Spoiler Warning: Grey’s Anatomy Season 18
Shonda Rhimes’ hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy made its premiere on March 27, 2005. Little was it known then that the series would be the staggering success it became. Who would have thought the story of an ambitious resident with a colossal namesake and a class of her peers thicker than thieves could become a mainstay? But it was undeniable Rhimes had a magic pen, and everything about the series was a success.
And as a result, Grey’s Anatomy would go on to air for a gripping 18 seasons, standing as one of the longest-lasting prime-time medical dramas in history. In 2019 the series surpassed favorite fan ER, which ran for a record-breaking 15 seasons. Now with the 19th season in sight, the thought of heartbreaking probabilities and conclusions hover like a graying cloud. So, given the season 18 finale, what lies ahead for the Seattle behemoth Grey Sloan Memorial?
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Season 18 was one of the most compelling seasons to date. With the status of the hospital at stake, the intensity of drama rose to new levels. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), the chief, began to feel the laden pressures of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital heavy on her shoulders. Desperate to do anything to save the hospital but incapable, she fell apart piece by piece. By the final episode, the cracks showed as she stood hapless before the bullet train of disaster ran amok. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), who found the twinges of love resurface and an ache for change, set her sights on newer shores. Webber (James Pickens Jr.) felt the shift of endings as he struggled to grasp the possibility of finality. Relationships were shifted and reshuffled.
However, the ending offered a sentimental ode to the past in the face of the most unthinkable cliffhangers that took viewers’ breath away.
Season 18 Cliffhanger: A Sign of Things to Come
ABC
Grey’s Anatomy is famous for its season finale cliffhangers, and season 18 doesn’t disappoint. The season left Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in a most unfavorable position. The teaching program, which has become its signature and Dr. Webber’s baby, has seen its last days. The medical board handed down the decision to shut it down. Dr. Miranda Bailey has had a bit too much and recognizes the fragility of her mental state and inability to handle the weight of the recent decision. She hands in her walking papers.
Related Link: Grey’s Anatomy: Will Meredith Leave Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital?
Meredith, who had stood fast in her decision to start anew, was faced with the realization that Grey Sloan might collapse without her. Heavy is the one that wears the crown. As the hospital is her namesake and legacy, she is pressured by Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) to stay. Reluctantly she takes the position of Interim Chief of Surgery. Teddy (Kim Raver) and Owen (Kevin McKidd), who have taken an incalculable risk based on moral inclinations, now stand in jeopardy of imprisonment. This has led them no choice but to flee.
Meredith’s Limited Role in Season 19
The new season will focus on new beginnings and a release of the old. As Meredith Grey states in a featurette for season 19:
Besides being one of the most heartbreaking seasons, it could also be of the most nostalgic seasons to date. Knowing that Pompeo will be in season 19 gives fans a slight relief. However, that is minimized by her decision to noticeably reduce the number of episodes she will appear in. According to sources, Pompeo will only appear in eight episodes. And if the number of episodes stays concurrent with its average of 20-25, she will only be in a quarter of the season. This is enough to signify that Grey may be nearing the end of her run at Grey Sloan.
" We’re all getting a second chance here today. We must prove the doubters wrong."
The decision to play a minimal role this season indicates possible fatigue and a desire to focus her attention elsewhere. If Pompeo decides to move on, it can be theorized that Meredith will hand the hospital over to other capable hands. There are several candidates to whom she can pass the title. More than likely, Meredith will put the hospital in her sister’s hands as she also bears the Grey namesake. But she could also pass it to Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), who is proven she is more than capable and has put down what seems like deep roots in Seattle.
If it is Meredith’s last season, it will be heartbreaking to see her say goodbye. However, it is unlikely that Grey will die, thereby keeping the door open for her periodic return. Meredith’s love interest has also contracted to appear in season 19 despite what seemed like his departure in the finale of season 18th. However, according to Deadline, Scott Speedman, who plays Nick Marsh, will no longer be a season regular. So given this information, it is probable that she will work things out with her new beau, finally, leave Grey Sloan, and start the new life she now desires. It is also possible fans could see the nuptials of Grey and Dr. Marsh lending to a surprise visit from Meredith’s dear friend Christina Yang (Sandra Oh).
Some Other Regulars Will Bid Adieu
This season will be the season that some veteran actors will bid farewell. This is predicated on the fact that while most series regulars will return in a regular capacity, including, as Deadline again notes; Chandra Wilson (Dr. Miranda Bailey), James Pickens Jr. (Dr. Richard Webber), Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt), Kim Raver (Dr. Teddy), Camilla Luddington (Jo Wilson), Caterina Scorsone (Amelia Shepherd), Kelly McCreary (Dr. Maggie Pierce), Chris Carmack (Atticus “Link” Lincoln), Jake Borelli, (Dr. Levi Schmitt), Walsh (Dr. Addison Montgomery) and Anthony Hill (Dr. Winston Ndugu). Many regulars will also see an end to their contracts in the second half of season 19.
Dr. Richard Webber may say his final farewell. It is theoretically possible that Webber will either retire or pass. This is a definite possibility, given that his teaching program has seen its last. One must remember he has once tried to start again at another hospital, but all roads led back to Grey Sloan. That is where his heart lies. At the end of season 18th, it also appears that Catherine’s (Debbie Allen) cancer is in remission, and he has chosen to step away for a bit. Jackson mentions at the conclusion of season 18 that both his mother and Webber are off on sabbatical, presumably to celebrate Catherine’s news and come to grasp his new reality.
Related Links: Ellen Pompeo Discusses Passing the Baton to the Next Generation on Grey’s Anatomy
However, nothing is more bitter than the sudden death of a loved one who appears to be on the mend. Given that, this season could also see the death of Webber’s wife especially given the premonitory eulogy she asks from her son and April (Sarah Drew) in the final episode of season 18. If Catherine dies, this could precipitate Webber’s death. This would not only be heartbreaking but a poetic farewell for Dr. Webber. Conversely, he could retract back into his mental fog, indicating the onset of Alzheimer’s, which would be an even more heartrending end and invoke a comparison to the last days and loss of his first love, Meredith’s mother, Dr. Grey.
The possibility of Miranda Bailey, once known as" The Nazi" to her residents, finally saying goodbye is one that will draw tears. While Wilson once indicated sticking to the show until the wheels fall off in earlier interviews, her recent shift in characterization suggests a significant change for the star. It is highly likely season 19th will see the end of Bailey’s stint at Grey Sloan. She could take on a role at another hospital or facility. But her mental health and medical issues have become her priority. Additionally, Bailey has taken over the role as a surrogate mother to another little one by the name of Pru (Janai Kaylani) per Grey’s Anatomy sister series Station 19. So, she may likely become a more permanent fixture on Station 19.
A New Cast and a New Grey Sloan
The biggest question remains whether season 19th will see the end of Grey’s Anatomy. Back in 2019, Pompeo, who plays Meredith Grey, told People:
She couldn’t be more correct. A promising sign that this is not the end is the addition of new cast members. New faces include Adelaide Kane as Jules Millin, Harry Shum Jr. as Benson “Blue” Kwan, Alexis Floyd as Simone Griffith, Niko Terho as Lucas Adams, and Francis as Mika Yasuda. There is much to anticipate in the upcoming season to look into the distant future.
“The fans will dictate when the show ends. As much as we think we’re in control, we’re not. It’s the fans’ show at this point.”
So for fans of Grey’s Anatomy, the show is slated to return on October 6, 2022, in the same slot to add a little sweetness, bitterness, and warmth right in time for fall.
