Interns Meredith Grey, Christina Yang, Izzy Stevens, Alex Karev, and George O’Malley  may not be perfect, but they all want to be the best surgeons possible. In the TV hit series Grey’s Anatomy, created by Shonda Rhimes, viewers see how their personal demons and private lives interfere with this worthy goal. The Complete Second Season Uncut DVD gives us a chance to get better acquainted with these intriguing characters who grow on us more and more with each compelling episode.    

Will angst-ridden Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) win back Dr. Derek Shepherd, aka Doctor McDreamy, from his sultry wife (Kate Walsh)? Can workaholic Christina (Sandra Oh) change her lifestyle enough to find happiness with handsome Dr. Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington)? Is the beautiful Izzy (Katherine Heigl) too emotional to be a surgeon? What makes the swaggering Alex (Justin Chambers) such a jerk? Will lovable George (T. R. Knight) ever receive the respect he deserves? Frankly, even though I’m not a fan of other TV medical shows, I’ve become such a Grey’s Anatomy junkie that these questions often prevent me from getting a good night’s sleep. On other nights, I worry about the type of weird accidents dealt with at Seattle Grace Hospital, such as a metal pole thrust through two people and joining them together in pain or a bomb inside a body which could explode if the paramedic holding it there removes her hand. I know what you’re thinking: get a life – but, darn it, this is such a great series!

I can’t even pick a favorite character. All the actors do such a terrific job, and they make the interns seem like a family, so it’s easy to accept episodes showing how they hurt each other and then make up or rally round the one in trouble. Sure, there’s too much of Meredith and Derek staring at each other. Plus a few cases are a bit too bizarre, but those things assume minor importance when evaluating the gestalt of Grey’s Anatomy. This is a show filled with powerful performances, excellent writing, and savvy direction. It represents television drama at its best.

Even the DVD bonus features are enjoyable. “The Doctors Are In” features cast members Walsh, Chambers and Knight being quite candid while answering questions from the fans; “The Softer Side of Dr. Bailey” showcases Chandra Wilson, who portrays the wonderful whip-cracking wrangler of Seattle Grace’s surgical interns; and elegant Chief of Staff Dr. Webber (James Pickens) takes viewers on an enlightening tour of the Grey’s Anatomy set. Also included are four extended episodes, unaired scenes, and an amusing Jimmy Kimmel show with guests Katherine Heigl, James Pickens and Chandra Wilson.     

Bring on Season Three!

(Released by Buena Vista Home Entertainment; not rated by MPAA.)