And Meredith is down and out once more.
Mer was OK for a second, however by the tip ofGrey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 6, Richard had her positioned on a ventilator, and she or he continues to be battling for her life.
In the meantime, Opal, the intercourse trafficker, returned, and the DeLucas went after her.
Be part of Jasmin Pettie, Meaghan Frey, Berea Orange, and Jasmine Blu as they focus on the midseason finale.
Opal, the human trafficker, returned. React!
Jasmin: I used to be stunned to see her there, and I am a bit stunned that they selected to convey the human trafficking storyline again and make it a reoccurring plot.
I felt they wrapped that storyline up fairly neatly, and I did not have any actual need for it to make a comeback. Plus, that storyline centered on DeLuca as a personality, and since I am not a fan, the storyline does not actually do a lot for me. It is unhappy and scary, nevertheless it does not depart me excited to seek out out what occurs subsequent.
Meaghan: I believed I used to be seeing issues, after which after I realized it was really her, I used to be screaming at my tv. Gray’s hasn’t completed a callback like this shortly, and I am to see the place they will take it.
I’ve a concept that DeLuca was the one who was speculated to die final season, and after seeing her return, I feel it could have been at her palms.
As he’s the one one I’ve seen saying for positive that is the final season, I ponder if he’ll make it by this storyline. It may very well be that once they approached him about being killed off, they revealed they deliberate on ending the present.
Regardless that I have never been the most important fan of DeLuca, I might hate to see him exit that manner, so I am hoping he can take her down and be the hero he deserved to be considered as when he figured her out final season.
Berea: As quickly as I noticed her lurking exterior the hospital, I screamed “THAT’S THE HUMAN TRAFFICKER! THEY’RE IN CAHOOTS!”
In contrast to Jasmin, I didn’t really feel just like the storyline was that wrapped up. The entire episode, I used to be stressing for Deluca to see her within the hospital. I hope him following her doesn’t find yourself in his dying.
Jasmine: I used to be shocked, and it took me a minute to comprehend that is who that was. I beloved it due to how they left that storyline unresolved. I hope it does not find yourself in DeLuca’s dying, although! And I need his vindication after what occurred earlier than.
How do you are feeling about Mer’s surge adopted by her placement on a ventilator? Does it shock you that she is going to probably spend the second half of the season bedbound?
Jasmin: I’ve combined emotions, actually. I learn an interview that stated they selected to do that storyline to permit Ellen Pompeo to behave with out a masks on the seashore due to some well being considerations she had relating to bronchial asthma.
I perceive why they maintain having to go that route. The actor’s security should come first. This episode was the midseason finale, and it felt tense the entire manner by. I anticipated one thing unhealthy to occur on the finish, however I wasn’t positive what it could be.
I’m unhappy that we did not get any new seashore scenes or see Derek on the seashore. I would hoped or see Meredith chat with Hayes the best way she did with different characters. I am additionally discouraged by the truth that she might spend the second half of the season bedbound as a result of that actually limits the storylines they’ll do about her private life.
Meaghan: I believed Mer not getting magically cured by the scientific trial was a very good twist. The second she bought out of the mattress to assist the opposite affected person, I knew she was going to return crashing down. I simply want that we had gotten a real seashore scene with an outdated fan favourite on the finish of the episode to assist soften the blow.
I used to be extremely upset in Richard for agreeing to place her on a ventilator. She explicitly stated she didn’t wish to take one away from another person who wanted it, and with them being at surge capability, it simply feels irresponsible for him to make that call.
I feel it is a horrible thought to maintain Mer bedbound if that is the final season. If the plan is to kill her off, then I do not suppose it issues both manner. At this level, I simply want we knew in some way if they’re planning on ending it.
I additionally agree with Jasmin that I want we had gotten a Hayes and Meredith scene. He feels so underutilized on the present, and I can not assist however marvel what the purpose in bringing him on in the event that they weren’t going to push the Meredith and him romance ahead and in the event that they had been going to sideline him for episodes at a time.
Berea: The entire time I had Mark Sloan Deja vu and felt prefer it was a surge, and positive sufficient, that’s what this was. I don’t know, however this complete storyline makes me really feel prefer it’s the ultimate season, and Meredith is dying.
Jasmine: I, too, puzzled a couple of surge, and I used to be shifting my concern to Tom. I form of hoped it was over. I am not thrilled that we’re heading into the second half of the season, and we nonetheless have a bedridden Mer hanging on by a thread. It is exhausting.
I am additionally questioning why they promoted Richard Flood to collection common in the event that they weren’t going to make use of him. Do they hand these out like sweet now?
What do you suppose the chances are that Tom survives? How do you suppose he’ll react after he finds out about Mer?
Jasmin: At this level, I am undecided. I believed him getting higher is likely to be a surge earlier than, however now his enchancment appears extra like a for positive factor. Plus, they did the entire storyline this episode together with his roommate dying, so it could be a bit anti-climactic and predictable to have him instantly die.
Then again, Meredith is the star of the present, and so if she lives, it is probably another person on the present will die of this illness, and Tom appears the almost definitely candidate proper now.
I feel Tom will likely be upset, panicked, and distraught when he finds out. I feel Teddy and Maggie should work very exhausting to calm him down, which supplies the potential for some good Teddy and Tom scenes.
Meaghan: I have been very vocal about Meredith dying, and I nonetheless really feel that manner, so I feel Tom will make it by this. I feel that he’ll go downhill as soon as he finds out about Meredith as a result of between that and his roommate dying, he’ll really feel like he has no hope.
In the event that they kill off Tom, I’ll most likely riot. Each different character has abused this man, and he’s an absolute gem. He deserves excess of to be the sacrificial lamb for this storyline. Additionally, after the Teddy and Tom scene, I undoubtedly want them to work issues out, so he has to reside for that.
Tom: I simply wish to see for myself that it is potential to beat this factor.
Mer: Nearly beat it.
Tom: I actually simply wan to be in a room the place somebody is not dying. Everybody’s dying.
Berea: At first, I believed they’d kill Tom, however I’m feeling like he’ll survive. He had a tough time this episode being surrounded by dying, feeling his mortality. I feel he’s going to take Meredith’s downturn fairly badly.
Jasmine: I anxious about Tom throughout the entire installment due to his dwindling hope and dealing with mortality. I am nonetheless undecided if he’ll survive, however I will be upset if he does not. He’ll be devastated when he finds out about Mer, although.
Do you suppose Bailey ought to have taken day without work to grieve?
Jasmin: Sure, however I perceive why she did not. Bailey is a workhorse, a workaholic, and she or he at all times has been. That hasn’t modified, and as she says if she goes house, she dangers infecting Tuck and Joey with COVID.
She may keep in a resort, however it could be fairly exhausting for her to take a seat round and grieve when she is aware of sufferers are dying at Gray Sloan and she or he might help them. I hope she finds time to grieve and course of the loss correctly within the second half of the season as soon as Meredith improves and will get higher.
Even superhumans want greater than a minute to grieve the lack of the one that made them who they’re.
DeLuca
Meaghan: Completely, however all of us knew she would not do this. As Jasmin stated, she could not go house and danger infecting her household, and she or he could not go and sit in a resort alone, so the hospital looks as if her solely possibility.
I simply hope she remembers that she must put her personal psychological well being first. Bailey’s OCD has been triggered by stress previously, and I might hate to see her spiral uncontrolled as a result of she did not take the time she wanted.
Berea: Sure, she ought to have, and I’ve been tremendous vocal about this. Regardless of what Deluca says, she is NOT superhuman. I can not stand how Bailey doesn’t get the possibility to care for herself.
And actually, she and Ben staying separated — it makes zero sense to me. Jo and Jackson and Nico and Schmitt hook up with no further precautions. Maya and Carina take COVID checks and moved in.
Winston surprises Maggie, and she or he hugs and welcomes him with out a thought. Hyperlink and Amelia have each been within the hospital and are available house to care for the youngsters. Ben and Bailey being the one couple remaining separated, makes completely no sense. I’m sick of it.
Jasmine: It is upsetting and regarding that Bailey nonetheless hasn’t had time to grieve her miscarriage, and now she has to mourn her mom. And she or he principally has to do it alone.
I do not perceive anymore why she and Ben have to remain separated both given what we have seen of the opposite {couples}. I did recognize DeLuca checking in and taking care of her, although.
Did Richard overstep telling Teddy about herself? Teddy advised Owen about Allison; how will this have an effect on what’s left of their relationship?
Jasmin: I do not suppose so. I feel Richard advised Teddy precisely what she wanted to listen to. He advised her what everybody else was too afraid to inform her or did not wish to as a result of they had been mad at her for what she did.
Richard speaks from expertise as a recovering alcoholic who screwed up royally in his life, so I feel that gave his recommendation weight and gravitas. Richard is correct. Teddy wants to call her demons, take care of her points, come clear, and cease feeling sorry for herself.
Whereas I am completely happy that Teddy lastly advised Owen the reality about who Allison was to her, she uncared for to say that she and Allison had been having an affair. It’s extremely related, seeing as she begins the dialog off by telling him that she does not know why she cheated on him with Tom. She tells a few of the reality, however not the entire reality.
She wants to return all the best way clear. I do not suppose Owen will ever take a look at Teddy the identical manner once more, and I actually do not see any hope for them at this level. Hopefully, they’ll co-parent collectively peacefully.
Meaghan: It’s about time that somebody stated it. Teddy has been egocentric. She harm Owen, and she or he harm Tom, and she or he is appearing like she is the sufferer within the scenario. You aren’t the sufferer, Teddy. Richard was utterly proper when he advised her that she must personal her choices and face the implications.
We get it, you had been heartbroken over Allison’s dying, nevertheless it does not provide the proper to harm the individuals who care about you. You may have had years to deal with these emotions healthily, and you’ve got uncared for to take action. Owen was by no means going to take a look at her the identical manner once more, whatever the purpose behind the dishonest.
That second destroyed their relationship, they usually cannot transfer ahead in a romantic relationship after that.
Hopefully, now that she is at the least admitting what may very well be inflicting her to self-sabotage, she is going to get the assistance she wants and be capable of transfer ahead in her life in a manner that enables her to have wholesome relationships sooner or later.
Berea: Richard advised Teddy the reality. She wanted to listen to it. However actually, I don’t agree with everybody being so towards her. Most of them have completed horrible issues, particularly Owen, so everybody treating her badly is senseless.
I’m glad she lastly got here clear about Allison. However I don’t like how some individuals have taken Owen’s response as biphobic, and that’s the writers’ fault.
We discover out Teddy is bisexual, and it’s surrounded by scandal; she and Allison had been cheaters, after which she names her baby after her with out telling Owen the reality.
Anybody could be offended to seek out out their accomplice names their baby after an ex-lover, and he was righteous in his emotions. I’m simply not a fan of them shrouding her popping out in negativity.
Jasmine: Richard advised her all the things she wanted to listen to and a few, and it was lengthy overdue. Perhaps she will cease enjoying the sufferer. Truthfully, Teddy has been on a self-righteous, disagreeable, and impolite kick since she returned, so it isn’t a shock that the others aren’t right here for her or her drama.
Additionally, regardless of the numerous errors others have made, and former incidents of infidelity, Teddy is the one one with a full-history of serial dishonest and nonetheless refused to personal her actions.
Not less than individuals like Owen advised the reality. Teddy would’ve walked down the aisle the identical day she screwed Tom and took the Allison factor to the grave (which she most likely ought to have).
I agree that the proclamations that Owen was biphobic for merely reacting to Teddy’s incessant lies had been absurd. Whether or not it was child Allison or a child Henry, he had a proper to be upset that his future spouse named their child after the deceased love of her life. I believed his emotions had been legitimate.
I will not go into one other rant about how all the coming-out tales and the storylines with queer characters are at all times shrouded in questionable tropes like promiscuity (Arizona, Carina), biphobia (Arizona, Erica), or infidelity and deceit (Arizona, Teddy), amongst different issues.
However yeah, Teddy is not exempt from legitimate criticism or repercussions for her actions due to her bisexual illustration.
Is there the rest you need to debate?
Jasmin: I beloved the scene between Maggie and Winston! They’re so cute collectively. And since it seems that Winston has now moved to Seattle, I hope to see much more of them going ahead. I like that he introduced her flowers and was precisely what she wanted at that second.
Now, if solely we may get that form of motion on the Meredith and Hayes entrance, that may be nice. My one actual challenge with this episode was that Hayes lastly reappeared solely to spend a lot of the hour within the background, and he did not have significant conversations with anybody, which I felt was a waste.
Typically if you suppose the storm has handed, you notice you had been simply within the eye of it.
Mer
Meredith wakened this episode and was nicely sufficient to chortle together with her sisters and have a full-on gabfest with Tom, however she and Hayes did not have a scene collectively.
Which felt odd and out of character contemplating that they are mates, he is invited her to drinks greater than as soon as, and she or he’s accepted, he is the one which discovered her, and he got here to speak to her when he heard she was on the lookout for a POA.
So the truth that she wakened and was feeling higher and we did not get a scene with the 2 of them made no sense to me. It was additionally bizarre that he did not have any form of significant dialog with Jackson regardless of engaged on a case with him that was racially charged and the place black women and girls had been those affected.
Hayes is a tremendous character, so for him to be MIA for 2 episodes after which present again up just for the present to not use his character to his full potential bothered me a lot.
Meaghan: This was most likely essentially the most disappointing midseason finale within the historical past of Gray’s for me. It felt extraordinarily anti-climatic. It additionally put them able the place they must proceed precisely the place they left off due to DeLuca’s storyline, and I do not suppose that was the most effective resolution.
Provided that they are not coming again till March, it looks like a weird option to wish to be nonetheless residing in April/Could 2020. So many issues may have modified regarding the pandemic by then.
We’re already seeing individuals everywhere in the nation getting the vaccine. Clearly, the vaccine is not going to be the tip of this pandemic, nevertheless it may result in a big shift.
If we’re in a greater place in March, I am not going to be completely happy if they’re nonetheless residing at midnight days of the pandemic. We want a little bit of hope on the earth, and as a present that has chosen to tackle the pandemic, if we begin to see that hope on the earth, then they should mirror that too.
Berea: Jackson stopped being nugatory momentarily to get that mother out of jail, in order that was good.
Jo and her profession change are boring.
I don’t see the purpose in making Hayes and Carina collection regulars on Gray’s and Station 19, respectively. The forged is simply too giant once more, they usually haven’t any story of their very own. Carina wasn’t even within the Station 19 episode and solely confirmed up for a fast minute on the finish of Gray’s.
Winston exhibiting up at a time when Maggie was actually needing somebody was good I assume, however I don’t like that they’ve principally alienated her all season for this to repay. She’s been alone speaking to a display virtually all season, and I’m over it, so I assume it’s good he was lastly in the identical place as her.
I actually suppose Gray’s is getting ready for this to be the ultimate season and kill off Meredith.
Jasmine: You realize, I hadn’t even considered that, Jasmin. It’s irritating that they do not use Hayes in any respect (and the identical goes for Carina). I do not perceive the purpose of constructing them collection regulars if they are not utilizing them.
However it was unusual that Hayes, a person who had a Black spouse and has biracial youngsters, could not contribute something or have extra of a response to this case.
I additionally agree with Meaghan in regards to the bleak setup for the second half.
What was your favourite scene or quote from the episode?
Jasmin: My favourite scene was when Owen completed telling the kidnapper that he was the “satan’s barbeque” and what an entire scumbag he was. Then the man’s face drooped, and he handed out, inflicting Owen to comment, “Daring transfer Bob,” and for him to comprehend he’d now must resuscitate and save the man’s life from a potential stroke.
That made me crack up laughing! I am not an Owen fan more often than not, however I need to say he is had some nice one-liners the previous few seasons.
Was the world at all times this tousled and we did not have children so we did not concentrate?
Amelia
Meaghan: Tom and Meredith’s scenes. Tom is darkish and twisty like Meredith, and we have not seen almost sufficient of the 2 of them collectively prior to now.
Them arguing about which one among them is the higher surgeon was the right light-hearted contact to a heavy scenario. I hope that in the event that they each survive their battles with COVID they proceed this budding friendship.
Berea: My favourite scene needed to be Tom and Meredith commiserating in her room. These two have such nice on-screen chemistry collectively. I want they’d put her with him as a substitute of Deluca.
Jasmine: The Tom and Mer scene was palms down my absolute favourite. It jogged my memory that I lowkey ‘shipped Tom and Mer, again once they had been forcing that DeLuca and Hyperlink love triangle on us.
Sorry, not sorry, however Tom made extra sense than each Hyperlink and DeLuca, and if I did not ultimately take pleasure in Tom and Teddy, I might nonetheless be sulking about that.
What are your predictions and hopes for the second half of the season?
Jasmin: Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 Episode 1 blew all of my previous predictions out of the water, so I am absolutely anticipating to be improper about a number of issues going into the second half of the season. That stated, I feel Meredith will pull by. I feel Tom or one of many different characters will die.
I feel Winston will be a part of Gray Sloan Memorial and begin working there. I feel we’ll lastly get that Meredith and Derek embrace that we have been hoping for, and I feel we’ll see Jackson and Jo’s relationship develop extra.
I hope that we see Hayes come and go to Meredith whereas she’s out and that when she will get higher, we see them discuss. I felt like that was lacking these final three episodes. I would additionally love for them to quarantine on the resort collectively after she’s discharged!
Meaghan: When this season started, my thoughts was blown. I wrote an article earlier this 12 months about how I hoped that this season could be the tip of the collection, and after the premiere, I used to be rethinking my stance. The primary few episodes had been extremely sturdy, however the previous two have been lower than stellar for me.
I hope the second half of the season revisits what made these first few episodes so nice — what made the collection so nice previously. Gray’s thrives on three issues: Stress, suspense, and emotion. If they’ll discover the suitable stability once more, I’ve little doubt the second half of the season may very well be nice.
Hopefully, we will get some extra nice seashore moments with outdated characters we love. I additionally hope they’ll work out learn how to work all the forged into episodes with out sidelining individuals as a lot as they do nowadays.
I perceive the forged is big, however they both must do away with extra characters or use all of them. In any other case, the viewers goes to cease caring in regards to the secondary characters.
Berea: My hope is that Meredith dies and the collection ends.
Jasmine: I’ve COVID fatigue, and I would like a greater stability of COVID-related storylines and different medical instances and private ones. I hope they sh!t or get off the pot with Mer.
I want to see Lexie on the seashore, and hell, Mark, too.
I agree in regards to the secondary characters. The forged is huge, and restrictions imply they cannot have however so many individuals in scenes, however it is time to trim the fats, rearrange characters they select to give attention to, and provides a few of them stronger storylines.
Over to you, Gray’s Fanatics. Do you agree with us? Disagree? Hit the feedback under.
Gray’s Anatomy returns March four on ABC.
Jasmine Blu is a senior workers author for TV Fanatic. Observe her on Twitter.