<P> The season received mixed to negative reviews, after two seasons that resulted in heavy critical acclaim . Following a positive outlook on the second season, Christopher Monfette of IGN Entertainment expressed disappointment during the third one, mainly due to the declining quality and lack of realism of the storylines . He noted a growing number of similarities between the season's arcs and the ones that are developed in soap operas, by stating that "the line which separates primetime television from soap opera is oftentimes razor thin" and admitting that, despite his considering the series "the best drama", he freely admits that it requires some inherent suspension of disbelief, after it "found itself mired in the annoying and absurd". Whereas Monfette acknowledged that the fans would consider the problem to have been a simple case of lazy writing, he noted that over-writing played a main role in the series becoming unexpectedly unrealistic . He also noted the senseless intrigues in the Derek / Meredith relationship, by stating that the season would not have achieved high ratings if a functional relationship had been introduced: "The season generally opts to stall out for its vast majority, providing Meredith with some bizarrely under - developed sub-plot about depression and giving Derek a season's worth of reconsidering to do". </P> <P> Monfette criticized the romantic development of the characters throughout the season, by describing Cristina and Burke's relationship as an excuse for the possibility of a wedding for Meredith, whereas Burke's unfair behavior towards Cristina is thought to be manipulative, exposing her to his overly romantic notion of an ideal ceremony . The way the doubts regarding the success of their relationship were resolved in the season finale was described as "most obvious and least compelling ." IGN Entertainment was also critical of Alex Karev's storyline, who is seen falling for a pregnant and badly injured Jane Doe, despite having always been "self - obsessed". Monfette once again noted the lack of realism in the improvement of Jane Doe's condition, as she gives birth to her baby and undergoes reconstructive surgery in a short amount of time . However, her incapability and continuous struggle to remember who she is was considered to be "the most affecting and honest plotline of the season", noting the nuanced and emotionally resonant scenes, which gave the show a "charmingly positive, feel - good foundation". Monfette considered Izzie's affair with George as the season's worst but most significant storyline, criticizing its being "force - red, emotionally incorrect, a mismatch from the beginning and a narrative long - shot", which does not express love, but lust . He agreed that the essential problem of the season was its reluctance to move, leading to frustration after seeing "the entertaining familiar characters so weighed down by their most annoying of traits". </P> <P> In response to the season premiere, Oscar Dahl of Buddytv.com noted the predictability of the series, but expressed hope in its further development, by stating that it has become "a medical chick flick, but a damn good one" with a big and attractive cast . He also praised the interaction between the characters, noting the "smart" dialogue that helps each character evolve . However, Dahl expressed disappointment in the over emotional scenes, describing them as "off - putting" and "not believable", while comparing them to real life interactions between people who emote in a more subtle manner than displayed on television . "Emotions ran high in the premiere and there was much crying", stated Dahl, but noted that the dialogue, who he had previously been worried would be "too cutesy", was not bothering, and rather realistic, noting how the show is "smartly written". He also described the acting of Ellen Pompeo and Katherine Heigl as "worthy of attention". </P> <P> New York Post's Robert Rorke reviewed the numerous characters with heavy romantic development, noting perpetual "merry - go - round of hookups, breakups and makeup sex", while describing the lack of sentimental involvement of Katherine Heigl's character in the first half of the season . However, he deemed Izzie Stevens "the hear and soul" of the "sex - filled series", due to the season mostly focusing on the events that come to define her as a person . Rorke named her the show's heroine, and wrote that "Izzie is a welcome, calming presence, despite the devastation she experienced when she failed to save her patient and fiancé Denny Duquette", considering her to have been more prominent than the title character, Meredith Grey, whose storyline received negative critiques: "She used to be the queen of the romantic dilemmas . But lately, she's been a little dopey, with that endless McDreamy soliloquies ." He also noted Meredith's decreasing importance in the ongoing arc, describing how Sandra Oh's character development was vital to the success of the season, as he compared her "cutthroat exterior" with the emotional side of her personality that evolves throughout the season . New York Post compared Izzie, who is described as having achieved a depth, to Miranda Bailey, noting the maturity they have, which is uncharacteristic to the fellow interns . Robert Rorke positively reviewed Chandra Wilson's performance by stating that she was "formidable". </P>

Greys anatomy the other side of this life cast