In “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” Meredith and Derek begin to learn Stephen Sondheim’s lesson from Into the Woods: that “happily ever after” isn’t as easy as fairytales make it out to be. Coincidentally, Bernadette Peters, who played the Witch in Into the Woods is a guest star. Maybe she will sing a song to really bring home how hard Meredith and Derek have to work at their relationship? I’m certainly hoping so.

In medical news, a freak ice storm brings trauma patients to Seattle Grace Hospital. Guest star Kevin McKidd plays Major Owen Hunt, a military doctor who brings one of those trauma patients, and who also happens to catch the eye of Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh). According to Michael Ausiello, although McKidd’s status on Grey’s Anatomy is currently “recurring,” Shonda Rhimes is so pleased with his work that there’s a good chance that he’ll be made into a series regular by the end of the season.

And poor Chief Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.)! He finally got his wife back at the end of last season, but he’ll get the news in the season premiere that Seattle Grace is no longer nationally ranked as a top-tier teaching hospital. This will no doubt be a blow to his ego; he’s always been ambitious about maintaining Seattle Grace’s prestige.

The season premiere was written by Shonda Rhimes and directed by Rob Corn. Guest stars include Lauren Stamile as that lying nurse Rose, Mariette Hartley, Cliff DeYoung, John Getz, Bernadette Peteres and Kathy Baker.