With new mom Ellen Pompeo firmly entrenched back at Grey’s Anatomy, the show is moving Derek and Meredith back where they belong: front and center. That’s the good news. Here comes the bad…
“They will face some relationship challenges, many of them work-oriented, in the second half of the season,” reveals exec producer Shonda Rhimes.
The Queen of Shondaland, however, insists that this latest obstacle will not result in the newly married-via-Post-It pair breaking up — a rumor that has been making the rounds on the Internets (and stirring Der-Mer fans into a veritable frenzy). “I don’t know how many times [I] can say, ‘Derek and Meredith are together forever’ and have anybody hear it,” she sighs. “I can only reassure so much.
“In order to [produce] a drama you need to have some drama,” Rhimes adds with a laugh. “Whether or not two people are meant for one another doesn’t mean that things aren’t going to happen to challenge their relationship.”
Makes sense to me! What say you, ’shippers? Are you cool with Mer-Der encountering a few bumps en route to their inevitable happy ending? Or would you prefer that they stay boring happy? And did you hear Shonda this time re: the whole “not breaking up” thing? Sound off below!
More Grey’s Scoop
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Will McSteamy’s daughter tear Mark and Lexie apart?
Addison returning to Seattle Grace
PHOTO CREDIT: Craig Sjodin/ABC
Comments (1-15) of 229 Add your comment
Having Izzy back last night reminded me that I don’t miss her at all. Or George.
Don’t give a **** about Meredith or Izzie!
What about next week? Far more interesting. Teddy and Owen and Mark and a baby! What’s happenin to Cris and Lexie?!
Dont care about Mer / Der more interested to know exactly how many episodes Katherine Heigl will be missing and when she will be back, so I know what to start watching again.
yes. what the HELL is going on with Mark and Lexie? I’m definitely missing spoilers.
Don’t give a **** about Owen or Teddy. What about next week? Far more interesting. Mer and the Chief and Derek and a Thanksgiving Dinner at Mer’s house! What’s happening to Alex and Bailey:? It’s all a matter of opinon I gues huh?
agree, didn’t miss izzy or george. do love mer and der. they’re like the base of the show that makes it work. don’t do an er mistake and take it away. so buh bye gellie and alan.
Can’t believe you guys are dissing on Izzie. Lov her! Love Mer more! Thank goodness she said those two are together forever.
Meredith needs to back off this show. It’s been a great run without her.
Meredith rocks this show. Shonda Rhimes supports the character and is going to feature her in even MORE episodes. Suggest you deal with it or stop watching.
You’re both right! 1-Meredith is the heart of this show, and 2-She and Derek are boring.
no one GIVES about Meredith and Derek, with the other ships being far more interesting and better-acted.
Plenty of people care about MerDer. It’s the haters who know they have been since season one, the CORE COUPLE of the show and want even a tiny piece of what these two have had for six seasonss that hate. You’re not fooling anyone. MerDer rock!
I’m kinda irritated at her too. I’d prefer she not come back after her second leave of absence.
I like Meredith being all shiny and happy and I loved that little sexy kissing scene with their five happy seconds. I think their conflict might be baby related (he wants one, she wants to wait and have a career right now)…or perhaps that they both want one and its not happening easily.
just to clarify – I’m irritated at Izzie and would be happy were she just to leave Seattle Grace and leave Alex and leave the show. She can always come back for May sweeps or something but in the meantime I like the show just fine without her.
Don’t care.
But Mark and Lexie better stick through whatever crap they’re going to go on next episode or I will throw a fit like a 10 year old.
They’re the only couple I root for nowadays.
I have missed this show for the past 2 YEARS…working mom with 4 kids so its hard to find time to watch my favorites nowadays, LOL!
Where did George and Izzie go?? They were the best ones! Get them back on the show, PRONTO!!
Umm, JIC you weren’t kidding – sorry to break it to you Carlene, but George is dead. Check out hulu or something for the eps you missed.
Ellen’s back, finally.
After november, things will get even better, and this time, drama IS needed!
Drama away Shonda!
Glad that Izzie’s back too
It was great having Meredith back on the show. She’s the necessary anchor of the show.
Not. The show has been at it’s best WITHOUT her and Heigl. Ugh. I don’t wantthem back.
Nah its been ER mark 2…all medical no characters. If I wanted a pure medical drama there are plenty of those. That is not what Grey’s is about.
Actually, Grey’s is about the characters.
“Nah?” Lack of better word?
They’re doing a good job. So, what IS Grey’s about? Sex? Lame.
This is true. I was watching the show in Season 5 and 6 to see how bad it would get and so I could make fun of it but since there’s been minimal Meredith and no Izzie or George, I’ve actually been really enjoying the show again.
It’s really unfortunate that Shonda Rhimes can’t make her lead character more appealling. The poor thing is always on lists of “Most Annoying” or “Characters We Hate the Most” lists.
actually, xav, Rhimes does her best to make this Meredith character most appealing now. Have you not noticed? She’s not ‘dark and twisty’ anymore, she’s like her sister Lexie now. All bright and bubbly.
Still, people don’t like her. Too bad. Bad actress, that’s why.
Yawn. Who cares about Mer Der? It’s all about hot, angsty Alex and Izzie! Chambers and Heigl sizzle together!
Seconded. Alex/Izzie, Callie/Arizona, and Mark/Lexie please. More.
Couldn’t agree more! Meredith and Derek are sooooo boring. It’s all about Alex and Izzie in my book.
Alex/Izzie SUCKS!
Agreed
Yes, bring on Callie/Arizona and Mark/Lexie. Far more interesting.
Ugh, Alex and Izzie? Yuck. I rather watch the snooze-inducing Mark and Lexie than two minutes of Izzie.
Boy the other shippers are out in hating droves today. They want what MerDer have had and cannot even get close to it, so they spam this column..how sad and pathetic can you get? MerDer are still named in top 10 copule s of all time on TV to this day and not a single other GA couple makes it on them. Be careful jealous shippers, your fangs are showing and it’s not at all attractive.
I love Alex and Izzie — Mer -Der are boring.
Alex and Izzie are the most pathetic couple on the show now. Justin Cahmbers is awesome and his character Alex deserves a better storyline and a good love story. Izzie aka Katherine Heigl already has one foot out the door and when she is working, she badmouths how hard she has to work. Time to go. She’s bringing down the show.
Bringing the shown down..her return being the highest rated episode in two months. Yeah ABC are gonna go for that. LOL
Meredith is back YES, and YES for Ellen Pompeo front and center again, the Grey in Grey’s Anatomy is BAAACK
AMEN to this —> With new mom Ellen Pompeo firmly entrenched back at Grey’s Anatomy, the show is moving Derek and Meredith back where they belong: front and center.
And yes, bring on the drama. Love the kissing the loving and all the happiness but happy all the time is boring TV, bring on the drama for Meredith and Merder. Ellen Pompeo is brilliant under pressure and amazing in Drama scenes.
I like the happy Mer/Der, but after all, Grey’s is a drama, so I knew the angst was coming back for them eventually. I don’t mind tensions flaring between them, just keep them together Shonda! That’s all I ask.
Aren’t Meredith and Derek ALWAYS off and on? Who cares anymore?
It’s like Ross and Rachel for 10 years.
Alex and Izzie are Ross and Rachel of this show. Shonda Rhimes WORD!
Yes for Ellen Pompeo / Meredith Grey in scrubs again
They’re the most unbelievable couple on the show, they’re both annoying as hell. I like how viewers watch for re other couples. Like CA AI ML and CO.
LOL, yeah, tell yourself that. People watch for Ellen/Meredith & PD/Mc Dreamy.
.. People? LOL.
So you’re saying everyone?
Many people don’t like them as well. If you think they’re so well loved you are wrong. LOL delusional.
Hayley, I think the majority of people really do watch for Mer-Der. Just because you and a few others do not care for them does not mean they are not well loved.
Really? I’m not watching GA for a pedophile (ML), lesbians (CA), a selfish woman (AI) or a psyco man (CO)
Really? Pedophile? Lesbian? Psycho?
Watch your back. People will get in this world.
Pedophile? Not. You must not be living. Age differencs js not a problem, especially in media. Especially if theyee adorable. ? What the HELL is wrong with that? Tell me, what world you’re in. Same sex-marriage/relationships are accepted WORLDWIDE. I hope the CA fans get you for this. They’re beautiful. Psycho man? Maybe. He’s dealing.
At least they’re not ridiculous couples who fight and drown themselves. Meredith and derek are RIDICULOUS. That’s why no one likes their fangirls: *******, in every way possible.
Again, I hope the CA, ML and CO fans get your sorry little asses.
I don’t agree with the pedophile/lesbian/psycho comment, but you really need to get your panties out of a bunch Jenne. It’s a TV show. Maybe a lot of people on this particular site do not like Mer-Der but many people WORLDWIDE love them. And in the grand scheme of things (ie world hunger, war, etc.) does this really even matter?
So, you watch ‘GA’ for what, Sarah?
I agree with Jenne. She’s over-vocalized it, but if I was as pissed as her all her points ARE Right.
Shallow, judgemental people who can’t accept any other people because they have a relationship with younger people, or with the same sex – THATS ridiculous.
No, MerDer is not well-loved. You’ve gotta stop enforcing that. I don’t like them. I know many others who don’t. I love how you all are saying all these lies.
Hahaha, this comment is so stupid I literally laughed for several minutes.
so why would you call him a pedophile that’s just rude. My dad is 61 and mom is 50 Does that make him a ped, when they got married 25 years ago. It’s nearly 2010. Grow the hell up! Same sex marrige YEAH BOY all for it. You need to get into the 21st century.
Sarah, I hope you burn into flames.
Mark being a pedophile because he’s with Lexie? Hardly. Agreed with the comment; get into the 21st century. But even before this damn century, it’s never been considered as a wrongdoing.
‘lesbian’? Really?
LOL. These MerDer fans really ARE stupid and selfrighteous in every way.
I forgot that pedophilia happens between a 27 year old and 37 year old. Good call, psycho. It probably disgusts you if any of the black actors get some action too, doesn’t it?
Ya Calizona is real “believable.” Hey, I’m Callie, I was totally and completely in love with a man who left me unbelievably to date his super hot best feriend and turn GA fans off everywhere, then I started doing Der’s best friend until I deceieded WHOOOPS. I think I’m gay! Or maybe not, let me get with Sloan some more, nope, that’s it, I’m gay..or maybe not…hmm…Uh yeah, that’s SO believable. Or Lexie Mark with Addie being his McDreamy until he’s told to leave Lexie alone and then “tech me teach me” Oh, you got me believing that one. NOT. And Owen/Cris chokegate? None of the couples are believable. Who are you to point the finger at one, just because they are the core of the show? It’s a TV drama. None of these couples are believable. Want believable? Watch the History Channel, not Grey’s.
As long as they’re together forever, I’m fine with them having bumps in the road, like any other relationship. However, if Shonda breaks them up in the future, her credibility with the fans will be toasted and trust lost can never be re-gained. I like all of the couples on Grey’s, including Mer-Der, although Shonda drew that whole thing out far too long and made both characters act cruelly and/or stupidly. I hope she’s done with that.
Love Ellen Pompeo. Very appreciative for her working so hard and not missing any episodes and after one month maternity leave she is back as Meredith Grey front and center. Love her dedication, love her commitment, simply love her.
Now Bring on the Drama Shonda, Our meredith works wonders in drama land.
totally agree : “It was great having Meredith back on the show. She’s the necessary anchor of the show.”
Meredith has always been the most hated character
For me and others. Now that the show’s been good, shea coming back? FAIL. Hopefully she won’t have prominent storylines so I won’t have to hear her talk.
*snort*, Sure, then why seasons 1, 2 & 3 were so successful? They had Mer/Der at the center.
With an Izzie sidestory that was far mrs worthy of seeing. Thus, winning her an Emmy. MerDer is just not my favorite couple and theyre bad actors.
Alex/Izzie wins MerDer.
The highlight of which was Season 2 which was all about Izzie and Denny. Nothing to do with Mer / Der.
Which is why Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson and Katherine Heigl are the ones always being nominated for the awards, Kate Walsh got a popular spin-off and Meredith is annually on “Most Annoying TV Characters” lists. Yeah, okay.
Yeah right! Wonder why…seasons 1, 2 and 3 were so hot then!
I thought that character was Izzie
Yup. I always hated her. I happen to watch because of Izzie, Alex, Lexie, Callie, and Mark.
Shonda Rhimes said the Meredith character will have any featured stories coming up. Guess it sucks to be a Mer hater huh? I’ll keep watching. Like all the original character and not consumed with posting hate over one of the originals so I can keep my agenda up for another GA couple I ship. It’s so transparent where the hate is coming from. It’s just silly. Get a life.
85% of the fans watch for Meredith & Derek. you would be a fool to think otherwise.
Meredith is the Grey of Grey’s Anatomy and MerDer are the show basically.
other couple add the drama here and there to make MerDer have more drama as well… it’s all connected.
That’s your opinion because you’re a merder fan.
As her being protagonist of the show has nothing to do with the viewers. She certainly isnt the best actress, even if you argue otherwise. 85%? High exaggeration. There are other couples and I’m sure combined 85% watch for THEM. Like Alex and Izzie. LOL. sorry. Newsflash. I certainly don’t think Meredith is the focal point. They’re their own characters and frankly are better-acted and more tolerable than Meredith.
And that’s your opinion. YOu don’t like MerDer because they have been the central couple on this show since season one. Still make it on the magazine covers, still so talked about whether you love or hate them. I can’t give facts or figures because I don’t know them to post them, but your opinion of not liking them doesn’t hold any weight either. From the writers blog answering GA questions at the beginning of this season, it sure seems like MerDer get a lot (more than one writer pointed it out), so I’m guessing THEY would know right? Matt Roush of TV Guide spoke of all the mail he gets regarding them (even though he was not even asked about that). Somewhere, somewhow, MerDer seems to still be very important to a lot of folks. It matters little though as it’s Shonda Rhimes the creator of this show who seems to be committed to them, Ellen Pompeo worked through pregnancy and is not going to miss any episodes and Shonda said she is writing featured eps for her, both she and MerDer aren’t going anyway and the fact that this column has had so many writing that feel this passionately on them both pro and con is why Shonda knows she’s got lighting in a bottle with these two. They aren’t going anywhere and as she loses more and more of the original characters (see ya Katherine Heigl) she’ll continue to focus on Mer, Der, Cris, Alex, Bailey and The Chief. It’s all good. Your opinion is not better or believable than mine. Try not to hate so much. It’s just a tv show.
If they get more fan mail it is because they have rabid fans – not more fans. The average TV viewer does not write in to columnists – they have better things to do.
WORD. This isn’t only an opinion of MD fans. It’s a common opinion. Honestly it’s hilarious to read a similar comment from an Izzie fan. The moron of this show.
Oh please. Meredith and Derek are BORING. Almost everyone I know watches for the other characters – be it Cristina, Owen, Izzie, Alex, Mark, Callie.
so I’m guessing that you know EVERY SINGLE PERSON who watches and loves the show. So you are the expert on why people watch the show. get over yourself
LOL. You conduct scientific polls do you !!
Greys is an ensemble and thank goodness as Ellen Pompeo is the weakest actress and Patrick Dempsey can only play one role.
They are both one-note actors.
Wow. You’re not a TV expert right? Or a theater teacher? LOL.
Sara Fri 11/13/09 1:06 PM
“LOL. You conduct scientific polls do you !!
Greys is an ensemble and thank goodness as Ellen Pompeo is the weakest actress and Patrick Dempsey can only play one role.
They are both one-note actors.”
Said the TV critic (lol). Where’s your credentials hon? Again, your opinion. Not shared by all and based on nothing. You don’t have to like either actor or the characters they play true, but to then try to present your opinion as one of some sort of authority on what makes a good actor or not makes you come off disingenuous in your comments to others. And a pretty unfair and hateful spirited call on two actors hard work with GA as well.
Which is why the episodes with very little Meredith have been the most praised episodes since Season 2.
What you conduct imaginary research?
)
Give me the proof where Mer-light episodes are more praised. Until then, you are just spewing hot air based in zeero fact.
85% watch for MerDer? You know this how? You must be mighty busy contacting 85% of 14 million viewers to find out what they are watching the show for. Or more likely, you pulled a number out of thin air.
The reason we keep asking about a Mer-Der breakup? We cannot trust Rimes… she’s full of tricks!
Right now you have to admit that Izzy and Alex are more intresting because they do have drama, misunderstand and miscommunication…so we definitely need some drama for Mer and Der
I don’t have to admit anything because Izzie and Alex are LAME. Almost unwatchable. Alex was a man once. Hope he gets his mojo back when Heigl finally jumps the GA ship for good. Miss the man he once was minuse Izzie. Not as bad as George/Izzie, but pretty unwatchable none the less.