Elevator Love Letter (Grey's Anatomy)

Last updated
"Elevator Love Letter"
Grey's Anatomy episode
Episode no.Season 5
Episode 19
Directed byEdward Ornelas
Written byStacy McKee
Original air dateMarch 26, 2009 (2009-03-26)
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Stand By Me"		Next →
"Sweet Surrender"
Grey's Anatomy season 5
List of episodes

"Elevator Love Letter" is the nineteenth episode of the fifth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy and the show's 97th episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Edward Ornelas, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on March 26, 2009.

Contents

The episode primarily focuses on Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) proposing to Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), while Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) undergoes surgery for her cancer, with Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) struggling with guilt over her condition. Also explored is Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) dealing with the PTSD of her boyfriend and fellow surgeon Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) as she navigates the emotional toll of their relationship.

Although the episode was fictionally set in Seattle, Washington, filming took place in Los Angeles, California. It was viewed by 15.81 million Americans upon its original airing and garnered a 5.5/13 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic. [1] The episode received critical acclaim from television critics, with high praise for the storylines and performances of Dempsey, Pompeo, Heigl, Oh and McKidd.

Oh received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in the episode.

The storyline involving Izzie's embryos is picked up again in the Season 12 episode, "I Choose You" and subsequently concludes on the Season 16 episode, "Leave A Light On".

Plot

The episode opens with a voice-over narration from Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) reflecting on love and trauma.

Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) and Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) are growing closer, spending nights together, watching surgical videos. One evening, as they settle down for the night, Owen falls asleep, but his PTSD takes over, leading him to unknowingly choke Cristina in his sleep. Cristina struggles to free herself, and Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) walks in just in time to stop Owen.

The next day at the hospital, Cristina hides the bruises on her neck with a turtleneck, but Meredith notices and urges her not to cover for Owen, emphasizing that both Owen and Cristina are not okay. Meanwhile, George O'Malley (T. R. Knight) feels betrayed by Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) for not informing him about her cancer diagnosis. In an effort to distract himself, he requests to work with Callie for the day, avoiding his emotional turmoil.

Ellen Pompeo LF.JPG
Patrick Dempsey cropped.jpg
Ellen Pompeo (left) and Patrick Dempsey (right) were the central part of the story as Dempsey's Derek Shepherd proposes to Pompeo's Meredith Grey in the episode.

Izzie is preparing for her brain surgery and, in her hospital room, she reminds her friends that they have patients to care for and urges them to focus on saving lives. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) gathers the residents, reminding them that Izzie needs friends, not doctors, at this moment.

Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) approaches Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), offering to answer any questions about Izzie's surgery, but Alex remains distant. Later, Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) awkwardly asks Alex about harvesting Izzie's eggs before her treatment, a request to which Alex immediately agrees.

Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) faces a tough case with an elderly patient nearing death, but her family, impatient to catch flights, seems indifferent to staying by her side until she passes. Meanwhile, Owen and Derek attend to a trauma patient brought in by helicopter. The sound of the helicopter triggers Owen's PTSD, but Derek snaps him out of it, reminding him that PTSD is real and treatable.

As Meredith heads toward an elevator, Richard steps in her way, blocking her path. When the next elevator opens, it reveals Derek, who has transformed the walls into a visual timeline of their surgical achievements together. He recounts their significant moments, including the surgeries that shaped their careers and relationship. In a heartfelt moment, he tells Meredith that her strength and resilience—her "dark and twisty" nature—are what make her capable of guiding others through hardship. Derek then professes his love and desire to spend his life with her. Meredith responds by kissing him, sealing their emotional connection.

Release

"Elevator Love Letter" was viewed by 15.81 million Americans upon its original airing and garnered a 5.5/13 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic. [2]

Reception

"Elevator Love Letter" received critical acclaim from television critics upon telecast, with high praise for the storylines and performances of Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd), Ellen Pompeo (Meredith Grey), Katherine Heigl (Izzie Stevens), Sandra Oh (Cristina Yang) and Kevin McKidd (Owen Hunt).

PopSugar praised the episode as a quintessential Grey's Anatomy installment, highlighting moments such as the elderly woman who wouldn't pass away and memorable lines like, "People are better than no people". The site also appreciated the humor, noting Alex Karev's (Justin Chambers) delivery of his sperm sample to the Chief Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) during lunch, and commended Derek's proposal, calling it, "better than a room full of roses and candles". Additionally, Chandra Wilson (Miranda Bailey), received praise for her performance, with PopSugar noting, "Bailey rocks my world, especially with her new-new hairstyle." [3]

Alan Sepinwall from The Star-Ledger lauded the episode, commenting that the series was on a "real roll" and acknowledging the improvement after some questionable storylines earlier in the season. He specifically praised Oh and McKidd for their nuanced portrayals of Cristina and Owen, remarking, "Oh and McKidd are killing it right now." Sepinwall also lauded Derek's proposal, describing it as "grown-up and sweet", noting that it marked a shift in the relationship away from typical "will-they-or-won't-they" drama. Dempsey's performance was highlighted, especially in the scene where Derek confronts the oncologist, with Sepinwall adding, "Dempsey has been doing some nice work." [4] [5] Chambers also received praise, with Sepinwall stating, "Every time I watch Chambers get a showcase episode like this, I think about how lucky he is — and we are — that he landed this more demanding, high-profile gig." [4] [5]

BuddyTV echoed the sentiment, calling the proposal scene "possibly the most perfect proposal ever," while CinemaBlend praised the emotional depth of the episode, noting that it could have served as a season finale due to its intensity. [6] They particularly liked the progression of Derek and Meredith's relationship, with the proposal delivering a "great speech and proposal," culminating in Meredith finally accepting. [7]

Wired added the episode to its "must-watch" list, highlighting Derek and Meredith's evolving relationship and the dramatic storyline involving Owen's PTSD, noting, "If you did happen to endure the Meredith/McDreamy roller coaster of Season 4, this episode is your payoff." [8]

Awards

Sandra Oh earned a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 2009 ceremony for her performance in the episode, though she ultimately lost to Cherry Jones of 24.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cristina Yang</span> Fictional character in Greys Anatomy

Cristina Yang, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which has aired for 20 seasons on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes and is portrayed by actress Sandra Oh. Cristina was introduced as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, and over the course of the series, she rose to become a cardiothoracic surgical fellow. Her relationships with fellow doctors Meredith Grey, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev and George O'Malley were central to the show's early seasons.

Losing My Religion (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 27th episode of the 2nd season of Greys Anatomy

"Losing My Religion" is the twenty-seventh episode and the season finale of the second season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 36th episode overall. Written by Shonda Rhimes and directed by Mark Tinker, the episode originally aired on May 15, 2006, on American Broadcasting Company (ABC), as part of a two-hour season finale event alongside "Deterioration of the Fight or Flight Response".

Time Has Come Today (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 1st episode of the 3rd season of Greys Anatomy

"Time Has Come Today" is the first episode and the season premiere of the third season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 37th episode overall. Written by Shonda Rhimes and directed by Daniel Minahan, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 21, 2006.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, created by Shonda Rhimes, commenced airing on American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 25, 2008 and concluded on May 14, 2009 with 24 aired episodes. The season follows the story of a group of surgeons as they go through their residency, while they also deal with the personal challenges and relationships with their mentors. Season 5 had 13 series regulars with 12 of them returning from the previous season, out of which 8 are part of the original cast. The season aired in the Thursday night time-slot at 9:00 pm. The season was officially released on DVD as a seven disc boxset under the title of Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Fifth Season – More Moments on September 9, 2009 by Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

<i>Greys Anatomy</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, commenced airing on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2010. The season was produced by ABC Studios, in association with Shondaland Production Company and The Mark Gordon Company; the showrunner being Shonda Rhimes and head writer Krista Vernoff. Actors Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Katherine Heigl, and Justin Chambers reprised their roles as surgical residents Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, and Alex Karev, respectively. Heigl was released from her contract in the middle of the season, while T. R. Knight did not appear as George O'Malley, because Knight was released from his contract at the conclusion of season five. Main cast members Patrick Dempsey, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Sara Ramirez, Eric Dane, Chyler Leigh, and Kevin McKidd also returned, while previous recurring-star Jessica Capshaw was promoted to a series-regular, and Kim Raver was given star-billing after the commencement of the season.

"A Change Is Gonna Come" is the first episode and the season premiere of the fourth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 62nd episode overall. Written by series creator Shonda Rhimes and directed by Rob Corn, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 21, 2006.

"Stand by Me" is the eighteenth episode and the fifth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 96th episode overall. Written by Zoanne Clack and directed by Jessica Yu, the episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on March 19, 2009.

What a Difference a Day Makes (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 22nd episode of the 5th season of Greys Anatomy

"What a Difference a Day Makes" is the twenty-second episode of the fifth season of the American television medical drama, Grey's Anatomy and the show's 100th episode overall. It is written by series creator Shonda Rhimes and directed by Rob Corn, the episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 7, 2009.

Now or Never (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 24th episode of the 5th season of Greys Anatomy

"Now or Never" is the twenty-fourth episode and the season finale of the fifth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and is the 102nd episode overall. Written by Debora Cahn and directed by Rob Corn, the episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 14, 2009.

"Goodbye" is the second episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 104th episode overall. Written by Krista Vernoff and directed by Bill D'Elia, the episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 24, 2009.

I Like You So Much Better When Youre Naked (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 12th episode of the 6th season of Greys Anatomy

"I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked" is the twelfth episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 114th episode overall. Written by Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, and directed by Donna Deitch, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company in the United States on January 21, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watchin' Me</span> 3rd episode of the 6th season of Greys Anatomy

"I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watchin' Me" is the third episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 105th episode overal. Written by Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, and directed by Michael Pressman, the episode originally aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 1, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tainted Obligation</span> 4th episode of the 6th season of Greys Anatomy

"Tainted Obligation" is the fourth episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 106th episode overall. Written by Jenna Bans and directed by Tom Verica, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 8, 2009.

Invasion (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 5th episode of the 6th season of Greys Anatomy

"Invasion" is the fifth episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, the show's 107th episode overall, and the first of a two-part patient crossover event with Private Practice. It was written by Mark Wilding and directed by Tony Phelan. The episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 15, 2009. In the episode, the physicians of Seattle Grace Hospital must learn to co-operate with new Mercy West residents, who do not act in a kind manner to them. Other storylines include Callie Torres 's father returning to the hospital to condemn her bisexuality, and Izzie Stevens putting her career into jeopardy after administering the wrong treatment to a patient.

"Give Peace a Chance" is the seventh episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 109th episode overall. Written by Peter Nowalk and directed by Chandra Wilson, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 29, 2009.

"Invest in Love" is the eighth episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 110th episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Jessica Yu, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on November 5, 2009.

"Shiny Happy People" is the twenty-second episode of the sixth season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy,, and the 124th episode overall. Written by Zoanne Clack and Peter Nowalk and directed by Ed Ornelas, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 13, 2010.

"I Must Have Lost it on the Wind" is the first episode and the season premiere of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the show's 221st episode overall. Written by Stacy McKee and directed by Kevin McKidd, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on September 25, 2014.

"Got to Be Real" is the third episode of the eleventh season of the American television medical drama Grey's Anatomy, and the 223rd episode overall. Written by Zoanne Clack and directed by Rob Corn, the episode aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on October 9, 2014.

Leave a Light On (<i>Greys Anatomy</i>) 16th episode of the 16th season of Greys Anatomy

"Leave a Light On" is the sixteenth episode of the sixteenth season of the American medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy and the 358th episode overall, which aired on ABC on March 5, 2020. The episode was written by Elisabeth Finch and directed by Debbie Allen. It marked the final appearance of Justin Chambers as Alex Karev.

References

  1. ↑ "TV By The Numbers by zap2it.com". TV By The Numbers by zap2it.com. Archived from the original on 2010-11-03. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  2. ↑ "TV By The Numbers by zap2it.com". TV By The Numbers by zap2it.com. Archived from the original on 2010-11-03. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  3. ↑ Entertainment. "Grey's Anatomy Rundown: Episode 19, "Elevator Love Letter"". POPSUGAR Entertainment. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  4. 1 2 "Grey's Anatomy, "Elevator Love Letter": A more-than-decent proposal". sepinwall.blogspot.in. 27 March 2009. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  5. 1 2 "Grey's Anatomy, "Elevator Love Letter": A more-than-decent proposal". NJ.com. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  6. ↑ "Grey's Anatomy: Episode 5.19 "Elevator Love Letter" Recap (Page 4/4)" . Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  7. ↑ "TV Recap: Grey's Anatomy - Elevator Love Letter - CINEMABLEND". CINEMABLEND. 2009-03-27. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
  8. ↑ Hudson, Laura. "WIRED Binge-Watching Guide: Grey's Anatomy". WIRED. Retrieved 2017-03-21.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.