Grey's Anatomy Season 12 Review
(SO FAR)
POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT THE SEASON:
1) THE FOCUS ON MEREDITH AND HER NEW LIFE, BUT ALSO ON BAILEY AND HER NEW ACHIEVEMENTS
2) ARIZONA RE-DISCOVERING HERSELF
3) THE (SOMEWHAT) LIGHTER TONE
4) THE COMIC RELIEF PROVIDED, MAINLY BY WEBBER, MAGGIE AND ARIZONA
5) THE FACT THAT IT'S STARTING TO GET MORE MEDICAL, BUT ALSO KNOWS WHEN TO GET MORE PERSONAL
6) HOW MUCH IT REMINDS OF EARLY SEASONS OF THE SHOW
7) THE FEUD BETWEEN OWEN AND NATHAN
NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT THE SEASON:
1) HAVING SO MANY MAIN CHARACTERS, LEADING TO LIMITED SCREEN-TIME FOR ALL OF THEM AND MEDIOCRE STORYLINES FOR CERTAIN
2) THE MESS WITH JAPRIL, JOLEX AND OMELIA
3) NOT GIVING ANY FOCUS ON MAGGIE-RICHARD RELATIONSHIP
4) USING CALLIE AS A "THIRD WHEEL" IN THE PENNY STORYLINE
5) MAKING MEREDITH LOOK MEAN WITH NO REASON
6) MOST OF AMELIA'S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, IN COMPARISON TO LAST SEASON'S AMAZING MATERIAL
7) JO AND STEPHANIE REMAINING USELESS
POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT THE SEASON:
1) THE FOCUS ON MEREDITH AND HER NEW LIFE, BUT ALSO ON BAILEY AND HER NEW ACHIEVEMENTS
2) ARIZONA RE-DISCOVERING HERSELF
3) THE (SOMEWHAT) LIGHTER TONE
4) THE COMIC RELIEF PROVIDED, MAINLY BY WEBBER, MAGGIE AND ARIZONA
5) THE FACT THAT IT'S STARTING TO GET MORE MEDICAL, BUT ALSO KNOWS WHEN TO GET MORE PERSONAL
6) HOW MUCH IT REMINDS OF EARLY SEASONS OF THE SHOW
7) THE FEUD BETWEEN OWEN AND NATHAN
NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT THE SEASON:
1) HAVING SO MANY MAIN CHARACTERS, LEADING TO LIMITED SCREEN-TIME FOR ALL OF THEM AND MEDIOCRE STORYLINES FOR CERTAIN
2) THE MESS WITH JAPRIL, JOLEX AND OMELIA
3) NOT GIVING ANY FOCUS ON MAGGIE-RICHARD RELATIONSHIP
4) USING CALLIE AS A "THIRD WHEEL" IN THE PENNY STORYLINE
5) MAKING MEREDITH LOOK MEAN WITH NO REASON
6) MOST OF AMELIA'S CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, IN COMPARISON TO LAST SEASON'S AMAZING MATERIAL
7) JO AND STEPHANIE REMAINING USELESS
List activity
234 views
• 1 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
17 titles
- DirectorKevin McKiddStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonThe doctors from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital spring into action to save the lives of two girls with a powerful story. Meanwhile, Meredith tries to cope with the fact that Amelia is now living with her, and Jackson prepares for April's return back to Seattle.I was really looking forward to this, but it kind of let me down. It was a fairly good premiere, but it looks as though season premieres of the show have started to become weaker and weaker. The most positive aspect here is the relationship between Meredith, Maggie and Amelia. It's very optimistic and happy and marks the beggining of a new era for all of them. The storyline for the couple was nice and had a good message, but I think it got too emotional at times and that really was a let-down. I liked how they finally gave Callie something more to do here. Bailey trying to get the position is also very rewarding as a storyline and her speech reminds me of those great first seasons. I really enjoyed Arizona in this, she was very entertaining. The biggest problem here was the annoying songs used and once again, how little Alex and Jo are used.
- DirectorDebbie AllenStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonThe pressure is on as a determined Bailey tackles her first day as Chief; meanwhile, April's marriage is in jeopardy and she finds herself unable to address her problems; Meredith struggles to juggle all her responsibilities and Amelia works to define her relationship with Owen.This episode was better than the premiere in some levels. It had even more classic Bailey and Webber, which was great. I loved her on this, it was "The Nazi" all over again. April's storyline was also very nice and made me care for her in a way that I hadn't for quite a while. Maggie continues with the comic relief and it feels like she's a big part of the hospital right now, which is great. Omelia wasn't as entertaining and Meredith had a very restricted role here, only getting big news towards the end of the episode. At this point, I think having so many characters as regulars prevents Miss Rhimes from giving everybody great storylines all the time and that's frustrating. I also didn't appreciate how Callie is not being used properly again. The anatomy class is an interesting addition, though. Nice use for Jo. It's probably one of the few times I've felt like I enjoying that she is a part of the show.
- DirectorRob CornStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonWhen Maggie gets an invitation to her ex-boyfriend's wedding, she starts to reevaluate her choices.This is a very sentimental episode. Maggie continues to thrive, while Alex finally gets something to do, after many episodes of just being there. It's an episode, which shows how Alex has evolved and how great he has become, over the years. Great one for him. Jo was used too and her material was OK. I loved the Izzie references. Meredith isn't used much, but for how much she is, her story is quite fun. Japril is still very frustrating and I'm not quite sure if this has to work or not.
- DirectorNicole RubioStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonOwen suggests the interns learn about breaking bad news to patients' families.This is exactly how the show used to be and it's why I personally love it. It really marks the start of a new era. Owen works well in this and his storyline with the interns is quite interesting. Arizona gets big action in this too and although it's very heart-warming, it's also very sad. I admit I loved it though. Very fun Maggie once again (Amelia's reaction once she discovers Maggie's new lover is fantastic). The relationship between Amelia and Stephanie is very rewarding, I like that Amelia is working as a right mentor and Stephanie is getting less boring. Amelia really is the MVP in this episode and she does it very well. Meredith had again a small storyline, but it was a nice one and all the anticipation for the dinner and of course, the last minute twist make it great. This is like a new classic episode.
- DirectorDebbie AllenStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonMaggie leaves her dinner party and races to the hospital, so April takes over the cooking duties in an attempt to avoid Jackson. Meanwhile, Arizona is extremely anxious about meeting Callie's new girlfriend, who happens to be a familiar face in Meredith's life.One of the best episodes the show has had in recent years. I don't think anyone expected seeing Penny again, but we did! It was a risk making an episode, which is almost 100% away from the hospital, but it is very well-executed. Finally, Meredith is used as the star of the show and she is absolutely amazing. Her relationship with Alex keeps getting better and the feud between Jo and Stephanie is also quite interesting. It is very like Mertina fighting, so I enjoy it. Arizona is again very fun and makes this super interesting. I don't admire how Callie is used as a third-whell in the storyline. I also don't understand why Webber isn't a part of the episode. April keeps shining. Maggie has another fun storyline, but you really can't focus on her with all the drama back on the house, although it's not bad and she and Andrew are really getting somewhere. The last scene is very "Grey's Anatomy" and I really like how they end it.
- DirectorJeannot SzwarcStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonPenny's first day gets off to a rocky start. April brings a young patient from overseas with tumors on his hands. Jo and Stephanie's feud continues.Richard Webber really is shining in this season and in this episode, with his old friend. He keeps getting better and better, but if it's one thing I don't understand about Maggie and him, it's how they both show almost no interest in working things out. Having Penny as a new resident doesn't excite me, but I suppose it can go well or can it? Her constant problems with Meredith from the first minute is just a disaster. I hate it when Shonda makes Meredith look like the bad guy and that's it here, also having Callie fight for her girl-friend with Meredith, which has no point. Nathan is an addition that I don't know how to react about, but his storyline with April is promising. Meredith's praying scene is quite something and when she actually tries to teach Penny, it's remarkable to see her make the effort. Callie and Jackson working together is better than I thought.
Good episode, but they should really show flawed Meredith, not mean Meredith. - DirectorGeary McLeodStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonA high-stakes case is tackled by a team of doctors, and the atmosphere grows tense. Meanwhile, Bailey pressures Ben to evict their roommate; and Arizona enthusiastically reenters the dating scene with a new wingman.My least favorite episode of the season, thus far. The part I enjoyed is Arizona. She has upped her game and I'm starting to love her once again. Ben and Bailey are nice in this, but not much of a storyline, to be honest. It feels like the show is repeating itself here. Jackson and April are still a mess. Meredith is really nice here, supporting Owen. The story with the kid and Mitchell is fine, but Alex is the one to elevate the whole storyline. The hate towards Nathan is actually very charming, considering how they connect with each other and how they've grown to become a family. Callie is used as a bitch in this episode and that's one of the reasons, that it's bad. The way they've utilized Penny-Callie and Meredith doing her thing is only good when Meredith is teaching. Otherwise, not good. Apart from that, Jo and Stephanie become enemies in this and we just see how obnoxious both can be. No good emotions here. Also, the problem about the "white privileges" storyline is that it feels forced and is very superficial, just making characters look mean and racist, without any foundation. This episode shows how hard it is for the show to be great, with so many characters. Too many storylines get complicated and it's hard to watch.
- DirectorRob CornStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonAs the rumor mill around the hospital continues to spiral out of control, Grey Sloan Memorial is flooded with injured firefighters from a nearby wildfire. Maggie struggles to keep things with Andrew professional at work; meanwhile, Jo questions Alex's priorities. Also, Alex decides to make a big step in his life.Intense episode, it was OK, but not great for a mid-season finale. The action for Alex and Jo here is satisfying, but again, it feels like their relationship has no foundation and they can't be an actual couple. Owen and Nathan still manage to intrigue me. Meredith and Amelia though, not at all. The way they've been used in this to fight with each other and cause more drama is completely forced. It's not in accordance with the lighter tone we were promised and it's bad for their sisterhood. However, Meredith standing up for Owen and being his "person" is really wonderful, showing how Meredith is a person ready to give all the time. The hints of Nathan and Amelia ending up together aren't leading to something I would like to see, it would just cause drama and hurt Owen. A friendship though would be highly interesting. Arizona had a fairly good storyline, her development has been great this season. Maggie and Andrew go on with their relationship, while Alex and Jo have a shocking moment since never and April and Jackson unfortunately continue the mess (why can't these two just make up???).
- DirectorDenzel WashingtonStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonMeredith is attacked by a patient, and Penny finds her injured. The staff of Grey Sloan Memorial is standing by Meredith trying to save her life.I really liked this. This is very very different from the usual "Grey's" episode. Meredith is absolutely stellar in this and the whole direction is very artistic. I like the storyline and especially the scenes with her children and Alex. It is a new version of the show and I definetely got interested in it. I agree that having Meredith being a victim all the time is not good, but in this case she proved she knows how to do it better than anyone else. I don't think I can say something negative here. It's a top-notch episode and after 11 years, it really means a lot, seeing Meredith becoming the centre of the show once again.
- DirectorKevin Rodney SullivanStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonAs the hospital deals with Meredith's trauma, Callie and Maggie perform a risky, experimental surgery on Alex's 15-year-old patient against his professional opinion. Meanwhile, Owen and Nathan are still at odds with each other, and Maggie and Andrew's relationship continues to develop.Wonderful episode. Normally, an episode after such a huge crisis, would be a filler with nothing significant. That's not the case here. The idea of Meredith going to a shrink is really smart and the whole situation between them is extremely interesting. This reminded me a bit of old episodes, due to the cases, the feuds, the incident with the fire (not used properly though). Nathan and Owen really give an edge to the show. I like where it's going with them. Maggie and DeLuca provide the comic relief and they do it really well. Here, Webber was the one standing out for his discovery. However, Jolex is starting to get on my nerves for good. There is no proper material for these two. Also, Callie has been seriously underused and this episode shows it again.
- DirectorRob CornStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonFlashbacks reveal the evolution of April and Jackson's relationship, beginning with their initial meeting, and the years-long process of one of Jackson's patients. Also, April finds out something life changing.I was pretty surprised with this episode. Truth be told, when "Grey's Anatomy" episodes focuses too much on a couple, it can be tiring and have no relation to the general context of the show. However, this is a perfect example of how to do such episodes. It is very moving, full of nice moments and a great illustration of Jackson and April's relationship. I love the performances by the cast, but the two leads (and especially April) stood out in this. The twist towards the end is promising, although a bit dull.
- DirectorChandra WilsonStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonA patient from Meredith's first surgery as an intern is re-admitted to the hospital with an aneurysm; Maggie thinks Richard knows about her relationship with Andrew; Arizona considers dating again.Another new classic. Katie Bryce returning is great and at this point, the show knows how to be great again. By throwbacks. Meredith gets great action and so does Amelia. These two feel like real sisters and their explosions are good TV. Jo has a storyline with Alex, but I found it not interesting at all, though it made Jo a little funnier. Richard and DeLuca was pretty hilarious to watch and made the episode very entertaining. Omelia got nice again and the story with Daphne was very heartwarming at times and intense at others. Loved the episode! One of the best of the season.
- DirectorCharlotte BrändströmStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonMeredith, Jo, Bailey, Callie and Jackson head to a Veterans hospital for an spectacular yet unusual surgery. Meanwhile, a group of snobby cheerleaders come into the ER and Warren makes a risky decision.Another great episode. The "squad" looked pretty fresh here and the idea to gather these specific doctors in the same place was very nice, I must say. At least, some action for Callie and Jackson, without making them look annoying! Thorpe is a standard character, not very nice, not very bad. DeLuca gets great action too in this episode. Very intern-like of him. The chearleaders also make the episode entertaining and Stephanie rises in my eyes for the first time in... the entire show's history! Also, Ben gets an extremely interesting scene in ages and that's great action. I like Meredith getting back in the game, although Thorpe looks a mediocre choice for her. The scene with Jo and Jackson is the best thing both have done in quite a long time. Very very decent episode with character development for everyone.
- DirectorKevin McKiddStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonRichard swaps pairings among the residents and attendings, baffling everyone. Meanwhile, Arizona makes a bold decision as she treats a woman who's carrying quadruplets; April faces a tough choice.Yes, I don't really like Jo. But, she had a point here and rude she may have been, but it was valid. Jo was great here. I admired Meredith's stance, it shows how much she's grown. I enjoyed Webber here once again. He has been very solid this season and I like seeing more of him, being one of the most underrated characters for years. Changing the pairs was highly entertaining. Jackson got on my nerves. Arizona was fantastic here, very classic her. Alex got something to do too and he was great Alex. Penny had a fun run here and she was great with Amelia. I actually started liking her. Omelia were super cute here, Thorpe didn't seem very interesting as an addition to Mer's life, but it's OKish for her to start seeing people. Maggie has turnt into the heart of Grey's Anatomy. It's like she's been in this show forever. It's a very good episode with a dramatic and irritating finale. It had many changes and very good. After the winter break, everything has been stellar.
- DirectorNicole RubioStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonJackson learns about April's pregnancy, while Alex and the team of doctors handles a long triple-organ transplant surgery. Meredith considers dating again, and Andrew insists on not receiving special treatment after he and Maggie go public.Irritating twist. Arizona knows how to get on my nerves. It's too bad. She's been so sweet so far and this was very annoying of her, to betray April this way. Things with Japril have gone too far, they were great and now everything's been torn apart. Too bad, they're starting to show their bad sides and it's very ugly. Alex was really nice in this one. I thought I would never say this, but he has really become the best guy in the show, even better than Derek ever was or would be. He's the best and I'm happy he's on the show (even though more storylines for him would be good too). Meredith and Thorpe were surprisingly cute. Her grace and beauty are so amazing and seeing her progress makes me so happy. I don't like angry April but she has every right to be in this episode. The scene with Mer, Callie and Bailey was hilarious and the general focus on Meredith was really nice. The episode was very nice, the only thing bothering me is Arizona breaking the friendship rules. No reason for that... and of course, Japril! God, let the drama stop at some point with these two. They are becoming unbearable. Not to forget Omelia having this clash... It looks pointless. I don't understand how or why! It's just another reason for drama, but here it is bad.
- DirectorEric LaneuvilleStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonMeredith takes a step forward with Will but quickly regrets it; Maggie senses a disconnection with Andrew; and Amelia reevaluates her relationship with Owen. Meanwhile, Catherine comes into town and really shakes things up with April and JacksonOne of the best things about Grey's is when it focuses on its roots, Meredith and the originals. This is why I loved this episode. Having the sisters and Alex in the same house discussing and Meredith going back to Derek moments is what Grey's is made of and it is so heartwarming. Beautiful scenes in this... I enjoy how Callie is becoming a person again and not just a third wheel and Penny is actually very likeable right now. Maggie was so cute and real here. It is a family-episode and it's very in the veins of what this show has been doing so far. It's great to see them recognize how the fans want it to continue. Amelia is mad for good reasons, but I like this couple and their issues must be resolved at some point. Slow episode but it was fine and at most of it, very moving and optimistic.
- DirectorChandra WilsonStarsEllen PompeoJustin ChambersChandra WilsonApril and Arizona find themselves arguing in switched positions. Richard tries to stop Catherine interfering in others' lives. Meanwhile residents are motivated to compete for a great research grant.