Grey’s Anatomy 14×14 – Games People Play

There moment in this week’s Grey’s Anatomy that literally made my jaw drop.

It’s not a game-changing twist by any means – just one sequence that pretty much left me dumbfounded: April is treating a young patient, when another patient (a rugby player) throws a ball that ends up smacking Kepner who accidentally slices off the ear. DeLuca rushes, slips on the ear and gets knocked out. It’s positively bonkers, and it’s why I haven’t stopped loving Grey’s 14 years in. Name one other show that can so seamlessly blend drama and comedy into such an effective combo! Wow.

I honestly never thought that Meredith’s patent storyline would be so engaging, but this week’s outing packed a number of amusing twists into the narrative. First is the reveal that the heiress to the patent is none other than Ellis Grey’s best friend and Mer-mer’s “auntie”, and the second bombshell is the twist that Dr. Marie Cerone actually hated Ellis! This development is ripe with potential, particularly since Meredith revealed all her secrets to a woman who will undoubtedly be stealing them for her own gain. It helps that Rachel Ticotin is perfectly cast in the guest-starring role. She’s nurturing and endearing, but you can sense a hint of malice beneath it all (look no further than her delivery of the line “you’re your mother’s daughter”). This is exactly the kind of complexity this storyline requires.

The subplot with Alex treating Kimmie’s nausea with weed is also a winner in my book. Although I would have expected Shonda Rhimes to give this controversial topic a bit more screen-time, it still climaxes in touching fashion with Kimmie eagerly eating a burger and playing checkers with Alex. Remember when Alex was completely insufferable in the show’s first couple of seasons?

Although I haven’t hidden my disdain for the Jackson-Maggie romance, I will admit that I didn’t mind them at all this week. Dare I say that them finally coming together after Clive was revealed to be a cheater (and after Jackson ditched his girlfriend) was actually kind of sweet? I know I’m going to regret it, but their first kiss was shockingly romantic.

Finally, it’s worth noting that there was a lot of controversy this week with the the announcement that Jessica Capshaw (Arizona) and Sarah Drew (April) are leaving the show at the end of the season. I honestly won’t miss April (the character always seemed to bug me), while I feel like Arizona has kind of been cycling through the same storylines in the past couple of seasons. And hey, any shakeup that doesn’t involve Meredith, Bailey or the Chief leaving is fine with me!

Bits & Scalpels

– I don’t usually say this about the show’s interns, but Hellmouth is an absolute hoot and I’d love to see more of her.

– Hilarious moment: Bailey introducing Alex to the hospital’s legal team after he loudly talks about giving his patient weed.

– Love how the granny is turned on by Hunt knocking out the players and assuming control of the situation.

– The reveal of ear girl’s dad being a malpractice attorney was a bit heavy handed for me. But the Chief’s reaction to it all? Worth it.

– I kind of agree with April and the whole rules thing during game night.

– Will Arizona uncovering her colleague’s numerous c-sections (before long weekends) continue? Or was this just a one-time thing?

– Bello and Sam professed their love to one another thanks to Amelia. No one cares.

– So April is going to sleep with Tom? Can I get a collective eww?

– The most amusing sight I’ve seen all week: The Chief and Bailey laughing hysterically as they keep replaying the whole ER ball incident. Epic.

– I don’t know where the writers are going with Owen and Amelia having sex again.

Grey Banter

Meredith: You’re already at two nights in a row, and you think you like him? Maggie: Well, my mom was the one who always told me whether a guy was a keeper or a serial killer. He’s not a serial killer. He’s too nice.
Meredith: You know who says that? Neighbors of serial killers.

Carina: Oh, no, no, not not an investigation a study. It’s a study. That’s what I said.
Arizona: Well, I know, but you also called a seat belt a “strap-on,” so, you know, sometimes….

Maggie: I’ve never slept with a married man before.
Tom: Well, you can’t say that anymore.

Must-Download Tunes
Floorplan by Sara Bareilles 
Make Way by Aloe Blacc

Conclusion
Whacky and dramatic in all the right places, Games People Play is a terrific hour of Grey’s Anatomy. 

Nad Rating
A-