Thursday, January 17, 2019

REVIEW: 'Grey's Anatomy' - Meredith and DeLuca Grow Closer While Trapped in an Elevator in 'Shelter from the Storm'

ABC's Grey's Anatomy - 15.09 "Shelter from the Storm"

The windstorm continues to blow through Seattle. After the power goes out at Grey Sloan, the doctors are left scrambling to save their patients' lives, including Meredith who desperately needs to get to Cece for her heart transplant. Owen, Amelia and Teddy confront their complicated situation.



In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. Premieres and finales may feature longer reviews. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

"Shelter from the Storm" was written by William Harper and directed by Jann Turner

Three groups of characters are trapped in elevators. The head of maintenance has his legs crushed by an elevator. And yet, people are right back to using them by the conclusion of this hour. That's crazy. DeLuca even points that out after he sees Meredith using one. When Schmitt and Nico see the bloody aftermath in an elevator, they know that something bad happened there and that they shouldn't ride it. All of this provides a fun twist on a location that has always been very romantic in the eyes of the show. Those elevator rides have always taken a long time and really forced people to live in the moment with whomever also happens to be in the elevator at that time. That's still a component here as well. Meredith didn't want to indulge DeLuca's romantic overtures. Cece told her that she should take a chance on love. She did so by asking Link out on a date. That was her putting herself out there in a way she wanted and expected. She knew that DeLuca had feelings for her. And now, they almost share a kiss. It's very romantic and steamy as well. Sure, it's still crazy that DeLuca is just now being given more information about his backstory despite being on the show for several years already. His father also happens to be a famous surgeon. He's just famous for being acquitted in a very high-profile case thanks to his money and influence. But it's still swoon-worthy when Meredith reveals that she also speaks Italian. That may prove that these two would actually work as a couple. Sure, everything ultimately pivots around both DeLuca and Link presenting themselves in front of her and her needing to make a choice. And yet, it's also just very rational for her to want to go home to her kids after a long and stressful day. Cece would absolutely want her to go out and have fun with her life. This episode marks the end for Cece as well. She made such an impact on so many stories throughout the season. She has touched the lives of many in the hospital. However, Meredith and Maggie still don't have a ton of clarity and understanding in their personal lives. Amelia is also in turmoil as well because of the revelation that Teddy is pregnant. That ensures that the bond amongst the sisters will be as strong as ever before because of the difficulties they are all facing elsewhere. They will have to rely on each other more now because of what's going on. Of course, Meredith and Maggie will have to be upfront about knowing Teddy was pregnant and keeping it from Amelia. That could be devastating. However, Amelia is very understanding in that regard as well. She knows that Owen needs time to process all of this. She also knows that Betty needs rehab in order to take care of herself. That just means Amelia is all alone once more. That's devastating. But again, hope still permeates throughout all of this. There is still the sense that everyone will be okay. Sure, there is uncertainty in the future. Owen and Teddy's lives will change because of a baby. Catherine is facing a brutal diagnosis. Maggie doesn't know what she wants from Jackson. Bailey is realizing that her panic attacks and fears could destroy everything she has built. But there are still plenty of moments to laugh as well - like Karev finding Schmitt and Nico in the ambulance and telling them to find a room with a lock on the door.