Ask Matt Column: My Q about the Grey's Anatomy Premiere

Question: Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Grey's Anatomy premiere? I thought it was one of the most well-rounded episodes they have had in a long time. Loved the premise of the five stages of grief; the structure reminded me of that episode of Lost when the losties catch up with the other survivors. I first wanted to mention the standout performance of Sara Ramirez. Having followed her since Broadway, I know what a great actress she is onstage, but she really blew me away. Callie is kind of like the middle child that people forget about, but when something big happens, she's the one that seems to know what to do, even when she's in such grief. I think the most powerful scene was when she i.d.'d George and you felt the emotion just by watching her reaction in silence. Loved the confrontation with the Chief, also good were the scenes with Callie, Lexie and Mark. I think I like the idea of Mark and Lexie across the hall. I also wanted to say how much I loved the scenes with Owen and Cristina. The therapy sessions were very well done. I loved how the second session was constructed and made you think they were having a private conversation, then the camera pans and shows you that they are in a session with Dr. Wyatt. Kevin McKidd and Sandra Oh can deliver an amazing scene even with little or no words spoken. Both are just amazing to watch. Pretty much all the characters had high points. I loved the use of multiple voice-overs at the end, It will be interesting to see how everyone fares by the end of the season. Thoughts?—Maya

Matt Roush: For me, it was one of premiere week’s most deservedly successful openers. Devoting two hours to putting George to rest paid the character and actor proper respect, and as you said, gave much of the ensemble a chance to shine (although Callie’s third go-round of hysterics may have gone a bit too far for my taste, and the laughing at the funeral became overdone, not unusual for this show). The mix of sorrow with humor kept the emotion of it all from becoming too maudling, and I liked the way the episode also weaved in what’s going to be one of the season’s biggest stories: the impending merger with Mercy West and how that will shake up the status quo for each of these doctors. Even when Grey’s drives you crazy, it’s still one of TV’s most enjoyable series.