Grey's Anatomy: Complete Seventh Season

The seventh season of ABC's medical drama opens in the wake of last year's hospital shooting, lending the first few chapters a somber tone. Andrew Perkins (James Tupper), the counselor helping the staff cope, falls for Teddy (Kim Raver), one of the few doctors he didn't treat, although another man (Scott Foley) will compete for her affections. After recovering from his injuries, Derek (Patrick Dempsey) steps down as chief and hands the reins back to Richard (James Pickens Jr.). Derek and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) plan to start a family, and a recovering Cristina (Sandra Oh) goes ahead with her wedding to Owen (Kevin McKidd). Callie (Sara Ramirez) and Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) experience some ups and downs due to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a surprise diagnosis, while prickly new attending physician Dr. Stark (Peter MacNicol) sets his sights on wide-eyed resident April (Sarah Drew). Meanwhile, love manages to find Karev (Justin Chambers), Bailey (Chandra Wilson), Avery (Jesse Williams), and Lexie (Chyler Leigh), with Sloan (Eric Dane) still pining for the latter. Interspersed throughout are the usual stomach-churning medical procedures, while highlights include a “music event” that allows Broadway vets Ramirez and Daniel Sunjata to sing through Callie's trauma. Like the opener, the season ends on a downbeat note, due to an unwanted pregnancy and an Alzheimer's study with personal ramifications. Compiling all 22 episodes of the 2010–11 run, DVD extras include an extended episode, a behind-the-scenes featurette, outtakes, and unaired scenes. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)