Caution: spoilers ahead.
AKA if you are watching for the first time, wait until you’re caught up. You’re welcome…
So as most of you die-hard fans know, Grey’s Anatomy will be premiering its 12th season, TWELFTH SEASON, this Thursday, September 24th. I may or may not have a countdown on my phone, but that is neither here nor there…
That got me thinking about how far we have all come on this ride together in the theme park that is Shonda Land (Shonda Rhimes …writer of the best shows around). There have been so many ups and downs over the years, and I thought it would be nice to reflect on the mastery of the plot of this great show. It’s crazy to think there are only four characters left from season one that are still on the show. The characters in Grey’s have a depth that most other shows lack. We feel like we know them, understand them, and can relate to them.
We all remember that scene when Derek and Meredith met in the bar, and then started the romance that we all envied and loved at the same time.
Right up until Derek died and ripped our hearts out, that is. Shonda, you have a LOT of therapy to pay for after that one.
We all remember thinking Alex Karev was such a jerk, and then slowly falling in love with his gentle side as his layers melted away. This explains why girls like bad boys; we all secretly hope they are Alex Karev. Shonda…more therapy.
We all remember thinking Ava was on the show wayyyyyy too long. Alex & Izzie could’ve started up much earlier if Ava/Rebecca wasn’t in the way. “She doesn’t even work here…” (i.e. GET OUT!)
Then there’s the best friend/my person dynamic between Christina and Meredith that makes you go through your friends and think, "Who is my person?" You are obsessed with how close they are, and you frequently “dance it out” when you get overwhelmed thanks to these two.
Callie Torres has had the most ups and downs. Jeez … A failed marriage, becoming a lesbian, having a baby with Sloan, the car accident, cutting off Arizona’s leg, a second failed marriage…Shonda had fun writing this character’s life. Everything that could happen to Callie does, and yet she’s still the most bad a$$ orthopedic surgeon around.
Christina Yang is envied (and loved!) by everyone in the hospital and everyone watching the show because she is a “do-er.” She knows what she wants and she goes after it. She never lets fear overtake her. She never waivers in a difficult situation. She is frequently referred to as “the robot” because she doesn’t let emotion get in the way. Christina Yang is one of the best surgeons in the entire show, and in my opinion she left the show before we were ready to let her go. I MISS YANG.
Miranda Bailey and the Chief are two characters that are in it for the long haul. They have been there through all 11 seasons. They have always acted as role models and advisers to all of the other characters. They are always on top of their game. They really are the parents of this hospital. They keep everyone in check while providing a supportive and loving work environment for all of their “children.”
Izzie Stevens, Lexie Grey, Mark Sloan, Jackson Avery, George O’Malley, April Kepner, Owen Hunt, Preston Burke, Arizona Robbins, Addison Montgomery, Erica Hahn, Amelia Shepherd, Teddy Altman, Ellis Grey, Denny Duquette and so many more characters bring life to this show.
The other aspect of this world that makes it so intriguing are the events that take place at this hospital.
No one was quite the same after the chilling shooting episode. I had nightmares about that episode. It was haunting…
There was a plane crash, a ferry boat crash, a bomb in a patient in the hospital, and so many character deaths, it makes my head spin. No one is safe in Shonda Land.
This has been an amazing 11 season ride. I think it is fair to say we are all expecting "grey"-tness for the 12th season, and I can’t wait to see what is in store.
