And the slump continues in an episode appropriately titled ‘Time After Time’. Sure there are the odd moments that restore your faith, such as Sloan offering to be the Chief’s ‘wing-man’ as he re-enters the dating game – but these are sadly few and far between. Grey’s Anatomy has clearly hit a wall in its third season and so we are being treated to slow-moving stories, uninspired repetition and Meredith whining at her well-meaning stepmother – lucky us.

The Karev/ Jane Doe plot and the George/ Callie/ Izzie love triangle are the main offenders. They drag on predictably. What have we done to deserve such tedious story-lines? Once upon a time I looked forward to my weekly dose of action from Seattle Grace, now it really is like a trip to the doctors – lots of waiting around for something to happen until the inevitably vague verdict and the feeling of ‘why did I bother?’ Why has the pace slowed to that of a snail’s? And why are the more interesting characters (Addison, Bailey, Sloan) constantly being side-lined to make room for the hysterical playground antics of the others? If there is a tonic to cure the malaise that has enveloped GA it better arrive soon – as there are only five episodes left of the season and I don’t know that I can make it until the end.

The parents of Izzie’s biological daughter (the one that she had adopted eleven years ago) located her in a bid to save the sick girl. Turns out Hannah (for that is her name) has leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. The concerned parents asked Izzie to see if hers was a match and possibly donate. Of course, being a good girl Izzie did all this with Bailey to help hold her hand. Since sleeping with each other, George and Izzie’s relationship has been fraught, but that didn’t stop George assuming hand-holding duties from Bailey as he found out what new personal problem was plaguing his friend. Meanwhile Callie was neglected and forgotten by her wayward husband. How much longer can this be played out for? It was old ages ago.

Shepherd badgered the Chief on the issue of his successor, as he felt that he was the natural choice. The Chief admitted that Shepherd should not depend on his support, as he felt the demands of the role infringed too much on one’s personal life and he wanted to protect the interests of Meredith out of loyalty to Ellis. Will McDreamy put his career ambitions before his girlfriend? And do we really care?

What else? Oh yes, Jane Doe was claimed by a couple asserting to be her parents and she was thrilled to finally piece together her identity. Karev was reluctant to have her leave the hospital (and him) and was cautious, and jolly good thing he was too as the pair were not really her relations. Jane Doe threw a strop on learning that she was still the human equivalent of lost and found and targeted her anger and frustrations at Alex. Yawn.

Cristina finally managed to scare Marlow off, after making it clear that she was serious in her relationship with Burke while Meredith’s relationship with her stepmother continued to develop.

I don’t know how I managed to type all that as I was bored enough watching it, let alone committing to print all the turgid details. Please Grey’s Anatomy – let’s try an injection of energy, humour and fun into the next installment. This collapse in quality isn’t like you, and we fans have come to expect better.