This was a fairly typical hour of Grey’s filled with amusing banter, intense surgeries and interesting patients. Sadly, it lacked a proper conclusion.
First, I have to say that I love Casey Wilson (although I might be one of the few people out there who still hasn’t seen Happy Endings), so to have her and Rita Moreno guest star in the same episode is a huge plus. Both women truly shine in their scenes with two intriguing medical cases, and it’s honestly been a very long time since I cared about the patients’ stories on this show, but I am EXTREMELY disappointed with how they just “disappeared” by the end of the hour.
Whereas Casey’s character eventually did get the satisfying conclusion I was hoping for—her child, one of quadruplets, survived a major kickass labor thanks to Arizona’s awesome skills—Rita Moreno’s character had no on-screen reaction to the news of her philandering husband’s death. It’s unsatisfying to leave us hanging like that, especially since I became unexpectedly invested in this complex case the minute her husband woke up with no memory of ever cheating on his wife with a woman he’s actually been with for over 11 years. We’ll have to draw our own conclusions to this one, I guess, but I bet it involves Rita and the “other woman” (played by Jamie Rose) having another one of their hilarious staring contests.
April’s subplot, however, continues to prove what an utterly despicable character she is. I see absolutely no logical reason for her to hide her pregnancy from Jackson, and while Arizona may have crossed a professional (and probably legal) line at the end, it was ultimately necessary. The only thing that worries me more about the next couple of episodes is whatever drama we’re heading towards regarding April and Jackson or even April and Arizona. I never saw the appeal in this unlikely friendship anyway, so I can’t say I’ll miss it.
Finally, I’m glad they’re taking Meredith back into the dating world in a gradual and safe manner. There’s no reason to rush this storyline because the new McDreamy, who goes under the name Major Thorpe, needs to become a little less creepy and a lot more likable before we approve of him and Mer. But for what it’s worth, it’s absolutely entertaining to watch Meredith awkwardly blush and wonder whether to text back. We’ve never seen this vulnerable side of our protagonist before, and I can’t wait to see more of it.
Bits & Scalpels
– Very cool teaser with Webber watching the doctors split between teams in the hospital (in slow-mo) which leads him to make a resident shuffle!
– Love the resident/attending shakeup which seemed like homage to the early years of the show.
– Is it just me or is April actually getting skinnier? Plus: how dumb is she to refuse getting tested?
– I often forget that Bailey is Chief now. I wish we can see more scenes of her in her office.
– Heart-wrenching image of the tiny newborn baby. I actually had to look away.
– How adorable were those puppies in the end?
– The C-subplot involved Jo and Meredith fighting, sort of. Honestly, I’m starting to loathe Jo for how much screentime she’s receiving, especially whenever she brings up her jealousy of Meredith and Alex’s friendship. I did love Mer’s calm and silent reaction to her freaking out, though. Hilarious.
– I don’t get the importance of Ben and Bailey’s taxes subplot. Is that it or are we heading somewhere else?
– Woah, a shout-out to Hermann! Would love to see her again soon.
Grey Banter
Maggie: Sometimes, your ringer is off, and it’s been off for so long that you forget that it’s off, and you need someone to help you figure out how to turn it back on. But once it’s on…
Callie: Oh, oh that’s it. Your ringer needs to be turned on. You’ve been on vibrate for too long.
Meredith: Shut up.
Conclusion
A typical episode that sadly fizzles out in the end.
Chris Rating
B-