Ep 3. Sometimes a Fantasy

The third episode of the third season of Grey's Anatomy is titled "Sometimes a Fantasy." The episode begins with a fantasy sequence featuring Meredith and Derek in a steamy bathtub. However, the bubble bursts as Meredith wakes up to find that Derek is not with her.

The episode revolves around the case of a patient named Holly Wheeler, who has been diagnosed with a rare disease that causes her to feel like she is constantly running. She has been running for two straight years and is now unable to stand up on her own. Dr. Burke takes on her case and begins to work on a treatment plan for her.

Meanwhile, Cristina is struggling with her relationship with Dr. Burke. She feels that he is not giving her enough attention and is more committed to his work than he is to her. She confides in Meredith about her feelings and the two of them hatch a plan to make Dr. Burke jealous. Cristina pretends to be interested in an intern named Finn, who is played by the future Grey's Anatomy star Chris O'Donnell.

The plan backfires when Dr. Burke catches on to what Cristina is doing and confronts her about it. The two of them have a heated argument in the hallway, and Dr. Burke tells Cristina that he expects her to be committed to their relationship if it is going to work.

In the meantime, George is assigned to work with a patient named Norman, who is suffering from a rare intestinal condition. Norman is a hypochondriac who is convinced that he is dying. He has been living in the hospital for weeks, refusing to leave until he is cured. George is tasked with helping Norman overcome his fear and start living again outside the hospital walls.

The episode also features a subplot involving Alex, who is caring for a patient named Joe who has a large tumor on his neck. Alex initially struggles to connect with Joe, who is difficult to deal with. However, as the two of them spend more time together, Alex learns that Joe is a former rocket scientist who had to leave his job due to his illness. The two of them bond over their shared love of baseball and Alex helps Joe realize that he still has a lot to live for, even with his illness.

Overall, "Sometimes a Fantasy" is a character-driven episode that focuses on the personal relationships of the doctors at Seattle Grace. The episode deals with themes such as commitment, love, fear, and loneliness. It showcases the show's signature blend of drama, romance, and medical procedural elements and features standout performances from Sandra Oh, Isaiah Washington, and Katherine Heigl.