It's hard to believe Grey's Anatomy is entering its fifth season next month. In honor of this much-anticipated, make-or-break fifth campaign, we've put together five things we're hoping for when the Grey's Anatomy cast returns September 25 ...

1. MerDer love. Not MerDer angst. Further elaboration unnecessary.
2. Happiness for The Chief. We know Chief Webber (James Pickens, Jr.) is more of a supporting character, but his on-again, off-again tribulations with Adele make no sense. Let's have them stay together, be happy and just ... carry on.
3. A Cristina Yang love interest. Regardless of how you feel about Isaiah Washington, the show has not been the same without Preston Burke. While no one could replace that man, a new love interest for Cristina would be a welcome this year, as Yang finally tries to put the past behind her.
4. A spectacular Izzie flameout. We heart Izzie, and certainly don't wish our girl any harm. But we're getting a wee bit tired of see this terrific character reduced to whining and treading water emotionally. Note to producers - give her something interesting to do, or get rid of her in style!
5. More Alex back story! The finale of Season Four gave us more of a glimpse into the mind of Alex Karev than we've had in... well, four whole seasons. We hope the scene pictured below is the gateway to more interesting revelations about a young doctor whose personal life - and background - is still the least known.
   

What's on YOUR wish list for Season Five of Grey's Anatomy?

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