Grey's Anatomy Season 6 Premieres Tonight

Expect twists and turns for the 2009 season of Grey's Anatomy. In fact, there are scheduled changes and more than likely there will be actor scandals and fan backlash that will cause unscheduled changes. Maybe this season should be summed up as "Expect the Unexpected".

There is word that there will be a new hospital merging with Seattle Grace this season. The merger is rumored to be with Seattle Grace's rival, Mercy West Hospital. Of course this will cause all sorts of turmoil, new doctors and the loss of some of the original cast.

That could be the perfect foil for a few Grey's Anatomy actors who need to take leave from the show this season. Ellen Pompeo ('Meredith Grey')just gave birth to a daughter, Stella Luna, earlier this week. Surely she will be taking time off so there's one character that will have to leave town. Izzie, played by Katherine Heigl, may be missing in action as well. She and her husband, Josh Kelley, just adopted a baby girl. Looks like a time out is in order for her as well.

So, who's left? Dr. McSteamy (Eric Dane) if he can keep off the cover of newstand tabloids with his personal life. His pal Dr. McDreamy (when will they introduce Dr. McNasty?) will be without his wife (Meredith Grey) while she's on baby leave. Maybe he'll strike up an affair with a new character, likely someone from Mercy West.

According to Shonda Rhimes, series creator, she's prepared for the departure of all of the original Grey's Anatomy cast members. There's already rumor that there are at least three new cast members, Robert Baker, Jesse Williams and Nora Zehetner, will start this season. Viewers will have to get used to a whole new cast of characters while the old ones take a break or leave permanently.

If Meredith Grey leaves Grey's Anatomy, will the name change? With one of the pivotal characters gone, how would they call it Grey's Anatomy. Oh, wait...there's always Lexi Grey. Can't really see much excitement building a story line around her.

ABC needs to keep the fans happy this year. With all the potential changes and a major character already killed off this may prove to be a make it or break it year for Grey's Anatomy.