Stairway to Heaven

Season 5, Episode 13, Aired
EDIT

Episode Recap

Meredith stabilized William (the serial killer who knocked himself unconscious) and planned to let him die as he wished. She let Bailey know that he wasn't going to live long and that he was willing to donate his organs to Jackson, Bailey's patient. Bailey told Meredith she needed to do everything she could to save her patient. As Jackson's condition deteriorated, Meredith begged Derek to not do surgery on William so Jackson could have his organs. Derek told Bailey it's up to her whether he is a surgeon or executioner.

The Chief and George go on hunt for an organ donor and miraculously found a match. The Chief finally located a patient that was about to be taken off life support and convinced the patient's wife to donate his organs. Jackson woke up after the surgery.

Meanwhile, Izzie tries repeatedly to break up with Denny but he won't go away. Finally he tells her to use her knowledge as a doctor to figure it out. In a heartbreaking scene she realizes she is sick and screams at Denny for not telling her. Finally, Izzie Stevens realizes that "seeing" (talking to, sleeping with, and hugging) her dead ex-fiancé is not mentally sound.

Derek told Cristina he plans to propose to Meredith and asked for her advice. Derek told Cristina that he knew Meredith would need someone to "freak out to" and that she missed her. Cristina dismissed him, but after William's execution, Derek took the inconsolable Meredith to Cristina. Cristina went out to the car to calm Meredith down, putting aside their rift.