of outtakes. Plus, the finale is an extended episode. The only thing really lacking here is the absence of a single audio commentary.

Grey’s Anatomy Complete Ninth Season is one of the best ones yet, and is available to relive on DVD now.

GREY'S ANATOMY Finale Not Quite a "Perfect Storm"

Article first published as GREY'S ANATOMY Finale Not Quite a "Perfect Storm" on TheTVKing.

ABC's Greys Anatomy likes to show the ups and downs of the doctors who work at Seattle Grace Seattle Grace Mercy West Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, their loves and their losses. In the penultimate episode of season nine, the focus is the positive, and delivers a heartwarming story. In the season finale which aired this week, "Perfect Storm," things get much more depressing.

It's understandable that Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) still aren't seeing eye to eye. Arizona goes something very traumatic with the plane crash and losing a leg. There is no way for Callie to grasp this experience, try as she might. The chasm between them is just too wide.

Yet, Arizona's tryst with Lauren (Hilarie Burton, White Collar) feels like it comes out of nowhere. Sure, one can see how these bad feelings may still be boiling under Arizona's surface, as much as she pretends everything is OK. That doesn't excuse, however, cheating on your wife. Callie cut off Arizona's leg, but for good reason, and has done everything possible since then to make up for it.

Grey's Anatomy does a pretty decent job of avoiding villainizing either woman in the marriage, making viewers see both sides of the issue. The problem is, we also care very deeply for them, and to watch their marriage fall apart sucks. They have already overcome so much, and to see it fall apart so completely in "Perfect Storm" is not fun. Even if they work hard next year to repair things, it could easily feel like a retread of this season, where their marriage flounders. This is not an arc to look forward to, no matter how well written and performed it might end up being.

 Owen (Kevin McKidd) and Cristina (Sandra Oh) have a situation both similar and completely different than Callie and Arizona. They've come through a lot together, but there's a big divide in their pairing, Owen wanting a kid, and Cristina strongly wanting to avoid becoming a mother. As of "Perfect Storm," it seems like they may no longer be able to ignore this, and it's time to split. I hate to see them apart, but their rift is no one's fault, and they should try to move on and be happy. At least they don't seem resentful of one another, making a break up a little easier than some on the show have been.


Also a bit disappointing is April (Sarah Drew) running back to Jackson's (Jesse Williams) arms. They have their shot, and it really does feel like she, at least, moves on in season nine. Her relationship with Matthew (Justin Bruening) looks to be something good in her life, and something she values. She's just going to toss that away now, after that wonderful, corny proposal last week? That doesn't seem like April.

The final complaint I have is the drama surrounding Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) giving birth. With Lexie dead, Meredith is once more the only Grey in Grey's Anatomy. She's also the beloved star of the series, even though it is truly an ensemble show, and it would be awfully hard to accept she could be killed off without warning. Thus, all of the bad things that happen to her feel forced and false, and the fact that everything ends up being fine makes it even worse, worrying for nothing.

However, Meredith's complications do give both Ross (Gaius Charles) and Bailey (Chandra Wilson) a chance to step up. Ross is the lagging member of the intern pack, and even though Meredith has to guide him through the surgery, the fact that he plays a huge role in saving her life will serve him well moving forward. And Bailey is on her way back to operating even before this, but having her come in and rescue Meredith means a lot, allows Meredith and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) to continue the Grey's tradition of baby naming, and is a triumphant return for the good surgeon.

Too bad Bailey hasn't yet apologized to Webber (James Pickens Jr.) for treating him so poorly. As Ben (Jason George) assures her, Webber knows Bailey, and surely doesn't hold her behavior lately against her. But if Webber dies here, before Bailey has the chance to express her regret, it could be heartbreaking for Bailey. Given Grey's history, Webber could go either way, surviving or dying. I really hope, as much as death can pump up the show when done right, it's the former.

Also, let me add, having Ben back these past couple of episodes has been great. He feels like a natural part of the cast. It's time to bring him home and make him a more permanent fixture on the show. He can continue his medical training at this hospital, not somewhere else.

"Perfect Storm" does give us some things to look forward to in season ten. Alex (Justin Chambers) may finally have found a true love in Jo (Camilla Luddington), as long as she sticks around, as she definitely needs to. He has had such bad luck in love, and Jo is someone who offers a stable option for him, someone who isn't likely to flee or dump him after they commit to one another. Luddington is not yet signed full-time for next season, but that's a move the show should make.

I did like "Perfect Storm," and even the parts that made me uncomfortable or annoyed were extremely well done. Nine seasons in, the quality is consistently fantastic, proving the team behind the series not only knows what they are doing right, but how to keep it going without allowing anything to grow stale. The growth in the characters has been amazing, and I definitely look forward to next year.

I just wish the episode wasn't quite so depressing in the specific ways that it was. It's more satisfying when the disaster is caused by an unavoidable outside source, no matter how many times it happens, rather than imploding character flaws. There's something else to blame for a plane crash, shoot out, or illness, rather than a couple just collapsing in on themselves. This path, unlike the crises, is more realistic, but it makes it harder to root for certain personalities, and Grey's is all about the people; I want to root for them.

Grey's Anatomy will return next fall on ABC.

Grey's Anatomy drives a "Hard Bargain"

Article first published as Grey's Anatomy drives a "Hard Bargain" on TheTVKing.

In ABC's Grey's Anatomy this week, the hospital is ready to be sold to Pegasys, the medical company that runs hospitals like factories. This fact weighs very heavily on Owen (Kevin McKidd), who doesn't believe in what Pegasys is doing, but feels like the deal is the only way to keep Seattle Grace Mercy West running, and protect the jobs of all of the employees.

There is another way, put forth by Callie (Sara Ramirez), but we'll get to that in a moment.

Owen is put in an incredibly difficult position in "Hard Bargain." He has a responsibility, as the boss, to do everything that he can to keep things running. Yet, he knows that the Pegasys buy out would be a bad thing in the long run. It comes down to the classic scenario of how much can one give up and still find reason to go on? Is just keeping the doors to the facility open enough, or if the place is gutted, is it worth it to work there?

This is a debate called into question swiftly in "Hard Bargain," as Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) is denied a treatment that could save her patient. She goes off on a rant, considering quitting. And she's right. What the place is turning into will be a shadow of its former self. If the doctors aren't free to do everything possible to help their patients, how can they be expected to continue to save lives?

I'm curious as to why Pegasys even wants SGMW. The deal is dependent on keeping the current staff, which preserves the reputation and value of the place. But, by tying the employees' hands, that reputation will start to fall. Is Pegasys really so short-sighted? Do they not understand the worth of a long-term investment?

It's worst for Owen because his image will be irrevocably tarnished. The other doctors, in this environment, will fall out of favor in their fields. But Owen will be ruined in the eyes of those that trust him, and whom he cares deeply about, the staff. As he speaks to the nurses, convincing them to give this new approach a try, there's obvious desperation and pain in his eyes. Once the transfer of ownership is complete, though, things won't get better, and those that work for Owen will come to feel betrayed. He may feel guilty about booking the plane that crashed and started this mess, but he doesn't deserve the hatred of everyone.

Which is why Cristina (Sandra Oh) likely agrees to the plan put in place her fellow survivors to wrest control of Seattle Grace Mercy West. She loves Owen, and even though she can't make him privy to the plan, for legal reasons, she is doing it to save him, at least as much as the facility itself.

The fact that Cristina can't tell Owen could irreparably harm their just-renewed relationship. The act that she has to take, quitting her job with the others in order to kill the Pegasys sale, is a direct slap in Owen's face, making all the effort he has been putting in to saving the hospital a waste. She knows how hard he has been working, and for her to do this to him, with no explanation, is nearly unforgiveable.

I hope that Owen eventually understands. Surely he knows Cristina well enough to think there's another play behind her deed. He's a smart man, and when he sees the specific group that quits, he must suspect something, or will when he gets over his shock. Sure, Cristina can't explain to Owen anything specific, but can't she at least just tell him to trust her? I mean, she is part of a far better option that what Owen is pursuing.

The scheme put forth is to buy the hospital themselves. Callie, Arizona (Jessica Capshaw), Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), Derek (Patrick Dempsey), and Cristina, for various reasons, pool their resources and hire a man named Stan Grossberg (Eddie Jemison, Hung, Ocean's Eleven) to install them as the board of directors. It's a crazy, risky move, but it's one that, if it works, will preserve SGMW the way it is now.

Obviously, cost is a huge factor. They have resources, but those probably aren't enough. However, with Pegasys pulling out and Dr. Cahill (Constance Zimmer) pessimistic about locating another buyer, as well as the huge drop in value the hospital suffers by losing these five doctors, who all have to quit their jobs to stop Pegasys from buying, perhaps they can pick up the place at bargain prices.

The risk here is that others will unknowingly interfere. Owen and Cahill will keep working on other options because they have to, seeing themselves as the saviors, since they don't know about the plan. Webber (James Pickens Jr.) could also somehow be a stumbling block, since he is already suspicious of them, but they don't confide him, either.

Will the docs be able to save anyone? And can they do so before Bailey and others, including the new interns, abandon ship? I assume so, as otherwise the series would be dead in the water. But this ride of getting there is fantastic, proving that Grey's Anatomy can still be great, moving, and as surprising as ever, nine seasons in.

Also, I hope that Cahill is inspired by the heroic struggle to save a great institution, and chooses to remain on staff after all this is over. She has an in with Owen, and that should be enough to at least earn her a job offer, even if the five member team isn't a fan of her.

There are also some interesting romantic developments and funny moments this week. However, with all the fantastic drama of the hospital saga going on, it's hard to focus on those. They do help round out the episode, and that's important. They just don't make great topics for a review.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Grey's returns with a big gap

The events of the latest Grey's Anatomy season premiere, "Going Going Gone," pick up months after the plane crash. This does a couple of things. One, it allows them to jump ahead in the story without having to be bogged down in months of suffering. Two, it lets the writers dole out one character at a time, keeping fans guessing about the fates of some of their favorites until late in the hour. But rest assured, next week will return the action to last spring for at least one episode, so some of the missing pieces will be filled in.

Last year, many of the doctors were considering leaving Seattle Grace Mercy Death West. As they became attendings, they looked for other hospitals around the country from which to ply their trade. In "Going Going Gone," Cristina (Sandra Oh) is miserable in Minnesota, but she's the only one who transferred. And her inability to get on a plane after the trauma she suffered prevents visits back to Seattle. She isn't fitting in too well at her new digs, clashing with the doctors on staff (William Daniels, Boy Meets World, and Steven Culp, Desperate Housewives), so it's likely only a matter of time before she comes back.

The fact that Cristina's home hospital seemingly hasn't hired a new cardiac god yet should smooth the process. Is Owen (Kevin McKidd) reluctant to bring in a replacement because he misses Cristina and Teddy (Kim Raver, who left the series)? Or has he just not found the right person? Either way, this opens the door for Cristina's return, and that would be most welcome, as dividing the action between cities will grow awkward real quick.

Alex (Justin Chambers) has been trying to leave, but finds himself unable to do so, feeling guilty for not getting on the plane that crashed, and not wanting to abandon his friends. It's not a sign that he's stuck so much. He just feels a responsibility because he's a good guy. And no one really wants to see Alex leave, either, so when he decides to stay at the end of "Going Going Gone," it's a relief to viewers and the characters alike.

Tragedy affects different people in different ways. Last spring, the doctors consider moving on because of the bad things that have happened to them at Seattle Grace. But having one more event occur makes them remember just how much they care about each other. How can they look out for one another when they are spread across the country? They simply have to stay.

April (Sarah Drew) does something far more drastic than transfer: she goes back to work on a farm. Owen isn't going to let that be his protege's fate, so he goes and gets her. Is there a little bit or romance brewing between the pair? How might that affect Cristina's decision to come back, or the chemistry between them once she does? I learned to like April, but there is trouble here.

Others have suffered even worse fates. Derek (Patrick Dempsey) can't fully use his hand (haven't we seen this story before, back in season two-ish?), and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) is left with an amputated leg. This makes things difficult for their loved ones, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Callie (Sara Ramirez). But it also means there are lingering wounds that cannot heal just yet.

Derek and Callie have the added pain of watching Mark (Eric Dane) die. A fan favorite, Grey's regrettably decided that Mark should pass away, and "Going Going Gone" does it slowly and fittingly, with video tributes to him from throughout his life. Other characters may be killed off more quickly, but Mark gets perhaps the most touching, drawn out ending. I just wish we could take it back and keep him around, even if he is finally with Lexie (Chyler Leigh) in the afterlife.

Who I really feel sorry for, though, is Callie's daughter. Her father is dead, her second mother just lies angrily in bed, and Callie has to deal with grief and a young child. It's not fair to the kid. How can she avoid being scarred by everything that is going on around her?

Things aren't all mired down in hopelessness. There is a bit of lightness in "Going Going Gone," too. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) is happy to get a visit from Ben (Jason George, why is he not a series regular yet?), but romantic playtime with him has turned her from The Nazi into Booty-Call Bailey. It's funny that the character who began so grumpy and judgmental about sex in the workplace is now getting it on more often than anyone! I don't see the nickname standing, though, even with the warmer, fuzzier Bailey. Look for her to lay the smack down on the newbies (which include Gaius Charles, Friday Night Lights, Camilla Luddington, True Blood, Californication, and Tina Majorino, Veronica Mars, Napoleon Dynamite) soon.

Despite all of the dark drama going on, it's nice that the new interns are introduced in this episode, and we even get to see one do their first surgery. It provides a circle of life theme, that things move on, and new faces will soon fill the holes left by old ones. Having Meredith be the mean boss is also cool, a kind of "student has become the master" moment.

An interesting, sad, hopeful start for the new season. Watch new episodes of Grey's Anatomy Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Grey's Anatomy takes a "Flight"

This season of ABC's Grey's Anatomy doesn't end with happiness. In fact, it doesn't leave viewers with any good feelings at all. It's an uncomfortable hour of misery, with nothing resolved at the end. Which doesn't mean that it's bad by any means; the quality of the series is still quite high. The finale, "Flight," is just extremely unsettling.

Seattle Grace Mercy Death, er, West, sends six of its doctors to another hospital to perform a tricky surgery. En route, the plane goes down. It breaks apart, and the people and pieces are strewn throughout a forest. One doctor does not survive, and the rest are injured, as is the pilot. It's a gruesome scene, not made any better by the fact that the survivors are stranded, with no sign of rescue as the season comes to a close.

The worst part of this plot is the death of Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh). Coming unexpectedly early in the hour, Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) holds her hand, confessing his love as she slips away. This is a truly heartbreaking scene. Despite the fact that Mark has a serious girlfriend, the chemistry between he and Lexie has never gone away. The expectations are high going into "Flight" that they will soon get back together, and Mark even tells her they are meant to be just before she passes. Sadly, this is now impossible.

Even more tragic is the fact that Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), searching for missing husband, Derek (Patrick Dempsey), doesn't make it back in time to say goodbye to her sister. Meredith finds Lexie, but assumes she will be all right while Meredith searches for her spouse. This is a mistake she cannot take back, and leads to an incredibly powerful moment of Meredith breaking down. Pompeo is mesmerizing as the grieving sibling who has lost so much, and now loses the only family she really has ever bonded with.

Losing Leigh will be a blow to Grey's Anatomy. She is a terrific actress who brings a joyful spark to an often angsty show. Her character helps Meredith come out of her dark shell, and she certainly brings joy to everyone she touches, including the fans at home. Unlike some past deaths, where there isn't too much regret that the character is gone, Lexie is a hard one to take. Next year will not be the same without her.

Soon enough, viewers learn that Mark is also injured pretty badly, though his damage is internal. There is a second suspenseful scene where Mark appears to say goodbye to Arizona (Jessica Capshaw), ready to join Lexie in the afterlife. This doesn't happen, thank goodness. While there would be a certain poetry to the two former lovers dying together, Mark has a baby girl that he must raise. And so, for now at least, Grey's Anatomy spares him.

As "Flight" closes, Arizona, Meredith, Cristina (Sandra Oh), Derek, Mark, and the pilot, Jerry (James LeGros, Mildred Pierce, Mercy), sit in the woods, darkness drawing in around them. Rescue needs to come soon if Mark is to survive and Derek is to keep his hand, something Derek could not happily live without. What a depressing way to end the season, no matter how great the acting and storytelling of "Flight" is!

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, no one even knows their friends are missing. Owen (Kevin McKidd) is too busy all day to take the phone calls from the destination hospital, asking where his people are. Sending his phone to voice mail may make sense at the time, but considering Cristina is one of those lost, this is not something Owen will easily be able to forgive himself for.

Owen and Cristina are not in a great place. They have been fighting for most of this season, and have been separated for quite awhile. But there is obviously still a deep affection between the two. Cristina does say she will soon be moving away, but it's not an easy decision for her to make. Perhaps the plane crash will realign her priorities, and the couple will decide to give it another shot. One can only hope.

Cristina and Owen's relationship is very interesting. While he is not the first romance to come along for the seemingly chilly Yang, she really values him in a way that is a bit surprising for her character. Cristina may seem tough, but when she talks about Owen, she does so with a vulnerability and rawness. Even after the abortion and the cheating, these feelings do not go away. They may have hurt each other deeply, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily done.

Teddy (Kim Raver) is done. She is offered a very prestigious job working for the army, but turns it down. Owen has been a great friend to her since her husband died, and she wants to repay the favor, seeing how deeply Owen is hurting over Cristina. Staying true to who he is, and continuing to support his friend, Owen refuses to accept her giving up this grand opportunity, firing her so that she must go. Tearily, they hug, and she departs.

Unlike Lexie, Teddy won't be missed so much. At times, she is a character one can relate to. But at other times, she isn't. The arc involving her marrying a patient actually turns out quite sweet, but it has been pretty uncomfortable watching her deal with the death. This story proves that Raver has the acting chops to hang. Considering the unevenness, though, and that her particular story has come to an end, it feels like a good time for her to leave. There might have been other tales to tell with her, but if she is going to walk out before they are all told, now is the perfect time to do so. Plus, it leaves an open spot for a new cardio god, which Cristina would be more than qualified to fill.

Teddy isn't the only one fired. Owen also lets April (Sarah Drew) go because she fails her boards. This isn't a cruel choice, even though April has no where else to go; it's just business. Owen and April have long been friends, of a sort, and it's doubtful Owen wants to release her. There has been no announcement of Drew quitting the series, unlike Raver and Leigh, so this seems like the sort of thing that will be worked out next season. No idea how, though.

Perhaps Owen has to let April go to meet Alex's (Justin Chambers) demands, as the two events happen at roughly the same time, and prior to learning that Alex decides against staying. Which, of course, he is unlikely to go through with, since Chambers just signed a new contract. So might Alex be willing to give a little to help a colleague out? If he learns of April's predicament, he very well might. Alex may act tough, but he's sweet at heart, and cares about the people that he works with.

Alex gets to show this side of himself in "Flight." Arizona is furious that Alex would leave after everything she has done for him. That's why she takes his spot on the plane. This is the opportunity of a life time, but Alex feels guilty for hurting her, of course, and calls to tell her so. His voice mail to her stays in character, but is exactly what he needs to say, within the constrains of being Alex. He isn't the jerk that he started out as, and Grey's Anatomy cannot afford to lose him.

The show can't loose any of the residents, soon to be fellows! Alex, Cristina, Jackson (Jesse Williams), Meredith, and by extension, Derek, all quit in "Flight" or just prior to it. This is a huge blow to the cast. All but Williams were at the end of their contracts, and might not have returned to the show. But now, they've all renewed. So what will keep their characters in Seattle? Perhaps they will be drawn together by this tragedy?

It's such a shame that these dark events have to keep happening to them, though. It has not gotten to the point where these sort of things feel forced into the story, but one has to admit that they do occur a lot. Cristina talks of wanting to leave simply because of the amount of bad luck that happens to the doctors at Seattle Grace. However, they also all have each other to lean on, and that just might be a good enough reason to take the risk and stay.

Webber (James Pickens Jr.) certainly wants them to stick around. He continues his tradition of throwing a dinner for the outgoing residents in "Flight." Strangely, only the main character residents seem to be invited, even though we know there are many more residents that work at the hospital. Regardless, it's a sad scene for Webber to sit at a dinner table and stare at the empty seats where Meredith and Cristina should be sitting. Hopefully, he doesn't take this as a sign of abandonment. He thinks he is losing them soon enough! If he believes they stood him up, he is going to be really hurt.

Which just leaves Bailey (Chandra Wilson) dealing with Ben's (Jason George) impending departure. See, Ben, who is not a main character, accepts a surgical internship in California. Bailey decides to marry him anyway, but they will now have to deal with a long distance relationship. This sort of arrangement might work fine for a few episodes, but both the character and fans will want Ben back. So can't Seattle Grace make room for him in their program? After all, Ben has already left the show before and come back, so it sucks to make him do it again. I smell the next main character for Grey's Anatomy, assuming his summer series, Mistresses, doesn't blow up. And it's a summer series on network television, so what are the chances of that?

This sad, tragic hour brings season eight of Grey's Anatomy, which shows no signs of its age, to a close. Luckily, season nine will bring almost everyone back in the fall! How exciting!

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every Grey's Anatomy review I've ever written. To buy Grey's Anatomy DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here. Article first published as Grey's Anatomy takes a "Flight" on TheTVKing.com

Grey's Anatomy The Complete Seventh Season soon on DVD

     Coming to DVD Tuesday, September 13th is Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season. This season begins by focusing on how people deal with trauma, since season six ends with a two-hour hospital shootout, resulting in several dead bodies. Each of the main characters goes about their recovery in a different way. Derek (Patrick Dempsey) feels invulnerable. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) must find a way to tell Derek that she loses their baby. And Cristina (Sandra Oh) escapes into marriage with Owen (Kevin McKidd), even though she can't even bear to be in the operating room anymore.

     It's a season of evaluations of what the main characters want out of life. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) dumps her beau, only to soon be romanced by Nurse Eli (Daniel Sunjata). Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) and Callie (Sara Ramirez) have lots to discuss if they want a future together, as Callie soon becomes pregnant with Mark's (Eric Dane) baby. Meredith and Derek also consider parenthood. Mark would like Lexie (Chyler Leigh) back, but the younger Grey's eye is soon caught by Avery (Jesse Williams). Alex (Justin Chambers) also falls for someone new in Lucy (Rachael Taylor), but his personality presents a barrier to the new relationship. Teddy (Kim Raver) impulsively marries a man named Henry (Scott Foley, Scrubs, Felicity) just to provide him with health insurance. But Henry likes Teddy quite a bit more than just as his doctor. April (Sarah Drew) would like to lose her virginity, if the right man comes along.

     Then things get really serious. A beloved patient (singer Mandy Moore) returns, having survived serious drama, only to die now. It's a devastating turn of events for her husband (Ryan Devlin, Cougar Town, Brothers & Sisters) and Dr. Bailey. Meredith must make a decision that could kill her entire career, or ruin someone close to her's life. Callie is in a very, very bad car accident. Richard (James Pickens Jr.) must face the fact that his wife, Adele (Loretta Devine), likely has early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's. These events are just skimming the surface of the stories packed into the twenty-two episodes in the set.

     Grey's Anatomy mixes humor and gripping drama together into a fine batch of wonderful episodes, never more adeptly than in last season. Seven seasons in, one of television's most popular dramas is stronger than ever, and not just because of the reset the shooting gives them. The characters are incredibly well defined by this point, and the writers rise to the challenge of writing them material that really explores the boundaries of their personalities, sometimes testing their character to its limit. It is impossible to name an all-star cast member for the year, as each soars in season seven. It's really a tour de force, and may arguably be the best season of the show yet.

     A definite highlight of season seven is "Song Beneath the Song," a musical episode concerning Callie's vehicular accident. The cast perform many of the songs made famous by Grey's over the years. It's a smart move, sticking with tunes already associated with the medical drama, rather than searching for new ones that may or may not work. The episode is presented in two formats on the DVD: the original, broadcast version, and an extended copy that adds four minutes to the length. The additions aren't obvious upon a brief skimming.

     There is a slight inconsistency between the DVD menus and the box set packaging regarding "Song Beneath the Song." For some reason, on the DVD, the two versions are counted as separate episodes, totaling twenty-three numbered installments instead of twenty-two. This means for every episode after "Song Beneath the Song," the episode numbers do not match what it says on the box, which does not have the extended version on its list. It's a minor error, that effects the playing of the videos not at all. I'm inclined to think the packaging is the better version.

     The best special feature on Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season is "The Music Event: Behind the Scenes." It's a comprehensive fifteen minute featurette, following the pitching process of the event episode, straight through the table read and production. The actors and producers weigh in with their opinions, and special effects are even briefly touched on, regarding having two Callies appear at the same time. It is a must watch for any fan of the series.

     Unfortunately, it appears most of the bonus feature efforts are put into that excellent bit, as the other fillers are disappointing. There are sixteen deleted scenes from eleven episodes, totaling less than fourteen minutes in length. A few are halfway decent moments, but most deserve their cutting room floor fate. The two minute, forty-five second blooper reel, filled with flukes and giggles, is no better. Neither really add anything to the Grey's experience.

     Finally, all six webisodes from Seattle Grace: Message of Hope are included, as well as a four minute making of special on the shorts. They follow Richard as he attempts to boost the hospital's public image with the help of a consultant (René Ashton). Directed by Kevin McKidd and David Greenspan, this second batch of online extras are far better than last year's weak effort. For one, it's a more compelling story that actually enriches the world of the central hospital. For another, this year's saga has main characters Richard, Owen, Avery, and April, instead of just relying on the guest stars. While not particularly fantastic, it is worth a watch, and should only take you about twenty minutes.


     Pick up a copy of Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season, on DVD next Tuesday, September 13th.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Grey's Anatomy DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as DVD Review: Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season on Blogcritics.

Grey's Anatomy sings the "Song Beneath the Song"

     Surely, reviews about the musical episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy will be mixed, as they often are for any type of big risk that isn't hands down brilliant. Grey's did a lot of things right. They stuck to the style of music their fans are accustomed to, indeed, using many of the songs made famous by Grey's promos. They also let their strongly gifted actors sing, while not forcing the entire cast to participate musically. As for complaints, I could see some saying there is too much music. Ten songs are used in the hour, compared to four to six for a normal episode of Glee. But overall, I'm pretty pleased.

     The best songs are the crowd pleasers, of course. Big ensemble performances of Jesus Jackson's "Running on Sunshine" and THE Grey's anthem, The Fray's "How to Save a Life", are a visual and auditory delight. The weakest point, in my opinion, is the very first. I have complained lately of shows jettisoning their theme songs. Grey's theme, "Cosy In the Rocket", was abandoned long ago. But the series only teased by letting a few lines of the song be sung just before the title card. This is the perfect opportunity to bring it back, at least for one episode, and instead, they only allow a small taste.

     Sara Ramirez, who plays Dr. Callie Torres, is at the center of the episode, as she is badly injured in a car wreck, and the one hallucinating the singing as the staff tries to save the life of her and her unborn child. Ramirez won a Tony for her performance in Spamalot on Broadway, so it is no surprise that she sings in seven of the ten numbers. Her biggest highlight is probably The Story, made famous by Brandi Carlile, where Sara shows her true range and belting capabilities. Plus, the cut shots throughout the song made it look neat.

     Other featured players are Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt and Chyler Leigh as Dr. Lexie Grey, who both have their own solos, as well as participating in group numbers. Chandra Wilson's Miranda Bailey and Jessica Capshaw's Arizona sang in multiple songs, but didn't have their own. Other actors, like Justin Chambers (Alex Karev), Eric Dane (Mark Sloan), Scott Foley (Henry), and Daniel Sunjata (Eli) only get the briefest of moments, which is more than Sandra Oh or James Pickens Jr. did. Sarah Drew's April is somewhere in the middle ground, getting to sing in several songs, but never really being featured. But it works out, because if they are bad singers, we don't want to hear them anyway (I'm looking at you, Alyson Hanigan, whom I adore, but whose "This line's mostly filler" may have been the most out of tune moment in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode.)


     I am left wondering why Kate Walsh's Addison Montgomery is even brought over for a crossover during this episode. A veteran of The Drew Carey Show, which periodically did big numbers, I expected some sort of singing from her, but am disappointed that she doesn't appear to sing at all. In fact, she is barely in the hour. I guess she is only here to shake Dr. Lucy Fields's (Rachael Taylor) confidence in herself as a doctor, which she more than adequately does.

     Near the end of the episode, I kept thinking this would be the perfect time to kill off Callie. I'm a fan or Ramirez, so this is merely a musing from a storytelling perspective, not because I want the character gone. Arizona and Mark are at odds, but then make up. Having the two of them raising a child together without their connective tissue would have been interesting. As Arizona is a lesbian, it is unlikely the two of them would have ever made a go romantically, but it would have been a kind of cool story idea. I do wonder, based on next week's previews, if Callie's baby will die instead, thus making Arizona and Mark's budding friendship struggle into fruition on its own, without the aid of a shared child.

      It is amusing when shows poke fun at themselves, and acknowledge the unrealistic things that often happen within the confines of the various plot arcs. This week, Alex dubs the hospital "Seattle Grace / Mercy Death," instead of West, as the last word actually is. This references that a lot of doctors have suffered a lot of tragedy there. Because this is a TV show, and drama is needed to keep it moving along, that is not unexpected. But most real hospitals don't have such a high rate of serious happenings in their staffs, so it's nice that the writers let Alex mention it, tongue in cheek.

     Is Grey's heading for a showdown between Teddy (Kim Raver) and Cristina (Sandra Oh)? I think it's a nice throwback that Cristina pulls outs a Burke procedure to save the day with Callie this week, but it puts her at odds with her mentor. I'm starting to think the hospital isn't big enough for the both of them. I guess it's time that one of our interns grows into an attending, and it makes sense that Cristina would reach that pinnacle first, as she has already more than adequately proven herself. But I don't see two cardiothoracic surgeons peacefully coexisting. I admit, I'm surprised that Teddy is still here. As much as I like Raver from her time on 24, she seems like such a temporary character whose usefulness is past. Perhaps by season's end, she will ride off into the sunset with Henry or the returning Dr. Andrew Perkins (James Tupper).


     Also well handled is the maturation that romance on Grey's has gone through lately. In the early days, many of the characters simply sleep together to release stress in high pressure situations, or because they are drunk. Nowadays, it seems everyone is involved in an actual relationship. Lexie chooses Jackson (Jesse Williams) this week over Mark, cementing that there is something more to them than just a hookup. Henry is pursuing romance with his wife-for-the-insurance, Teddy, having asked her on a date. Alex and Lucy, as well as Bailey and Eli, have been simmering slow builds, flirting and developing chemistry, not just falling into bed together.

     And Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) are having a real marital issue, struggling to have a child in Meredith's 'hostile womb'. It's such a more serious and interesting challenge than Meredith and Derek's long dance with on-again, off-again romance. I can't wait to see them move into their dream house, currently under construction. What a cool new set piece that will be! And I want to see them as parents, the next logical step in their evolution. Who says that long-term monogamy makes for bad dramatic television?

     Of course, Arizona, Callie, and Mark may be playing parents much sooner, as Callie's baby did come out this week. Oftentimes, babies can be a drag on a series. While they provide some fun plots, much of the time they need to be away with some rarely seen babysitter, as they just get in the way of most stories. Yet, somehow Grey's seems ready for an actual child who fits into the larger scheme of things. We have seen so many characters grow into mature people, and parenthood is a part of a complete life for many couples around the world.

     This seventh season has been such a wonderful rebirth of the aging drama. While Grey's has managed to stay enjoyable most seasons, some story arcs have floundered. The shooting last May re-energized so much, forcing the characters to figure out who they are, and who they want to be. Rather than jumping the shark, it's kind of forced a move into a whole new series that will have legs for years to come, rather than slowly dying out, which looked like a possible outcome previously. I must give major props all around to everyone involved in this season.


     Grey's Anatomy airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Article first published as TV Review: Grey's Anatomy - "Song Beneath the Song" on Blogcritics.

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JWTV Quickie: Grey's Anatomy - "This Is How We Do It"

     All in all, we got a pretty average episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy this week. The most moving plot is probably Chief Webber's (James Pickens Jr.) crusade to get his wife, Adele (Loretta Devine) into the Alzheimer's trial that Derek (Patrick Dempsey) is doing. It's hard to watch Adele, struggling with her disease, not even wanting to admit out loud that she is sick. Richard was in denial for awhile, but now that's he's on board and full supportive, his wife is resistant. Derek agrees to break the rules, following Weber's example, but when Adele misses qualification for the trial by one point, Derek's wife, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), tells him it's over. We'll see if Derek follows through on that or not.

     Poor Cristina (Sandra Oh). It totally isn't fair for Richard to put Owen (Kevin McKidd) in charge of picking Chief Resident. Owen is going to have to have inarguable proof that Cristina is better than every single one of the other doctors if he is going to name her to the position. I know Richard doesn't care about the politics, he is just placing his trust in a highly qualified doctor. Unfortunately, Cristina is kind of sunk now. I can't see Owen maintaining much credibility if he gives the title to her, so he probably won't.

     Anyone else see Star Trek: The Next Generation's Counselor Deanna Troi, Marina Sirtis, stop by? Yes, that was her in the bed with the accent, playing the clinical trial patient who leaves the hospital to allow her gay son to stay with his boyfriend. She is almost unrecognizable from her TNG days, but it is great to see her again.

     Should Teddy (Kim Raver) be with Henry (Scott Foley)? Debate in the comments below. I could go either way on this one. I loved Raver on 24, in spite of the haters, and I thought the had good chemistry with both Owen and Mark (Eric Dane), as well as Andrew (James Tupper), who will soon be returning to the show. All these men! What is a girl to do?

     I am kind of liking the vibe between April (Sarah Drew) and Stark (Peter MacNicol). I know she says she wants to be friends, but I can see it growing into something more. She definitely has a fondness for him. I think she only distances herself because Alex (Justin Chambers) is giving her crap. Alex, meanwhile, is also stirring things up with Fields (Rachael Taylor), who is playing hard to get until Meredith vouches for Alex and she starts to turn around. These are fun new relationships. In spite of myself, I'm also kind of liking Lexie (Chyler Leigh) with Avery (Jesse Williams) even though I'm a big supporter of Lexie and Mark. Ah, well. Find happiness wherever, right?

     It may be unpopular to say, but I am already tired of the Mark / Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) animosity. Get over it already! Don't even get me started on the 'surprise' ending, when Arizona and Callie (Sara Ramirez) got into a car accident! Look, I can see why Callie took off, and left off, her seatbelt. In fact, I didn't even notice at first that's what had happened. But Arizona constantly looking away from the road while she was driving drove me crazy! No freakin' way! Especially with her pregnant girlfriend in the car. You could see disaster coming from a mile away. Come on Grey's! You can do better!

     Next week, the musical episode! I am super excited! Expect a longer, more detailed review for that one. Grey's Anatomy airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Click here for an alphabetical list of all of Jerome's Current Season Reviews.