ABC executive defends 'Grey's Anatomy' ghostmance storyline

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- Is there a ghost of a chance that the renewed relationship between live Izzie and dead Denny on "Grey's Anatomy" makes sense?

Yes, according to ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson.

"In terms of the ghost stuff, it's not a ghost, which you will learn," McPherson told a meeting of the Television Critics Association on Friday.

"You will be surprised at how insightful and smart the story line" is for the characters and for the show's direction, McPherson said. But, he added, viewers will be the judge.

At the end of the 2005-2006 season, Dr. Izzie Stevens' (Katherine Heigl) short-lived engagement to Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) ended with his death after heart transplant surgery. But he's been reappearing to her in encounters that have turned passionate.