"About to be blown up to holy hell.”

That's how Shonda Rhimes describes the near future for Owen and Cristina's relationship. Not exactly an encouraging sign for the couple, who she says will seek the help of a professional in the near future.

Is that reason for hope? While Rhimes confirms to TV Line that the duo will see a shrink, she adds, “It’s not in the way anybody thinks. That’s all I’m going to say about that.” Your guess? As good as ours.

As for the upcoming crossover with Derek and Amelia, Rhimes confirms that Derek’s little sister (played by Caterina Scorsone) will indeed appear on Grey’s Anatomy for an episode in mid-February.

That same night, Derek and Lexie pop into Private Practice.

Rhimes refutes the term "crossover," however, saying “It’s not going to be a crossover the way anyone thinks. Derek and Lexie are not going to L.A. for any reason. It’s more about a medical case.”

No clue how that makes it any less of a crossover, but so be it.

Regarding the much-discussed alternate reality / if-then episode, is it something that Meredith dreams or imagines? In other words, she be able to take anything away from the experience in "real" life?

Looks like no. “It’s not a journey that Meredith is aware of,” Rhimes says. “The episode starts out as sort of a 'What If?' question asked in the voiceover. We just really wanted a chance to explore the ‘What If?’ of it all."

Also, it illuminates what’s most important to our characters.

The sense that something’s wrong and something’s lost, but they don’t quite know what it is because they’re not exactly themselves, is what drives this episode, the latest in a long-line of Shonda stunts.

Finally, Rhimes confirmed Tuesday at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour that Debbie Allen will reprise her role as Jackson’s mother in an episode to air later in Season Eight.

Phew! That's a lot to discuss, so without further ado, have at it!

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