The two characters who have been conspicuously absent in the last few weeks of Grey's Anatomy (each taking a step back to focus on other things - Ellen had a baby and Katherine is filming a movie), have finally returned. It's only her first day back from a liver donation surgery and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) is already overwhelmed with the drama. Izzie (Katherine Heigl), who has been incommunicado after getting fired from Seattle Grace, calls Meredith up and asks her to meet her at the hospital. It turns out that Izzie has been staying with her mom in Chehalis, Washington, a revelation that pisses everyone off because they have been so worried about, including poor Alex (Justin Chambers).
Izzie not exactly there for a homecoming, instead she brings her high school science teacher, Dr. Singer, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She believes there is a bigger problem at work, but one that can be fixed. After numerous tests, it is revealed that all Singer needs is a shunt in his spine, an easy surgery for Derek (Patrick Dempsey), but one that Singer cannot afford. Izzie takes it to the Chief (James Pickens, Jr.), threatening to go to the press and the Board if the Chief does not sign off on the pro-bono surgery because she gave the hospital millions of dollars to help them establish the clinic. He has no choice.
After weeks of Christina (Sandra Oh) moaning and groaning about not getting difficult surgeries, Owen (Kevin McKidd), has a surprise for her...He's found her a new cardiothoracic attending - a doctor friend that he served with in Iraq, Dr. Teddy Altman, who just so happens to also be a very attractive woman (Kim Raver of 24 and Lipstick Jungle fame). Christina is not so impressed as she has never heard of a Dr. Altman, and she doesn't know how to do simple procedures. Altman has a lot to teach Christina though, and does it with grace; allowing her to assist on a new surgery that Christina has never done before. Altman does appear to be a "cardio god" after all and a great person to boot. It looks like she will be sticking around for a while, especially after she reveals her unrequited love for Owen, and is disappointed (to say the least) when she finds out that he is dating Christina (A fact that Jackson (Jesse Williams) isn't too fond of either because he is clearly developing a crush on the elusive Dr. Yang).
Meanwhile, the Chief is having problems. His wife thinks he is having an affair with Bailey (Chandra Wilson), who quickly squashes that thought. So he's not having an affair, but he hasn't been the same since the merger and Bailey finds out that he clipped the bile duct of a patient during an emergency surgery, which is one of the worst mistakes a general surgeon can make. Luckily, the patient's yellow skin throws up a warning flag and they catch it in time to repair it with no complications. Nonetheless, the Chief takes a step back from surgery, and it is revealed that he has fallen off the wagon; drinking vodka instead of club soda at the bar. No one knows, but it is clear that Derek and Meredith have some growing suspicions.
So will Izzie stick around (especially after Alex says he will never forgive her for not giving him the benefit of a doubt)? What will happen with Yang and Owen now that Teddy and Jackson have been thrown into the mix? And What's going to happen to the Chief? Tune in next week for more guest stars, tortuous
relationships, and drama on Grey's Anatomy on ABC - Thursdays at 9/8c.
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