Grey's Anatomy - Season Four Expanded

Grey's Anatomy's fourth season is darker than the doctor drama has been so far. However, the show still has major momentum and excitement. Shonda Rhimes has introduced new characters and handled the departure of major cast members Isaiah Washington and Kate Walsh with the great writing that has earned her two major hit shows on ABC. This season we get new doctors, more Grey family drama, and a resolution to the Derek/Meredith relationship.

Katherine Heigl may believe the writing is not Emmy worthy, but what the hell does she know? The fourth seasons introduces a whole new crop of interns for each of our favorite characters. They are all residents now , except George (played by scrappy T.R. Knight). One of the new interns is Lexi Grey, Meredith's half-sister. This could easily have been a "jump the shark" moment. However, Lexi is able to integrate into Seattle Grace and becomes friends with George, sleeps with Alex Karev, and even gets some good moments with Meredith.

There is major drama including the reappearance of Meredith's father, Thatcher (played by Jeff Perry) who is now an alcoholic. There are great medical cases including a boy trapped in cement! Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) decide to take a break which sends Meredith into therapy. Her therapist, Dr. Wyatt (Amy Madigan) is able to make major breakthroughs for Meredith and the show. McDreamy has an affair with Rose (Lauren Stamile). Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) has family troubles, Dr. Karev (Justin Chambers) reveals more about himself, and Izzie (Katherine Heigl) is annoying.

The most interesting subplot is the introduction of some lesbian chemistry between Dr. Callie Torres (Sarah Ramirez) and new heart surgeon Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith). The best part is it is introduced in a random cameo by Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). The tension builds until finally Dr. Torres grabs her and kisses her in the season finale.

The bonus features aren't quite extensive but valuable for any "Grey's" fan. There are bloopers, mildly extended episodes, and interviews with the new doctors. There is also a funny segment with McSteamy and McDreamy (Eric Dane and Patrick Dempsey) that is worth watching.

Fans of "Grey's Anatomy" should not miss their chance to own the season where everything changes. If the Season 5 premiere is any indication the show is going to be around for a long time.