Grey’s Anatomy 14×01/02 – Break Down The House / Get Off On The Pain

Comfort TV at its finest ladies and gents.

The best thing about Grey’s Anatomy’s 2-hour premiere is the fact that it introduces three characters into the show’s world with such seamless confidence and flair. It’s true that Teddy was a part of the show’s fabric for many seasons (6 through 8), but we’re in season 14, and Grey’s has changed immensely since then. So it’s a real testament to the writing and Kim Raver’s marvelous charisma that she can hop back in so effortlessly. In fact, I kind of want the show to get rid of Amelia and just explore Owen and Teddy again. They’re that great together!

Next we’ve got Abigail Spencer. Here’s an actress who I’ve followed across many shows (including Suits and Timeless), and who does a tremendous job of integrating into the cast and feeling like she’s been a part of this whacky world for a long time. I especially love that the show doesn’t go the obvious route and have her compete with Meredith. On the contrary, there’s a lot of respect between the two (especially since Mer is her surgeon), and a whole lot of believable conversations (nothing contrived here). Sure it was weird that Riggs proposed to her while still dating Meredith (or was she supposed to assume they broke up?), but this love triangle definitely feels like a breath of fresh air. Here’s hoping the writers don’t drop the ball with this one.

Finally, we’ve got the unexpected but welcome introduction of DeLuca’s sister Dr. Carina DeLuca played by the magnetic Stefania Spampinato. The character’s introduction is a hoot; not only does she hook up with Arizona before her first day (which reminded me of Meredith in the pilot), but she’s come to Seattle Grace to study the female brain through orgasms. It’s a wonderfully empowering subplot that fits right in with Bailey’s anti-heel debate, and it culminates with a perfect ending as Amelia realizes she has a brain tumor. I love it when so many storylines intersect, and this was a perfect example of all cylinders firing.

It’s worth noting that show-runner Krista Vernoff (who returned to Grey’s after many years of absence) recently spoke about making the show light again. I personally have no problem with the “darkness” that permeated the last few seasons (after all, Derek did die), but I definitely see the appeal. That brand new “tone” is all over this 2-hour premiere: the song choices are noticeably more upbeat, the comedy is in full effect, and everybody just seems a whole lot more hopeful. I do hope the comedy never feels forced but I’ll reserve judgement until the rest of the season plays out.

Bits & Scalpels

– Candace the intern (who keeps recording all of Richard’s notes) is hilarious. I loved watching her and the other interns scream and faint at the sight of blood.

– Eliza Minnick is gone and I couldn’t be happier. What a useless character.

– Very amusing sight: Bailey and her bare feet while watching the construction workers.

– Heartbreaking moment: Teddy giving her condolences to Meredith.

– It’s a quick moment but you can see Cristina’s article in Meredith’s hand. Please come back Sandra Oh!

– My favorite scene: Teddy facing off with Meredith over hiding the fact that she’s dating Riggs, and then Amelia’s intervention (who is already jealous of Teddy). So many layers to this argument from all sides. Brilliant.

– Jo and Alex were my least favorite part of the premiere. I did laugh at Glasses dropping his well… glasses.. into the open body. His sleeping with Jo on the other hand was kind of lame.

– Meredith saying fuck. I know it was beeped but it was still epic.

– Ben is the new Stephanie. Good to know he’s getting something to do before heading off to the new Shondaland firefighters spinoff.

– Gem of a scene: Bailey defending Jo in front of Ben and telling her hubby he has no right to tell Jo how to feel about male violence. Of course she had to defend Karev at the end there.

– Teddy mentions the patient she married for insurance purposes. That would be Henry. #Throwback.

– I haven’t liked Jackson in a long, long time. The same goes for April. Perhaps they can leave now that we have Teddy, Megan and Carina? They can also take Maggie too because her sparks with Jackson are just awkward.

– I actually rooted for Owen kissing Teddy. Even though he’s married, their chemistry is off the charts.

– The ending is so ominously good with Amelia proclaiming “Whose brain is that?” as the camera pans back. Amazing!

Grey Banter

Jo: Who am I gonna talk to now? Who am I gonna compete against? W-Who’s gonna tell me when I’m being ridiculous or or when I stink and need a shower?
Ben: Way to make Stephanie’s life-changing injuries about you.

Richard: Uh, Candace, uh it might be a good idea to put away the phone.
Candace: I find the voice-to-notes app the most efficient way to record the tour.
Richard: And I find it the most annoying way for you to do the tour.

Arizona: I’ve given you all the time that I can. Now you you have to let me help you lick your wounds. Wow. That sounded dirtier than I meant it to.

Jackson: That tumor’s inoperable.
Amelia: I’m not a big believer in inoperable. God, yes. Unicorns, possibly. Inoperable, no.
Jackson: Then start hunting unicorns. Your chances are better.
Amelia: You don’t hunt unicorns. What’s the matter with you?

Meredith: There’s a saying we hear a lot around hospitals that goes like this “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” But I doubt the person who coined it ever went through major surgery.

Owen: Damn it, Megan.
Megan: What?
Owen: I was gonna storm out, and you just made that really hard!

Must-Download Tunes
Look After You by Aron Wright
Mad Behavior by Izzy Bizu

Conclusion
A witty and endearing season premiere from Grey’s. Who would have thought the show could still be so good in season 14?

Nad Rating
A-