We figured that since Dr. O'Malley was smashed to pieces by a speeding bus, then later spotted riding an elevator to heaven, T.R. Knight's wish to be liberated from his Grey's Anatomy contract would most likely be granted. And it was! EW's Michael Ausiello reports that Shonda Rhimes will let Knight go free, even though he was signed on for another three at Seattle Grace Hospital. Rhimes allegedly wanted the actor to appear in the first three episodes of season six this fall, presumably to make his death as slow and painful as possible, but neither side could agree on terms. Ausiello says Knight's next move will be a 2010 Broadway revival of Lend Me a Tenor and that, until we hear differently, Katherine Heigl, Knight's brain-tumored co-star, is still alive and well.

It's official: T.R. Knight exits 'Grey's Anatomy' [Ausiello Files/EW]