Even though it was predictable, this was still another enjoyable hour of Grey’s.
We finally get some insight into what Derek was up to in Washington, and since the episode started with a Derek-centric flashback, it was safe to say we all predicted he wasn’t being completely honest with Meredith. There wasn’t anything particularly compelling about the flashbacks because they were too abrupt and literally came out of nowhere, but the buildup was indeed intense. I was waiting to see what kind of mess Derek was into, and I certainly loved it.
The thing that I liked about Derek kissing Renee (who, somehow, looked exactly like I imagined her to be) is the thing she said to him that made him kiss her in the first place. Her uttering the phrase “that was such a high” was an amusing callback to the pilot when Meredith had just finished working with Derek on their first surgery ever and said the exact same thing. That one really made me smile. But his lying to his wife about it will definitely come and bite him in the ass (in typical Grey fashion, that would probably entail Renee showing up in Seattle claiming her everlasting love for McDreamy).
Even all the quick little flashbacks to earlier seasons were fascinating to watch. They really made MerDer’s history feel real, and I can never get enough of season-five Derek throwing the engagement ring in the woods. Yes, I’m a sucker for early Grey’s.
Owen and Amelia (who I will never, ever call Omelia) still feel forced and unnatural. The way he snapped at her for no reason was ridiculously reminiscent of the old days when PTSD-Owen would randomly yell at Cristina, and I’m not okay with that comparison. If we’re supposed to be rooting for Omelia (okay, I will call them that just once), there needs to be a better story connecting these two. And some chemistry please?
I loved seeing Mama Hunt though, if only because I can never get enough of Debra Mooney on my screen. Her storyline, while a bit predictable as well, was entertaining nevertheless and she’s someone I wish I can see more of in the future.
Bits & Scalpels
– I love seeing Meredith and Alex working side by side. Their case this week was heart-breaking, I really believed the boy was gonna make it. Damn you, writers.
– Amusing touch: Callie, Maggie and Alex worrying about Meredith after finding out about Derek’s return.
– I’m surprised the show still gives us entertaining subplots. I certainly didn’t mind Stephanie “bribing” Ben to scrub her way into his surgery.
– We need more scenes that involve Alex and Meredith hugging.
Grey Banter
Meredith: There’s this thing I used to do when I was a kid to my mom’s VCR. I’d take it apart piece by piece, then put it back together again. But inevitably, there was always a piece or two left over. Something I didn’t quite know what to do with. So, what do you do with that piece? Do you try to fit it back in? Do you try to make it work? Or do you decide you can live without that missing piece?
Owen: Mom, I think he’s using you.
Mrs. Hunt: For what, for sex? Well, God bless him!
Alex: You’re mad at Derek. You want to take it out on me, go on. You want to yell and hit and scream ‘cause things are hard at home, okay. You want to be a mess, be a mess. I don’t care. I can take it.
Meredith: I can live without you. But I don’t want to. I don’t ever want to.
Must-Download Tunes
Build It Better – Aaron Wright
Conclusion
Despite the predictable outcome, Grey’s Anatomy delivered another solid installment this week.
Chris Rating
B+
Word on everything you said. Really enjoyed this hour. Mama Hunt was especially insightful. Honestly it even managed to change my mind about such couples with great age differences. It's been a while since I said that about a TV show affecting me in such a tangible manner!
Also, Jo dealing with the patient and the leech in her nose was nasty but really amusing! I cringed!
Finally, didn't Renee look just like a young Meredith? Gorgeous actress