ariaadagio: Episode Commentary Addendum: Piece of my Heart

ariaadagio (

ariaadagio) wrote,
@ 2008-05-02 07:14:00

Current mood:	tired
Entry tags:	episode commentary, grey's anatomy, musing

Episode Commentary Addendum: Piece of my Heart
Food for discussion.

So, I'm kind of shocked, after reading around on various threads, that my reaction to the episode seems to be so far afield of what most people think.

I thought there was plenty of movement. There was quite a bit of showing, not telling, which I appreciated. You can't have every episode have lightning-fast movement and changes and dramatic moments for every character, or the whole thing becomes monotonous. Isn't that the major complaint from the previous long dreg of episodes? Too much is centered around shocking moments instead of steady character building? Steady character building is what we got tonight, and I was thrilled. I liked that we got hints and lovely tidbits, some display of forward movement without the handholding that explained every little thing. The biggest thing I'm taking away from this episode is...

1. Meredith knows Derek is not perfect
2. Derek admits that he feels like he has to be perfect for Meredith

That is a huge admission. Huge. They are actually starting to analyze the guts of why they fell apart instead of just taking potshots and ignoring things. If that's not a major thing for this pair, I don't know what is, because they've certainly never been this self-aware before. It's always been, "I'm miserable, and you're not fixing it!" with them.

I guess maybe I am thinking about this almost entirely as a writer. I saw things. I liked what they did. I liked the subtleties. And I love that Shonda actually seems to be lining up the bricks for a stable foundation instead of just another shoddy pile of relationship refuse.

Am I wrong? Right? Completely crazy? Do tell!

(Post a new comment)

	boofadil 2008-05-02 11:26 am UTC (link)
	You're definitely not the only one. (Reply to this)

shalia74
2008-05-02 11:46 am UTC (link)

I completly agree with you. I'd much prefer having some slow character building than crazy shocking moments like the suicidal Mer ferry thing, Gizzie and so on...It was nice and what needs to happen for them to have good fondation.

I think Derek thinks he has to be perfect for Mer so he won't loose her. His wife knew him well and still cheated on him...It has to leave some after effects on him.

And Mer knows he is not perfect. Now she needs to make him see he doesn't have to be perfect for her.

And Derek Christopher Shepherd...I was so happy to learn something new about him...high time to get something more than what he said in s1...although I got used to Michael in fics so I was surprised at the Christopher...

(Reply to this)

sharipep
2008-05-02 12:34 pm UTC (link)

I'm still partly skeptical... just cuz I've been burned so bad in the past...

but I liked it too. Could have done without that God awfully tactless and classless remark Rose made to Addy in surgery, of course, but whatever. LOL

I have been dying for this show to really stop paying the Derek-as-martyr card and last night I really got hope for the first time that it might actually happen. He's *not* perfect, he has issues too, and I wanna get to the bottom of them.

I'm thinking this Mer/Der reunion could be really emotionally magnificent if it's done right.

On an aside, I love that the writers are hinting at Alex/Izzie again. I love those two together and I'm beginning to think even more, with them and Mer/Der . . . dare I say Grey's is (maybe) really *back*?

(Reply to this)(Thread)

ariaadagio
2008-05-02 12:48 pm UTC (link)

Something I read recently that made my jaw drop. In 'Grey's Anatomy': Ready to Love Again?, the EW cover story,

We've already seen Meredith begin to consult with a psychiatrist (Amy Madigan); who's to say that Derek couldn't use a little therapeutic intervention of his own? ''Derek has a lot of crap he hasn't brought to the table yet,'' warns Rhimes. ''I mean, he is the man who never told Meredith he had a wife.''

This made me all gooey inside. It's the first time I've ever heard Shonda reference Derek like this. It gives me immense hope that we'll be seeing some more dimensions to him soon.

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

(Anonymous)
2008-05-02 01:33 pm UTC (link)

I just read that article too and it's the best news ever it gives me hope for the last 3 episodes but also for season 5 I was so afraid that they were going to put them back together and forget about all the issues (kind of like mark and Derek friendship) admitting that Derek has problems will make him more human and likable. This episode made me feel a little better about Derek too, during the last few episodes I felt like he dumped Meredith for rose because he thinks rose is perfect and wants what he wants...which I thought was selfish but in this episode we clearly see that he only wants her to feel better about himself (someone who worships him) which makes rose a lot more tolerable(and more pathetic) than before. Also I think at first Shonda wanted to make rose the perfect woman who nobody could hate but seeing people's response to her and the dropping in the rating she realized she couldn't do it and now is just mocking her.
Lili

(Reply to this)(Parent)

sharipep
2008-05-02 06:01 pm UTC (link)

yeah I agree, when I read that too it made me all gooey inside also. It really made me happy. Like, REALLY. And excited. And for the first time since last fall, I DVR'd Grey's and actually watched it live. Not only haven't I done that since the fall, I haven't WANTED to do it since the fall either.

Now if only we could get one of the characters on the *show* to call Derek on his less-than-perfectness, I'd be a happy camper. Seriously. Anyone. Preferably Derek himself. In the form of an apology. To Meredith.

(Reply to this)(Parent)

	maigray 2008-05-02 12:56 pm UTC (link)
	I was happy with the episode as well. I did think there were a lot of awkward moments that I thought were more difficult than funny to watch. But other than that, I have no major complaints. (Reply to this)

tracyhodgkins
2008-05-02 01:03 pm UTC (link)

No, you are very definitely not the only one. I really loved the episode. It was funny and poignant, with little moments of annoying and sweetness as well, in short, everything I would expect from Grey's.

I was prepared - No, I expected to hate Addison coming back. Instead, I really enjoyed it. At first I thought the hugging thing was weird, but in thinking about it, it was just sort of Addison but amplified, if that makes sense.

I actually got Izzie this episode. Yes, me!

I think what some people want with Meredith and Derek is the destination, not the journey. They want them back together yesterday. I think Shonda made a mistake in giving away that they will be back together at season end. I think if she'd said nothing, people would clearly see the growth that is obviously going on. Personally, I loved the way they were this episode. Meredith actually spoke to the therapist, sought her out no less. Derek admitted he feels like he has to be perfect for Meredith. In a sense that made everything make sense to me, the breaking down of McDreamy to illustrate that he isn't perfect, that he is flawed and vulnerable, but that he is trying so hard not to be seen that way. Make sense???

It was a bit weird hearing Derek and Meredith using each other's titles, but I get it. It feels as if they are seeing each other as people for the first time, not just the people they sleep with, and not as the source of their problems. Somehow they seemed more connected in this episode than they have for ages.

Other than them, I wish George would grow up. He is starting to grate on me. I feel sorry for Cristina. Hahn just seems to be being petty now and is bullying her. I'd quite like Cristina to tell her where to go, but I can't see that happening. I would get it if Hahn was trying to teach Cristina something i.e. 'You might have had Burke eating out of your hand but it won't work with me.' Instead she's picking on Cristina because Cristina reminds her of herself. Childish. I can't warm to Hahn at all. There is just something about her.

I think Alex has got himself a bunny boiler. Ava is just odd.

I want to hug Bailey. No, actually I want Derek to hug Bailey.

Loved the scene in the elevator. Derek's expression was priceless! Oh, and Addison's slip up in the O.R. Embarrassing for her, but brilliant, just a shame Rose had a response. Six dates? Is that all? Mind you, if Derek says Rose is lovely enough he might just convince himself. In about a million years.

Sorry to have gone on a lot (again). Just tell me to shut up.

(Reply to this)

(Anonymous)
2008-05-02 01:15 pm UTC (link)

I have to say, this episode definitely got my hopes up. The last one didn't really touch me and I had no desire to watch it again. This one...I can't wait to see again.

Things I loved:
1. Mer/Der spending a lot of time together.
2. Mer ranting to her psychiatrist.
3. Derek admitting that he feels like he has to be perfect around Mer.
4. Both Mer and Der admitting that they got their hopes up (and the hand stroking, of course)
5. Izzie's storyline (I know, unbelievable).
6. Alex's internal battle...I'm so sorry that he's going to get hurt by that b*tch Rebecca.

Things I hated:
1. Hahn
2. Addison telling Meredith not to let Derek go.
3. Rose's comment in the surgery (ewwww).
4. Interns.

But the most important part is that I was touched by the episode. I had tears in my eyes despite watching the episode in a school computer room and I feel invested again.

G_H

(Reply to this)

sillysun22
2008-05-02 02:16 pm UTC (link)

I definitely felt, after this episode, that they're building to a REAL fix - not a quick and easy one. And that's a huge relief.

I loved Addison telling Meredith not to screw things up, and I hated Rose for that ridiculous comment she made. She's supposed to be so 'lovely' and 'mature' - the comment was neither.

Favorite moment, though, for pure comedic value: The elevator scene, especially with Mark's comment to Derek.

(Reply to this)

meredithq
2008-05-02 03:01 pm UTC (link)

I also really liked the episode. And I agree with you - there was more movement than we've seen in awhile, but it was very subtle. I get the feeling that the reason some are disappointed with the episode is that they were hoping Derek would have broken things off with Rose and that he and Meredith would be declaring their love for each other by now. But I'm glad that didn't happen.

I thought Derek's comment to Addie about Meredith "expecting greatness" was very telling. Obviously he wasn't talking only about the clinical trial. Same goes for when he told Meredith not to get her hopes up, and not to get too emotionally attached. But I loved that even though Meredith told her therapist that she is not a hopeful person, at the end she told Derek that she DID get her hopes up. So Derek does know her after all. I also liked that they are both worried about the same thing (both wanting to hope, but afraid to hurt each other).

The one thing that grated on me was Addison's speech to Meredith. It was just a little to retro for me. "Are you going to let him get away?" - Excuse me? He's the one that lied to Meredith (again) and then dumped her for that "doe-eyed little thing." But I guess I understand why Addison would say that. I think she has always really liked Meredith and that, deep down, she knows Meredith and Derek are right for each other.

Oh, and I loved the subtlety of the ending scene with Meredith watching Derek comfort Jennifer. As much as I have been hating Derek lately, I liked that this episode we got to see him being all dreamy with the patients - telling Phillip to tell Jennifer that he didn't want her to be alone, and then the hug at the end.

(Reply to this)

	(Anonymous) 2008-05-02 03:40 pm UTC (link)
	I watched it again and I loved the scene where meredith tells Derek it was a pleasure working with him it just shows that meredith doesn't expect greatness from Derek she just wants him to try his best I hope Derek will realize it too. lili (Reply to this)

depressed?
(Anonymous)
2008-05-02 06:45 pm UTC (link)

really enjoy reading all your comments...

I have a feeling that derek is depressed deep inside. in the 12 and now the 13 he seems a little bit off sometimes not like usual... I just watch again his scene with addison and when he's talking about the trial and being in darkness I think he also means himself.... Now with this article where shonda is stating that derek need to see a shrink ... that's great for me as he will be a real mac dreamy: a man with good aspects but also flaws like everybody, not so perfect but so real!
Do you see that also?
Last point : is it me or we see more of Izzie???? She has more screentime than before? I tought that after the 12 and same after 13? Do you see that as well?
Wonder if it is to please KH who wanted to live the show?????

(Reply to this)

hiddenxharmony
2008-05-02 07:35 pm UTC (link)

I completely agree in full.

Last night's episode was a step - a small step, but a step nonetheless. I finally feel like Shonda might be going in the right direction, maybe? We saw Derek's doubt in himself and the need to be something he doesn't have to be, and we saw Meredith seeing him and their relationship as a whole rather clearly. And we got that lovely handshake at then end, and there's no sex and no ignoring the important crap, just the two of them getting to know each other again, and maybe discovering that they already knew more than they thought they did.

I sort of loved it. Damn you, Shonda, for making me hope.

(Reply to this)

dermerfan
2008-05-02 08:16 pm UTC (link)

No, you're definitely not alone. I'm really loving the slow build. And I'm really looking forward to seeing it all come together and knowing that it WILL is making the ride more enjoyable for me...I think in the past I've always been on edge because I knew the second there was trouble, that would be it and we would be back to the awful back and forth ping pong game with them. Knowing that Shonda is going to get them together and that all of this is leading to that has me really interested and really intriqued as to how it's all going to happen and what lies ahead for them next season with that being done and them really being a couple "for good."

I read that EW article earlier and seriously thought about sending it to you because I thought of you as soon as I read the whole "Derek has a lot of crap he hasn't brought to the table yet" comment. I know how many times you have said you wish his background would be explored more...And even Patrick mentioned in an interview awhile back he thinks Derek should go to therapy WITH Mer. I would LOVE for Amy Madigan to stay on and for them to explore these things together!

(Reply to this)

	(Anonymous) 2008-05-03 03:53 am UTC (link)
	Nope not crazy...loved it too. But, I am happy that Shonda spoiled the end...cause her..I DON'T trust. Quick professional handshake to open the show.... Lingering thumb-love from Derek to end it... Speaks volumes to me about the fact that something has moved forward in this episode. (Reply to this)

from New Yorker
(Anonymous)
2008-05-03 10:41 pm UTC (link)

This was the first episode since the fall where I went back and watched it a second time. Except for Ava/Rebecca and Rose's awful line in the OR with Addie, I loved it - the small moments, the looks, the scene in the elevator, and of course Derek stroking Mer's hand.

What I loved most was that they have started to show the more human side of Derek but in a truly compassionate way, especially in the scene when he was talking to Addie and in the last scenes with Meredith.

I have thought for a long time that the biggest problem with Rose wasn't that she came between Meredith and Derek, it was that she made him look so mean-spirited and almost cruel to Meredith, even though I think the writers' intent with Rose was to use her to show the more "human" side of Derek. I think the writers have realized how much this backfired and in this episode they started to show that they can make Derek human without destroying McDreamy in the process. As one who can't wait for them to be together, I thought this episode was a very solid first step towards their having a terrific reunion.

I also want to add that when I watched the scene with Derek and Addie, I thought "the show has caught up with fanfiction". As I have posted before, what I love about LST is how wonderfully and compassionately you have shown the complete and whole Meredith and Derek. Maybe they read LST during the strike.

Regarding the negativity on the boards, I think people have been much more positive on McGrey's and Grey's Anatomy Insider than TWoP. I've been trying to be positive on TWoP but gave up yesterday.

(Reply to this)

(Anonymous)
2008-05-04 05:18 am UTC (link)

While for some reason I liked last week's ep a little bit more(I don't know why) I thought this was a great episode! I loved Addison being back, and I enjoyed her interaction with all of the characters, especially Meredith. I loved Meredith being excited about the clinical trial, and the moment she and Derek had at the end. I also loved Cristina and the whole group at lunch, and of course the priceless elevator scene. While Rose's single line was vomit inducing, I enjoyed seeing less of her than last week. Overall I thought it was great except for the Ava and Callie/Hahn parts. I've never liked Ava, and have wished she would go away since last season. I also don't like how Callie and Hahn are acting like they're in high school with the way they treat Cristina, and I find this potential romance between them a bit contrived. Still though, I think Grey's is definitely back!

(Reply to this)

carsonfiles
2008-05-04 08:49 pm UTC (link)

A quick fix would be what we saw early in S3, and would be another house of cards. I have really enjoyed these past two episodes in a way I haven't enjoyed Grey's since, um, maybe since Mer on Morphine. Early season 3, anyway. They've gotten back to the good storytelling that made Grey's what it was. It wasn't a show based on Giant! Momentous! Events!--it was based on the lives of these surgeons. And while the events happened, they weren't the motivator of the show, the people were. Mer & Derek got together in S1, which was huge, but it was just their life. Now, Alex thinks Ava is pregnant, which is huge, but it was presented as just life, not so much a DUN, DUN, DUN! moment.

I haven't read anyone's comments but yours, but you're right & everyone else is wrong. (tongue firmly planted in cheek)

(Reply to this)

	(Anonymous) 2008-05-05 04:51 pm UTC (link)
	Liked it. Though, compared to last epi where I came away cheering Meredith on, this one left me a little sad. I think both Derek and Meredith are realizing that they can be themselves with each other, warts and all....they do not have to be what they think the other wants or needs (Reply to this)

from New Yorker/spoiler warning
(Anonymous)
2008-05-06 12:29 pm UTC (link)

Hope you don't mind my posting this Aria - it's for people who didn't see it on TWoP.

from the Boston Herald:

Patrick Dempsey, aka “Grey’s Anatomy’s” Dr. McDreamy, and his onscreen love, Meredith Grey, aka Everett homegal Ellen Pompeo, “will definitely” tie the knot next season in the ABC drama.

My first thought when I read this was gee, I hope it's as good as LST!

I am assuming PD was told this by Shonda - I don't think he would be saying something of this magnitude if it wasn't true.

(Reply to this)

Mini Sitemap:

Username:		Create an Account Forgot your login? Login w/ OpenID
Password:
	Remember Me
	English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…