Manning up on 'Grey's Anatomy'

March 22, 07:58 PM

Mark Sloan, you may have gathered, is not the altruistic type. I can't recall one thing the character has done in his time on Grey's Anatomy that hasn't been at least partly motivated by self-interest.

So it was tonight when he offered Meredith a chance to do a difficult bone graft as part of Jane Doe's facial reconstruction, thereby impressing the Chief with his teaching skills and scoring points right before his interview for chief resident with the hospital board.

The thing with that, though, is that he's right. Meredith has been insisting she's fine, and even if that stretches credulity out here in the real world, within the show she is, apparently, doing OK. Yet she's still getting the eggshell treatment from just about everyone else, including her boyfriend.

So even though he was just as interested in helping himself, you have to give Sloan credit for helping Meredith out a little bit. Not so much with his poaching of Bailey's "right now plan" line, of course. But the other attendings really shouldn't be surprised at anything he does at this point -- as noted in this space before, he is who he is.

That said, I don't think I'd want to work for the guy. Bailey for Chief! (Although, given that James Pickens Jr. has already reworked his contract for next season, I'm guessing we may not have a new Chief by May.)

As for tonight's other major plot thread, given how much last week's ending skeeved me out, the show handled the aftermath reasonably well. The wordless scene between the George and Izzie was very well-choreographed, and I really liked. George's line about not wanting to clear his conscience at Callie's expense. Clearly he wasn't trying to hurt his wife by going to Izzie's -- not like that, anyway -- and it seems like his heart is in the right place in not wanting to hurt her now.

Now, I don't believe for a second Izzie will be able to keep their secret for very long. It's going to come out, and I fear that, as well as things played out tonight, the show is still headed down a George-and-Izzie path, and I just don't want to play along with that.

I was also a little disappointed that Hector Elizondo was only in a couple of scenes tonight as Callie's -- excuse me, Calliope's -- father. There is quality comedy to be mined from George rubbing elbows with the Torreses, so let's bring on the in-laws for a sweeps episode, how 'bout?

And it's always nice seeing the underrated Catherine Dent from The Shield, though her role as the woman whose muscles were turning to bone must have been rough. It can't be fun to have to hold yourself still like that and still act.

Last thing: Are we headed for a Denny-Izzie sort of thing (minus the LVAD wire-cutting) with Karev and Jane Doe? Their interaction has been great, and Karev's previously stated family issues may motivate him to want to take care of her baby. I fear the guy's going to get crushed, though, when she regains her memory or someone comes looking for her.

If you were George, would you tell Callie? And is there any way Izzie keeps that in the vault?

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Comments (33)

Comments

Yippe me - I am the first post - hehe - Seriously though, for me - I am OVER the love scenes; any scene involving love, or sex or feelings on Grey's are just dumb anymore and make me wish my dvr would fast forward in time!!! The scenes about the race for Chief, Alex with Jane Doe and "meet the parent(s)" have been and were GREAT!!! I wish Shonda and the other head honchos on the show would read the message boards - they would see that we DON'T WANT a Geroge-Izzie romance/relationship!!! No No NO!!

Jason | Mar 23, 2007 5:37:23 AM | #

I find it hard to believe that after one drunken night Izzie loves George. I think she is just longing for someone and now that Alex isn't that someone she's turning her attention to George. George should tell Callie only because it would be better if she heard it from him and not someone else. The truth always comes out..only a matter of time.

Paul | Mar 23, 2007 6:37:46 AM | #

Wow. You people STILL confound me. Why all the hang up over Callie is BEYOND me. George and Izzie are PERFECT togther. What your problem with the pairing is, I will NEVER understand. Maybe you are not acutally with your Best Friend and are jealous.

I sure hope youd don't ruin it for those of us who appreciate the chemistry between TR and Catherine and love this VERY REAL love story.

Dave

Dave | Mar 23, 2007 7:09:17 AM | #

I totally agree with Dave. I always thougt that Izzie and George had great chemistry (shows what a good actor T.R. Knight is). I don't like George with Callie at all, she is nice and powerful, but they just don't seem to go together. She needs to be with someone else. I don't get it either, why everyone has this thing about best friends ending up together. It's very High School (perhaps that is the problem, the age of the posters?).

Sue | Mar 23, 2007 7:37:52 AM | #

Izzie is going to stay quiet up to a point and then find out she is pregnant, then George has to "man" up to Callie, it was her fault to start with. Not sure about Alex and Jane Doe yet.

Katrina | Mar 23, 2007 8:41:27 AM | #

If I were George, I wouldn't tell... but I think he should. While he regrets it and feels guilty, he clearly feels something for Izzie and that's what I like to call emotionally cheating.

I don't know, it might not be Izzie who spills. I'm not dropping to any conclusions on that end.

Seriously, the haters need to grow up. They don't speak for everyone, it's not their show and they don't get to dictate what happens, so get over it.

Jill | Mar 23, 2007 9:03:25 AM | #

Good episode. My only specific comment is that Izzy's speech to the daughter of the dying patient was infinitely better than her "I believe" speech from earlier this season. Also, I may be late to the bandwagon, but has anyone else heard Isiah Washington's real voice? Wow what a different. I guess that's great acting in itself.

Titleist | Mar 23, 2007 9:08:11 AM | #

What I like about an 'unlikely pairing' like George and Callie is that even though it may seem doomed, it may end up being only partially doomed or completely workable. That's how real life is. There aren't the happily-ever-afters. I like that Derek is falling apart over Meredith's near-death experience, whereas Meredith seemingly isn't. I think Izzie is still acting out, subconsciously trying to sabotage George's chance for happiness with Callie, out of anger from her loss of Denny, which is perfectly believable. People have been criticizing the 'new' Izzie, how she's changed so much, but I think that's perfectly appropriate, given what she's been through. If she hadn't changed, had just gone back to being the same old Izzie, I think I'd have a problem with that. I think Meredith's newfound confidence and inner peace is equally appropriate. Life changing experiences should change you in some way, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I like the way they're handling it. I honestly don't see a George and Izzie relationship in the offing. I think that's just a step in the evolution of both characters, much like when Meredith slept with George. Don't panic, people!

Siansonea | Mar 23, 2007 9:13:37 AM | #

George needs to decide if he loves Callie and if he wants to be married to her independent of his feelings for Izzie. I'm not on the George-and-Izzie bandwagon, but the scenes between them last night were great and I'd be OK with them exploring a (doomed?) relationship if all of their dealings were above-board.

Sloan may have stolen Bailey's words, but he -was- the only attending smart enough to seek her advice in the first place.

Cindy | Mar 23, 2007 9:46:47 AM | #

No Happily ever afters??? Much of a cynic??

I have a "Happily ever after" right now. Been happily married to my best friend for 7 years now. It IS out there.

Don't be cynical. Pull for George and Izzie!!!!

David | Mar 23, 2007 11:15:45 AM | #

To the man about "Happily Ever Afters...I too am happily married to my best friend, but I am not going to "pull for George and Izzie" because of that.

My reason: George is married! Doesn't it bother anyone that wanting Izzie with George is rooting for adultery?

Okay, so I know that's taking a moral stand about a TV show, but I think a show like Greys is so incredible that I like hoping for healthy marriages instead of failed ones.

Oh, and I happen to really like Callie...

Beth | Mar 23, 2007 1:03:21 PM | #

George and Callie are great! He is so guilty and this will eventually come out, but I hope for the sake of keeping some sense of reality for the show, that he stays with Callie. I mean, its already overboard with two interns, who happen to be best friends sleeping with attendings and that George has shagged Mere and Izzie. Let something good work. Clearly what Izzie needs isn't going to be found in George...bring in some new guy who isn't all that wonderful, build Izzie up into a strong wonderful woman, a good character, not an adultress, have her dump the putz and yay! we like Izzie again.

In conclusion, I really like Callie and it would be nice to see something work!

yummy | Mar 23, 2007 1:33:58 PM | #

I wish they make up their minds when George and Callie got together no one wanted them together... Now that we have kind of got use to their relationship...Here comes Izzie... I think Izzie needs some therapy she is a mess...

sabriny | Mar 23, 2007 1:56:02 PM | #

sabriny | Mar 23, 2007 1:56:20 PM | #

"Happily Ever Afters...I too am happily married to my best friend"

Saying it is one thing - actually doing it is another.

| Mar 23, 2007 2:10:23 PM | #

I thought last nights episode was great, a real step up from the near death story arch. I think that the way Meredith is handling her mother's death is very appropriate, and fits well with the Chiefs speech to Ellis. The George and Izzie relationship, i expected to hate, but especially during the linen closet scene, I really wanted something else to happen. And whoever it is that looks down on the adultery in their relationship, I ask, have you watched this show? Season 2 was essentially a big longing for adultery-fest. Thanks!

Liz | Mar 23, 2007 2:16:27 PM | #

Umm... Bailey is up for the *Chief Resident* position. This is not the same as the *Chief of Surgery* position, for which the attendings are vying. It doesn't matter whether James Pickens leaves or not (and I prefer NOT), because she's not eligible for his job!

Bear | Mar 23, 2007 2:28:11 PM | #

I'm not a huge George & Izzie fan, but why not explore that option... For those who worry the show promotes adultery-don't you think there's a problem with the show promoting running off & marrying someone you hardly know???
Seriously, it's a show!!! I too am married to my best friend for 13 years now... We love the show because it reflects real life drama most of the time...
People move on, make mistakes...doesn't make it right or wrong-it's TV!!!

Cheri | Mar 23, 2007 2:45:28 PM | #

Has anybody noticed that at one time or another, George has been upset with everybody!! Anyways, I really enjoy Izzie and Georges friendship so a relationship would be a big no no. I understand those of you who say this is a show so everything is acceptable, but Grey's is probably the best show on T.V so I don't want it to go way overboard. Some of the stories already are overboard, but not to the point where you say this is just stupid. (10000 more years of Grey!!!!!!!!)

Omar | Mar 23, 2007 5:55:20 PM | #

I'm definitely not rooting for the Izzie-George relationship. I enjoy Callie way too much for her to get hurt and have another weird vibe at SGH (Remember Derek-Meredith-Addison). Also, I'm I the only who thinks Alex is just so awesome!!! I hope that once Jane Doe gets well, he hooks up with her and take care of her baby. Maybe, this will help him resolve his issues with his his family in the past. Also, I've got my money that Derek is going to be the new chief but I'm also rooting for Preston.

Jenni | Mar 23, 2007 6:04:23 PM | #

I loved pre-Denny Izzie but this Izzie is getting on my last nerves. Her constant bitching towards Callie and her stupid baking, it's driving me insane! Despite Izzie, Season 3 has really developed George and he really is giving Meredith a run for her money. I actually prefer him to Meredith. He's definitely more relatable, be guy or girl, he has a conscious and has easily been the good guy even despite the Izzie-George hook up. Also, I just heard a character on Grey's will get killed off and let's us pray it isn't George or Karev. I'm starting to like him. If anybody, It should be Izzie. Don't get me wrong, I still like Izzie if only she would become the Season 1 and 2 Izzie. If not that, at least if something interesting would happen to her like her child visiting her or seeing her parents. Also, I'm on team Preston for Chief!!

John | Mar 23, 2007 6:15:29 PM | #

Don't forget, Calli slept with Sloan the last time she and George had a fight.

JJ | Mar 23, 2007 6:39:40 PM | #

When Callie slept with Sloan she and George had more than a fight. George dumped her. (After being manipulated by Izzy.)

wwashing | Mar 23, 2007 8:31:16 PM | #

George and Izzie? Give me a break. I'm actually getting tired of both of them. In that sense they are the perfect pair. The, I don't have a clue about anything, George, and the, it's all about me Izzy. what a waste of time. Callie should kick him to the curb what does she see in that little weakling?

cooper | Mar 24, 2007 11:09:23 AM | #

I'm just hoping that he doesn't tell Callie about this. Know that she's all loving him for "standing up" for them in front of her dad, It would be horrible for him to tell her! It's also a shame that so many of you are rooting for a broken marriage!! Callie and George should last. Also, the new name I've come up for Christina's old boyfriend is McOldy

Chris | Mar 24, 2007 1:17:04 PM | #