It’s finally that time, Grey’s Anatomy Season 18 Episode 5, “Bottle Up and Explode!” brought us a big event and a death. While it wasn’t a death directly in the Grey’s Anatomy family, it was an unfortunate end to a beloved character on Station 19. In the first few minutes, we were left wondering and worrying if something had happened to Ben, but once they revealed that he was fine we were able to breathe.
Not that I want anybody to die, but the show continues to feel stale and these big events are merely ghosts of the show’s former glory. These major pipeline explosion episodes used to be written well and have more at stake. Instead, “Bottle Up and Explode!” felt like an episode focused on Station 19.
The majority of the storylines were cut short and underdeveloped, including Meredith’s Minnesota plot. This has been a theme for the last couple of seasons, but I continue hoping there will be a magical shift.
Meredith and Amelia’s time in Minnesota remains the most interesting part of the show, however, it seems to take a backseat to what’s happening in Seattle. Heck, Meredith and Amelia weren’t even clued in on the pipeline explosion. In typical Grey’s Anatomy, Meredith would’ve received updates on what was happening and would have left Nick standing as she ran home to be with her family.
Meredith and Nick on Grey’s Anatomy. (ABC/Eric McCandless)
But, this is a new Grey’s Anatomy, and Minnesota is a bubble of Midwestern calmness. They forget their lives in Seattle and focus on what and who they are around in Minnesota. Link and Amelia are just done apparently, and rightfully so. It ended so abruptly. But, I couldn’t be happier, because Amelia deserves to explore her autonomy and sexuality, and who better to do that with other than Kai.
The two are both equally married to their careers and the current research. Yet, aren’t focused on trying to make this a quickie relationship. They’re both allowing the flirtation to flow free.
Meanwhile, the men in the room, aka Koracick and Hamilton, are allowing old tensions and history to stir up anger and hatred. This is why men shouldn’t be allowed anywhere! My guess is that it’s not just Koracick’s personality that ignites a fiery passion in Hamilton’s feelings, but it’s his age. As Hamilton revealed Koracick slept with his daughter, we’re left wondering the age difference between Koracick and said daughter.
After the few moments we’re graced with by the quietness of Meredith’s lab, we’re immediately thrown back into the chaotic whirlwind happening in Seattle.
Dr. Bartley and Amelia in the research lab on Grey’s Anatomy. (ABC/Bonnie Osborne)
In the midst of the explosion that’s injured many firefighters, Megan Hunt is attempting to deal with a tragedy of her own, on her own. With Farouk’s heart condition, she’s spooked that anything could happen in the OR, and given Grey Sloan’s history, she has a point.
So, as Winston and Hayes are working on the surgery, Megan forces her way in to hold Farouk’s hand. If it weren’t for her being a scared mother, her presence would’ve never been approved. It seems it might’ve been more dangerous to perform surgery in front of a terrified and invested mother!
But, even with the minor complication of Farouk’s heart swelling, he manages to leave the OR table healthy and strong.
Ok, I guess I can’t totally avoid the major part of the episode, but again Grey’s Anatomy fans are never going to be as invested in a Station 19 death. It’s the series attempt at bringing viewership up for both shows, and we see what you’re doing!
Megan Hunt and Dr. Hayes on Grey’s Anatomy. (ABC/Bonnie Osborne)
I’ve never been a fan of crossover episodes. I’m never going to run over to Station 19 to watch an episode that doesn’t totally affect the overall plot of Grey’s Anatomy, nor are many other viewers. So they should stop trying.
Although, since it did happen, now we must discuss it. The unfortunate demise of Miller will affect the lives of Bailey and Ben forever, as they just gained a new daughter. If you remember Bailey’s miscarriage in Season 16 broke her, she’s finally getting a miracle that she’s not prepared for.
Initially, she’s hesitant in saying yes to guardianship over Pru because she’s worried about losing another baby. But, of course, once she sees the adorable and innocent face, unaware of her father’s death, it breaks down all of Bailey’s walls, and the three walk away a new family.
What did you think of this episode? Which new relationship are you most invested in? Please leave your comments down below!
Stray Musings:
- The amount of times Owen has gone through PTSD moments in the hospital while he’s trying to help with a trauma event is excruciatingly high. I understand it’s part of his character, but during this hour it just felt like it was a cop-out character development that kept him out of the picture.
- How did Megan make it into the OR! Whenever a surgeon’s beloved family member has been on the table, there’s been absolutely no bending of the rules.
- They’re really doing a SLOW build-up with Amelia and Kai. Now that they are both aware of their singledom status and their attraction is clear, will they just give us something?!
Rating: 3/5
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