Breaking: Derek Shepherd, aka McDreamy, Leaving Grey’s?

Patrick Dempsey’s character Derek Shepherd, aka McDreamy, is quitting Seattle Grace, according to EW.com.

Here are the details, via a press release from Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes…

“After learning at a deposition that more of his patients have died than survived, Derek decides to quit — even as Meredith refuses to give up on him.”

Let’s be clear, though.  Patrick Dempsey is not leaving Grey’s Anatomy. That much was made clear by Rhimes’ press release and all of the media’s reports about Grey’s. Katherine Heigl and TR Knight may be on their ways out after this season, but Patrick Dempsey and the rest of the cast are sticking around Grey’s. Whether they actually stick around Seattle Grace is still unclear.

For clarity, check out March 12’s episode.

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Bush Will Make Farewell Address Thursday Night

After eight years of epic failure, George Bush will say his goodbyes to the nation Thursday night during prime time.

The current president has requested 10-15 minutes from the big four networks on Thursday night, and it will be the last time he will be seen in public until Inauguration on Jan. 20.

So beware of this speed bump in your viewing schedule Thursday night. A time has not yet been confirmed for the address, but Bush typically gives them at 9 p.m. ET.

That means that Grey’s Anatomy, The Office and CSI will all be delayed. Two of these three are planning on airing milestone episodes that fans have been anticipating for months.

On CSI, Gil Grissom will depart from the show forever – stepping aside for Laurence Fishburne.

And this episode of The Office is where the entire office knows about the Dwight-Angela affair – so it should be uproariously hilarious.

Funnier than President Bush stumbling over his words for the last time?

Probably not, but be sure to adjust your TIVOs and DVRs depending on when your local listings say your particular show will be on the air.

Grey’s Anatomy Loses George

A day after Grey’s Anatomy producers assured the entire world that TR Knight – the actor who plays George O’Malley – was perfectly happy, Knight asked for a release from his contract with Grey’s. 

The reason, the AP and EW.com report, is because Knight is disgruntled with his character’s storyline.  Which is a similar complaint that Katherine Heigl had last season when she said the writing for her character’s parts wasn’t up to snuff.  Heigl, whose best friend on the show is TR Knight, has long been rumored to want off Grey’s as well.

At this moment, ABC executives are declining to comment on the TR Knight situation, but, according to the AP, Knight will certainly get the release from his contract.  But expect this to take weeks to happen because of the negotiation that first has to take place.  

EW.com was the first one to break the story, and the mole that spoke to Michael Ausiello said that series creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes was OK with letting the 35-year-old actor walk off her show.

With all of this being said, I’m most interested in how this will affect the show?  Can Grey’s function without George, or will the storylines and relationships in Seattle Grace Hospital be changed for the worse with TR Knight’s departure?  Or do you hate George?

Let your opinions be heard.