Grey’s Anatomy: Push

The latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy finds our gang venturing into new territory, both at work and at home.  I knew that the dynamic between Richard and Derek would pose problems, and that’s what happens when Derek must choose between two surgical approaches for a very sick woman.  Owen advocates a bold course of action while Richard prefers a more cautions gameplan.  Both Richard and Owen submit proposals to Derek, who ultimately sides with Owen.  Richard accuses Derek of choosing the method that he personally would use in that situation, and says that a good Chief does not substitute his own judgment for that of his surgeons.

Although his method was not selected, Richard still gets to be a hero when Owen calls him into the surgery to help with an unanticipated complication.  He’s still one of the most brilliant doctors at Seattle Grace, Chief or not.  It’s funny to watch the interaction between him and the others, because they still defer to him, forgetting that he’s not in charge anymore.  I think Derek will end up being a good Chief; he just has to learn to manage the interpersonal dynamics better.  From scolding Mark about bedding nurses to keeping the interns in line, Derek seems more like a parent than Chief sometimes.

Another theme from last week’s episode was moving on from the old and opening yourself up to the new.  Bailey and her hottie anesthesiologist Ben are actually dating, and it’s funny to watch her give up the control she’s used to wielding around the hospital.  Callie convinced her that sex might be a possibility since the third date is coming up, and this sends Bailey into an absolute tizzy involving failed waxing and condom pilfering.  When it comes time to lay the cards on the table with her new beau, Bailey reverts back into boss mode, lecturing him about whether or not he should be expecting them to take it to the next level on the third date.  Ben astutely points out that she’s used to people fearing her and thus keeping quiet, but that he’s not afraid of her and won’t allow her to talk AT him rather than TO him.  This was a huge breakthrough for Bailey and I think Ben is just the kind of man she needs – one that can take charge and put her in her place if she needs it.

Mark is also looking for the right romantic balance in his life.  After his heart to heart with Callie last week he knows he wants a woman who is looking for a serious relationship with the possibility of starting a family.  Arizona has convinced Teddy to give Mark a whirl because he’s always up for a commitment-free good time, not realizing that Mark has actually turned over a new leaf.  Teddy assumes Mark is good for a roll in the hay but he lets her know he’s seeking something more real and substantial.  The episode closes with them agreeing to go on a date and really get to know each other to see if there’s a potential connection.  Of course nothing at Seattle Grace remains a secret for long, and Lexie hears through the grapevine that Mark is putting the moves on Teddy.  She dismisses it as Mark just trying to add another notch to his bedpost, but she eventually learns from Alex that Mark is actually serious about getting to know Teddy and seeing if they can form something real.  This crushes Lexie because it proves that he is really moving on in a meaningful way.  Here’s what’s really interesting though: it looks like Owen might be a little jealous too.  He made a big show of professing his love for Cristina and rejecting Teddy, but I began suspecting last week that he might have some residual feelings there.  Sure enough, when he finds out Mark is taking an interest in Teddy, he doesn’t like it.  He claims it’s because Teddy is a friend and Mark is a womanizer (certainly plausible), but Meredith isn’t buying it and calls him out.  She threatens that there will basically be hell to pay if he hurts her.

The episode ended with Lexie crying and Bailey and Ben smooching.  Strange new emotions for two different characters, proving that you never know what’s next on this great show.   Stay tuned!

For another opinion on this episode, check out Battle of the Surgeons by Allison Toner.

Season 6, Episodes 17: Push (originally aired March 11, 2010)

For more Grey’s Anatomy, click here.

Thursdays 9/8c on ABC

Photographs courtesy of ABC and IMDbPro.