| "Now or Never" | |
|---|---|
| Grey's Anatomy episode | |
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:George_Uniform.jpg) George O'Malley (T.R. Knight) appears in a vision of Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) after she flatlines. He is in his army uniform. | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 24 |
| Directed by | Rob Corn |
| Written by | Debora Cahn |
| Original air date | May 14, 2009 |
| Running time | 41 minutes [1] |
"Now or Never" is the twenty-fourth episode and the season finale of the fifth season of the American television medical drama, Grey's Anatomy and the show's 102nd episode overall. Written by Debora Cahn and directed by Rob Corn, the episode was originally broadcast on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 14, 2009. The initial airing was viewed by 17.12 million viewers and garnered a 6.2/17 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic. The episode received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise directed towards Katherine Heigl's performance. It marked the last regular appearance of original cast member T. R. Knight, who played Dr. George O'Malley who got into an accident during the episode and dies in the season 6 premiere. He later returns in season 17 as part of a dream of Meredith Grey.
In the episode Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh), Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), George O'Malley (T. R. Knight), and Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) are all sleeping and waiting for Izzie Stevens (Katherine Heigl) to wake up after a surgery to treat her cancer. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) comes up with an alternative treatment plan for Izzie, Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) confronts the Chief, Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.), and Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) about the paediatric fellowship program. Yang deals with her relationship with Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd), who helps George with career advice and influences his choice to enter the US Army. This episode also focuses on Meredith and Derek's post-it wedding.