Jeffrey Dean Morgan still gets a surprising amount of work on both Grey's Anatomy and Supernatural, despite being killed off during each show's second season.  The actor reprised his role as John Winchester in an episode of Supernatural's third season entitled "Long-Distance Caller," though only as a voice from beyond the grave.  Now it's been confirmed that an installment in season 4 will flashback to the character's teenage years, though it's unlikely the 42-year-old Morgan will step into the role.  According to TV Guide, fans of the actor can instead plan to see him in the fifth season premiere of Grey's Anatomy, where he'll be reprising his role as Denny Duquette.  It'll be the first time the character has appeared on the series since he showed up to chat with Meredith on her death bed.

There's no word on how Grey's Anatomy plans to integrate Denny into the season premiere, but I can't be the only one hoping that he'll show up to whisk Izzie away to the afterlife after she plunges down an elevator shaft.  Maybe that's a bit harsh, but it wouldn't be surprising after the recent comments Katherine Heigl made regarding the quality of the writing in the fourth season.  However, despite rumors to the contrary, ABC has confirmed that Katherine Heigl will remain on the show.  If no one's going to kick the bucket, what purpose will Denny serve?

The most plausible explanation for his return would be a dream sequence.  It's undeniably a bit hokey, but Izzie needs some sort of kick in the pants to get herself back on track.  Of course, Morgan could always reappear in a more ridiculous plot line.  Maybe Denny has a secret twin brother named Danny that we never knew about.  Maybe Shonda Rhimes will give the show a sci-fi twist by revealing that a brilliant doctor had Denny cloned shortly after his death.  The possibilities are endless!

Fans can see Denny's big return when the fifth season of Grey's Anatomy premieres on ABC September 25.


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: TV Guide
(Image courtesy of ABC)