Reviewer Rating: 3/5.0
3
By now, you might be thinking that Grey’s Anatomy has run out of things to do.
Somehow, Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 is as full of twists and turns as any season before it, despite the fact that almost none of the original cast remains.
At this point, we’re halfway through the season, so it’s time to rank and look back at the most memorable (and least satisfying) moments so far.
Best TV Series: Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 8
Maybe it’s a cop-out, but Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 8 really delivered on just about everything I could ask for in such a meaningful episode.
High-stakes surgeries, relationship drama, emotional farewells and impactful conversations all make for an exciting and entertaining hour.
We get everything from rare hints about Amelia’s backstory to devastating scenes between Jules and Mika.
Grey’s Anatomy’s best episodes have been tragic and heartbreaking, so we can’t say we’re surprised.
But honestly, it’s been a while since I felt as emotionally torn as I did after this episode, and that’s a credit to the writers and actors for bringing this story to life.
Worst Episode: Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 5
Sometimes promotional trailers hype up an episode’s most intense moments and make those scenes all the more exciting when they happen.
Other times, like Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 5, promos show off the most intense moments and then the rest of the episode falls flat.
In preparation for this episode, we saw a scene where Levy and Adams were in a helicopter that crashed, but that wasn’t the case.
Sure, there was turbulence, but the helicopter made a safe emergency landing and everyone was fine.
As outlined in my review of this episode, many other moments seemed to fall flat just when they could have exploded into something exciting.
This hour is one disappointment after another that we probably won’t bother to rewatch.
Most Shocking Moment: Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 7 Chloe’s Death
When Mika and her sister Chloe got into a horrific car accident, I knew Midori Frances (Yasuda) was going to be left out of the show, so I wasn’t surprised at all.
My theory at the time was that they would both suffer life-threatening injuries that would result in Chloe needing an organ transplant, and that Micah’s final scene would be an act of love where she donated her organs and then succumbed to her injuries.
Sure, it’s a complicated theory, but this is Grey’s Anatomy, so I don’t think it’s that crazy.
I was shocked that in Grey’s Anatomy Season 21 Episode 7, the storyline spared Micah’s life and chose to let Chloe die.
They also needed to get rid of Mika, so killing her seemed like the obvious answer.
Also, how bad would it be to have stage 3 cancer at 22 and then die in a car accident during treatment? Cruel.
Biggest suspense: “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 21 Episode 8 Joe and Lucas are held at gunpoint
This may be obvious, but the convenience store shooting is my pick for the biggest cliffhanger of the season.
Joe and Lucas are unlikely near-death experience partners, but they try to lean on each other regardless.
When the episode ends with a gunshot seemingly aimed directly at Lucas’s abdomen, we’re left wondering what his fate will be.
Joe, who is pregnant with twins, started bleeding at some point during her stay, so now we have to worry about the fate of her pregnancy as well.
I’ve said it before, but I never expected a pregnancy on this show to have a happy, pain-free outcome. I hope this goes even better than I expected.
Historically, most of the major characters have survived shootings: Derek, Burke, Alex, and Owen. Fingers crossed Lucas gets the same treatment!
Biggest missed opportunity: Monica and Amelia’s relationship
I’ve already waxed poetic about Amelia Shepard’s underutilization in this show, but I’m still going to take a moment to complain about the Mumelia ship.
The chemistry between the two of them is so strong and it looks like we’re in for a slow-burn romance.
But the problem with a slow burn is that it needs to really burn, and with so few of Montmelilla’s moments so far this season, they haven’t had many opportunities to do that.
I’m all for the slow burn, but I’d like to see more mutual desire, more peeks, and a lingering touch or two just to keep the fire burning.
Best Performance: Midori Francis as Mika Yasuda
I hope the Emmy nominees are paying attention, because Midori Francis’ performance is the most emotionally powerful I’ve seen on Grey’s Anatomy in a while.
First, upon learning of Chloe’s death, Micah collapses in an overwhelming grief that is raw, real, and resonant.
Then, in the fall finale, she delivers several incredible scenes depicting grief and love.
Mika, driven mad by her loss, screams and begs Bailey to “save her,” heartbreakingly confusing the male patient she is currently coding with with her deceased sister.
Frances delivered more devastating moments throughout the episode, culminating in the farewell scene between Mika and Jules that tore my heart into pieces.
She will be missed on this show, but her performance as Yasuda convinced me that I would follow Frances no matter where her career goes.
Best Ship: JulesMika
Has this transcript become the work of Mika and Jules Stein? oops.
But honestly, I’m impressed by a lot of the ships this season.
James and Levy are both great, and I’m glad they weren’t plagued by tragedy. But the depth of Mika and Jules’ relationship is evident.
Obviously, their chemistry is amazing and there’s always a lot of passion between them.
However, when I knew they were the perfect couple, they decided to become friends because Mika couldn’t handle relationships after her sister’s diagnosis.
Jules’ love for her, which continues to show up for her in whatever capacity she needs, is the kind of love we are all blessed to have.
Worst Ship: Teddy and Owen
Owen sucks
Teddy wasn’t much better.
They’re both classic con men, their relationship is rarely good, and they spend most of their screen time fighting.
In the first half of the season, their marriage takes center stage, with the emergence of new characters (played by Sofia Busch and Floriana Lima) complicating things for both of them.
Forgive me, but I’m a mom of a toddler, so the quote I’m thinking of comes from the only show I’ve watched more than Grey’s Anatomy: Bluey.
“Ah…why should I care?” – Unicorn
Weirdest Character Decision: Levi Moves to Texas
“Grey’s Anatomy” has always been socially conscious, albeit problematic at times.
Often, they even design storylines specifically to highlight real-world political and human rights issues.
With that in mind, I’m baffled by the decision to send Levi, the show’s only gay character so far, to Texas.
It’s not exactly known as a haven for the queer community.
They could have sent him anywhere in the world, but they chose a country that many LGBTQ+ people are actively trying to leave in the current political climate.
It’s an odd choice, is what I’m saying.
Grace Anatomy Season 21 Midseason Grade: C
Despite some truly incredible moments, this season left me wanting more.
Some of Grey’s Anatomy’s best characters have now left the show, and many of the ones that remain aren’t all that exciting.
Still, I have high hopes for the second half of the season to turn things around and focus on the story and characters I care about.
So, what do you think of Season 21 of Anatomy so far? Give us your results!
Let’s connect in the comments – and let me know if I missed any of the best (or worst) moments!
Grey’s Anatomy returns Thursday, March 6 at 10/9c on ABC.
Watch Grey’s Anatomy online
