Critic’s Score: 3 / 5.0
3
By now, you’d suppose Gray’s Anatomy would have run out of issues to do.
In some way, Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 has been simply as stuffed with twists and turns as any earlier season, even if virtually nobody from the unique solid stays.
At this level, we’re midway by means of the season, so it’s time to rank and assessment its most memorable (and least satisfying) moments to this point.
Finest Episode: Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 8
Perhaps it’s a cop-out, however the Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 8 actually did ship virtually every little thing I may’ve requested for in such a significant episode.
Excessive-stakes surgical procedures, relationship drama, emotional goodbyes, and impactful dialogue all made the hour thrilling and entertaining.
We obtained every little thing from a uncommon trace about Amelia’s backstory to a devastating scene between Jules and Mika.
It’s fairly on-brand for Gray’s Anatomy’s finest episodes to be tragic and heartbreaking, so we are able to’t say we’re shocked.
However genuinely, it’s been some time since I felt as emotionally pulled aside as I did after this episode, and that’s a credit score to each the writers and actors for bringing the story to life.
Worst Episode: Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 5
Generally, a promo trailer hypes up probably the most intense moments of an episode and it serves to make these scenes all of the extra thrilling after they occur.
Different instances, as was the case with Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 5, the promo reveals probably the most intense moments, after which the remainder of the episode falls flat consequently.
In preparation for this installment, we had been proven a scene the place Levi and Adams are happening in a helicopter, however that’s … not what occurred.
Certain, there was turbulence, however the chopper made a protected emergency touchdown and everybody was high-quality.
Loads of different moments, as outlined in my assessment of the episode, simply appeared to fizzle out after they may’ve exploded into one thing thrilling.
The hour was one buildup to disappointment after one other, and it’s in all probability not one we’ll trouble to rewatch.
Most Surprising Second: Chloe’s Dying in Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 7
Figuring out that Midori Francis (Yasuda) was being written out of the present, I wasn’t shocked in any respect when Mika and her sister, Chloe, had been in a horrible automotive crash.
My concept on the time was that they’d each undergo life-threatening accidents, Chloe would want an organ transplant consequently, and Mika’s final act can be one in all love as she donated her organ after which died of her accidents.
Certain, it was an elaborate concept, however that is Gray’s Anatomy, so I didn’t suppose it was that wild.
To my nice shock, the storyline spared Mika’s life, opting to have Chloe die as a substitute on Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 7.
They nonetheless wanted to put in writing out Mika, so it appeared that killing her off was the plain reply.
Plus, how a lot would it not suck to be 22, have stage 3 most cancers, after which die in a automotive crash mid-treatment? Harsh.
Largest Cliffhanger: Jo and Lucas are Held at Gunpoint in Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 8
That is in all probability apparent, however the comfort retailer capturing is my choose for the largest cliffhanger of the midseason.
Jo and Lucas are an unlikely pair for a near-death expertise, however they do their finest to lean on one another anyway.
Because the episode closes with a gunshot, seemingly aimed proper at Lucas’s stomach, we’re left to surprise about his destiny.
Jo, who’s pregnant with twins, began bleeding sooner or later throughout the holdup, so now we now have to fret concerning the destiny of her being pregnant as properly.
I’ve mentioned it earlier than, however I by no means count on a contented, painless final result with pregnancies on this present. I hope this one goes higher than I count on it should.
Traditionally, most major characters have survived gunshots: Derek, Burke, Alex, and Owen. Fingers crossed, Lucas will get the identical remedy!
Largest Missed Alternative: A Monica and Amelia Relationship
I’ve already waxed poetic about how underused Amelia Shepherd is on this present, however I’ll nonetheless take a minute to complain concerning the Monmelia ship.
The chemistry between the 2 of them is electrical, and it appeared like we had been being arrange for a slow-burn romance.
However the factor a couple of sluggish burn is that it wants to really burn, and there have been so few Monmelia moments to this point this season that they haven’t had a lot alternative to take action.
I’m all for a sluggish burn, however I’d prefer to see extra mutual pining, extra stolen glances, and a lingering contact or two simply to maintain the fireplace lit.
Most Emotional Efficiency: Midori Francis as Mika Yasuda
I hope the Emmy nominators are paying consideration as a result of Midori Francis delivered among the most emotionally impactful performances I’ve seen on Gray’s Anatomy shortly.
First, on studying about Chloe’s loss of life, Mika fell aside in a second of uncontained grief that felt uncooked, actual, and relatable.
Then, throughout the fall finale, she adopted with a number of unimaginable scenes portraying grief and love.
Pushed mad by her loss, Mika screamed and begged for Bailey to “save her,” heartbreakingly conflating the male affected person at present coding together with her late sister.
All through the episode, Francis delivered extra devastating moments, culminating in a goodbye scene between Mika and Jules that ripped my coronary heart to shreds.
She’ll be missed on this present, however her efficiency as Yasuda has satisfied me to observe Francis’s profession wherever it goes.
Finest Ship: JulesMika
Has this report card devolved right into a Mika and Jules stan piece? Oops.
Actually, although, a variety of the ships this season have left me underwhelmed.
James and Levi had been nice, and I’m glad they weren’t tormented by tragedy. However the depth of Mika and Jules’s relationship was palpable.
Clearly, their chemistry was wonderful, and there was all the time warmth between them.
The second I knew they had been the proper pair, although, was after they determined to be mates as a result of Mika couldn’t deal with a relationship after her sister’s analysis.
The love Jules has for her, to proceed displaying up for her in no matter capability she wants, is the form of love we’d all be fortunate to have.
Worst Ship: Teddy and Owen
Owen sucks.
Teddy’s not a lot better.
They’re each canonically cheaters, their relationship is never good, and more often than not they’re on display collectively is spent combating.
Within the first half of the season, their marriage takes heart stage as new characters (performed by Sophia Bush and Floriana Lima) present as much as complicate issues for them each.
Forgive me, however I’m a mother to a toddler, so the quote that involves thoughts is from the one present I’ve seen greater than Gray’s Anatomy: Bluey.
“Aaand … why ought to I care?” – Unicorse
Weirdest Character Determination: Levi Strikes to Texas
Gray’s Anatomy has all the time been socially conscious, even when it’s been problematic at instances.
Typically, they’ve even devoted storylines to highlighting real-world political and human rights points.
With that in thoughts, I’m baffled on the choice to ship Levi — the present’s solely present homosexual male character — to Texas, of all locations.
It’s not precisely often called a protected haven for queer folks.
They may have despatched him anyplace on the planet however selected a state that many LGBTQ+ persons are actively making an attempt to depart within the present political local weather.
It was a bizarre alternative, is all I’m saying.
Greys Anatomy Season 21 Midseason Grade: C
Regardless of some genuinely unimaginable moments, this season has left me wanting for extra.
A number of the finest Gray’s Anatomy characters have now left the present, and most of the characters who’re nonetheless there are simply not that thrilling.
Nonetheless, I’ve excessive hopes that the second half of the season will flip issues round and deal with the tales and characters that I care about.
So, what do you consider Gray’s Anatomy Season 21 to this point? Give us your grade!
Let’s hyperlink up within the feedback — let me know if I missed any of the perfect (or worst) moments!
Gray’s Anatomy returns Thursday, March 6, at 10/9c on ABC.
Watch Gray’s Anatomy On-line
