I was always in the “No Cristina, he’s not cheating on you” camp. I just couldn’t fathom any logical or emotional justification for such a story leap. So when in 816 Cristina is hunting around searching for clues I was shouting at the screen – “no no no Cristina, you’re an intelligent woman, think about it”. Imagine my surprise and horror when it turns out that Owen has in fact cheated on Cristina. He is THAT man. And immediately I saw the Calsloana gate story for S8. You know the kind of story I mean. The one that makes impossible leaps with the characters that don’t make sense. Why Shonda, why? Where did that come from? I expect surprises in the stories. I expect the unexpected. But I hope for the realistic and mature. Instead Owen has cheated and we’re back to soap suds and melodrama. The best thing about this story, is, just like Calsloana gate the actress makes the scene. Sandra Oh can pull this off and whilst contemplating Cristina’s own wedded tragedy she delivers a heartbreaking performance to the husbands, a love story to the end.
Catherine Avery swept back in to Seattle Grace Mercy West with her usual robust energy and flirtatious ways. Dr Winkypants (thank you Dr Bailey for that one!) once again made her son look like the wet fish that Cristina caught back in S7 and charmed her way through the corridors of bladder control. She should not be flirting so outrageously with a married man but that flirting reminded Richard of where he needed to be. Oh dear. My heart is already clenched for an end of season Richard/Adele tragedy. Catherine brings with her a young puppy to woo the secrets from Jackson in a story arc straight out of the most boring book ever written. And he finally gets some nookie, much to Mark’s delight. The only upside to this snooze fest was when the young English puppy (who, by the way, tried to pull off a posh English accent but who gave away her midland roots – nout wrong with that, just be true to yourself girl) called Jackson a presumptious pig. Did you all hear my cheer?
Over in ICU Alex is bonding with Ava, oops I’m sorry Morgan. Yet again the writers have found a depressive dark love interest for the poor guy. Only Callie can see the gorilla in the room. My theory is that Sarah Drew’s pregnancy really mucked up the story telling for Alex this season. I felt sure that couple would be developed. If Justin Chambers stays, and on the basis of stories like Morgan I’m assuming he won’t, then my money is again on April/Alex in Season 9 – if there is a Season 9. Who am I kidding, of course there will be a Season 9.
Derek wants Meredith back in Neuro – why Derek? Surely Meredith deserves her own specialty not yours? And he finds out in the end that she does as again a once fruitful partnership ends in disaster as we see Meredith looking after Lexie and Derek doing his usual – I’m better than everyone else routine, I can’t possibly trust you in my OR. Poor Lexie. I’m glad they covered this story arc. It drew to a close all the will she won’t she go back to Neuro. No one can spend 24/7 with their partner and expect a happy home life. Go back to general Meredith. That’s where you should be. A nice addition to this showed us that the writers have remembered that Lexie is a fallible doctor and that she and Meredith are sisters. For most of Season 8 that seems to have been missing.
Whilst I found 817 to carry mediocre storylines I was impressed with the writing. For comedy impact the episode was full of one-liners and excellent speeches. The best coming from Cristina explaining to the husband that his husband is already dead. Some of the best of the rest:
“I like to think that everyone leads a full life once I’m done with them” – Catherine Avery.
“I’m ready with this new bladder if anybody’s interested” - Bailey
“Alex, no! Bad dog...she’s gonna fall for you, then she’s gonna go crazy then she’s gonna pee on my couch” - Meredith
“And I know Dr Winkypants knows it....” - Bailey
“Presumptuous pig” – the puppy doctor
Written by brouhaha aka @pipmaxine
Apologies again for the time lag in reviews. Life and all that!
