While fans gather in our Stairway to Heaven" Round Table include Meredith's morbid decision, the possible departure of Denny, some terrific acting efforts, and George's continued absence ...

1. Meredith attending the lethal injection: Creepy or compassionate?

McCritic: Creepy. Whether or not you believe in the death penalty, actually attending such an event - for someone you've known for mere days - goes beyond dark and twisty, Mer.

missingBurke: Creepy, although everything happens for a reason. Maybe it took this to get Cristina and Meredith on speaking terms again, in which case it would be worth it.

iheartizzie: Creepy. One wonders why Meredith would possibly take him up on that offer. The girl is a glutton for emotional punishment. Thank goodness she has Derek now.

2. Is Denny finally gone?!?

iheartizzie: We pretty much know that he's not, since they tell us these things in advance now. Months in advance. I think my greatest problem with this story (besides it making no sense) is how blatantly they try to string it along. I must say, though, that Katherine Heigl and Jeffrey Dean Morgan have great chemistry. Maybe they should co-star in a Ghost remake.

McCritic: I can't even think about that question at the moment. Izzie is sick?!? I totally didn't see that coming!

missingBurke: Not according to some of the Grey's Anatomy spoilers we've read. Sounds like Denny will remain by Izzie's side as she goes through her ailment.

3. Better performance: Chandra Wilson or Samantha Mathis (Jackson's mother)?

missingBurke: Gotta be a tie. Both those actresses can turn on the water works with the best of them!

McCritic: Chandra Wilson. Mathis was great, but Dr. Bailey went through a range of emotions this week, from angry to confused to sorrowful and everything in between. Hand her an Emmy!

iheartizzie: Chandra. She's awesome. Wilson and Sandra Oh are the show's glue, and deserve their perennial Emmy consideration. Mathis' role deserves praise, though - a recurring character that the show didn't run out of town under controversial circumstances. What a feat!

4. Lexie Grey: Great girlfriend or the greatest girlfriend?

McCritic: Just a great girlfriend. While her concern over Mark was adorable, let's remember she did still break his penis. Ouch!

iheartizzie: The best. Girlfriends show up and strip for you, asking you to "teach" them. But cuddling up to Mark like that in his time of need? After breaking the very thing that makes Mark Sloan Mark Sloan? That's what keepers do.

missingBurke: I still like Mark and Callie better in terms of chemistry and overall interaction, but Lexipedia is growing on me a little each week, I must admit!

5. Got any words for George O'Malley?

iheartizzie: Bet you wish you'd taken that transfer to Mercy West right now, eh?

missingBurke: Hang in there, buddy. If characters keep dropping out of the show at this rate, there's gotta be a storyline for you at some point.

McCritic: Are you angry that Izzie keeps talking about her love for Denny? I thought she told you that you were her soulmate!

A reminder to call the Missing Persons Hotline if you see this man.

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