Grey’s Anatomy Review: All I Could Do Was Cry (Season 11 Episode 11)

If there’s one thing Grey’s Anatomy does well, it’s making its audience cry. And I’m not just talking about watery eyes or a single tear. I’m talking full on, blubbery ugly crying. How appropriate, then, that the title of this particular episode is “All I Could Do Was Cry.”

April and Jackson’s story is profoundly sad, and the decision over what to do about the baby only made the differences in how they each see the world more clear. What’s beautiful is the the way they come to decision, with the help of Jackson’s mother. She suggests that they induce so that April can hold the baby for as long as possible. It’s poetic and completely heart-wrenching.

Still, April struggles with the decision, and it isn’t until she comes across a woman who has just lost someone of her own that she garners the strength to make that decision. She holds the woman close and tells her that she is strong, and that she will get through this. But we all know that as much as she is saying those kind words to the woman, she is also saying them to herself.

Jackson finds himself trying to pray in the chapel, asking God to show up for April. That was just one of several moments that I burst out in tears, by the way. Jackson is not religious at all, but he still seeks that help when nothing else works.

The scene when the baby is born is almost too emotional. The writers and the actors and everyone involved should win an award, because it was that well done. Special kudos to Sarah Drew and Jesse Williams, who I’d have loved to reach through the screen and hug.

But seriously, can someone please have a baby without going through something terrible or sad on this show? Just once, I think it would be nice for someone to have a pregnancy where the baby is healthy and there are no car wrecks or power outages or crazy tragedies.

That brings me to Amelia, who I wish we could have actually seen a little more. April and Jackson’s news has an affect on Amelia because of the baby she lost. She suggests everyone light a candle in the chapel for April and Jackson’s baby. Throughout the episode, that’s exactly what everyone does, with this really wonderful overhead shot that shows everyone as they light their candles. Amelia walks in at the end to see more than a few candles lit, and it’s obvious how much all of this has affected her.

Then, Owen walks in. I’ve said before that I thought we might be seeing these two get together, and the moment when he sits with her and holds her hand tells me that’s exactly what’s going to happen. And I’m thrilled. Not only is it time to see both of them in a happy relationship, but I think they are going to compliment each other really well.

Other thoughts:

• It’s Richard and Maggie who pull through for Meredith so she can visit Derek in D.C, which actually makes a lot of sense. I do think the Meredith/Maggie relationship feels forced at this point, but at least it is being developed. It’s also showing more growth for Meredith’s character.
• By the way, that’s an entire episode with no sign of Derek. I’m conflicted about this. Generally, I think it’s good for the show to have the two of them separated for a while, and it’s good for Meredith’s character. But what’s Grey’s Anatomy without McDreamy?
• Bailey and Callie working together is fun to watch. I’d forgotten how much I loved their scenes and how much the two of them have been through together professionally. More of this, please!
• That pregnant patient this week, of course, made matters that much more emotional. The good news is that this family gets their miracle.

What did you think of “All I Could Do Was Cry”? How do you feel about Maggie and Meredith’s relationship? Is it a problem that Derek is missing? And how many times did you cry while you watched?! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays at 8/7c on ABC.

Ashley Bissette Sumerel

Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.