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« Grey's Anatomy

Episode Recap: The Becoming

“It was not a good day,” according to Dr. Wyatt (Amy Madigan), but I’m inclined to disagree. While Meredith may be fooling herself into thinking she can accept that “Derek is with Rose,” Derek clearly got a dose of reality when he slept with Rose and found himself only thinking about Meredith. Cleary these two are meant to be together, but I have to admit, the longing and anticipation is driving me crazy! In truth though, the angst also creates some of my favorite moments. When Derek stood in the hospital hallway between Rose and Meredith, and in essence, chose to “spend the night” with Meredith at the hospital rather than go home with Rose, I was melting. That was until Meredith advised him to leave anyway, but Derek did return with a bottle of champagne and a beautiful monologue about celebrating when they “finally get it right.” True, he was talking about when they finally succeed at treating a clinical patient, but I think we all know what he really meant. My heart is aflutter.

Mark on the other hand, ran the gamut of emotions. First, he learns that his hospital trysts have finally landed him in hot water with the arrival of the new “date-and-tell” policy. Then he chases down Rose to ask her for her help regarding his reputation and ends up morphing into McNasty, yelling at her and saying, “I hate girls like you…really you’re just afraid that once you give it up, he’ll lose interest.” Such harsh words coming out of such an otherwise sexy mouth, but then I guess this behavior was more in line with the type of things Mark might have said when he first landed at Seattle Grace. Maybe it’s just me, but lately he did seem to be a more jovial and light-hearted version of the guy we first came to know. Fortunately, it seems Mark does have a heart, as he looked genuinely melancholic by the end of the night. And major props to Bailey for putting him (and everyone else) in their place, by acknowledging that he is a whore and that they don’t need a policy to know better: “Let us all close our knees and get back to our jobs…and help people…”

George gets funny points for tonight for doing such an awesome job of being the Chief’s “made-up” intern. The way he ran around with those policy forms was impressive, despite being deemed the “brown-nosing perv.” In a related highlight, it was also funny to see Lexie’s reaction to Alex forgetting that they had once slept together. Ouch!

On a different note, seeing Cristina break down tonight was interesting. As soon as she opted to spend the day in the morgue, it was clear she was not handling the news well about Burke’s award. In fact, when she stared singing Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” song, I wasn’t sure where things were going to end up, but I did enjoy the nasty look she gave Lexie when she tried to sing along. Cristina also had a very powerful monologue at the end of tonight’s episode, when she explained to the Chief how frustrating it was that Burke’s award failed to credit her for all of the help she had given him. In more succinct words she said it best when she admitted, “It’s not difficult, it’s unbearable and I do not wish him well.”

Meanwhile, Izzie had to fight back the urge to break the patient/doctor confidentiality agreement and let Alex know that Ava/Rebecca really isn’t with child. Indeed, Alex seemed genuinely jazzed by the idea of Ava moving in with him temporarily at Mer’s house and by the end of tonight, he was definitely beefing up his kids’ skills. Now I’m eager now to see how this storyline plays out. Just how far does Ava plan to take this lie and when will she finally get caught?

On a sadder note, it was tough watching Mer’s clinical patient, Darren (Benny Ciaramello); spend his last living moments at odds with his military boyfriend, Todd (Dave Giuntoli). At the very least, I was glad to see Darren’s dad acknowledge Todd at the end and the tender kiss Todd place on Darren’s lips was certainly bittersweet.

And last, but not least, it’s still not clear where Erica’s heart lies. When Callie finally told Erica that Addison had suspected them of engaging in a lesbian relationship, the two seemed to laugh at the idea…only to have an awkward silence follow. All I can say is, hopefully next week will pick up right where this week left off.

Catch clips and full episodes of Grey's Anatomy in our Online Video Guide!


Posted by Erin Lulevitch
May 8, 2008 11:48 PM
SUCH a GOOD episode!!
It was amazing. But I work at a hospital, and NO WAY would they ever require the employees to fill out such a form, and the doctor would just lose priveldges at said hospital, if he couldn't leave it in his pants and their were complaints. But I LOVED the whole thing. I knew the gay soldier was doomed, but it was a sweet story line, albeit akward!
I can't wait for Mere and Derek to get back together!
Who wasn't expecting Erika to kiss Callie at the end??
It was fun to watch Alex with the kids, mainly because I KNOW in real life, he has a house FULL of children and loves them!!
It wasn't a good day for Meredith, but it was a great episode!!
Posted by pamela439
May 9, 2008 1:23 AM
AS A GAY MAN
IT WAS SO SAD,SO TRUE TO WATCH THAT SCENE OF REJECTION
I CANT BELIEVE WE R STILL LIVING THOSE TIMES
THE GOODBYE KISS,WAS JUST SO HARD
AMAZING EPISODE
I LOVE MEREDITH
I DONT KNOW WHY BUT I DONT HATE ROSE
Posted by Marco M
May 9, 2008 1:25 AM
Well, for me, while the scene with the champagne was nice, it also totally disgusted me. I hope he showered before he came to see Mer. There is no such thing as soulmate on Grey's. Mer at least never slept with Finn, the one she was in a relationship with, the one she was supposed to move on with: because she loved Derek. No soulmate anymore. I'm really sad.
Posted by Liz86000
May 9, 2008 3:22 AM
while I liked the overall storyline tonight, I thought the writing was exceptionally poor. just awkward. Christina's speech at the end was particularly cringeworthy (though her acting, as usual, was superb).

Bailey was looking hot! loving the sassy new 'do.

I wished that the kiss between the soldiers had been a bit more tender instead of looking like it was meant to shock the audience. it seemed more like gay porn to me than a sweet and desperate loving kiss. and please, nobody take this the wrong way because I am the biggest faghag on the planet.

what happened to Amy Madigan? she looks about 100! hello? sunscreen? we have a 911 emergency at Seattle Grace.

OK, last year-ish there was an ep when Hahn made a point of telling Xtina that she only sleeps with men and she wouldn't be able to get ahead that way with Hahn. are they suddenly changing Hahn's orientation now? talk about a ratings ploy. this show is on a slow decline and picking up speed.
Posted by wheezy
May 9, 2008 3:23 AM
"Who wasn't expecting Erika to kiss Callie at the end??"

I was expecting a kiss at the end.

I for some reason can not stand Christina anymore. She just gets on my nerves. The actess is a good actress I just can't stand the character. She used to be so funny to watch.

I can't believe that Derek slept with Rose. I can't blame him in a way. It is Meredith that can't make up her mind and decide that Derek is who she wants and gets past her commitment problems. I understand that she didn't have a stabile childhood but Derek has given her chances. I don't blame him for moving on with his life. I do hope that Meredith comes around and wakes up that she wants him in her life soon. I can't wait till they get back together.
Posted by tbrady12fan
May 9, 2008 8:31 AM
Well, Shonda, after Grey's started it's disastrous slide which began with the ferry accident that turned Meredith into a popcicle this time last year, it seems like this batch of episodes has finally gotten things back on track. Thank you. It's good to enjoy your show again.

On Shonda's podcast she mentioned this episode clocked in at 62 minutes and they ended up cutting 20 minutes for it's network showing. Even though she said the extended version will probably be on the DVD's, I'm really curious as to what story lines got cut. I wonder if they cut a little out of every story line or if a whole story thread was cut? Guess I'll have to wait until the DVD's come out.......
Posted by Kailess
May 9, 2008 9:13 AM
THE BEST EPISODE OF THE SEASON.

Finally its all coming together and the way the writers "geniuses" are developing the characters is just a work of art.

I love the fact that Mer-Der is showing signs of reconciliation but at the same time they're not throwing it all on us at once because lets be real, their problems are not the type that can be fixed in one episode.

KUDOS to Christina. That was some of the finest acting I have seen from her in a while. As for McSteamy all I can say is "I love you for who you are". Dr. Bailey said it best, yoy all knew who he was and you still chose to sleep with him. McSteamy has never hid the fact that he "loves" the ladies, why should he be blamed for the nurses not taking responsibility for their actions.

As for Dr. Bailey,,WOW,,still as strong as ever, even in her weak moments. Can't wait to see how her storyline plays out.

As for ROSE, i think she feels Derek slipping away and is trying to hang on to him, which is why she slept with him. BIG MISTAKE for her. We all know, as well as she, where his heart lies.

Lexie, Alex, good supporting roles last night. THe Izzie/George pairing needs to dissolve. HORRIBLE way to ruin a great friendship but anyhow.. my award for the night goes to CHRISTINA. Way to go SANDRA OH. For I too "do not wish him well"
Posted by grey-cian
May 9, 2008 9:44 AM
I realize probably 90-95% of GA viewers want Mer/Der back together but I'm over them "so over them" the thrill is gone. I also want to say I think Derek has issues as well as Meredith. he seems IMO incapable of not being without a woman. He left Addison came to Seattle and promptly hooked up with Meredith strung addison along while still "flirting" with meredith but accusing her of being a slut because she was involved with other men. I have to give him credit last night though for his admission to sloan about who's the bigger "who**. again I know I'm in the minority but I kind of like Rose and I feel bad that Derek will "dump' her when he and meredith get back together just as he "dumped" Addi and went back to meredith after giving Addi the impression he was willing to reconcile and work on their marriage.

Sandra Oh was fantastic last night and she's actually not a bad singer she's no madonna LOL but not bad.
Posted by Dee Bee
May 9, 2008 9:48 AM
Someone go fetch Sandra Oh and Emmy right now. She was most impressive in this episode. Form when she hilariously starting singing "Like A Virgin" (was I the only singing along?)in the most inappropriate place, to her revelations of how Christina really feels, she was on her game tonight.
Posted by piggylady
May 9, 2008 9:57 AM
Hahn is not gay. She's just awkward and not adept at making friends. This whole mess with McSteamy is gonna force him to grow up and pursue a real relationship. Callie isn't it!! She's just looking for someone to validate her after being dumped by George and mistaken for a lesbian. Sloan and Hahn would make a great couple, but he definently has to prove to her he's changed for the better. Yay for the Chief and Adele. I love their scenes together. Why didn't you mention them in the blog? God Rose is in for a rude awakening. Poor doe eyed thing! Bailey and Christina were awesome as well. I can't believe Bailey's hubby is dating already.
Posted by yolanda6
May 9, 2008 10:04 AM
I don't think Hahn is gay. I think what she said tonight is the truth - she doesn't make friends well, and just when she thought she'd made one, she discovered she's one of those jackass women who disappear once they have a boyfriend (I hate it when my girlfriends do this with a passion). It explains her eagerness to be with Callie, her disappoinment and sadness when Callie ran off with Mark and stopped seing Hahn, and the awkwardness at the end of last night. I wasn't expecting a kiss at all, I could feel how awkward they felt.

I liked the conversation between Meredith and her trial patient when she said that she was thinking it was hard, and he asked her which part, and she said "The whole part." I know not everyone likes her, but I thought she was very likeable in her interactions with her patient.

I hope Cristina starts getting her edge back. No wonder Hahn doesn't like her, with her always wanting to please her. The Cristina from the beginning of the show never would have looked so hard for approval. Maybe after the catharsis of this episode, she'll start stepping up again and taking charge. Sandra Oh deserves every accolade she's been given, she always does so well with her material.
Posted by Dianora
May 9, 2008 10:19 AM
Aw, what a great ep!

Marco...I know why you like Rose: She's beautiful and kind and not a selfish emotional basket case! (not saying Mer always is...when she's able to step outside her pity party, like tonight, and focus on others, she's quite endearing)

"Oh" my gosh (groan, right?) Christina! I thought her speech at the end was incredible and insightful. "I was his hands, and now I'm lucky if I get to hold a clamp....unbearable" Whether or not it's true, it was so classic Christina how her emotionality was not so much about mourning the relationship, but more about mourning her change of status, and ability to excel in surgeries as before.

And lastly...Alex! Someone help him, please! Ava/Rebecca is the one I can't stand, not Rose!
Posted by mkbluebonnets
May 9, 2008 10:50 AM
I don't know if Mer's shrink was being unprofessional with the whole "get over it" speech or if this was just another casualty of the writer's strike. I pesonally think that this was just something else that had to be sped along at warp speed due to the writer's strike. Especially when she said that Mer's insurance paid for only 12 sessions - was this an inside joke about how many episodes therapy and Derek & Rose were supposed to have lasted?

LOVED Bailey's speech at the end. I am really surprised that no one objected to the sexual history with other co-workers. I mean, seriously? I have seen a lot of over-the-top lawsuits in my day, but this "policy" just seemed so far out there. I wish that they would have shown one person objecting.

I am sooooo over the Alex/Jane Doe/Ava/Rebecca storyline. Can we just get that one over with already? We know she's not pregnant so can we nip this in the bud? I mean, seriously? Also, where did that woman go last night? Izzie was trying to get a hold of her, so you would think that Alex could have at least tried to get in contact with his not-so-much-baby-mama for the sake of their "baby's health" and her health.

Can we just progress on the Callie-Hahn storyline? I really don't hope that they try to set these two up, but if the writers are hellbent on setting these two up, can we do it sooner rather than later?

Speaking of Hahn, can I just say that I love that she tried to bond with Christina yesterday? It was her way of trying to lighten up on Christina and I loved how Christina was so fazed by Burke she couldn't be bothered to notice. Sandra Oh plays "broken" a lot more effectively that our dear Ellen Pompeo. Just IMHO. =)

All-in-all, a good episode. Seems like a standard filler ep for when Grey's was in its prime.
Posted by pixiedarling
May 9, 2008 10:54 AM
I'm going to have to differ slightly with some of you -- I think Hahn and/or Callie are gay or bisexual. I would LOVE for those two to have a relationship. I think they're good together. However, if only one of them ends up being written as a gay character, it'll be Callie. Why? The lady does protest a wee bit too much. LOL!! It's not uncommon to realize that you're gay/bi later on in life. You first have to come to terms with it and you try everything to prove (to yourself & others) that you're not. But I would love for GA to explore Hahn & Callie. We'll see!

Once again, Bailey ROCKS!! How awesome is Chandra Wilson?? Oodles of awesome! Not to be left behind, amazing performance by Sandra Oh! I'm SO with Cristina on this one! You go girl!!

As for the Chief's policy...well, it was WAY unrealistic! I would've refused to sign it, period! But it provided some comic relief for George, Bailey (even though she was singled out) and even ex-Mrs Chief! Always great to see Loretta Devine!!

As for Mer/Der -- well, they were very cute. WHen Derek said "look at me", I did melt a little. And while I'm a bit tired of the tug of war those two have, I'm rooting for them! Maybe Meredith realized that she needs to act before u lose the one you love -- like it happened to the soldier. Beautiful storyline and I KNEW the minute the soldier walked in the room. Wasn't that guy Dave from Real World or Road Rules?? He looks VERY familiar!
Posted by ERSVULuvr
May 9, 2008 11:40 AM
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