(S03E21) "There's no fish in my hoo-hoo, but it's certainly not an easy ride." - Meredith

At first I'm not sure I liked this episode and so I did something I don't usually do. I watched it again as soon as I was done viewing it the first time. After that? Wow. For all the naysayers that have been arguing that Grey's has become too soap opera-ish or has lost what it had in season one, this episode has to make you think otherwise. The writing, the intricacies of the plot lines, and the characterization really are still there. It's almost scary how well conceived this episode was because it sets up everything for the final installments of the season.

Something that I think had been lacking was the attention paid to certain characters. This was proof positive that decent chunks of time can be spent on everyone while still maintaining a balance over the course of a whole episode. So while the interns are studying, Weber can be pondering his future, Callie can be doubting her husband, Burke can be fixated on his wife-to-be, and Derek can be losing his focus on Meredith.

So then... where to start, because there really are a lot of things I want to talk about. I think first up is the Addison/Alex/Sloan/Ava angle. The one gripe I think I've had with this is something that Addison put her finger on. It's feeling like Denny Duquette all over again. Not necessarily because Alex is falling for Ava (he isn't), but because she's been a steady fixture in every episode. We need some new patients.

Moving on? Addisex. It finally happened and I know initially there had been some speculation that the idea was introduced and then scrapped since Kate Walsh was getting the spin-off. Well, it came back and was used perfectly as the catalyst for her temporary (or will it be permanent) exit. She wants more and neither Alex, nor Sloan, nor Seattle Grace seem to be giving her that.

She isn't the only one though. George's decision to transfer to Mercy West (that's the hospital Dr. Hahn works at), was definitely a surprise, but it makes good sense. He still feels a devotion to Callie and he knows he can't keep working with Izzie if he wants to save his marriage. When the chairman's wife told George "the wife always knows," the look on his face said it all. So the real question is does this fuel the speculation of TR Knight wanting off the show? It would in no way be the same if both Addison and George were gone, so I hope that isn't the case.

But where does Callie go from here? Sooner or later she has to figure out that George slept with Izzie. It wouldn't surprise me at all if she ends up back in bed with Sloan. With Addison gone and his reclamation of "man whore" status, he's going be looking for someone with a pulse.

While I enjoyed the Burke/Cristina wedding cake fiasco, it wasn't a huge source of conflict and they did both end up agreeing on the Red Velvet. So, happy ending. Not all around though. Derek and Meredith have finally hit the roadblock that seemed inevitable. They couldn't stay happy forever, right?

It seems like Weber's words from last week's episode have really gotten to Derek. He's been analyzing the relationship and now seems unsure that he wants to be in love with someone who may be suicidal. He still brings up a solid point though if you ask me. Why would someone who can swim, not swim? I'm actually happy with the way this has progressed because I could see myself making the same decision if I were in his shoes. So they're on the rocks now and I doubt Mer will be doing any more of her "communicating" from here on out.

Other thoughts:

• The candirú fish scares the hell outta me.
• Is just me or does Mitch Pileggi seem incredibly old since his days as Skinner on The X-Files?
• So is Weber staying or isn't he? After this episode, I get the impression he might stick around as chief. His whole reason for wanting to retire was family. Adele is gone now and he is still younger than retirement age. I like that he tried to make that argument about family to an unresponsive Bailey.
• I hate Sydney. She bugs me. Way too chipper.
• What the heck was so special about Callie's flash cards? When Cristina was looking at them, they seemed pretty run of the mill to me. Word on one side, definition on the other. That qualifies as "legendary?"
• I love that Izzie spilled to Preston.

So there we have it. Lots to digest (although not as much as Izzie with all that cake she ate), but it all flowed together so well. I had those few gripes, so I'll go with a 6 out 7. Next week is the Addison spin-off episode. 2 Hours! Don't make plans.