The British invasion marches on this morning with the news that the Peacock network is developing a new take on the UK drama series PRIME SUSPECT. Also marching on: NBC’s apparent inability to develop an original idea. [Variety]

Katherine Heigl out! Robert Baker, Jesse Wililams and Nora Zehetner in! Media-in-a-tizzy! Shonda Rhimes Pissed! Heck, if the on-screen drama is even half as interesting as GREY’S ANATOMY off-screen drama this season, we’re in for one helluva ride. [E! Online]

We imagine ourselves changing the channel with the news that Sci Fi Syfy is developing both a cooking and a talk show in a rather desperate attempt to imagine a broader audience. [i09]

Diane Sawyer will replace Charlie Gibson as the anchor of ABC’s WORLD NEWS beginning in January 2010. Which means, NBC’s Brian Williams best be watching his back. Yeah, we’re looking at you Meredith Vieira. [TV Newser]

Wondering which Bon Temps denizen might not survive next week’s TRUE BLOOD season finale? Probably the one who just signed on to ABC’s midseason legal drama THE DEEP END. We’re just sayin’ [THR]

There’s a fine line between good and grey.

As promised by the ABC promo department, Thursday’s GREY’S ANATOMY delivered an “episode that defined great television.” Or at least would have, had Katherine Heigl had the ability to simply keep her mouth shut.

Instead, what had the potential to be an unforgettable journey for one of television’s most likable characters turned into another example of when off-screen antics go bad. Or more to the point, when backstage drama ends up dictating on-screen story.

Thursday’s GREY’S ANTOMY was this close to a return to form.

Christina and Owen dealt with the all-too-timely issue of post traumatic stress disorder, the perennially underrated Justin Chambers delivered his one man “For Your Consideration” Emmy reel, Meredith and Derrick took their long awaited first step towards happily-ever-after and, oh yeah… Izzie Stevens might die from cancer.

But before you call this TV Addict out for having the emotional sensitivity of say a Dr. Gregory House, allow me to explain.

While Heigl has every right to pull a “Caruso” — aka what happens when a television star attempts to parlay their small screen success into big screen stardom by ditching the show that put them on the map — I’m not about to shed a tear for poor Izzie Stevens when we all know that the only reason she has cancer is because Heigl has asked to be let out of her GREY’S ANATOMY contract, and stat!

Reality seeping into our favorite fictionalized drama, it ain’t pretty.

Just ask J.J. Abrams (not to mention us ALIAS addicts) how frustrating it was to have to have Jack Bristow converse with Irina Derevko via instant message when contract negotiations didn’t go well with the irreplaceable Lena Olin. Or how Paul Scheuring enjoyed putting Sara’s head in a box on PRISON BREAK, only to miraculously bring her back one season later after FOX broke open the bank for Sarah Wayne Callies.

Heck, even Tommy’s recent exit on BROTHERS & SISTERS lacked the emotional impact it could have had, since the real reason for Balthazar Getty’s exit was no secret.

Showrunner Shonda Rhimes is simply playing the hand she was dealt. Just don’t ask us to cry for Izzie Stevens.

In a statement released to the Associated Press yesterday, Heigl revealed that she has opted to not submit her name for Emmy consideration this year stating, “I did not feel that I was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination.” Elaborating that, “In addition, I did not want to potentially take away an opportunity from an actress who was given such materials.”

Not surprisingly, GREY’S ANATOMY showrunner Shonda Rhimes, also known as the woman responsible for the success Heigl currently enjoys could not be reached for comment. Here’s hoping it was because she was too busy writing Heigl’s shocking season premiere death scene involving an unfortunate incident in a hospital elevator shaft.

Agree/Disagree, Post Away.