Grey's Anatomy's 4th Season Starts Off Strong, Despite Loss of Burke & Addison

I am pleased to say that after a weak third season, Grey's Anatomy has officially redeemed itself. Tonight, the fourth season started, and in my opinion, it started on a good note. There were many questions that remained from last May and they all got answered, most to my satisfaction.

First of all, there was the question of what will happen to Burke's character? Isaiah Washington has been officially let go from the series, so there is no way he will be returning. Instead of simply "forgetting" he exists, it is obvious that Cristina is still mourning him and that she doesn't have any idea where he is. As for Addison's disappearance as well (due to Kate Walsh's spin-off), that was touched on briefly. Surprisingly, the episode didn't feel empty without those two main characters. The new interns, specifically Meredith's half-sister Lexie, filled the gap in nicely.

Speaking of Lexie, I really do like her character so far. She is perky but not obviously obnoxious. I hope that Meredith eventually opens up and they can form a relationship.

A few more predictions-I don't think that George will last long as an intern. Somehow either they will find out his scores were graded incorrectly or he'll get a special accommodation, because it was totally obvious that he is too smart to stay with the interns all year long. Additionally I think Callie will lose her job as Chief Resident since no one listens to her.

It is nice to see that McDreamy and Mere are back together. They are too cute and need each other. Now they better say together this time, especially since Addison is out of the picture. They should just get married already.

Oh and one last thing. George finally said "I love you" to Izzy. Oh. My. God. Yuck, yuck, yuck. Gag me with a spoon. Etc. I hate them together, it is so awkward and gross and screams incest. But at least he finally picked someone. I guess that is better than the 8 week long George/Izzy awkwardness. I am now definitely stoked to find out what happens between George & Callie. Will she be pregnant and force George to stay with her? Honestly I think a Callie & Alex connection would be great. For the record I am lovin' Karav's new facial hair.

I think we as Grey's fans just need to pretend the third season was all a dream. Or a figment of the autistic kid's imagination. Something. It never happened. Because really, all the storylines of the third season fizzled. George & Callie's Vegas wedding was a joke, Burke and Addison are gone, and apparently that's the end of the story with Jane Doe. Seriously, what was the point of having her on the show for months and then have her disappear?

So for me, the slate is wiped clean. I have forgiven the writers for the pitiful third season, and am eager for the new episodes that are on their way!