Grey’s Anatomy Recap: Faith Accompli
Heaven help him, Alex squared off in Thursday’s Grey’s Anatomy against not only a couple of religious zealots who preferred to watch their son die than allow him to receive medical treatment but also Eliza, who supported the parents’ right to murder the kid through inaction. On top of that, he came one step closer to losing Jo for good when Andrew began to get antsy about his unexpressed feelings for her. How did it all play out? Read on…
‘YOU WANT TO LET THAT GO’ | Early on in “Leave It Inside,” Meredith — cleaning at 3:30 a.m. — offered Amelia the giant tumor that Derek had drawn her. (All the better to prep her bedroom for a visit from Nathan.) At the hospital, Grey then asked Maggie if she’d be home that night as she was thinking of having Riggs over. Mer could have him visit even if she was home, Pierce insisted. But yeah, OK, it was a little weird. Elsewhere, Eliza was evaluating the residents with Bailey and Richard when they got to Ben’s file. Minnick’s take? He’s a “utility player” but tended to play it safe and take no risks (since his earlier gambles). When Andrew asked Stephanie if she thought Alex and Jo were, you know, done-done, Edwards immediately knew that what he was really asking was whether the time was right for him to make his move. It was not, she said, pointing out that by dropping the charges against Alex in order to keep Jo’s new identity a secret from her husband, “You made a grand gesture, but she still hasn’t said anything to you, has she?” Er, no. Finally, Eliza had no sooner told Arizona to clear her schedule for the evening, as they’d be having sex for the first time, than into the ER walked young Liam, who declared that he had no parents.
By and by, Alex was called in to diagnose Liam, who began having a seizure. Turned out, he had a tumor that was going to kill him. Not that, upon arriving, his folks cared. Surgery was against their beliefs, so they simply wanted the boy discharged. “This probably seems a little unusual,” Mom told Stephanie, who couldn’t resist reiterating that what it really seemed was stupid. Naturally, when Alex learned that the boy had been discharged, he hit the roof. But, as Eliza pointed out, no doctor would — nor should he — dare to violate the religious freedom that enabled Liam’s parents to condemn him to death. Alex sensibly argued that the kid needed surgery, “not prayers and olive oil on his head.” The next day, Liam returned to Grey Sloan by himself — unable to see! “I did what they said,” he cried. “I prayed and I prayed.” But God hadn’t cured him. Would Karev? Yes. He’d lie that Liam became emergent in order to authorize surgery. After Amelia removed the boy’s tumor, Liam’s father expressed his gratitude by informing Alex that his medical career was over. Bailey warned Karev that he could go to prison for this. But he didn’t care — he was more than willing to do time for having intervened on Liam’s behalf.
‘YOU’RE GONNA BURN IN HELL’ | Watching Ben in action, Richard observed that, in fact, he was playing it safe. “I owe you an apology,” Webber later told Minnick. No big, she said. She’d become more concerned about Stephanie, whose file had revealed that she’d returned to work without any counseling after Kyle’s death and now became easily triggered by patients. Later, when Eliza questioned Stephanie about what Alex had done, Edwards protected him, insisting that, per the Minnick method, “I was running point.” As Liam’s father huffed and puffed his way through paperwork, Stephanie then got into it with him, saying that, yeah, God had helped Liam — by seeing that his father was “so weak and so stupid” and delivering him safely to the hospital. She even threw a tablet at him… which Eliza, of course, saw. Meanwhile, Richard asked Ben why he was covering the pit, not operating. Warren didn’t mind filling in where he was needed. But Webber pointed out that, since he wasn’t the only one making fellowship recommendations now, he might want to step up.
‘HOW LONG TILL I CAN GET BACK IN THE SADDLE?’ | After April discovered that Holly, a patient injured during sex, also had “a giant inoperable heart tumor,” Mer and Maggie wanted to try to save her. But all Holly wanted was to get back to screwing around until her tumor did her in. Too many times, she’d already heard doctor after doctor insist that they could come up with a plan to chase away the Grim Reaper, only to then wind up having to make them feel better when they couldn’t. When her one-night stand showed up at Grey Sloan, she asked Mer and April to just tell him that she’d died. April couldn’t bring herself to do that. But they had to admit, he was as cute as Holly had said he was. Maybe Kepner should tap that, Mer suggested. “You are a dark, dark person,” April replied. The next day, Maggie thought she’d cracked Holly’s case, but the girl still wasn’t interested. Eventually, Mer got through to Holly, and she agreed to the surgery. Alas, “the Sistine Chapel of tumors” had spread so far that it had bested Maggie.
‘WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THIS’ | Talking with Amelia about her earlier weirdness with Mer regarding Nathan, Maggie realized that her relationship must be fairly serious, if she was removing Derek’s tumor from her bedroom. So Pierce went back to her sis and told her that she’d be out late that night — super late, in fact. Yet Mer still cancelled on Nathan; she was struggling (but managed) to put her framed Post-It wedding vows in a drawer. The next day, Amelia filled in Maggie on the fact that Mer had bailed on Nathan.
‘I CAN’T WAIT FOR OUR NAKED PLANS’ | When Arizona told Eliza that she couldn’t make their capital-D date, Minnick was clearly bummed. To clarify that she, too, had been eagerly anticipating their first time, Robbins revealed that “I look for you all day, when I turn a corner… I hope that maybe I’ll just catch a glimpse of you.” And every time she did, it took her breath away. So, until they finally sealed the deal, there was no reason why the waiting couldn’t be deliciously hot.
‘I’M GUNNING FOR YOU’ | As the episode drew to a close, Andrew told Jo that talking to her was one of the only good things to come of the last year for him. “I know what you’re about to say,” she told him, “and the second that you say it… ” Aaand that was that. He didn’t even get to say it. Alex told Liam’s mother that he was expected to make a full recovery, and added that he’d made it to the hospital all by himself… blind… unless, of course, someone helped him. “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” she replied. In the locker room, Ben warned Stephanie that he was raising his game. But he wouldn’t be competing with her — her privileges had been revoked; she was being forced to get counseling. Alex made a phone call asking for a referral. Arizona and Eliza hit the sheets. And Mer told Holly’s one-time lover that she wasn’t going to see him again, it was time to move on. As she walked out of Grey Sloan, she took Nathan’s hand. Sweet.
So, what did you think of “Leave It Inside”? Hit the comments.
I’m still not feeling Arizona and Minnick. The elevator scene could have been good, but the writers dropped all the relationship building for them, so it felt weird and forced. Had we been getting glimpses of them throughout the season once they got together, maybe Arizona’s declaration would have meant more.
The scene at the end with Mer and Riggs was cute though!
I agree. I WANT to ship Arizona and Eliza, but it’s hard to get invested and make a connection when they get VERY limited screentime building up to this big moment they had. New couples need more screentime to build the relationship and to get fans to care.
The writers or the editors? I have a feeling like in the past where they shot stuff they ended up not using (which would have made the story better overall)-Minnick and Arizona hit the cutting room floor
That’s my guess too. They were on the synopsis for last week and didn’t end up having any scenes together.
yeah that pissed me off. Maggie, Maggie, Maggie. Like Marsha, Marsha, Marsha.
The scene in the elevator seemed so forced that they had to use the bedroom music to really try to emphasise the point. Also, I really thought that she should have told Eliza off when she was going on about Alex at the end – it was such a recreation of the scene between Callie and Erica talking about Izzy very early in the series which was Erica’s last scene. They still haven’t shown any redeeming qualities for Eliza.
They aren’t doing a very good job of building anyone’s romantic relationships. I hate it. I went to root for these characters be invested but it’s not happening this season. Ugh!
That’s because there is nothing to root for. They have not made Minnick anything past a one-dimensional semi-villain who thinks she’s always right and everyone else is wrong. She even criticized Alex to Arizona (which screw Arizona for not speaking up) for doing something that she does. All we see her do is talk down to everyone and flirt with Arizona. I just end up checking out during all of their scenes. Cut their scenes and give us more Jackson/April.
I wish they would find that somehow blood tests were mixed up and Stephanie is actually Meredith’s half sister instead of that whiny Maggie. Why are the grown-ass people on this show so freaking immature and childish? Most of them should be in their 30s/40s at least, but it seems like the show is written for characters under 25. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan and I’ve watched since S1E1 – it just seems like the characters have grown up physically but are exactly the same age mentally.
It feels like the writers all of a sudden remembered the 10 storylines they dropped and decided to pick them up again. And with only 2 episodes left!
they’ve still completely forgotten about Jackson and April. Continuity anyone?
This. Also, How is it that suddenly Arizona & Minnick haven’t slept together yet? They established it pretty clearly, in episode 19 (I think it was 19; the one where Maggie returns to work) when Nathan saw them arriving at the hospital together, in one car.
Maybe they just carpooled…or hadn’t taken that next step yet
There was a scene afterwards where Arizona explained to Nathan that it very much *wasn’t* carpooling. The vibe was totally that indeed “that next step” happened.
Yes I completely agree!!!
Totally agree
It feels like the writers all of a sudden remembered the 10 storylines they dropped and decided to pick them up again. And with only 2 episodes left!
Arizona and Minnick!!!! Hot!!!
There is nothing about Eliza Minnick I like. She’s one of the most obnoxious characters ever on GA, IMO.
Agree 100%.
+1
Make that + 2. I like the actress but absolutely hate the character.
I totally agree. How is she supposed to teach surgeons when she doesn’t even act like one. It should always be about the patient. That’s what makes Alex such a good peds surgeon. Minnick didn’t want to fight for the boy at all. What a great doctor (insert sarcasm). Can we keep Edwards and get rid of her please!!!
I’m totally behind you on that. I watched last nights episode later and I forwarded through their scenes. I don’t like her and Arizona together at all. I don’t like Minnick period!!! And the fact that Arizona didn’t even stick it up Alex when Minnick was bashing him. What the heck!!!
Yes, even when she tries to compliment people, she comes off condescending.
Say it louder for the people in the back!
I hate Minnick so much I literally fast forwarded her scenes because I couldn’t stand her face. Last season Penny this season Minnick why is Grey’s hell bent on saddling us with these bland women?
I really can’t stand Minnick. She’s just so ‘meh’, and Arizona needs someone better, someone more… I don’t know, but better. Penny was pretty meh also, but I liked her better than Minnick. I am glad that Arizona is finally getting a chance to move on from her and Callie’s divorce. Callie moved on pretty quickly, but that was to be expected since she was the one checked out in the end. I do like that the writers gave Arizona some time alone, time to just be herself and not part of a couple/pairing/ship, because to me that’s way more realistic. Callie always seemed to hop from relationship to relationship, even though I know she was a strong woman, a strong person, it seemed like she always needed to be in a relationship.
Maybe Minnick will just be a short relationship, her Callie rebound before they find a better (and more permanent) relationship/girlfriend for her.
That big Owen reveal has 1000% to do with the return of his sister. And then Riggs freaks and Mer can fall in love with Alex 😍😍😍
I love Kevin McKidd I’m glad he’s finally getting some good material to work with to round out the season.
And if the Greys writers have any brains, they might use the story as a catylist for an Owen and Amelia reunion, because despite unpopular opinion, they are still married.
I thought maybe Owen was being served divorce papers. If that’s true, then Amelia is such a ridiculous person. She needs to just talk to him about her feelings like an adult. It’s impossible to be on her side at this point.
So I guess this is the beginning of the end for Stephanie, which is a shame because I’ve grown to really like her character. I don’t hate Jo, but I like Stephanie way more. It’s been a while since Shonda killed off a character from main cast. I feel like she’s gearing up for another death. Can’t go too long with anything good happening Grey’s Anatomy.
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Watching cases like this with these ridiculous parents is so infuriating. It reminds of that case in the early seasons where the kid was gonna die because his parents refused to allow him to receive a blood transfusion. Can’t child services intervene in such cases. Or the cops, I mean if the child’s life is at risk can’t this be deemed child abuse. By the way, I didn’t catch if they stated what religion these parents followed that made them refuse surgical intervention.
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Based off the promo, I’m guessing either Owen’s sister Megan is alive or she’s dead and her body was found.
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And since there are only two episodes left I’m guessing the character Matthew Morrison will be playing is Jo’s husband, since Karev called to get help looking for someone.
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I honestly could care less about Ben Warren. If Shonda wants to trim the fat, that is one character, that I could definitely see less of and not really care.
The actress portraying Stephanie is leaving for a new series. Shonda has to do something about it.
Ever since Isaac mentioned his volunteer work, it made me think that they were planting the same seed for Stephanie. It would be a good way for her to find meaning in being a doctor again. P.S. What happened to Leah? The brought her back, but now we haven’t seen her in months.
Oh and I’m definitely not feeling Deluca and Jo together. They should just put him back together with Maggie. Or better yet, they should have made the character gay or bisexual. Grey’s has had plenty of lesbian relationships over the last decade or so (Callie/Erica Hahn, Callie/Arizona, Arizona/Minnick, Callie/Penny, etc.), but has never had a regular gay male character on the show for some reason. Only one-off hospital patient guest stars.
Such a great episode.
And as an Arizona fan and Ariliza advocate, thank you very much :)
I love Arizona any scene that Arizona is in is the best. I see so much hate for Eliza. I like her. She goes after what she wants. Last week their scenes together must have been cut. Last week Eliza was supposed to be pursuing Arizona, instead we got the worst character Maggie OMG I fast forwarded the whole episode. Shonda, made a huge mistake in that casting for Meredith sister, should have been Stephanie, at least she has charisma. Enough of that Shonda said from the beginning that Arizona love interest would play out all season. Arizona and Eliza have chemistry, just go back to the first episode when Eliza spots Arizona and the other Doctors watching her through the window, the look on Eliza face when she saw Arizona was smoking hot. I don’t have a clue why she didn’t have more scenes with Arizona and Eliza. The romance this season, has not been written very well for all the characters.I love Jessica Capshaw/Arizona andI like Eliza, and it is time for Arizona to be happy and Eliza appears to be smitten. I hope they promote her to series regular.
E X A C T L Y
just leave the lesbian scenes out…not necessary on a medical show
You are watching the wrong show if all you’re looking for is a “medical show”, there are a lot of emotional/personal scenes that would normally be superfluous to a “medical show”, not just the “lesbian scenes”. While I am not a fan of Minnick, I for one and glad that Arizona is finally getting the opportunity to really move on from her and Callie’s divorce as it’s been several years since she’s had even a chance. Callie moved on pretty quickly (which makes sense because in the end she’s the one that checked out of the marriage), but I kinda admire that Arizona has taken time for herself.
If you’re looking for just a “medical show” and are somehow offended by the ‘unnecessary scenes’, then you should request that all the romantic scenes be left out, all the couples be cut, not just ones you deem as unnecessary because they happen to also be lesbian.
Is it me, or has every medical procedural drama have their crazy Christian Scientist/Jehovah’s Witness parents episode? Heck, I don’t even think this is the first Grey’s anatomy episode to have this.
It was so well timed though considering the ‘religious freedom’ executive order signed today though.
Cannot stand Minnick and fast forward through her scenes. She needs to be gone and let’s concentrate on the many other storylines that seem to have been dropped.
Couldn’t agree more!!!
I’m sure that Merthan are pregnant
I’m sure that Merthan are pregnant. I think Owen will be told that they’ve found Megan’s remains
I seriously hope not. The writers have failed in properly portraying the three kids Meredith does have. She doesn’t need a fourth.
I mean really, how is Meredith’s house so quiet most of the time? They rarely show any of her kids. Not them eating breakfast. Not her taking them to daycare or school or even a babysitter or nanny.
Also how many bedrooms are in that house? I’m guessing four because in the beginning Meredith, Izzie, And George had their own rooms and there may have been one extra room. But now we have Maggie living there, plus Amelia staying there temporarily, but used to live there. Where do Merediths kids sleep? There’s only so much poor writing you can let slide and having a show with a widow and her three children but never addressing their existence just seems like bad writing.
And yet no one’s talking about that little boy’s brilliant portrayal of his character. He almost had me in tears
Does anyone know who played Holly – ginormous heart tumor patient?
It bothered me so much trying to figure out who she was. She played Raj’s sister Priya on the Big Bang theory.
That’s it! Thanks – I thought she was great.
Love scene Mer and Nathan tooks hand
I’m not usually the biggest Stephanie fan but mannnn, she kicked ass this episode. I wanted the tablet to hit that moronic dad. Also, I now officially hate Eliza and Arizona (who I previously loved) because one is horribly unlikable and despite my being open-minded when she was introduced, has made no efforts to change whatsoever, whilst the other is a ridiculous hypocrite who dismissed her closest friend for doing a job that was given to her by her boss and is now sleeping with the enemy herself.