Grey's Anatomy Column

"Name of the Game" - April 2nd, 2006

It's like the writers heard me, or something.

I think I like George. No, I don't love George and I'm not up to the fanatic stage, but I will say he's growing on me. After what seemed like episodes upon episodes of George AND Meredith being depressed, angered, and avoiding each other, something significant (I think) finally happened. Praise the day!

Just as I began to voice more and more how I felt about George and the childish behavior on his part, the writers finally gave him the start of a backbone. Everyone I've talked to does not like Torres! Awe, why not? I personally don't think she's all that and a bag of chips- but George does and that's the important part. I could almost feel his pain when Izzie and the other would make unkind comments about her. Sure, I can understand what they're saying, but we outsiders and our feelings have no bearing whatsoever. If George honestly likes her (which I hope he does; a rebound would make things even worse, if that's possible) then he should go for it and be happy. Which he did- yay! It's almost like seeing a man emerge from a boy. He's gaining more confidence and is losing his social awkwardness. One thing Meredith DID do for him is show him that in life, you must grow up fast. My hunch is he never had such a “real world” experience be so traumatizing for him. Thank goodness he's starting to put that all behind him and seek company with the “unique” doctor that lives in the basement of the hospital. At least they have homelessness in common now. Well, hey, I wouldn't pick her either, but at least George is starting to go in the right direction.

This episode, “Name of the Game” seemed to be all about turnaround. Firstly, I can't even imagine the pain that the various patients in this episode seemed to feel. Something was slipping through their fingers (for instance, a daughter or brain power, in two of the cases). Again, Alex's brassiness and painful honesty were the focus. But it brings up an interesting question. Who's right? I think it all depends on each person. But I still back my man Alex up (I know, I know…what can I say? I like Alex. Sue me.) I personally believe it is the doctor's job to not sugar-coat anything in terms of the patient. But when family gets involved, well, that should probably be the patient's choice. I think that in the end, Alex will be a good doctor; but, I believe he will have more problems and bumps in the road than everyone else because of his strong will.

I'll be honest. I thought Bailey's storyline this episode was just about unnecessary. I liked how they showed her maternal instinct and how she can be soft (maybe brought about by having her child), but I think it goes completely against her character to bring those personal issues and paranoia to work. Sure, she's a person just like the rest of us, but she's always been sold as such a boulder and now she's becoming gravel…her thoughts are scattered in a million different places. Maybe she's just having a moment and she'll eventually pull through.

Poor Meredith. I do root for her. I want her to come out on top. I can't imagine the stress and trauma that would come from discovering an unknown family. I now have a better picture of just how isolated she was from her father- she didn't even have a clue that he'd established a new life. Didn't this incident with her father kind of mirror her issue with Derek? A huge, covered up secret was revealed and Meredith's life is completely spun on its axis. Now we are getting a better understanding into the George situation as well- it's no wonder this event and others unfortunate incidents happened to her- all dealing with men. It's clear now that she's never had a good man in her life for very long. Maybe it's for the better to give up men, as she did. At least the first step is recognizing you have a problem. But…holy cow, did you see that vet? You might want to rethink that life of celibacy, Meredith.

Again, George's conversation with Thatcher Grey was one that I think will be considered historic in the future when looking back at the marvel of Grey's Anatomy. I believe George now realizes that the issues that have fallen into Meredith's lap are larger than first estimated. His kind words about Meredith only go to prove that no matter what happens he will never be over her. However, I see a hint of a friendship emerging. That seems grand on the surface, but wouldn't that just cause more pain for the both of them? Watching old episodes from season 1, I realized how friendly the interns were towards each other (mostly) and I think the realization is that we will never see that again. But honestly, isn't that life?

Pairing Christina and the Chief up for some comic relief is not something I'd ever think of, but then again the GA writers are far more brilliant that I could ever hope to be. A laugh every once and a while on this show is really a vital and inspired element. Oh, and I totally did not see the naked Christina scene coming. But judging by their reactions, neither did George or Burke. I guess that's one way to kick a roommate out.

So now, after what I considered an enjoyable and insightful episode, we are left in suspense over many things, actually. However my first concern is this so-called vet. Or rather, McDreamy competition. I would like to think that no one would ever take McDreamy's place (at least no one will in my heart), but Meredith is a different story. Maybe McVet will show McDreamy that he lost something special. However, based on the suspense mode viewers have been in over the past, uh, I don't know….show history(!) I really doubt that our emotional and probably unhealthy relationship with these characters will be resolved any time soon. And for the record however, I do NOT have a problem looking (or rather, staring/drooling) at McVet. Just in case there was any confusion.

-Until next time.

Read past reviews:
"Superstition" - Episode 20 - April 2nd, 2006
"What have I done to Deserve this?" - Episode 19 - February 26th, 2006