‘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.

"Fear" Not for GREY'S ANATOMY

Article originally published as TV Review: 'Grey's Anatomy' - 'Fear (of the Unknown)' on Blogcritics.

For Grey’s Anatomy‘s 10th (!) season finale, “Fear (of the Unknown),” a mall explosion rocks Seattle, sparking fears of terrorism. On a more personal level, many of the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital find themselves at a crossroads. The theme is fear and how one deals with it. Whether you are concerned about death or afraid to leave your comfort zone, the emotion is the same. A variety of characters tackle this concept in a variety of ways as the hour plays out, culminating in some very good conclusions, as well as setting the stage for some interesting changes in the already-scheduled eleventh year. A decade on the air, and the constant character growth and development is what keeps this show just as engaging as ever.

The focus in this installment is mainly on Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), an original cast member who is leaving the series. Her job in Zurich awaits, but she just can’t seem to get on the plane and leave. She complains that she doesn’t feel like things are finished, and can’t bear to leave a job half done. But as Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), her best friend, points out to her, this is not Cristina’s end. This is the start of something new, an incredible opportunity that will stretch her far beyond where she is now. Yang eventually comes to realize this, and in the end, whether its an unfinished surgery for a family she has been taking care of, or a romance with a man she still loves but has trouble seeing a future with, she has to walk away from them.

This is a defining moment for the character, whom, even though she is no longer a main character, will surely be seen again. She is very comfortable in Seattle, but her ambitions have always been bigger. Eventually, she might be able to achieve what she wants, but she can do it so much faster elsewhere, with better resources, meaning she can pursue more dreams after. Friendship is one thing, but her career is Yang’s primary priority. “Fear (of the Unknown)” finds her sacrificing a lot in order to serve that purpose.

Which is not to say she leaves Grey’s Anatomy without accomplishing something. Her goodbye to Owen (Kevin McKidd) is weak, necessarily so, begging for a revisit before the series finale, quite possibly ending with the two of them together. But she gets to dance party with Meredith, imparting advice in the process, and have touching moments with Webber (James Pickens Jr.), Bailey (Chandra Wilson), and Derek (Patrick Dempsey). Best of all, she tells Alex (Justin Chambers) how she really feels about him, and gives him a push back towards the right path, from which he’s strayed. Strewn among these are many references to past season and events, ratcheting up the nostalgia and sadness of her departure even more.

Alex has the chance to make serious money in the private sector, something he never thought possible, so it makes sense for him to quit the hospital. Yet, ever since he changed jobs, he finds plenty of excuses to come back. He is good at surgery, and his skills are being squandered now. Yang, who has come to respect and care for him in a platonic way, sees this and gives Alex a way to both get back to what he loves and have wealth. She gifts him her shares of the hospital and her seat on the board, a generous and perfect solution, making for a neat story connection I didn’t see coming.

There’s just one problem with this. Webber has promised Bailey that seat. It’s not his to give, granted, but had Yang not left Alex her shares, it’s likely Webber’s plan would have worked out. Bailey is great at what she does and deserves the chance to push policy. She absolutely should be stripped of her lab after crossing the line, and honestly, that might mean she should be bench for awhile before stepping up into a leadership role. But Bailey has always been destined to have a say in what goes on at Grey Sloan Memorial, and eventually she will get there.

I am not looking forward to a showdown between Bailey and Alex. They haven’t had a lot of intersecting plot in Grey’s Anatomy for awhile and it’ll be good to bring them back together, but at the same time, these are two beloved characters who both deserve to win. How can fans be expected to choose between the two, especially in the way they both get to where they are? They are also stubborn and I don’t see either backing down easily, which could tarnish their relationship in a very regrettable way.

One solution could be for Derek to give up his seat, too, thus creating a second opening. He seems bound and determined to take the job in D.C., even after Meredith puts her foot down, acting on Cristina’s sage wisdom, knowing Meredith wants to stay in Seattle. As much as Derek hates flying back and forth, he either has to continue it or give up one of the two sides of his life that he loves deeply – his wife and his career. Meredith is completely right to stand up for herself, refusing to live in Derek’s shadow and just go along with his decisions. It’ll be up to him to re-evaluate his desires, and giving up his seat on the board could allow him more time to try to commit to both family and job, shedding responsibilities he doesn’t need.

There are so many great, small moments in “Fear (of the Unknown),” too. Owen ripping apart the media for sensationalism and scare mongering could come back to bite him, but is very satisfying. Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) becoming interested in surrogacy seems a neat solution to their issue. April (Sarah Drew) has a touching moment with her mother-in-law, Catherine (Debbie Allen), the first time they’ve really connected. And departing cast members Gaius Charles and Tessa Ferrer are sent off right, Shane leaving with Yang and Murphy coming to an understanding about her limitations. It’s really a fantastic hour.

Besides Yang’s last moments, which are terrific and fitting, Grey’s Anatomy does manage to drop a huge bombshell on us at the most unexpected time. The new head of cardiology, Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary, Emily Owens M.D.), tells Webber that she is the daughter of Ellis Grey, whom Ellis secretly gave up for adoption. Maggie doesn’t realize she’s telling this to her own father, who didn’t know of her existence, and this also means Meredith, who lost her sister a few years ago, now has another one! I have to say, I did not see this coming, but I was already hoping that McCreary would stick around (along with Caterina Scorsone’s Amelia, of course), and this only makes it more likely that she will.

That fact that Grey’s Anatomy can still stun and impress after such a long run is quite an accomplishment. It remains one of my favorite shows currently on the air, a drama I can’t wait to devour each week. Sure, sometimes it gets into ridiculous unbelievability, such as the incredibly high disaster rate in the city and mortality rate of the docs, but it’s still entertaining television, a soapy drama of the highest order. This is, in large part, due to the talented cast who have created dynamic, layered individuals. The key to Grey’s success is the characters and their personal stories, not the events done for ratings, which the writers give just enough weight to to make them mean something to the players. Plus, the soundtrack is very fitting, including all the recent covers of songs pushing genres. Well done.

Grey’s Anatomy will return in the fall on ABC.

"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.

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

"If/Then" introduces an entirely new Grey's Anatomy

On this week's episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy, "If/Then," Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) wonders what her world would be like if her mother, Ellis (Kate Burton), didn't get Alzheimer's, and if Richard (James Pickens Jr.) left Adele (Loretta Devine) for Ellis all those years ago, thus raising Meredith as his own daughter. So during the hour, her world is seen drastically different than in the normal run of the show. Ellis is Chief at the hospital. Meredith is happy, bright, and cheerful, wearing pink, and best friends with April (Sarah Drew). She is also engaged to Alex (Justin Chambers).

But it's far from an ideal life. Meredith feels suffocated under the high pressure that her mother exerts. And she's not the only one. Alex can't help but stray with April, which crushes Meredith when she finds out. Ellis is not sympathetic. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) is so why that she gets fired for not speaking up at a critical moment. Derek (Patrick Dempsey) is still married to a pregnant Addison (Kate Walsh), but miserable, especially when he learns that the baby isn't his. Callie (Sara Ramirez) is pressured into cardio and marries Owen (Kevin McKidd), with whom she has several children. Meredith doesn't even know her half sister Lexie (Chyler Leigh), who is a coked up criminal. And Cristina (Sandra Oh) is shunned by all after the Burke incident.

"If/Then" is a classic "be careful what you wish for" episode. Meredith thinks that her life would be better with a more nurturing upbringing, but in truth, the obstacles she overcomes shape her into the great woman and surgeon that she is today. Why the others have to be miserable, too...? Well, that is just to make fans glad that everything is the way it is in "reality." Though, to be fair, if Ellis would have become Chief, things would definitely be quite a bit different at Seattle Grace. Just maybe not so different as they are shown in this episode. The message is clear: everyone is better off the way things are.

But are they really? After all, the beloved characters go through a number of dark, drama-filled experiences in the "real" world. Sure, Callie is happier married to Arizona (Jessica Capshaw), and Lexie has a much better existence when not living as a junky, but that doesn't mean that everyone's paths are easy, and that they all get happy endings. Which leads one to think, what if this different world were the series? It can easily be imagined as such, with the characters dealing with separate, but equally engrossing, challenges. Perhaps Ellis may have stifled the cast as the star, but perhaps not. The others would all still get their angsty stories, just in a different way. So really, either world is an acceptable one for Grey's Anatomy to explore.

Which does not mean the universe as it is in "If/Then" should be revisited. Grey's has chosen the series it wants to be, and it's too late to change that now. "If/Then" is just a fun little side trip to show another version of things, if different paths had been taken. In that, it's an amusing, welcome little experiment, but certainly not all that important in the overall arcs of the series.

The ending of "If/Then" seeks to restore balance. Despite everything that happens differently, Meredith eventually stands up to her mother. She also finds friendship in Cristina. Derek wakes up and realizes that he is completely unhappy, and should try to change things. Callie has a sweet moment with Arizona. Mark (Eric Dane) shows up at the hospital carrying Lexie, their lives intertwined. In this, the writers want viewers to believe that these people are destined to be together. It's a naive, and probably unrealistic, view of existence, but for a television series, it's a fitting ending.

Now, anticipation build up to get back to the normal timeline. After all, there is still much drama to work out there. Can Cristina and Owen's marriage be saved? Will Mark ever be back with Lexie? And, as heartless as it sounds, at least the not-so-great character of Charles (Robert Baker) is no longer around.

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

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"Suddenly" Grey's Anatomy is awesome

     This week's return of ABC's Grey's Anatomy finds Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Alex (Justin Chambers) bringing back a family of car wreck victims. They begin dying off one by one, and Meredith tries to lend strength to the eldest daughter (Stella Maeve), who escapes unscathed, on her eighteenth birthday. Meanwhile, Owen (Kevin McKidd) sends Cristina (Sandra Oh) into Teddy's (Kim Raver) ER to help with a surgery, even though Teddy still doesn't know that her husband, Henry (Scott Foley), died on Cristina's operating table. As soon as the danger to the patient has passed, Cristina spills the beans. 

     Grey's Anatomy is a series that, with a few missteps in the middle, has aged extremely well. At no time is this more evident than in "Suddenly," an exciting, solid, excellent episode, as good as some of the best of the show. The hour has a lot of serious issues, and plenty of gripping human drama, with no wasted time of substandard side stories. What emerges is a flawless hour that will reenergize Grey's fans, if they aren't already. It's a splendid follow up after a too-long hiatus.

     Meredith gets to play to her strengths in "Suddenly," namely, being empathetic. The task ahead of the teenage girl that Meredith takes under her wing is monumental. The coincidence of the birthday, and having to make a decision about extreme measures for her father, just after losing Mom and Grandma, makes the situation all the more daunting. But Meredith is supportive without being pushy, and does her absolute best to help her patient through the ordeal. It's a shining moment for the doc. Which makes Meredith getting baby Zola back at the end of the episode (surprise!) feel like a well-deserved reward for all of her hard work. Not to mention Meredith is acting like a great mom to the 18 year old, so it proves that she is ready for the task.

     Too bad Little Grey, a.k.a. Lexie (Chyler Leigh), isn't so lucky. In "Suddenly," Mark's (Eric Dane) new girlfriend, Julia (Holley Fain, Gossip Girl), is called to scrub in on a surgery with Mark and Derek (Patrick Dempsey). Not only is Julia nice to Lexie, despite Lexie having thrown a ball at her, but she rocks the surgery like a true champ. Then she turns around and reveals her vulnerable side to Lexie, showing relief at completing a tricky surgery during which she was extremely nervous. This makes Julia endearing to Lexie and viewer alike, and proves that Mark is finally with a great women worthy of the new leaf he turned over quite some time ago. It's sad for Lexie / Mark fans, of which this reviewer is one of them, as it means Lexie may not get Mark back. Then again, Julia is only a guest star, so even if it makes Mark slightly less likable, there's still a real chance he will dump Julia for Lexie.

     Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) is also seeing the benefits of having a good man in her life. Ben (Jason George) catches a tricky diagnosis in Bailey's operating room, then sticks around and offers support after the fact. Ben knows Bailey's number, and knows what she wants and needs. This time, he isn't going anywhere. Let's face it: Ben only left last time because Grey's creator Shonda Rhimes only wanted George to star in her other, now canceled, series. With that out of the way, and the manner in which Ben has been reintroduced, as well as Bailey's slow warming back up to him, and making herself available again, their fate together is sealed. It may take a little while, but this couple could see wedding bells before the season finale.

     Alex doesn't fare as well as Meredith in "Suddenly." Feeling guilty over his part in the accident, seeing death in front of his eyes, and ignoring exhaustion, he doesn't know how to quit. Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) practically has to escort him out of the patient area in order to get Alex to take a break. Which is OK. It shows Alex's dedication. It's good Arizona is there, though, because otherwise Alex might have made a very bad mistake, and that's not something he needs or deserves to go through at this point.

    Speaking of returning love interests, with Charlie's Angels already gone, how soon before Dr. Lucy Fields (Rachael Taylor) returns to Alex's embrace?

     Callie (Saraa Ramirez) faces a very hard task in "Suddenly:" she must explain to a patient's family why complications arose. The mistake during the surgery is actually Jackson's (Jesse Williams), but since Callie is the supervisor at the time, she has to take responsibility. For Jackson, it's unfortunate, because he not only has the guilt of making the mistake, but also seeing Callie suffer because of it. But for Callie, the plot is much more interesting. Not only does she have to take the blame for someone else's mistake, though she might share a slight amount since she was the supervisor, but she also has to face the grief-stricken family. It's a very adult decision, to step up and face the music for a subordinate's actions, and one that makes Callie look noble. But it also could very negatively impact her career, something no one wants to see happen. It could also lead to the hospital being sued, something they probably can't afford right now.

     As bad as Callie's situation is, there are those that have it worse in "Suddenly." Owen not only chooses to keep Henry's death a secret from Teddy, but also has Cristina blindly operate on Henry without revealing her patient's identity, then makes Cristina go along with a charade with helping Teddy in surgery. These are very tough decisions for Owen, and his hesitance should not be undercut. He is the chief, though, and making tough calls is part of the job description. Owen chooses the patient's welfare over being fair to his staff. It's the right call to make from an intellectual standpoint. And it may have gone all right if the two staff members in question were not the closest people in the world to Owen. But they are, and Cristina is already unhappy with her husband. Teddy won't be pleased either. Can logic save Owen from both women's wraths? Will they be able to understand?

     For Cristina, "Suddenly" shows one of the worst days of her life. She is smart enough to understand Owen's decisions and go along with them, reluctantly. With a patient open on the table, there is nothing she can do but assist Teddy and go along with the lie. That doesn't make her happy about it, nor particularly forgiving of Owen for placing her in that position. Cristina's confession to Teddy as soon as the patient is out of the woods, even making someone else close, will hopefully absolve her from some of her mentor's anger, as it should. Cristina did not willingly choose to deceive Teddy, and quickly corrected the situation. The two will hopefully be able to recover their working relationship in time. Unless Teddy is out of the picture during mourning, and Cristina becomes Seattle Grace's top heart surgeon, a real possibility given her skill set.

     Teddy hasn't been a particularly interesting or likable character up til now. She comes in and almost immediately tries to get between Owen and Cristina. And her whirlwind marriage to Henry, done purely for insurance purposes, is hokey, even as it blossoms into true love. Yet, in "Suddenly," as Teddy sits crying over the body of her husband, suddenly things take a turn. Viewers' opinions will shift in favor of Teddy as their feel her very real sadness, an acting coup for the underused Raver. People will also rally behind her tale, and her feelings of betrayal. Teddy has stepped it up in a single episode to become a character fans will want to see. It's a remarkable and wonderful turn around, and one that will surely be praised.

     Grey's also sneaks in a slight bit of humor during the whole thing when April (Sarah Drew) is sent to observe Teddy's surgery. With Cristina trying not to talk about Henry, she shifts the conversation into making fun of April. It's to April's credit that she doesn't take it too personally, and puts up with the jabs. But it has to hurt. And it's funny because the things Cristina says are completely true.


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"Dark Was the Night" as Grey's Anatomy ends fall run

     Grey's Anatomy presents "Dark Was the Night," the final episode of the show's fall run. While not as depressing as the gunman in the hospital episode, nothing goes right for the main characters. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek (Patrick Dempsey) learn they will not be getting Zola back. Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Avery (Jesse Williams) learn a screw they put in a patient has come loose and is destroying her heart. While going to get a critical baby from a small hospital, the ambulance Meredith and Alex (Justin Chambers) are riding in breaks down, and then they are hit by another vehicle. Last, and perhaps most significant, Henry (Scott Foley) dies on Cristina's (Sandra Oh) operating table, though she doesn't even know it's him at the time.

     Given the relatively cheery state of recovery most of the characters are in, starting to forget about past trauma they suffer, it's understandable that events will begin to take a sadder bend, even if the stakes stay realistically lower than previously. Thus, "Dark Was the Night" is a depressing episode, but it's one that make sense in the run of the series.

     Meredith will not easily bounce back from losing Zola. At first reluctant to even have a child, she attaches to baby Zola very quickly. Despite only having her a brief time, Meredith is rocked by her loss, and tells Derek she doesn't want another kid. Thankfully, Derek is supportive, at least for now. After all, their marriage has been rocky, and he could have reacted very differently, blaming Meredith for their predicament. Instead, he offers her comfort and understanding. With a solid marriage, Meredith will eventually come around. Though whether the couple will remain childless or not remains very much up in the air.

     The ambulance accident could have been much worse than it is. Alex and Meredith have only minor scrapes, and the baby they are transporting is still alive. There are three bodies revealed on the road at the end of "Dark Was the Night," but they aren't characters that fans know about, so their loss is acceptable without too big an emotional impact. While the next episode of Grey's Anatomy might find Alex and Meredith trying to treat those figures, while struggling to keep the baby going, it's also possible nothing else will come of it. It's almost anti-climatic, but at the same time, one cannot wish physical harm on Alex and Meredith.

     What will the ramifications of Callie and Avery's mistake be? Callie feels guilt for letting Avery do the surgery while she reads a magazine, wondering if perhaps she isn't alert enough. But Bailey (Chandra Wilson) reminds Callie that this is a teaching hospital, and the students aren't perfect. Avery is a competent doctor. As to what consequences might come from the faulty surgery, those are left in the dark until a full investigation can be done. Maybe viewers will find out when Grey's Anatomy returns in January?

     The biggest even, of course, is Henry's death. The character is in fourteen episode of Grey's Anatomy, so complications from a tricky surgery are not really the way one expects him to go. Foley is a fine actor, and his presence will be missed.

     While Webber (James Pickens Jr.) and Lexie (Chyler Leigh) struggle to hold things together in the OR, Cristina heartlessly treats Henry like any other patient. Without knowing his identity, that is all he is to Cristina. Sure, she tries to do the operation in record time, but it is unlikely she could do anything more for Henry is she knew who he was. In fact, she probably would have felt a heavy emotional weight, and thus, things might have gone even worse.

     But Cristina isn't the most affected. That will be Teddy (Kim Raver), Henry's wife. Not only does Teddy entrust Cristina, it being her plan to have her resident blindly operate, but then Hunt (Kevin McKidd) lies to Teddy, his friend, about Henry making it through the surgery so she can complete her own complicated operation. It would likely kill Teddy's patient for Hunt to admit the truth at that moment, but that won't matter when Teddy finds out what is going on. She will be hurt and angry. Might this be the end of her time on Grey's Anatomy? With Henry gone, it does take away any interesting story she has. Other than, you know, the guilt she will have from trying to crush his dreams during his final day alive.

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"Put Me In, Coach" to Grey's Anatomy

     On this week's episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy, new chief Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) tries to whip the staff into shape to play in a softball game against another hospital. He is assisted by Henry (Scott Foley), whom he temporarily hires at the hospital just to help out with the game. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) and Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) simmering hostility finally erupts on the field, while Cristina (Sandra Oh) finds a new calmness in being a team player. Also, Callie (Sara Ramirez) works to save a mangled hand, Derek (Patrick Dempsey) tries experimental brain surgery, and Alex (Justin Chambers) nags officials to get Meredith and Derek's adoption process moving along.

     There is a lot going on in "Put Me In, Coach," and the sharing of plot by so many characters actually makes this a very strong episode. While not a single one person gets a ton of screen time, many move along their ongoing arcs, and get a little bit of focus. More so than could even fit in an opening summary paragraph. This is a great example of how to use an ensemble effectively, balancing many stories. Plus, it's fun to see everyone come together on the softball field, despite the drama going on in their lives.

     Speaking of the game, how come virtually all of the players were the main characters, with the entire central cast participating? Seattle Grace Mercy West is a huge hospital, and Hunt could only recruit his friends? Then again, one does tend to do things with one's friends, and considering how close all of the main characters are — as a group — it does sort of make sense that they would all help Hunt out. Even Henry, who thankfully feels like more a part of the group than ever before, since he's not a doctor. But no one with any athletic skills works in the hospital and has a desire to help out their place of employment?

     Cristina is not generally a team player. She has experienced much growth over the last year or so, but still, deferring to others is not her natural inclination. Yet, in "Put Me In, Coach," Cristina lets April (Sarah Drew) do a surgery. This impresses Teddy (Kim Raver) enough to finally get off Cristina's back and declare her done with her education. Yes, Cristina looks and acts highly professional in the operating room. Her skills have never been in doubt. But her temperament is finally evening out with maturity. She's not perfect, but who is? Cristina hasn't lost her edge, exactly, but honed it better.

     Alex also struggles with playing well with others on Grey's Anatomy. At the end of last season, this costs him a lot personally, especially pertaining to his friendship with Meredith. This week, Alex works very hard to help out Meredith get her adopted child back, still trying to make up for his colossal mistake. It's heartwarming to see him go to so much effort, though not surprising. Alex may do stupid things, but he does care. His actions in "Put Me In, Coach," although never revealed to the hopeful parents, ingratiate him with viewers even more.

     April needs to find her place in the group. Hunt accuses her of hiding behind paperwork, and others echo the sentiment. She is very good at the administrative aspects of being Chief Resident. Unfortunately, whether from fear or distraction, April is letting the surgical focus of her career slip. April has never been an easy one to pin down, but has become slowly likeable. Thus, here's hoping that the still-floundering woman will finally get some peace and direction soon. Understanding the problem is a good start.

     Meredith and Bailey's feud is brewing, and has been ever since Meredith gets Derek's study canned. It's interesting just how hostile Bailey has become towards the other woman. Is this because Meredith is a former student of Bailey's, and Bailey feels responsible for how Meredith turns out? Is it because Meredith's actions hurt Webber (James Pickens Jr.), a close friend of Bailey's, professionally, even if Webber has forgiven Meredith, and is satisfied with the outcome? Whatever the reason, Webber has it right by forcing the two to work together on his trial. They need to let off some steam, and Bailey needs to appreciate just how great a doctor Meredith is again. Their new partnership should be highly entertaining, as well as a catharsis.

     Webber is adjusting quite well to being just another surgeon on staff. He steps up as a leader when he needs to, such as to fix Bailey and Meredith's fight. But he also doesn't step on Hunt's toes. Grey's Anatomy experiments with a non-Chief Webber before, but this season's more permanent demotion is the best handled instance up to this point.

     Owen is making a fine replacement. When Webber previously considers stepping down, the attendings squabble, and none emerge as a real leader. Derek also never feels right in the job, during his temporary tenure. But Owen is different. He's fair. He is nice to everyone, and doesn't play favorites, or form preferences that influence him. He has near universal respect, and people follow him without complaint. As such, he makes for a good leader, and may even end up being a better chief than Webber, as sacrilegious as it feels to write that statement.

     Sloan (Eric Dane) has a new girlfriend, which sparks significant jealousy in Lexie (Chyler Leigh), much to Avery's (Jesse Williams) dismay. Lexie does not seem serious with Avery when they begin their sexual relationship. Yet, over time, Avery gets very serious about her, and it's almost as if Lexie will grow to feel the same. But she hasn't, and it's very clear in "Put Me In, Coach" that she still carries a torch for her former beau. Which is a little odd, since Mark Sloan makes many overtures to win her back, and she shoots him down repeatedly. What she is doing to both Avery and Mark isn't fair. But that doesn't mean many fans won't want Lexie and Mark to work things out, myself among them. Though that happiness will now be tempered with sorrow for Avery when it ends.

     With all of the other stories going on, one can be forgiven for overlooking any actual medical work that happens in Grey's Anatomy. "Put Me In, Coach" showcases two brilliant surgeons at the top of their games, though, so it must be paid attention to. Both Callie and Derek rise far above the already high expectations placed on them by themselves and their peers in this installment. Callie fixes a hand that most surgeons could not fix because she respects artistry so much, and Derek goes for removing a tumor that other neurosurgeons will only partially treat by doing something never done before. Sometimes, it's easy to forget what geniuses some of the main characters are. But not this week.


     Grey's Anatomy also stars Jessica Capshaw. Watch it Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

     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 TV Review: Grey's Anatomy - "Put Me In, Coach" on Blogcritics.