What if Meredith never met Derek Sheppard in a bar? And what if his nickname was ‘McDreary’ instead of ‘McDreamy?’

In Thursday’s new episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” titled “If/Then” we’re about to find out. 

After putting Zola to bed one night, Meredith falls asleep and starts dreaming about a number of what-ifs, including what life would be like without her husband.

In this alternate universe, Derek is still with Addison (guest star Kate Walsh) and the couple is trying to decide if they should have a baby.

But Meredith’s not completely left in the cold. In a 30-second preview we see her kissing Alex Karev but this is not the Karev that we know (and sometimes love). Wearing thick-rimmed glasses and sporting a perfectly coiffed hair ‘do, he’s nowhere near the cocky, confrontational doctor he normally is – at one point, he’s seen cheering on the rest of the doctors. We were even taken aback by his earnest charm and good looks!

In the previous episode, at Zola’s birthday party, Cristina and Owen just had another huge blowout (this time in front of all their friends from Seattle Grace) but in this alternate universe, this tumultuous couple is not even together. Instead, an often caustic Cristina is meek and mild (with dorky bangs to boot) and appears to be jealous of Owen’s relationship with, whom else? Callie. Wait, what? It looks like this happy couple even has a kid or two.

Cristina is not the only powerhouse who has been diminished. Dr. Bailey is as shy and unassuming as she was as a young intern and gone are the days of her barking orders. She’s also sporting long braids but she’s not the only one who’s changed her look.

Lexie is shown at Seattle Grace, not in scrubs, but in a hospital gown with some out-of-character facial piercings, dreads and a not-so-keen attitude.

We’re not sure if she and Meredith are still half-sisters in this alternate universe but one major family revelation for Meredith is that her mother never had Alzheimer’s. Could our title character have actually lived a happy childhood? And does this explain why she’s attracted to the optimism and intellect of the new and improved Karev? Or will she realize she needs someone much more brooding, like the “real-life” McDreamy?

Speaking of McHotties, we’re not sure what McSteamy will be up to but we can’t wait to find out, as well as see the Chief’s and Teddy’s alter-egos.

And with rumours that Katherine Heigl wants to return to “Grey’s” could this mean that Izzie never left Seattle Grace? And maybe Denny didn’t die?! You’re not the only one who can dream, Meredith.

About Sheri Block

Sheri Block has been covering entertainment for CTV.ca since 2008. In addition to covering Will and Kate’s Royal Wedding in London, Sheri’s highlights have included going on tour with “Canadian Idol,” being a stand-in on “Canada’s Next Top Model” and meeting Colin Farrell at the Toronto International Film Festival.Follow her on Twitter!
 

About Lindsay Zier-Vogel

Lindsay Zier-Vogel has been working for CTV.ca and covering So You Think You Can Dance Canada since 2008. In addition to interviewing the famed American choreographer Bill T. Jones and Canadian prima ballerina Karen Kain, Lindsay’s highlights include criss-crossing Canada on four SYTYCDC audition tours and covering the Juno Awards. Follow her on Twitter!