If Grey's Anatomy was going to go out early this season because of the writers' strike, at least it went out with a strong episode. "Lay Your Hands On Me" even felt like a finale, with several stories resolved, several mild cliffhangers to keep us guessing, and one emotional plot that brought all the characters together. To read my thoughts and add your own, just read more.
From the promos for this episode, I knew Bailey's baby would come into the ER hurt; I also assumed the doctors would find a way to save little Tuck. But what made this story different for me than, say, Meredith not dying was how thoroughly it rocked everyone. Ultimately, the entire episode was a story about faith — in yourself, in your marriage, in higher powers, in medicine.
Bailey's marriage has seemed doomed for a while, and so I'm not surprised to see her and Tucker driven apart. What I loved about this story was how clearly it revealed Bailey's code. Things don't just happen; people make priorities; they should be held responsible. If anyone ever doubted Chandra Wilson's acting range, they shouldn't: She was frenzied (frantically replaying her morning to see if she closed the baby gate), hardened (her "poor you" speech to Tucker), hopeful (saying the two of them could get Tuck baptized together now), and resolved (knowing Tucker was gone).
That mother/son story was set against another: George and his mom. At the start, this was one of the episode's lighter story lines, with Izzie accidentally revealing George's indiscretions while his mom was still thinking about baby clothes. But it turned into one of George's finer moments, realizing that he hasn't been making good decisions. I loved him saying he wants to go back to being the person Bailey named her son after; I hope he does.
Weirdly, the other story I loved was the continuation of Izzie's feud with Cristina. I think I say this every time it happens, but I love when Izzie gets to be a competent doctor. It seems odd to me that Izzie's recent flirtation with cardio would come after the episode with the bird man, but regardless, I like the truce between Alex and Izzie and the fact that Izzie could put her optimism to good medical use.
Some other thoughts:
- Are we ever going to find out why Alex is so damaged? I think this is the second time in less than a year that some woman has literally said the words "What happened to you?" to him. I'm surprised his voice chakra is the one that's black, given that his sharp tongue has never been lacking.
- Derek and Rose: feeling the spark yet? I can't say I am. It's interesting that Derek used the house plans as a test to see if Meredith would freak out — but of course she was going to freak out! Mere has never wanted the same things Derek does, so I'm not sure why he's had this sudden change of heart about waiting for her.
- Callie made me laugh more than anyone last night, both because of her sudden friendship with Hahn — "anyone who can out-drink me and still kick my ass at the dart board gets to call me Callie" — and because of her assertion that Elvis was at her wedding, but she's not so sure about God.
And, well, that's that — all we've got for now, and maybe all we'll get this season. But even if the season ended now, I'd still consider it an improvement over season three. What about you?
Photos copyright 2007 ABC, Inc.
Labour Of Love
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Chloe
It was a great episode about what working mothers have to go through. I hated how guilty her husband made her feel -- that isn't a partnership if one person is going to act like that. I hope that there are more episodes to come...
1I loved the little window into Alex, especially when the healer pointed out he got all glowy around Izzie, hee hee! Didn't like Chandra as narrator. Looks like George will be continuing his run through all the GA women (Lexie). I actually like Rose! But blech to McDreamy - annoyed me how when Meredith pointed out his lies about his wife underlay her trust issues he acted like it was wrong of her to bring that up.
2Meredith was right: Derek didn't want her, he wants someone who wants what he wants. That's the whole reason he brought out the house plans. He was tired of waiting, knew she'd freak out and then he could break up with her and he could go out with Rose. He was, after all, awfully quick to say "I can't do this anymore. It's over" (not verbatim).
3It was an alright episode...for some reason I was still left feeling unsatisfied....and no, I'm still not feeling Derek and Rose...I have a feeling that the relationship will go nowhere....it seems that Derek needs to be in a relationship....with anyone..he's like the girl who always says yes once someone shows interest.
My favourite part of the show is Izzie calling Christina a robot and Christina responding by actually doing the robot.
I read some gossip site that said that a major star is leaving the show...please let it be Izzie
4This is one of those episodes that made me really miss Dr. Burke.
I just don't like the part of Dr. Hahn...and the actress isn't "tempting" enough for me to understand the attention and attraction the Dr. Sloan is bestowing upon her.
As for the storyline...I loved it because it was Bailey-centric, and we can never have enough Dr. Bailey!!!
PS: Biz, I agree...let Izzie go...I wouldn't miss her at all!!!
5I really liked this episode. I agree it was pack full of lots of storylines and wish that the writers strike would be respolved soon so that I can see what happens next!
I was kind of feeling bad for big Tuck - until he wouldn't hold Miranda's hand. That almost broke my heart being a type A personality mother, wife and career woman and wanting it all like Bailey. The fact that it took the accident for her to realize what is important is something that really touches the heart!
6PS: I think it's really a shame what the writers did to George and Callie's love affair. When Callie first came onto the scene in Season 2, she was sincerely attracted to George...and it was nice seeing someone actually find in George what he wished Meredith saw...but now, that's completely fizzled...shameful, indeed.
7@tiabia ~ I can kind of see what Sloan sees in Hahn. She may not be terribly attractive or have a great personality but she's a challenge because she's cold and rude to him and refuses to go out with him (how many other women do you think would say no to McSteamy?). She's also ridiculously talented as a surgeon. These two characteristics make her rare, indeed.
8tiabia, I couldn't agree more...I loved the strong feisty woman she was and I really liked that they showed that such a strong woman could be attracted to George.
9Chandra is incredible- that woman can act. I hope she wouldn't think twice about leaving.
Her husband was such a jerk. They obviously agreed to him staying home at some point- so what is all of this 'poor me' now- I guess it gives him a story line-heh!
Could Katherine/Izzie be going now that she is a big 'movie star'? I actually wouldn't be surprised if George left.
Derek pissed me off so bad last night. Mer is the one with the issues???? I think she can thank Derek for a lot of them. Something about Rose annoys me- she really couldn't give a sh*t that he is preoccupied with someone else and just wants to jump him! Throwing house plans at Mer for 'their' house- that is a bit ridiculous for their relationship at that point and he knew it. Way to scare the girl off.
A lot of it is a bit ridiculous, but I have to say I miss my Grey's every week and can't wait till the strike is over.
10Dear Man Upstairs - Thank you for finally breaking up Derek and Meredith. Love, tlsgirl.
That said, I really liked the story lines in this episode. I was so glad that Bailey gave Tucker the "poor you" speech. He can't marry a surgeon and then get mad at her when she does her job. And I love that Izzie got to be a good doctor. I actually really like her character, so I'm hoping it's not her that goes. Maybe Meredith? That would make me happy. They could still call it Grey's Anatomy after all, since they have the nicer Grey sister as an intern. Wishful thinking...
11Am I the only one who thinks that Tucker was not being unreasonable in his feelings? Haven't we seen the same in long-suffering women whose spouses are never home, who have to take care of the household and the children without ever being thanked or even acknowledged? Of course I know how wonderful Bailey is and all of the things she does to help people (both patients and surgeons) but that can't be an easy situation for Tucker or for anyone.
12I was yelling at my tv "YES DEREK DUMP HER DUMP HER" when mer found out about the rose kiss. Those two are toxic. I am not really feeling rose either, she just doesnt have any oomph to me, boring, like a wall flower (pardon the pun)
I actually like the Dr. Hahn/ Sloan story. I mean she would have to be an idiot not to find him attractive, but she didnt get to where she is by canoodling at work. I think she said what she said last night because she felt sorry for him, that he thinks he can schmooze her and thats not the case. She is a "handsome" woman.
I think Christina needs to leave, i have nothing for her now that burke is gone.
13Great recap, Buzz. As always, Bailey was wonderful; Chandra Wilson is one incredible actress who deserves all awards that might come her way. I, too, was angry when "Big" Tuck refused to hold her hand; Bailey deserves so much better than what he seems to be able to offer. And, for once, I thought the same about Meredith, that she deserves so much more than what Derek is offering. Probably Rose does too, but she seems eager to take her chances. Maybe they'll be perfect for each other.
14My thought on the Alex and what happened to him storyline: From what the healer lady said, it sounds like Alex may have been either been a victim of domestic abuse or molestation. "It happened for such a long time."
15If this is the case, I wonder if it will surface when a young patient is admitted for these types of injuires and Alex becomes involved in the case?
Good episode!! I felt so bad for Bailey. I am soooo hoping that Alex and Izzie get back together. He always seems so happy with her. As far as Derek goes. I am done with him. He totally disgusted me how he acted like everything Meredith said was wrong. I mean come on....he kissed a different girl one day and wants to build a house with her the next and she isn't supposed to be mad? Oh then he goes right to Rose when Meredith is done with him. I have no respect for Rose either b/c she was so eager to take him up on his date when he just told her he was with Meredith. UGGGGGGHHHH!
16I think it was by far the best episode of the season. Chandra Wilson is a star, I've always thought so, but she proved it last night. As far as Derek and the nurse, I am looking forward to it, I am soooo over him and Meredith and the back and forward.
17AHH! It was so good!
My only "WTF" was when George's mom told him he needed an annulment. It pissed me off because I thought it was just an uneducated comment that perpetuates misunderstandings. And I don't think it added anything to the story line.
Other than that though, it was great. I like Mer better as the narrator, but I thought Bailey was fantastic in the episode. I was also in shock when he wouldn't hold her hand. I really do hope they work it out though. They're both at fault and the blame game never helped anyone.
I love Mer/Der, so I hope he gets past this Rose thing quickly. And I also HATED that he went immediately and asked her out. "Hey, my girlfriend just dumped me, so you're the first runner up! Wanna go to dinner?"
18Rose is lame-o. But so is McDreamy. Snooze. All the other characters, now they are what pulls the show together.
19how about christina not doing the surgery after hahn offered and holding little tuck's hand instead? even after her speech about how little tuck is just another trauma case, it seemed like she realized he was in the best hands with hahn and stayed holding his hand like she promised bailey. though few and far between, i love it when christina's "human" side peeks out.
as for derek, it would not at all be realistic that he could have a serious thing with rose after ending this forever-long relationship with meredith. she better be rebound and nothing more!
20i can understand tucker's feelings. it must be so hard for them both though. she has to do her job, which is a very important and time consuming one. he has to accept that, but it must be difficult to never have your wife around. so i feel for them both. it's a tough situation
omg alex! is he not like, the hottest ever right now? lol. i agree with maddyme, i think it might be child abuse. poor alex. no wonder he's so messed up. i love those damaged characters who don't know how to love anymore because they're scared. it's ok alex. you can run into my arms. haha. also, i think he's going to end up with izzie too
and i also like mere narrating the story more
21jlr32phl,
I LOVED that scene...and that's why I love Christina.
22i still can't really stand hahn, but i can kinda see why sloane would be attracted to her
i love cristina! i would never want her to leave. yes she's cold, and i wish they gave her more of a storyline, but when she shows her softer side, i think it's absolutely touching
23Alex was definitely some sort of child abuse. They admitted that much during one of season 2 or 3's episodes, when the kid came in b/c his alcoholic, abusive father had gotten road rage and gotten them into an accident. I definitely remember him identifying with the kid and trying to help him out by telling some of his own story.
24This show always makes me cry and last night was no diffrent. I agree though that this season even though it's been rudely interupted by the writers strike is bringing back a little bit of what was lost during the third season.
So am I the only one still holding out for an Izzie/Alex reunion?! I thought they were meant for each other from the beginning, and while Denny was a viable distraction, this whole George fiasco has just never sat right with me. I hope last night was foreshadowing that Izzie and George will cease being Faux-romantical and they'll both move on in better directions.
Also the whole Der/Mer drama is just so old. Normally I am down for a good dose of will they won't they dramz (actually I thrive on it), but in this case it's annoying. While I think they needed to have their relationship, I don't think it's one that would ever last. But on the other hand with them working together, I think it's vicious circle they'd never be able to get out of. I'm not sure Rose is the right move for McDreamy though either. Do these people ever date outside of the hospital?! So incestuous.
25I have a question: is there a set rule that you cannot be in operation room if the patient undergoing surgery is their immediate relative or something? Cuz I mean I guess I understand why Hahn wouldn't let Bailey in cuz her emotions could interrupt the success of the surgery and all but is it an actual legal rule?
and omg am I the only one that likes Rose and Derek together???
26I love love love rose!! her eyes just sparkle all the time and I think she's a pretty good actor and not annoying like meredith.
for the first time, i really felt christina was a real person, and i liked it. but its the whole christina learning from izzie/ izzie learning from christina...but now i have to wait a year for someone to tell hahn, um so izzie stole your transplant cause she cut her boyfriends wire.
george and his mother broke my heart. poor mrs o'malley...when she continued to knit the baby clothes..tear,
and is alex just the way he is cause his dad was a drunk...or are we anticipating really getting to know the story..that will inevietably be with izzie and alex together. even the healer said it.
which btw...i saw that the min they introduced the healer, knowing she woud cure tucker.
went out strong for a slow start...but this strike is really ruining my tv schedule!
27ps
tibia
i miss burke as well. he was such a strong and necessary charachter.
28i need to know why chandra hasn't gotten an emmy yet. dayum. i especially appreciated the fact that bailey did make gradual choices that she had to own up to. also, that the george thing was juxtaposed with that. well done, show. you will be missed.
29I miss Burke, too. I think one of the best ways they could perk up the series would if they had Burke come back to guest in at least two episodes. Wishful thinking, I know.
They really need to find a storyline for Christina's character. The whole Hahn-hates-her thing is not compelling because they never really address it head-on.
30Dr Bailey and Christina are key reasons I continue to watch this show. I have never really cared for McDreamy and Mer relationship. I did like the Addison and McSteamy bit
Chandra had better win an Emmy for this episode - I do not cry and I had tears in my eyes!!
I loved the scene when Christina offered to hold Tuck's hand.
As for Izze –I can only hope she leaves and soon. Dislike her character and interviews with the actress only make me question if it is the character or actress that is such a selfish you know what
31I am still a die hard Mer-Der fan even though both of them called it quits, AGAIN. Der is not over Mer and no amount of kisses and attention from Rose will make up for his longing for Mer. Rose is pure rebound material. If the writers push the McThorny storyline, I might puke.
Chandra Wilson acted her a** off last night. i felt badly for her character but oddly empathized with Tucker's plight as well. Its hard being a home maker with a distant/absent mate. Been there, still doing that!
Who was Tucker talking to on the phone during the crisis? Could he be in another relationship and using Bailey's career aspirations as an excuse for giving up?
It seems that Alex was abused as a child. I hope they develop that storyline and keep Rebecca away from him. I sort of like Alex and Izzie together. Gizzie, no thank you please.
Hahn & Sloan? Not convinced yet. At least her character thawed a little last night when she confessed to Sloan why she rebuffs his advances.
Shonda, give more storyline to Callie please!
I miss Burke. I miss Cristina's storyline with Burke. Shonda can you forgive Washington and bring back Burke!
I miss Mer narrations on the show.
32Did anyone else notice a bit of sparks between George and Lexie?
Please oh please oh please Izzie and Alex get back together!
33I thought it was funny when Derek defended his kiss with rose by basically saying "We were on a break!" I didn't like how he tried to lay all the blame on meredith. Anyway those two need to have a real break up. At least for awhile.
34Loved how Callie and Han bonded over their dislike of other people.
And I agree it would be great to see Izzie an Alex together again.
I just love the show-even watching re-runs- I actually bought the lst. season b/c I wasn't able to watch al the shows- sat for 4hrs or more w/out hardly moving! I hope they don't take it off the air like so many shows we have come to really look forward to watching!!!
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