It seems like this is quickly becoming the redemption season for Grey's Anatomy — not just for the show, but for its characters, too. Last week, Meredith acted like a normal person for the first time in forever; in this episode, Izzie was actually allowed to be a competent surgeon. What's next, George getting a backbone? To read my thoughts on this episode, just read more

First, let me take a moment to praise Brooke Smith as Dr. Hahn. Her "Are you two a couple?" to Mark and Derek was one of the funniest things I've heard in a while. And while I thought her glass ceiling speech to the Chief about his "Gentleman's Evening" was a little over the top, it did reveal one very important thing about her character: She doesn't want to be "one of the guys;" she wants to be taken seriously for the powerful woman she is. Team Hahn, all the way.

It didn't hurt that she got a great case in her first episode. Awake open-heart surgery — aside from being amazingly freaky — is a perfect story for Grey's, because we learn so much from the way the doctors interact with patients. Hahn's still holding her grudge against Cristina, but that was fine by me, because it let us see Izzie do something well. Izzie isn't hardcore, but she can relate to people, and she proved it by setting up her patient's operating room and talking him through the surgery. The "describe the people in the gallery" scene went on too long — is that why they extended the episode? — but it was sweet. I like competent Izzie, and I hope she sticks around.

After months of not dealing with anything, Meredith has done a complete 180 into constant introspection. Everything out of her mouth these days seems to be about dying, and I'm almost regretting all those times I called for Meredith to just talk about it already. But not quite. Because just as I like competent Izzie, I also like the version of Meredith who tries to deal with what's going on around her. Treating the patient (hi, Roy from The Office!) who survived a 12,000-foot free fall was good for her; even though she didn't use her own fearless time well, she could at least urge someone else to take advantage of the feeling.

Some other thoughts:

  • The wedding dress plot was ridiculous, but even it had some good things going for it, like Mark humiliating George on Callie's behalf and Lexie proving herself by talking the one bride-to-be into having surgery. But is Callie really letting go?
  • Gizzie-sex is delayed, but still seems inevitable. Also, Izzie's tearful breakdown made me uncomfortable, but that might have been because of the strange top she was wearing.
  • Speaking of sex: Man, do I wish I had taken bets on how long it would take Lexie to sleep with a Seattle Grace doctor. Six episodes ain't bad, but considering that her sister slept with one before she even started working, she's got some catching up to do.
  • I am so annoyed with Derek. He's upset that it's not his job "anymore" to take care of Meredith? Has he not been dating the same woman we've been watching for three years?
  • I love the idea of the Chief living in a trailer; remember when he took his suitcase camping?

What did you think? Wishing the other woman had won the dress contest? Disappointed there was no actual kung fu fighting in an episode titled "Kung Fu Fighting"? Sound off below.

Photos copyright 2007 ABC, Inc.

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