: Alex delivers a powerful, spontaneous speech adapted from a valedictorian's graduation address, promising to be accountable to Izzie through any future challenges. Medical Drama and Character Growth
: As a wedding gift, Derek gives Meredith her first solo surgery—a successful colon surgery overseen by Richard Webber.
While the wedding takes center stage, the hospital remains in chaos due to a tragic car crash involving college students on their way to graduation.
: To promote the 100th episode, ABC created a real wedding website for Meredith and Derek that fans could actually visit and RSVP to.
: Rhimes described the episode as the moment Meredith evolved from a "dark and twisty" girl into an "extraordinary" woman capable of choosing happiness.
: Despite the shift in plans, the wedding remains a fan favorite, featuring the original "MAGIC" interns (Meredith, Alex, George, Izzie, and Cristina) as the wedding party.
: Creator Shonda Rhimes noted that Denny's appearance in this episode was meant to represent "Death," which is why he wore black and spoke sparingly compared to previous appearances.