Plot: After sharing a one-night-stand with the man who would become the love of her life, Meredith takes on her first year as a surgical intern at Seattle Grace. The opening season is all about Meredith's relationships with her peers, her superiors, and Derek. First seasons are usually clunky, but we ranked season 1 in second place for its heart, warmth, and character development. It also nabbed a few SAG, Golden Globe, and Emmy nominations, so it's definitely not too shabby!
Ending: There's an STD outbreak among the interns, which is as much levity as the episode gets. (And let's be frank, STDs are no laughing matter.) Meredith and her superiors operate on Dr. Webber, who wakes up only to learn that Mer and Derek are seeing each other. That relationship doesn't last too long though, since Addison, Derek's estranged wife, pops up on the scene.
Weepiness: You'll shed a few tears here and there this season, but there's nothing that's tragically devastating . . . yet. It's all about buildup for Shonda Rhimes.