In a lot of ways, Thatcher Grey has had more of a lasting affect on Meredith than her mother ever did. Granted, Meredith is following in her mother’s footsteps, they have much more in common, and a much deeper bond. But, Mer is known for living la vida “dark and twisty,” and I think her father had a lot more to do with it than her mother. Making the decision she made tonight proves that she is truly beginning to change.
I’ve never really gotten that, though. Ellis Grey was, as far has I’ve always been able to tell, pretty damn horrible to her daughter. Sure, there were good moments, but they seemed to be the exception to the rule. Her father just wasn’t there. An objective observer would find good reason for him to leave his wife. He was, for the most part, a good father to his new family. Well, except for the whole alcoholic thing.
But Thatcher’s leaving made her a bitter person. It was more than just not accepting him as a part of her life, despite what she said, it was about hating him. This is what defined her, more so than her mother’s influence, more so than her friendships, and more so than the substitute father the Chief always tried to be. Thatcher was, by default, the man in her life, until she finally, truly, and completely accepted Derek into that role. A decision that continues to make her a better woman.
Other stuff:
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Oct 08, 2009 @ 23:53 EST5EDT
I miss Nash Bridges. Sigh…..
Lol, as a general rule you should never eat dinner while watching a medical show. It will inevitably turn out poorly.
I liked the scene where Meredith told her father she never knew what it was like to have a father, but she does know what it’s like to have a sister, and it’s good.
I’m also glad they didn’t drag out Callie having to beg for her job back. The Chief has made a string of poor decisions and treated his staff like crap for a long time now and it’s his fault his hospital is falling apart. At least he was smart enough to see that Callie is a fantastic surgeon and vital towards rebuilding Seattle Grace.
If there’s no one on cardiac rotation for Cristina to be working with….who’s doing any/all the heart surgeries that come into the hospital? Who’s evaluating patients to make sure their heart is strong enough for other surgeries like penis implants?
I’m glad you pointed out the same question I had: Why the heck is Hunt doing cancer surgery? Isn’t he a trauma surgeon? And the whole cardiac thing mentioned by Caroline is a good point as well.
I want to say I was SO proud of Bailey for refusing to lie for Lexie/Thatcher – I love that she always tries to do the right thing. Her whispered command to Meredith on the operating table was awesome as well, although, it’s not as if Meredith hasn’t been on “death’s doorstep” many times before on the show…
*POST AUTHOR*
Caroline: I would need to go back and rewatch to be sure, but I thought Cristina was speaking to the fact that there was no longer a world renowned cardio cutter heading the department, and that she was recieving a lesser education because of that.
Just because we haven’t focused on whomever is running the department doesn’t mean that they’re not out there, like Shadow Sheppard, toiling along in the background.