On a show like
Grey’s Anatomy (Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV), which has such a large cast, it can be easy to have character arcs that don’t get the chance to be fully flushed out. On Thursday’s episode, the focus was placed mainly on Jo (Camilla Luddington) and Richard (James Pickens Jr), giving both characters enough screen time to properly dive into their lives. In one case, we got to see the incredible effects of healing from trauma. In the other case, we saw the groundwork for an affair. It’s been awhile since there was an affair on
Grey’s Anatomy. We’re up to our ears in trauma and pregnancies but lacking in affairs.
JO’S RECOVERY
Following her breathtaking storyline in Season 15 that included meeting the mother who abandoned her and the subsequent fallout, Luddington is continuing to shine in her role as Jo, with the surgeon coming face-to-face with one of her therapists after the woman suffered carbon monoxide poisoning. Through a series of flashbacks, Jo’s time in rehab and journey through her trauma, including eventually accepting her anger, was finally shared with viewers. With help from her therapist, Jo was given the tools she needed to continue to acknowledge her past and no longer be stunted by it. If
Grey’s Anatomy is trying to reduce the stigma around receiving treatment for mental health and show the benefits of getting professional help, it's doing a great job. These tools also helped Jo coach Miranda (Chandra Wilson) through her fears of becoming a mother for a second time while also in perimenopause. It’s true, diapers and strollers are more confusing now than ever.Miranda’s pregnancy not only gives us another reason to love Ben (Jason George), whose joyful reaction sets the bar high for new dads, but it’s already softened Miranda who started the season by firing her mentor and friends. Miranda’s moment of thanking Jo for her help and commending Jo for putting her coping skills to good use was a touching moment that *almost* eased viewers' annoyance over her firing of Meredith, Richard and Alex. Almost.
RICHARD’S FREE BREAKFAST
There’s no such thing as a free meal and in the case of Richard and his AA friend Gemma (Jasmine Guy), his hot cakes came with extra heat. In a move that surprised only Richard, Gemma made her intentions known (like, really known), letting Richard in on her not-so-secret goal of being his woman on the side. Gemma has spent three decades listening to Richard talk about his many affairs in AA and was not at the meetings for the bad coffee and stale donuts. Although Richard made it clear that he had no intention of cheating on Katherine, he’s definitely going to cheat on Katherine, right? Admittedly, it’s easier to root for Gemma in this situation. At least she’s nice to Richard.
MEREDITH’S DAY (NOT) IN COURT
After skipping work to give Miranda an apology that could have waited and that she didn’t even want, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) has been called before the judge. Of course, this is the same day that Zola needs emergency brain surgery, because #GreysAnatomy. Meredith’s fear as a parent whose child is having brain surgery can explain her unnecessary questioning of Andrew’s (Giacomo Gianniotti) every move, but that excuse doesn’t fly for last week’s episode. Thankfully, Zola is fine! Not thankfully, Meredith’s poor judgement last week means she’s now going to jail.
Watch new episodes of Grey’s Anatomy every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on CTV and catch up online anytime at CTV.ca.[video_embed id='1736881']RELATED:
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