All you Plant-haters, rejoice! Rose is being phased out of the series! Here is the scoop from Kristin at E! Online...

Is there going to be a resolution with Meredith and Derek? I don't know if I can take much more back and forth. Seriously! I'm hearing that yes, there is a Mer-Der resolution before the season ends—praise Shonda!—and it looks as though they're heading for outright coupledom, but of course, it won't happen right away. Sources tell me that Derek and Rose are on a special (brain surgery, of course) hospital case for quite some time together when the show returns, and DeRose get pretty cozy, however their romantic connection won't survive the season, as sources tell me that Lauren Stamile (Rose) is being phased out of the show.

Here's the scoop from our God herself, Shonda Rhimes via the always amazing TV Guide. Needless to say? These five/six episodes are going to ROCK. (Yes, the following is written by Shonda Rhimes.)

I like to call these five upcoming episodes: Grey's Anatomy, Season 4, Part 2. Because for us, for the stories, it really does feel like a whole separate season. I came back to work after the strike with a whole new purpose, a new dedication. And a sense of hope. My best friend, Oprah...OK, in my head, she's my best friend, but in reality she barely knows me. But, secretly, I like to pretend I'm Gayle King because Gayle is the person who makes Oprah laugh, and who doesn't want to be the one to do that? Also, I secretly wanna be Angelina Jolie. Because of the babies and the Brad and the fabulousness, but I don't have the legs...I lost my point.
My point is that Oprah would say I have renewed my spirit or something very sage like that. For me, that means I'm starting to enjoy this again. Really enjoy this. Feel the rich possibilities. So this season - Grey's Anatomy, Season 4, Part 2 - is the season of hope. For Meredith and Derek. For Izzie. For George. For Bailey. For Callie. Hopeful things are happening. Meredith and Derek are going to get together for good. That's right. FOR GOOD. Now, if you think I'm going to tell you how it will happen, you're crazy. 'Cause it is yummy stuff. It is special. I spent a lot of nights lying in bed awake thinking about this. These characters are my friends. They are people I know well who happen to live inside my head. I worry about their shortcomings and I celebrate their victories and I so, so want them to be happy. But more than happy, I want them to be brave. These episodes about about bravery. No ferry boats crash, no bombs explode. No one we love dies. But still, Meredith and Derek getting together - how they get together - is about bravery.
Alex is going to have to be brave, too. Because things are coming to a head with the woman we know as Ava/Jane Doe/Rebecca. And when it is over, he's never going to be the same. Cristina's struggling with the loss of Burke and what that means for her surgical career. She's going to do some things we have never seen Cristina Yang do. Izzie's already been through hell, and she's coming out the other side. George is growing up, becoming the man worthy of having Bailey's son named after him. Callie, Erica, and Mark are going to go through some changes that might surprise you. Bailey struggles to fix her marriage. The Chief makes a play for the woman he loves.
A lot happens in these five episodes.
And it all ends with a kiss. A good kiss. A great kiss. A kiss so good it makes us lean into our televisions. A kiss we never saw coming. Oh, it's a major kiss. As Derek would tell us, "I'm all about the kissing. More kissing, I say." It's that kind of a kiss.
I can't tell you who's going to be doing the kissing. That's not how I roll. You'll just have to watch and see.

Why Part One? Because Part Two will be the press release announcing the finale. But, just in case some of you skeptics do not believe Mike Ausiello at TVGuide (and I understand that, despite your best efforts to say I don't), here is the official press release from ABC stating the two-hour finale.

ABC Entertainment announces special two-hour finales of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Lost." The "Grey's Anatomy" finale airs Thursday, May 22 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), and the "Lost" finale airs Thursday, May 29 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. This marks an additional hour for each show this season, for a total of 17 hours for "Grey's Anatomy" and 14 hours for "Lost." (*Editor's note: "Lost" will be pre-empted on May 22 due to the "Grey's Anatomy" finale.)

"Grey's Anatomy" returns with original episodes on Thursday, April 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), and "Lost" returns with originals that night as well, when it moves to its new 10:00 p.m. time slot.

...And we all have the creators of Lost to thank. This is AWESOME news! Here's the scoop from the one and only Michael Ausiello at TVGuide.com.

I can now confirm what I first teased earlier this week: Team Darlton has sealed a deal with ABC to bring us an extra hour of Lost this season.

But there's a twist.

Lost isn't the only ABC hit experiencing an unexpected growth spurt. Sources confirm to me exclusively that Grey's Anatomy will also expand its season by an hour — and it has Lost to thank!

Allow me to explain. With a 14th hour of Lost now a done deal, the show's finale will swell to three hours. But, in what can only be described as an unorthodox scheduling move, the first hour of that finale will air on May 15, and then we have to wait two weeks — until May 29 — to get the last two hours! That's right, no Lost on May 22.

Why?

Apparently, Darlton convinced ABC that the final two hours had to air together. And with the finales of Grey's and Ugly Betty already slated for May 22 at 8 and 9 pm respectively, ABC really had no other choice than to sked Lost's two-hour exit for May 29. That, in turn, created a hole on May 22 at 10 pm — hence the net's decision to tack an extra hour onto the Grey's finale.

So...who really knows what to believe anymore. Honestly, we're probably just going to have to wait for some official word out of ABC, but so far, the rumors are spreading that the return date for Grey's is somewhere between the middle of April, to the last Thursday in April (the 24th), to as late as May 1st. Here's the lowdown:

• People are thinking the middle of April could be the return date because CSI: is supposed to return as early as the first or second week of April, and it's hard to believe that ABC will give CBS "freebie Thursdays" until May.
• In Shonda's new Grey Matter post today, she states that because of the incredibly long process it takes to put episodes together, the return date will be the end of April (the 24th).
• And then May 1st could also be the return date, as Kristin at E! Online appears to have a rough schedule for Thursday nights.

Uh-oh. Watch out MerDer fans and Rose-haters. Patrick Dempsey has spoken out about the show's creative direction and the Meredith/Derek/Rose relationships. "Dempsey is actually happy about the development, saying that he feels 'encouraged' that someone new has come into to his character's life. 'It will make the storylines more interesting and compelling,' Dempsey told the New York Post. 'Last season [season three] was boring to do. Enough is enough already. It's time for the writers to go back and take a look at things and find some new paths for these characters. It was too repetitive for me.'" But he's not hopeful for Meredith and Derek's relationship. "'You would think that they would work through their difficulties and move forward. Meredith needs to get healthy. That's an interesting thing to explore with her character. Does he stand by her while she goes through that? Or do they work through their problems alone? Shonda Rhimes is very clear on what she wants to do but not clear on what the actors are going to do.'" Nonetheless, "'The opportunities that the cast is getting are certainly because of the show's success,' he said. 'As long as [Grey's Anatomy] continues, we'll stay with it.'"
So, there you have it. Meredith and Derek's future is pretty much all up in the air, Patrick Dempsey's getting excited about his role again, and Rose may just stick around longer than you want her to...

Here's the scoop from Ausiello at TVGuide.com...

You mentioned a while back that George's mom was returning to Grey's Anatomy. Did the strike push that back? That's what I'm hearing. According to my Seattle Grace mole, Mama O'Malley's return — originally slated for November sweeps — was delayed until Episode 11, aka the show's final pre-strike episode. That probably explains why George had little to do during the just-wrapped two-parter. Why'd they move her out of sweeps? Well, per my spy, when it became clear that eppy 11 might be the final hour of Grey's we get in a long time, the script underwent "massive rewrites" to ramp up the drama and add several cliff-hangers — one of which involves George's old lady. "They're pretty big bombshells," says the source. "Basically, everyone's futures are left up in the air." Well, not everyone's. As I reported in this week's Ausiello Report vodcast, by the end of the episode there will be little doubt which direction the Mer/Derek/Rose triangle is headed in. [Basically, Derek will dump Meredith's "whiny ass" for Rose.]
Earlier this season, you teased that someone's getting divorced on Grey's Anatomy, and it's not who we'd expect. After reading your Bailey/narration spoiler, it has me thinking that it's her. I can neither confirm nor deny that Bailey will be getting a divorce this season on Grey's Anatomy.

Here's the scoop from Kristin:

Wasn't Grey's supposed to be a new ep last week? What happened? It's called rationing, my dear. The TV drought, it's a-comin'! There are only two episodes left of Grey's, and ABC decided to air the last one in '08, so we got a rerun last week. This week is called "Crash into Me," and we get to see what happens to all the characters whose lives were left hanging in the balance. As I mentioned, there's a kiss coming, thanks to Nurse Rose saving the day. And as for Seth Green's character and Lexie, well, let's just say the whole thing smacks of Meredith and bomb-squad guy (aka Coach Taylor)…not to mention Denny and Izzie, and there are so rarely happy endings on this show!

I want Alex with Lexie! Any hope? Really? I thought you were all pulling for Alex and Ava? She's sticking around, at least for a while. But then again, Lexie (Chyler Leigh) is a series regular…and pretty adorable, no? Who do you want Alex to be with? Comment below!

Here are the results to Has Grey's recaptured "the magic?" There were a total of 186 votes.

• 62 said yes.
• 48 said a little.
• 25 said no.
• 22 said not at all.
• 17 said that you're not sure yet.
• 12 said that it never lost "the magic."

Take a deep breath....
(and try not to shoot the messenger)

Why did October Road premiere on Thanksgiving? It couldn't have done very well in the ratings—most of my friends had no idea it was back.
True dat. Even the brand-new Seth Green-graced episode of Grey's Anatomy hit a ratings low with barely 14 million total viewers.
I cannot stand Rose on Grey's Anatomy! Please tell me she will take her sicky paws off Patrick Dempsey.
Hey now! I'm not saying I like Rose and McDreamy together (jury's still out, if you ask me), but I have to tell you that Lauren Stamile, who plays Thorny, is quite a lovely person—inside and out—so let's not go crazy with the hate, 'kay? That said, you'll have plenty of reason to put a fist through your TV in the next couple of episodes if you are not a fan of the McThorny pairing, 'cause, well, there's a little lip-on-lip action on the way! Yep, you heard me. McDreamy is puckering up to Miss Prickly. Good thing or bad? Comment below!
The last episode of Grey's was fantastic! So many lives hanging in the balance. Any word on who'll survive?
I know nurse Rose "saves the day" when it comes to McDreamy's computer-gremlin-riddled surgery, so I'd bet good money on that patient surviving...and on the experience making Derek swoon.

But will we get to see it?
Read on for the scoop from Kristin at E! Online...

I actually really like Lauren Stamile on Grey's and hope that McThorny, as you call her, and McDreamy have lots of romance and babies together!
Well, then you'll be happy with the upcoming episodes. No babies, but they are definitely heading toward l'amour, mon cheri. I hear Rose/Lauren is sticking around until the last episode they shot before the strike—which is episode number 11—and she'll be an increasingly bigger part of the plot, as Derek calls on her to help save a surgery. For those of you rooting for Meredith and Derek, the good news is that this new McThorny romance is indeed a thorn in Mer's side—she just might realize how very badly she wants her own McDreamy ending. The bad news? According to my sources, she might realize that a little too late...(gulp.)
Is the writers strike going to interfere with Joshua Jackson's upcoming guest appearance on Grey's Anatomy?
And how. Josh is no longer scheduled to come on Grey's. Producers are hoping they can figure out another slot for him after the strike, but that's contingent on his schedule.

This writer's strike just keeps getting worse and worse. Apparently, Grey's Anatomy has thirteen episodes written (which is better than the previously reported 11), however, it may be a long time before we get to see those last two episodes, as Shonda refuses to edit the show (because it would go against the strike duties) and there are no more scripts after that. So, essentially, production on Grey's Anatomy will come to a stand-still (if it hasn't already). This is developing, so stay tuned...

Here's the latest from Ausiello at TVGuide.com.

My DVR broke and I need some very juicy Grey's Anatomy scoop to get over the pain. Tomorrow night, two people who have never been romantically linked will have sex — and Meredith will walk in on them! Any guesses?
Last Thursday's Grey's Anatomy was the episode of the season so far! Was Brooke Smith (Dr. Hahn) the one-off guest star promoted to series regular you were referring to? Yep, she sure was. And if you missed my morning-after Q&A with Ms. Smith, you're in luck: Click on this link and you'll be routed directly to the story. Ain't technology grand?

Are they going do be doing anything with McSteamy's storyline on Grey's anytime soon? A new love interest possibly? Call me crazy, but I have a hunch that he's the mystery doc Brooke Smith said would be crushing on Dr. Hahn in a future episode. I said call me crazy, not that. In the Oct. 10 AA, you said Lauren Stamile would be Derek's new love interest on Grey's Anatomy, but I haven't seen any other spoilers to support this. Are you fact-checking my stories? If so, where the hell were you during that whole Damages debacle? In any event, there's no need to vet my Stamile item; she's definitely coming in as a love interest for Patrick Dempsey. In fact, their first date is scheduled for Nov. 15.

This George and Izzie thing is getting depressingly gross. When will it end? Certainly not tomorrow night, when the two of them decide to have sex for the first time without being drunk. Unfortunately for them — but fortunately for us — an obstacle stands in their way. Hint: Removing said obstacle requires a sharp object that can be found at your local CVS.

Talk about some amazing news! And I'm shocked that they kept it a secret too! But, still, I'm thrilled that Dr. Erica Hahn has officially joined the Seattle Grace staff and is now a series regular. For all the info, check out Michael Ausiello's interview with Brooke Smith!

Congratulations!
Brooke Smith: Thanks!

You must've had an idea this was coming….
Smith: Honestly, I wasn't expecting it, [probably] because I didn't want to be disappointed if it didn't happen. I thought it was really cool when you [floated the idea], because I thought, "Wow, I didn't even think of that!" And literally a couple days after we spoke, they called.

Did they come right out and offer a full-time gig? Or were they just offering another guest spot?
Smith: No, it was, "Hey, can you come full-time?" Thank god. I couldn't handle any more dabbling. It's too much. [Mock anguish] I feel like I want someone to commit to me already!

What was your first reaction?
Smith: You know, we were kind of excited. [Laughs] I say "we" because my husband and I were like, "Wow, OK." We had just finished [renovating our apartment] in New York, and put down a deposit on school for our little girl. But, aside from that, we just said, "All right, I guess we're moving to L.A. for a little while." But we're going back to New York at the end of this.

Do you like that Dr. Hahn is a little bit of an antagonist?
Smith: Yeah. I've heard people say [Dr. Hahn] is abrasive. [Laughs] Dr. Hahn is a workaholic and she's very professional and, you know, I think she feels that there should be professionalism at work, and when other people do things that aren't professional she gets a little upset.

And lord knows, there are a lot of people acting unprofessional at Seattle Grace.
Smith: There are! For god's sakes, c'mon, it's a hospital, people!

It's not a Motel 6.
Smith: Exactly! Lord.

Since you're sticking around, I guess it's safe to assume that they're going to delve a little more into Dr. Hahn's background… maybe give her a love interest?
Smith: I think so. Honestly, as of now, there's only a little hinting. I'm getting some suggestions….

Like what?
Smith: There might be a certain man there who's interested in me. But I don't know what Dr. Hahn will think of that. It's really interesting. I haven't worked like this before. We start shooting the next episode on Monday and I don't have a script yet. We'll get it tomorrow, and you just sort of read them out loud with everyone, and you're like, "Oh my god!" I know a little bit about her. And, certainly, I have a dialogue with the writers and I ask them questions and they sort of steer me down their same path. But I don't think anyone knows what's going to happen…. The other day I joked, "I know who I'm hooking up with!" There's this surgical nurse who's always there. When she's there I'm thrilled, because she always makes me feel very real — 'cause she's a real [surgical nurse]. I turned to her at one point and said, "Are you single on the show?" She doesn't even have a name on the show and I'm already trying to hook up with her.

I can see Dr. Hahn hitting it off with Cristina.
Smith: Secretly, we pushed for that. You know, Sandra [Oh] and I played lovers in [the off-Broadway play] Stop Kiss.

You know, there were rumors a while back that Cristina might be bisexual….
Smith: I know. I heard those rumors.

Then it's destined to happen!
Smith: That's what I think. But I don't know….

I think Dr. Hahn would make an awesome lesbian.
Smith: I think so, too.

Could it happen?
Smith: I honestly don't know. I've certainly let [the producers] know I'm open to it.

What was their reaction?
Smith: They were like, "OK, duly noted!" I think they wanted me to shut up already.

The fact is, Seattle Grace needs a gay character.
Smith: Well, hey, you called it that I [would be] on the show full-time, so….

Did the cast welcome you back with open arms?
Smith: They've been great. Everybody's great. It's very comfortable… which is weird. It feels like it shouldn't be, because it's such a big show.

And it hasn't always been the happiest place to work.
Smith: I guess that was last season. I haven't seen any of that. And I didn't see it the last time I was there. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm in some sort of bubble.

Any Grey's scoop you can give me before you go?
Smith: I heard Seth Green is coming.

Eh, that's old news. Are you going to be in scenes with him?
Smith: Not yet. But we're doing a two-parter now, so maybe in the second part. I'm not involved with him in the first part.

Who are you involved with in the first part?
Smith: I've been working with Dr. Sloane… Izzie… and Alex. And I finally got to work with Dr. Torres.

Well, this is exciting news — mostly because I predicted it.
Smith: I know. God knows what'll happen when I hang up [this time].

Shonda Rhimes is going to call and tell you that Dr. Hahn is gay.
Smith: Oh my god. Should I call you back if that happens?

You better!
Smith: All right, I will. I totally will.

Here it is, straight from Kristin at E! Online. Don't shoot the messenger.

Any word on Meredith and Derek? I'm so tired of the back and forth. Can they just get together or break up for good?
Now, what fun would that be?! Trust me, I feel your pain, but this is TV, and in the spirit of Sam&Diane/Ross&Rachel/Kristin&Stamos, things will get more complicated before they get any easier. Sources confirm to me that Lauren Stamile is most definitely a new love interest for Derek/Patrick Dempsey, and she'll be sticking around for a while. I'm told she's pretty much the anti-Meredith (all the way around—looks and personality) and will make Derek somewhat conflicted. What do you guys think of this? Are you happy to have a third party spicing things up, or are you done with the Mer-Der ping-pong match?

We all knew it was coming...we just weren't sure when, and now, it is official: Thatcher Grey (the possibly slightly insane father of both the Greys, Meredith and Lexie) is returning to the world of Seattle Grace on November 8th, during episode 407 Physical Attraction... Chemical Reaction. Don't look for any clues in the episode's press release, because there aren't any besides the fact that it says Thatcher returns, but it is sure to be a really interesting episode. Physical Attraction... Chemical Reaction was written by Joan Rater & Tony Phelan ("Deterioration of the Fight or Flight Response," "Didn't We Almost Have It All?").

Joshua Jackson, of Dawson's Creek fame, will have an unidentified episode length story arc on Grey's Anatomy this season, beginning with episode 11, Variety reports. Jackson will play another Seattle Grace doctor, and rumors are already flying on just what else might be in store for his character...

Here's the latest news from Michael Ausiello at TVGuide.com...don't shoot the messenger...

What's going on with George and Izzie on Grey's? Are they breaking up or not?!

I honestly don't know what to believe anymore. After my interview with Shonda Rhimes at the Emmys, I thought for sure she was pulling the plug on this ill-conceived romance. But yesterday I got an unconfirmed tip that Gizzie is still alive and kicking in Episode 8. That's right — 8! That means we've got at least five more weeks of these two! My mole also reports that in the same episode, Mer and Der are still going strong with their whole let's-have-sex-but-not-be-super-serious thing.