Here's a minor Grey's Anatomy spoiler / casting note in case you haven't heard about it yet - for the January 15 episode, "Sympathy for the Devil," Tyne Daly (Judging Amy, Cagney and Lacey) has been cast as Derek's mother! Wonder how that will go ...

In the episode, the mother of Derek (Patrick Dempsey) will meet Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) for the first time. Will this lead to some Mer-Der drama, which has been lacking? Elsewhere, Owen (Kevin McKidd) and Cristina (Sandra Oh) go on their first real date.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.