"Wishin' and Hopin'" - The race for the Chief's position is on, as the doctors compete for Richard's affections, a surgical patient endangers the lives of those around her, and Meredith's Alzheimer's-stricken mother, Ellis, experiences a change in her medical condition, on "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 (8:00-9:01 p.m., CT) on WFAA-TV.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Chandra Wilson / GREY’S ANATOMY – Dr. Miranda Bailey ABC

CHANDRA WILSON: Okay. Well, I’m sorry, Paul, I got your dress all wrinkled… First of all, it’s about those 10 cast members sitting over there, and the other one in rehab. I mean, y’all are just… [laughter] holding me together. I thank you so much, ‘cause we pull this thing off every week. I love you all for it.

Thank you, Shonda, for wanting me to do this role. Lord, bless your heart. And everything that you write for us, all those long things that you give me to say, do I have to keep saying all that stuff, those long paragraphs. Okay, thank you.

To… oh my goodness, my family here, Mikey, at home the girls. Thank you so much for going on this ride with me, for having an agent and a manager that have been with me 15 and 19 years, respectively. For holding on to me, thank you so much.

To – oh Lord – George Wolfe told me, “Look girl, you’re already talented or else you wouldn’t be in the room. So just go and do the work.” George said, “Just try to do the work every day.” And my friends, I feel you, so many wonderful friends I’m so lucky to have.

And last but not least, just to be able to take this thing home to my girls, in particular, and hold it in front of them and say, “Look, with this skin and this nose, and this height, and these arms,” you know, “I’m here!” Whoo! [applause/cheers]

Okay, I am not going to wax eloquent on much from last night because HOLY S***!! Marriage proposals!!!! WOW! I can't wait for next week. I have a feeling that neither Callie nor Cristina will say yes. Callie won't because she will think that George is asking for all the wrong reasons. And Cristina won't because, well, she is Cristina and marriage might make her look weak. However, she would love to be part of the Chief of Staff "team" if Burke gets it. But based on Richard getting rejected by his wife, I suspect he will be coming out of retirement rather quickly. What else does he have? But from the previews, maybe Richard is going to get a new girlfriend....Meredith's mom?

I was so happy that Cristina buckled and was willing to speak to Burke first = that was a great character building moment. Do you think that was the moment he decided he could marry her?

And OUCH, do they really slice people's legs like that. That seemed a little third-world medicine-doctorish.

What a friendship between the two Amish girls. I always admire friendships that are that real - that the friends actually love each other. I have a few friends I can say I actually love, but I don't know if they love me and would be there for me to the end. That is an awesome friendship.

Favorite quotes:

"From now on you can expect I am going to show up, even if I yell, even if you yell, I am always going to show up."

"Talking first is for losers."

TITLE: Enchantment
PERFORMER: Lily Frost
Burke has Derek and Meredith to a dinner party at his house and Cristina sits in the kitchen counter tossing cereal into her mouth and drinking wine from a bottle.

TITLE: Ships
PERFORMER: Umbrellas
Callie, Cristina and Richard operate on a patient. Derek yells at Meredith about telling Sloan about the chief. Bailey asks Burke for help. Izzie talks to Rachel about letting go of Jilly who is going to die of a disease.

TITLE: Love Show
PERFORMER: Skye
Addison invites Alex to a surgery. Meredith and Derek fight, but make up. Cristina and Burke make up. George and Callie make up.

When did entering a rehab facility become the mea culpa for all wrongdoing in Hollywood?

Every day someone is entering rehab or a "facility" to "heal". I agree that the likes of Mel and Isaiah need some guidance, but aren't they really just entering a program to appease the social groups who are raising the errors to a higher level in the media? Do you really think a 6-week stint in a facility ends a lifetime of racial or homophobic slurs and beliefs?

And what about all the stars who go into rehab because they party too much? Partying has always been a phase in young people's lives....not all young people.....and not to the degree the stars do it, but nonetheless, most college-going, social people have a phase at least. Does that mean they have a problem? Not necessarily, maybe some of them yes. I was relieved when Danny Devito just admitted he was drunk on The View and moved on.....I was waiting for the rehab announcement, but it never came.

Let's face it, they are probably ONLY doing these things to salvage a career....and the millions they face to lose. What do you think? Do you think they really want to "heal"?

Well, here's the latest on the continuing off-camera saga with the Grey's cast.
It appears Mr. Washington is going to counseling. An AP story Wednesday quoted the following statement from Washington: "With the support of my family and friends, I have begun counseling. I regard this as a necessary step toward understanding what I did and making sure it never happens again."
Washington (Burke) took a break from filming Tuesday and met with gay rights activists. 'Grey's' series creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes issued her own statement about Washington that both criticized his behavior and commended him for seeking help. An on-set quarrel last October with co-star
Patrick Dempsey started the mess that Washington is in now. He reportedly used the homophobic slur about TR Knight. Washington apologized
publicly, but the issue came up again at the Golden Globes when he said the word AGAIN.. to deny he said it the first time.

I love Justin Chambers just 'cuz he is the father of FIVE.....count 'em five kids....and he adores his wife.

"Great Expectations" - While rumors of the Chief's departure spread among the hospital staff, Bailey proposes the creation of a free clinic, and a Seattle Grace doctor receives a proposal of a different sort, on "Grey's Anatomy," THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 (8:00-9:01 p.m., CT) on WFAA-TV.

The Promo:

How many hankies?
I’d give this one a four-hankie out of five.
(Denny dying remains the perfect five-hankie episode.)
Fatherhood kept bubbling to the top for me.
We learned about Mark’s lost chance of being a father.
Alex admitted he didn’t really have a father.
We watched Meredith’s delicate dance to avoid her father… then saw her (reluctantly) reach out to him.
The crowning moment was letting Mr. O’Malley go. George summed it up in the conference room saying that the man on machines “isn’t Dad.” The background music contributed, but I think I cried a river during that whole sequence. Removing the tube. The hand-holding. The last kiss. The flatline on the monitor. I boo-hooed hard.
Can I get an ‘Amen!’ for Izzie?
I love the fact she decided she’s “both” a surgeon and someone who cares a lot about her patients. When Bailey told Izzie she wished Izzie had bought the girl’s surgery in order to scrub in… I was mortified. That just seemed wrong! Even for Sergeant Bailey! Maybe she was trying to protect Izzie from more heartache down the road. Maybe it’s something Bailey knows a thing or two about. Maybe denying that part of herself is a manner of protection, and it’s something she had to learn to keep doing her job, every day. Bailey was certainly emotionally invested in the O’Malley case, wasn’t she…?
Alex and Addison are an interesting pair. They’re cute. And HOT. I’m not seeing a long-term thing here, though. I think Addison is feeling (more) loss, and she’s reaching out. But I think Alex is the one who has real potential for heartbreak. His stammering in the surgery-viewing room told the whole story. He’s got it bad.
Thank goodness for ear plugs. People who last in relationships know that overlooking or learning to live with some (unpleasant) things is part of the deal. I’m kind of hoping, though, that the mundane daily life of Meredith and Derek doesn’t become part of the ongoing plotline. I am missing some of their chemistry and magic. Where are the butterflies and starry gazes? (By the way, I loved that Meredith actually took advice from her Dad.)
What is WITH Mark Sloan? Does he really FIT in this show anymore? He just seems like a cold, grumpy, self-centered, sex-crazed, condescending, narcissistic SOB! He’s not even good looking to me, anymore. I’m ready for something to materialize with him, or he should go back to New York. I am sort of feeling that way about Callie, too. Now that George’s father has passed away, I think George and Callie need to figure things out or move on. Of course, if you believe the previews… it looks like George and Callie will be spending A LOT of time together. What did George say to Izzie about depositing the check? “Gather ye rosebuds…” Guess he will be gathering his, too. I am really hoping for something more suitable for Callie to come up. (Pardon the pun.) I have never really bought into the whole Callie-thinks-George-is-her-McDreamy thing. Just hasn't been believable for me. But I LIKE Callie. And I LOVE George.
I'm really tired of Cristina and Burke. Grow up! Do you love each other or not? Do you just like to taunt and torture each other? I guess because I don't know anyone remotely like those two, I just cannot relate. I don't understand being mean to someone you supposedly love... even if both of you have egos the size of the universe. And I'll admit that some of the real-life behavior by actor Isaiah Washington is disturbing me. It's just not okay to say the word "faggot" -- much less use it in reference to someone -- even if you're DENYING, at the Golden Globes, that you said it in the first place. Uh-huh. Okay. Yeah. Whatever.
Can't wait for the next ALL NEW episode, though. I'm a Grey's junkie. I admit it.

So reality has set in for Derek and Meredith....snoring, beard stubble, bad breath.

I'm so glad Addison and Alex finally kissed. The two people I disliked for so many shows are now two of my favorite. Addison has really seemed to change Alex into a feeling, caring person. I predict a relationship which will get really serious and then have some major crash and burn...like a pregnancy that Alex doesn't want and Addison does want....kind of the reversal of her past situation. I'm also surprised that she confided her abortion secret to Callie - maybe sometimes its easier to confess a deep and dark secret to someone you AREN't that close to?

I love that Meredith is trying to find a piece of herself in her father. She wants so bad to not feel anything for him and is a little afraid, but ultimately, she does want to connect. My dad and I are so much alike...mean, hot tempered, dramatic, creative and we always find a way to argue with one another...how bad I don't want to see myself in him, and really it is a mirror-image!! It kills me.

We keep getting glimpses of Bailey's softer side. I am pretty convinced the reason she challenges Izzie so much on getting personally involved in cases is because she probably did the same when she was an intern. I think we saw that when we saw her struggle with dealing with George's dad. She doesn't want to see Izzie struggle with the emotional side of being a surgeon. Just a guess.

And of course, the whole Dad dying thing sucked and I just really tried to focus on the other stories since it was so sad! Interesting note though, that entire storyline was based on one of the writer's father...that was the dedication you saw at the end on of the show. Read more about it here if you like: http://www.greyswriters.com/2007/01/six_more_days_w.html . Cristina also showed her softer side tonight when she attempted to comfort George over the loss of his father....but notice the body language -- she has her arms crossed, still guarding herself. She never holds or hugs him.

So, I guess George is going to go from loss to loose next week since he has his dad's ordeal behind him....and can't wait for the last 5 minutes...hope the show lives up to the promos (it usually does!)

Favorite quotes:

"I did it. He was teasing me and he was bigger than me so I needed a stick to reach his face"

"There's a club, the dead dad's club and you can't be in it until you are in it."

"I don't how to exist in a world where my dad doesn't"

What does "Six Days" mean anyway - where did I miss that?

TITLE: Here It Goes Again (UK Surf Version)
PERFORMER: OK Go
LABEL: Capitol/ EMI

The song plays as Meredith and Derek bicker in bed after not getting much sleep. Izzie and George discuss Izzie's check.

TITLE: Fidelity
PERFORMER: Regina Spektor
LABEL: Sire Records
The song plays as Addison and Callie talk about Addison's choice to not have Mark's baby.

TITLE: The Way That I Am
PERFORMER: Ingrid Michaelson
LABEL: Cabin 24 Records
The song plays as Cristina complains about sleeping alone, and Meredith confesses she feels jealous of George's relationship with his dad. Cristina brings Burke his dinner.

TITLE: Love Will Tear Us Apart
PERFORMER: Susanna & The Magical Orchestra
LABEL: Rune Grammofone
The song plays as the O'Malley family makes a decision about George's dad.

TITLE: Falling Awake
PERFORMER: Gary Jules
LABEL: Down Up Down
The song plays as Burke, Cristina and Derek talk about Mr. o'Malley. His family is gathered around him in the hospital. George's friends wait in support of him.

TITLE: Life in Disguise
PERFORMER: The Slip
LABEL: Bar None
The song plays as Cristina consoles George, Alex and Addison spend time together., and Derek goes to sleep beside Meredith.

I'm sure you have been following the feud with Isaiah and T.R. and everyone else apparently. What do you think is going to happen?

Grey's won a Golden Globe for Best Television Series-Drama. Unfortunately, Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo did not win in their respective categories.

I'd forgotten how goooooooood Grey's is at creating those dark and twisty, uncomfortable situations. And isn't the girl with the back problem a perfect personification of that?
SO LET'S SEE... OUCH!
- Cristina in Burke's room after his surgery... They're not speaking in the beginning, but Cristina winds up on the couch in Burke's room. And they're STILL not speaking.
- Meredith's father ducking into the NICU to get an update on his baby granddaughter (Meredith's half-sister's baby) and Meredith is just standing there. Dumb struck. Frozen. I hurt for her.
- McSteamy has issues. I told you he was McSleazy... but now he's just McNasty. What's up with THAT? You know what I would do with his coffee???
- Callie's stare-down with McDreamy... Hey! Since when did he get such an attitude of being an almighty brain surgeon? That is NOT attractive.
MER-DER
I'm on the fence about the all-too-real-life situation of McSteamy and Meredith's sleeping situation. I sort of liked the romanticized version of their relationship. My husband and dog snore so loud the windows rattle. And the morning breath comment? Ewwww. I did laugh a little at Meredith's nose strip. Those things are so funny looking! As for their relationship, kudos to Meredith for being honest about having "abandonment issues." She's right. They have to find a happy medium if they're going to survive. And it made me wonder... Did McSteamy have sleeping problems with Addison?
GEORGE AND CALLIE
The scene in George's Dad's hospital room was just cute and gross all at once. George and Callie dancing a jig over "130 cc's" of bright, shiny, yellow PEE that came from his Dad was just goofy, but it led to the sweetest kiss. Like I said. Cute and gross. I have hope for them.
BAILEY, BAILEY, BAILEY
Boy, I missed my weekly dose of Bailey. I seriously think I'm having Bailey-envy... almost as though my life is missing out on those with Baileyesque qualities. Sometimes, I just want to BE her. Can't explain it. Can't help it. I'm a fan. I digress.
IZZIE AND THE 8 MIL
So, she finally deposited the crumpled, mustard stained check! Thank goodness! I had to laugh when Bailey scolded her for missing out on "all that interest!" It seems fairly certain what Izzie will spend the money on... Uh. The girl's surgery... you think?
ADDISON AND ALEX
Oh, just KISS already! They seem kind of cute together. How perfect is it that my two favorite former villians are pining for each other. And we're CHEERING for them. We need a new coupling to root for, anyway.
UNTIL NEXT TIME
I used to hate the words "To Be Continued" at the end of a show. But I have to admit, I am so happy that Grey's Anatomy is back on, I don't care. It means MORE episodes are coming! What do you think is going to happen? Tell us!

"Lonely Hearts Still Beat The Same" / The Research
"Passion Play" / William Fitzsimmons
"Beggars Prayer (demo)" / Emiliana Torrini
"Rest Of My Life" / Michelle Featherstone
"Love Will Come Through" / Travis

From ABC.com

This week's episode features two bands from the U.K. -- the always gorgeous Travis and cool new act called The Research, a troubadour from Pennsylvania with a mighty Myspace presence (William Fitzsimmons), and Michelle Featherstone- a female vocalist from Los Angeles who performs a bit at The Hotel Café. Continuing our international theme, Emiliana Torrini (Iceland/UK) created a spine-tingling track with Grey's Anatomy in mind. Look out for "Beggars Prayer" in the episode. In other news, and thanks so much to all of you who have the soundtracks, we got nominated for a Grammy for Grey's Anatomy Soundtrack Volume 2. So wish us luck on February 7th&

- Alexandra Patsavas, Music Supervisor

Addison and Alex...I love it!!!
Meredith and Derek happy. Will Meredith's snoring drive him away?
Izzie finds closure.
George and Callie together?
Yang still obsessed with Burke's hand
Mean McSteamy.

Hands down, my favorite part was Addison and Alex heading toward a kiss. Alex has really transformed into the most sensitive, sexy guy and McSteamy has managed to drive them together. I can't wait to see where this goes. I see a baby in their future.

Izzie's struggle with depositing that check is a delay in her final goodbye and an acknowledgement of closure that she really wasn't ready to do. Now that she has done it, I think we will see the new Izzie emerge.

I love that we discover that Derek can't sleep with Meredith because of her snoring, but he didn't want her to know so he slept elsewhere and set an alarm and then returned to bed before she woke up. That is the sweetest thing. When my husband snores, I just kick him until he stops, or yell at him or curse him in the morning for
my loss of sleep and then blame him for making me yell because I am so tired! And why does it bother people so much that they snore? It's not something you can control, but it totally bothers people when someone tells them they snore. I used to have a friend that snored incredibly loud, but if you mentioned it, he would lose it. Strange. It's not a character flaw is it?

McSteamy isn't even cute anymore because he is so damn mean. I am curious where his story is going to go...looks like we might need another female interest for him somewhere along the way.

My favorite quote:

"Can you just deposit the damn thing already"

What do you all think? Will Alex and Addison ever kiss? Will Callie and George get back together? Is snoring going to be an issue for Derek? Will Cristina and Burke resolve their issues?

Looks like the Jan 11th new show will be a two parter called "Six Days"....here is the synopsis:

Part 1 of 2. After a successful heart operation, George's father (George Dzundza) undergoes cancer surgery; Thatcher Grey (Jeff Perry) visits the hospital to see his new granddaughter; and Meredith discovers that Derek isn't a sound sleeper.

Finally - a peek at what's coming January 11th!
More to come, I promise...
In the meantime, view the promo here: