Let’s go back to where it all began.
Grey’s Anatomy season 14 returned last Thursday with a 2-hour Premiere and an early days nostalgia that had us praising Shondaland with ‘at last’!
Marking the return of the original TGIT line-up, in what will mark Scandal ’s final run and Shondaland’s, as we know it to be, Grey’s Anatomy finally found its footing in its season 14 premiere, after a long run of frustration, and we can’t help but point out the return of writer Krista Vernoff in thanks. Vernoff previously worked on Grey’s through the first 7 seasons and is now back on board as a co-showrunner and writer for season 14.
Episode 1, Break down the house, of the 2-hour premiere detailed the somewhat sketchy details of Megan’s time in the Middle East, as she is ultimately brought to Grey Sloan for treatment.
Though the idea that an American soldier can live as a prisoner of war with relative freedom of movement and, raise a child is questionable, I’m willing to accept it for the Meredith x Riggs narrative to resume momentum.
Taking over Bridget Regan’s role, Abigail Spencer took on the role of Megan during her hiatus from Timeless, to depict a tale of two Merediths, wherein it is all too clear that Riggs has a type.
Depicted as another brash surgeon with a harsh laugh, Riggs noticeably lacks tact given Meredith’s constant presence as she takes the lead on Megan’s treatment; though we’re often forced to remind ourselves ‘what if this were Derek?’. Furthermore, from a viewers perspective, it’s hard to ever get that vibe from the couple, especially as Riggs is intentionally excluded from family interventions.
Whilst it appeared Megan was about to say yes, as Riggs later proposed in the 2-hour premiere -prior to Meredith interrupting -the premiere ended with Megan dumping him, refusing to turn an eye to the obvious chemistry between him and Meredith.
However, with Timeless’ premiere scheduled for summer 2018, will Megan be around a little longer to recover from Meredith’s pioneering stomach transplant? Whilst fans mercifully thank her for sparing Riggs, no one hates on Amelia but us, especially as a dramatic twist reveals that her behavior may be explained by a large tumor.
Elsewhere, Owen, feeling as sorry as ever for himself (I’m sorry, I can’t and won’t even forgive him) makes a move on Teddy. It is likely that his guilt will eat at him should he learn of Amelia’s condition, but will his character ever redeem itself?
With content aplenty, yet skilfully drawn out throughout the episode, it’s worthy to mark key points such as Ben’s noted interest in the Fire Service as he makes his move towards the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off, the arrival of De Luca’s sister; Carina, who I pray sticks around, and the long-overdue upgrades to Grey Sloan that go beyond a marble detecting scanner.
Most excitedly, Jolex finally reunited in episode 2, Get off on the pain, with a level of depth and complexity that gave Alex’s encounter with Jo’s ex-husband relevance. Whilst it was speculated that Camilla Luddington’s pregnancy may have sent the storyline in an uproar, the pieces of the puzzle have been reunited with justice as Alex’s character is dragged up from the depths writers had pushed it down to, and Jo’s wiped clean in her realization that Alex would do her no harm.
Dear writers, please, please, let the man be happy for a season or two.
Cleaning up loose ends, Japril’s Montana storyline was FINALLY mentioned again, as April took control and decided she needed to move out, as Jackson continued to walk a fine line in defining his relationships. It is only when Maggie showed interest in him (much to the distaste of fans) that thankfully, he seemed upset that April thought he liked anyone but her.
In tonight’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, Amelia will have to face the truth of her condition as a leading Neurosurgeon with no one better skilled than her (disclaimer: living) to operate on her. It’ll be interesting to see whether writers will overturn Amelia’s brave story and battle with addiction and loss, as being due to the tumor or, whether it would’ve been a more recent occurrence. From the promo below, it seems that it may very have been the thing that drove her to Grey Sloan.
Grey’s Anatomy airs tonight at 8|7c on ABC!
[Courtesy of ABC/Richard Cartwright/ Derek Johnson, Source Content for Gif: ’Grey’s Anatomy’ ABC 2017 ]