A couple of Grey's Anatomy spoilers from EW and TV Guide this morning ...

Q: Any Grey's Anatomy scoop?

A: Brooke Smith wasn't the only Seattle Grace staffer expunged under suspicious circumstances in the past year. Two other familiar, albeit lower profile, faces were given the boot, and I'm shocked eagle-eyed Grey's fans haven't picked up on it yet.

[INSIDER NOTE: Who was it? Does anyone know?]

Q: I'm dying for Christina and Owen to get together on Grey's Anatomy.

A: Well, this is certainly a positive step in that direction: Kevin McKidd has been promoted to a series regular.

Q: After watching the promo for the next episode of Grey's Anatomy, I must ask: Is there anything for Mer-Der fans to look forward to? You know, other than three women lying in Meredith's bed while Derek lives downstairs?

A: Well when you phrase it like that, you make me think that Melissa George's debut this week as Sadie, a college pal of Meredith's, will only further muddle things for the would-be Mr. and Mrs. Derek Shepherd. But maybe not. Consider this: Sadie's arrival will prompt Cristina - who feels displaced by her BFF's old BFF - to be a better sounding board for Derek, and that just might ease the tension in the lovebirds' overcrowded nest.

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