ABC's Grey's Anatomy - Episode 15.17 "And Dream of Sheep"
Ties are strained as Andrew and Carina confront an unforgiving family history. Teddy and Owen work together on a married couple who is expecting. Amelia attends a conference for alternative pain relief.
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. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy.
"And Dream of Sheep" was written by William Harper and directed by Sydney Freeland
Dr. Vincenzo DeLuca brought his "Baby in a Bag" project to Grey Sloan Memorial only one episode ago. As such, it's miraculous to see just how quickly the project implodes for everyone involved. Vincenzo is such a broad and over-the-top character. He's this Italian man with a mental illness that makes him believe that everyone else is wrong and he is the only person capable of saving lives. It can be so toxic and damaging to his family. Andrew and Carina joined this project in the hopes of being able to see a different side of him and change the medical world forever. Instead, they are just faced with the same man he has always been. A man who is incredibly reckless and doesn't care about the potential ramifications of his actions. He believes that he can save lives even though his actions and refusal to ask for help actually kills people. He is too proud to ever admit that he has a problem. Alex and Bailey debate over whether he is fit to run this program at the hospital. Their business is suddenly on the hook if this all goes to ruin. Alex made that decision. And now, he is stepping away from his role as chief for a few days to ensure that his mother can transition back to her life in Iowa safely. She too is a parent battling a mental illness. However, Helen and Vincenzo are contrasted so much throughout these recent episodes. They are both proud people who don't like asking for help. However, Helen is working the steps to remain stable. She doesn't want to become symptomatic again. She wants this honest and trusting relationship with her son to continue. She doesn't want to ruin it. Coming to Seattle was a huge risk for her because it shook up her routine. And now, she's afraid that if she returns to Iowa she won't be able to get back on her schedule in a way that continues to function for her. It's all inner turmoil though. Alex doesn't pick up on it until Bailey mentions something. These two may have their disagreements at the moment. However, they are on the same page when it comes to how to handle this situation. But it doesn't seem like anyone can offer the help that Vincenzo clearly needs. He isn't willing to admit that he actually needs it. That is the first huge step that needs to happen in the hopes of healing these relationships. Until then, he will remain manic and unable to express himself in an appropriate way. It just has the consequence of putting tension between Andrew and Meredith at the start of their relationship. Elsewhere, Jo is faced with a newfound curiosity about her own family. She never wanted to find her parents in order to learn about her genetic makeup. Getting her test results though proves that she has this yearning for family. The forms reveal that she has a cousin. That's a surprise to her. Plus, Casey is quickly able to find her mother online - with the show confirming that Michelle Forbes will be playing the role. That too should cause some tension for Jo and Alex especially since they are dealing with their respective parents separate from one another. And finally, an exciting new pairing is coming to the forefront. There was the undercurrent of sexual tension between Amelia and Link when she had her breakdown following Betty's overdose. At that moment, she was still with Owen. Now though, she is single. It was her choice because their dynamic changed too much. She sacrificed a ton. So, she deserves something new and exciting. It just seems unlikely that this will remain a one-time thing for them especially if they'll be teaming on a way to confront the opioid epidemic throughout the country.
