Miraculousy, Meredith's mom Ellis (Kate Burton) becomes lucid for the first time since being stricken with Alzheimers'. Unfortunately, Ellis' first words are not entirely flattering to Meredith (Ellen Pompeo)--in fact, they're downright abusive. Meanwhile, a patient's toxic blood may prove dangerous to three of the surgeons; Izzy (Katherine Heigl) has quite a conversation with the first client at the Denny Duquette memorial clinic; Cristina (Sandra Oh) gives serious consideration to Burke's proposal; and the eminent retirement of Dr. Webber (James Pickens Jr.) results in "competition fever". The episode ends as George (T.R. Knight) and Callie (Sara Ramirez) return from Vegas with a big surprise--as if we couldn't have guessed the nature of that surprise from what took place in the previous episode! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi