(S05E19) After the commercials continued to mention how wonderful Grey's Anatomy was going to be, I was brainwashed. This episode had to be good. For me, it delivered. In the first five minutes, we were given Owen's PTSD situation and it set the tone for the rest of the episode. Then we get the wonderful voiceovers from Alex, a good change from Meredith.
There were definitely serious tear inducing moments, along with two really funny situations. We also had a believable patient. When does this hospital get normal patients? Probably when they went down a few ranks. More thoughts and analysis after the jump.
The Owen/Christina situation is touchy. PTSD is a subject not often covered on television, and I appreciate that they are making mention of it. I'm sure there are many veterans that are too proud to admit things, and I hope shows like this (and the Real World: Brooklyn) pushes them in the right direction. I get why Christina couldn't sleep with Owen, but the two of them work really well. I'm not sure if it's just good acting by both Sandra Oh and Kevin KcKidd, or the fact that Christina's cold nature was warmed by Owen's situation. They work in that weird way that Meredith/Derek and Callie/Arizona work: opposites attract.
We finally get a patient of the week that isn't a big stretch: an old woman that's due to die ... soon. I understood where the anger emerged from the family members (mostly based on wasted time and money), but on the aunt's defense, that was the only reason that her niece and nephews would even bother to visit her. They were her support and were genuinely hurt when she passed. She fit perfectly with the idea that Alex, and the rest of the cast, should be supporting Izzie, not ignoring her. Bailey came to the rescue for most of the episode as the mother figure. Hopefully, she's balancing the home front as well as she is the hospital. As an aside, I also appreciate the interns for not being total idiots and actually being concerned for Izzie.
I've always been on the fence about Meredith as a character. I've related to her depressed moods and her passion for surgery, but sometimes she just didn't fit with everyone else. I finally realized this episode that though Meredith isn't a great main character, she's actually a wonderful bouncing board for everyone else. She brought out the best in Derek and defended Christina. She was there for Christina in a moment's notice. She took a little bit of a back seat in the episode and it worked. Grey's Anatomy is a great ensemble that's not being led by one person.
I appreciate the connection between Callie and George. The two had a connection at one point and it was nice to see that they could still discuss things. Callie's dislike for Izzie was something that also got ignored after the George situation (the writer's strike last year threw a few things off).
How many times could the show dodge using the word "semen" without it being really annoying? Apparently less than five. I found the word "contribution" to probably be the most effective, but did Alex use the word "spooge" in the end of the show because it sounded like "snoozed"? I guess I should sharpen up on my Urban Dictionary lexicon. It was really awkward for the Chief and Alex to discuss the process, but it became comedy gold. Putting down the specimen cup right in front of the chief while he was eating lunch? Genius. Continuing with the funny, Lexie with the pacemaker situation. That's just a weird after effect from a pacemaker that I never thought about.
The elevator should be noted as one of the most important characters on the show. That boiler room was getting a lot of air time, as was the bench by the emergency doors, but when the situation got serious; we went back to the classic elevator. It was a perfect place for Derek to propose. To top it off, he even decorated it with memories.
On a fashion front, I hated the turtleneck. Yeah it was necessary, but clashed with the rest of the ensemble. Bailey looked really pretty in that shade of green for the scarf. Finally, shaved Derek looked better than woodsman Derek, especially when he's dressed up.
Before I forget, I totally loathe Dr. Swender. She's aggressive and not in a good, Bailey kind of way. I don't like that she took over Izzie's case without a hello. She is annoying and the negative energy would probably doom Izzie. Then at least we have a scapegoat, just in case Izzie dies.
I don't know if I could take a few weeks off from this show. After having several good episodes, we hit a wall. Fans have to wait for April 23rd for the next new episode titled "Sweet Surrender." We're almost at the 100th episode, as well, and rumors of a wedding will be revealed in all due time.
Grey's Anatomy' Photos
Actress Chandra Wilson attends the screening of her new public service announcement produced by OTCSafety.org at Edelman headquarters on September 24, 2008 in New York City.
Joe Corrigan/WireImage.com
Actress Chandra Wilson attends the screening of her new public service announcement produced by OTCSafety.org at Edelman headquarters on September 24, 2008 in New York City.
Joe Corrigan/WireImage.com
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Chandra Wilson attends the screening of a new public service announcement for OTCsafety.org at the Edelman headquarters on September 24, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chandra Wilson
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Chandra Wilson attends the screening of a new public service announcement for OTCsafety.org at the Edelman headquarters on September 24, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chandra Wilson
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress Chandra Wilson attends the screening of a new public service announcement for OTCsafety.org at the Edelman headquarters on September 24, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chandra Wilson
Getty Images
Actor Patrick Dempsey (R) and wife Jillian Dempsey arrive at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theater on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Dan MacMedan/WireImage.com
Chandra Wilson and Debra Birnbaum, Editor-in-Chief of TV Guide Magazine, arrive at TV Guide
Chris Weeks/WireImage.com
Actress Chandra Wilson arrives at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theater on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Steve Granitz/WireImage.com
Actor Patrick Dempsey poss in the press room during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Dan MacMedan/WireImage.com
(L-R) Actors Sandra Oh and Patrick Dempsey pose in the press room during the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre on September 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Dan MacMedan/WireImage.com
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-27-2009 @ 10:59AM
Lorie said...
After seeing 3 amazing episodes, we now have to wait 'til 4/23 for new episodes?! WTH? Why are networks doing this to us?
I cried 4x last night. Owen took my breath away when he was seducing Christina. That had to be one of the most romantic love scenes I've seen in a long time. Derek took my breath away when the elevator doors opened. Once again, he was living up to his nickname, McDreamy. Hated the new oncologist. What kind of a doctor questions a surgeon during surgery?! And her bedside manners were non-existent.
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3-27-2009 @ 9:06AM
SadOldMan said...
Not enough Calli-zona action.
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3-27-2009 @ 9:09AM
JImmy said...
OK, here's the one thing I found odd: They open up a good size hole in Izzie's head yet she still has her hair and is only sporting a bandanna afterwards? Come on. If pouty Kathy wasn't willing to do the full head shave they couldn't at least come up with a passable prosthetic?
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3-27-2009 @ 9:25AM
HD said...
...I can just imagine this episode being the subject of endless "women studies" courses for years to come. Dr. PSD almost kills Christina and no one calls the cops and she's got a case of stand by your man and even has sex with him (just no actual flling asleep).
I'm pretty tired of male bashing and demonizing men for anything that women happen not to like and calling it oppressive or sexist...but he could have killed her, and anyone with any sense would have ran, not walked to the nearest exit. PSD or not - it's WAY over the line.
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3-27-2009 @ 11:05AM
lisa said...
BEST EPISODE EVER!!
Meredith and Derek Proposal was awesome!!
Bailey and Izzie and Alex was wonderful!
But I have to say Cristina and Owen were Brilliant!!! LOVE THIS COUPLE!
The PTSD issue is being dealt with in a realistic way which will do justice to the vets that are really dealing with this horrific illness! Kevin and Sandra's acting was Emmy material! It was scary, sad and loving all at the same time! The LOVE SCENE was one of the best I have seen on network tv!! They are so in love! The break up was needed because it will get Owen to heal himself, and when he does there should be no reason for the two of them to get back together.
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3-27-2009 @ 11:07AM
Fred Smilek said...
I agree with your assesment!! The Society to Save Endangered Species was formed by Fred Smilek and two of his colleagues; Charlie Mack & Jonathan Korny. Fred Smilek stays active in raising awareness for this cause. [www.fredjsmilek.com]
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3-27-2009 @ 11:19AM
John Heltsley said...
After Rome and Journeyman, Kevin McKidd has found yet another show to prove how great of an actor he is. I have liked his character since he showed up on GA, but this episode really brought his character to a new level.
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3-27-2009 @ 11:26AM
Matthew Fleigle said...
Am I the only one annoyed by Owen/Christina's violent storyline? I understand it is 100% real situation (to someone), but I just cant help but hate the storyline. I am almost tempted to change the channel as soon as I see them in the same scene together, because I know exactly where it is going. Owens going to hurt christina (physically or worse - emotionally), and then he appologises endlessly. I just find the story fitting with this show, since I dont believe anyone that can have rage blackout should go anywhere near a patient. I love both of the characters, but the story just bugs me.
And right before they showed Izzie post surgery, I also was thinking, wouldnt they shave her head? They will eventually because of the chemo, so why are they delaying the enevible?
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3-27-2009 @ 11:49AM
Maria T C G said...
I like Greys' but I didnt like this epi. I thought it could have been done in 15 minutes. TOO TOO much filler for my tastes. The entire hospital is waiting for the results after never walking in her room before?
Same ridiculous scenes. I thought the elevator thing was stupid, and the whole "cancer" thing is going to take the same cliched senarios as every other sitcom. Blah blah blah. Whatever.
Also the whole "shes fine" operation thing-let down.
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3-27-2009 @ 1:29PM
Scott said...
This show is really good again. And just when the momentum builds... the STUPID networks yank the show for 3 weeks. WTF? It's like they're intentionally trying to kill it. Remember the old days, when a network season consisted of 22 or more shows that were almost always shown CONSISENTLY and IN SEQUENCE... every week?? Now, it's 3 shows, then a week off, then 2 shows, then a rerun, then 5 shows, then a week off. It's so ridiculous. And they wonder why they're losing viewers in droves to HBO and Showtime. Film the friggin' show. Show it every week, at the same time. Fight for your slot so you don't get pre-empted, and collect the money. It's not rocket science, yet our dear dimwitted Hollywood Executives seem bent on making a simple solution more difficult. These breaks do not build suspense. They kill momentum. So tired of it.
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3-27-2009 @ 3:04PM
Myra Brown said...
The PTSD was handled very well. Cristina was also there for Burke to an unbelievable degree after he was shot. This storyline is consistent w/ her personality, w/ her loyalty to someone she truly loves and w/ the vulnerable Cristina that she rarely shows but does to Owen. I think they are the best part of the show although I was really happy when Mer and Der finally got to a healthy, honest, mature place w/ their relationship. This was an excellent Grey's; there's so much to process, it will ease the pain of waiting a month for more.
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3-27-2009 @ 3:33PM
Beth said...
I am surprised NO one thought of this...
Why did the old woman not have a DNR order!! The family was there because she was going to die! Why keep shocking her heart?? That seemed really stupid and unrealalistic!
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3-28-2009 @ 1:19AM
Ed U Kator said...
Religious reasons?
3-27-2009 @ 4:37PM
Fran said...
I have always liked Katherine Heighl, until she started to act like a prima donna. When an actor criticizes the writers of a show, they usually get bumped off. I was very surprised that they gave Izzie a great story line instead. Personally, I don't care any more if she stays on Grey's Anatomy or not. Some people have real problems.
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3-27-2009 @ 8:51PM
MarcDom7 said...
My closed-captioning told me that Karev said "smooched."
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3-28-2009 @ 9:45PM
Bri said...
My opinion of the new oncologist being a bully, but she was the one to put fire under Derrick in the surgery scene. I don't like her but her pushiness worked wonders to get Derrick out of his funk, be secure and remember that the was a good surgeon who knew what he was doing. .
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4-07-2009 @ 9:28AM
Mandy said...
I really just don't understand why 1 new episode is followed by 2/3 repeats. This makes NO sense! I really hoped that Thursday would bring a new one but we have to wiat till April 23... WHY??? It is awful to watch a serie by seeing 1 episode per month! IDIOTS!
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