By Lisa DiCarlucci

Two weeks ago, fans of “Grey’s Anatomy” could finally breathe easier with the return of the highly anticipated drama. The long hiatus caused by the writer’s strike left avid viewers of the show anxiously awaiting the completion of season four.

The “Grey’s” writers were clearly aiming to not disappoint and were also looking for a certain level of shock value. The first patient introduced has just been attacked by a bear and his entire intestinal system falls out of his stomach right before the viewer’s eyes. While it started things off with a bang, the scene was particularly gory for the typical “Grey’s Anatomy” episode. Those of us who are weak in the stomach were likely taken aback by the vivid trauma and one has to wonder if the writer’s are just trying to amp up the action to hook viewers back into the show.

The once-steamy relationship between Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek aka ‘McDreamy’ (Patrick Dempsey) remains fizzled out and is nothing but disappointing. Derek’s new relationship with the nurse, Rose (Lauren Stamile), is uninteresting and doesn’t do much for the plot. The audience is just waiting for Meredith to grow up, get over it, and run off into the sunset with McDreamy.

Everyone else seems to know it’s meant to be so why can’t she figure it out? The fact that every female (and maybe male) Grey’s Anatomy fan in the country wouldn’t mind getting into Derek Shepherd’s pants creates a truly frustrating viewing experience.

Christina Yang (Sandra Oh) is still fawning for the attention of the new cardio surgeon Dr. Hahn (Brooke Smith), and is shocked when she realizes her new roommate and fellow doctor, Callie (Sara Ramirez), has become fast friends with her. The situation quickly takes an awkward turn however, with the return of Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) who insists that Callie and Dr. Hahn appear to be a couple. Callie is appalled, but Dr. Hahn was not quite as repulsed. In a moment of insecurity, Callie quickly asks Meredith and Christina if anyone has ever mistaken them for a couple. Meredith quickly responds with, “No, because we screw boys like whores on tequila.”

The humor does not disappoint in the latter part of season four and neither does the drama. All of the fan’s favorites still remain: Izzie’s quirkiness, Meredith’s “dark and twisty” disposition, Christina’s high strung nature and George’s lovable innocence. Love triangles ensue, and flickers of romance between George and Izzie give hope for interesting plots to come. Everything is right on Thursday nights again, and dedicated “Grey’s” fans couldn’t be happier.

In the final scene of the latest episode, Derek ends up in the elevator with current girlfriend Rose, former love Meredith, and ex-wife Addison. When everyone’s favorite jerk, McSteamy (Eric Dane), gets in he just laughs to himself and says, “Man, I bet you’re wishing you took the stairs right about now.”

Here’s hoping for more awkward elevator rides and messy love stories because that’s the “Grey’s Anatomy” we all know and love.

justin stephens).jpg (ew.com/justinstephens)