Staring at the Sun

"Many people don't know that the human eye has a blind spot in its field of vision. There is a part of the world that we are literally blind to. The problem is, sometimes our blind spots shield us from things that really shouldn't be ignored. Sometimes our blind spots keep our lives bright and shiny. When it comes to our blind spots, maybe our brains aren't compensating. Maybe they're protecting us."

- Meredith Grey

 is the eighth episode of the third season and the 44th overall episode of Grey's Anatomy.

Short Summary
Meredith tries optimism, and vows to be "bright and shiny." Addison and Derek try "peacefully coexisting", and confront Dr. Webber about his depression and problems with his marriage. George continues to be skeptical about Burke's ability to operate, after seeing Cristina perform a complicated surgery and refuse the credit. George's father is admitted to the hospital. Izzie shadows Alex, who is on Sloan's service.

Full Summary
Episode in detail.

Main Cast

 * Ellen Pompeo as Dr. Meredith Grey
 * Sandra Oh as Dr. Cristina Yang
 * Katherine Heigl as Dr. Izzie Stevens
 * Justin Chambers as Dr. Alex Karev
 * T.R. Knight as Dr. George O'Malley
 * Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey
 * James Pickens, Jr. as Dr. Richard Webber
 * Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Montgomery
 * Sara Ramírez as Dr. Callie Torres
 * Eric Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan
 * Isaiah Washington as Dr. Preston Burke
 * Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepherd

Guest Starring

 * George Dzundza as Harold O'Malley
 * Myndy Crist as Mrs. Hanson
 * Greg Pitts as Jerry O'Malley
 * Tim Griffin as Ronny O'Malley
 * Matt Winston as Frank Jeffries
 * Paul Cassell as Mr. Hanson
 * Annie Campbell as Anna
 * Steven W. Bailey as Joe
 * Kate Burton as Ellis Grey

Co-Starring

 * Ray Ford as Ray the Paramedic
 * Brooke Bryan as Mia
 * Martin Yu as Resident
 * Brad Sachs as Tech

Notes and Trivia

 * This episode's title originated from the song Staring At the Sun, originally sung by TV on the Radio.
 * This episode scored 20.92 million viewers.

Quotes

 * Mark: There you are! What, did you go all the way to New York for my pastrami?
 * Alex: Extra spicy, extra lettuce, light on the mayo.
 * Addison: Mark, what are you doing?
 * Mark: Lunch. Want my pickle?
 * Addison: Seattle Grace is a teaching hospital, part of your job is to teach, your interns aren't your slaves.
 * Mark: Fine, no pickle for you!