Grey’s Anatomy Review: Odd Man Out (Season 12 Episode 14)

Nothing says drama on Grey’s Anatomy like a resident switch-up.

Webber’s decision to assign the residents to new attendings at random on “Odd Man Out” offers the chance for some varied character interactions and ultimately, some resolutions.

All of the bitterness going around Grey Sloan Memorial has gotten pretty old. We’ve spent way too much time on the feud between Jo and Meredith, and we’ve dwelled too long on Penny being unwelcome.

Thankfully, the switch-up puts all of that out into the open. Because of course, Jo ends up working with Meredith, who has no interest in working with a new resident. She gives Jo a hard time until finally, Jo stands up to her.

The fact is that Meredith has been too hard on Jo, but Jo has also allowed herself to be disrespected. That’s exactly what Meredith tells her after she apologizes. Meredith says all the things I’ve been thinking myself — Jo allows people to treat her badly because rather than taking action, she just gets upset or complains.

There’s an opportunity now that the two women have had a heart to heart for Meredith to become Jo’s mentor, and for Jo’s character to grow because of it. That’s something I’d really love to see happen. I think Jo has such an interesting backstory, but we don’t get much of an opportunity to see how it has influenced who she is.

Understandably, Amelia has a hard time working with her new resident as well. I still find it a stretch that Penny is even working at this hospital, but since she’s there, I’m ready for everyone to accept her. Meredith has done so, but Amelia isn’t there yet. Until she has the opportunity to see what an incredible surgeon she is.

It turns out that Penny is built for neurosurgery, and Amelia realizes she’s going to have to teach her. It’s going to be painful for her, of course, but it also seems like the sort of thing her brother would have wanted.

Okay, but we really have to talk about is April. I’d been hoping for a final resolution between April and Jackson — one way or another. Instead, this pregnancy storyline draws out their relationship uncertainty even more. I do think it’s interesting to see how April is coping, considering the chance that this baby could have the same condition as the first one.

Arizona takes a doctor’s approach, and wants to get ahead of the situation. April, however, doesn’t want any of those tests. She also isn’t ready to tell Jackson, and even though she SHOULD tell him, her reasoning makes sense on some level.

So for Arizona to take it upon herself to tell Jackson the news is despicable. It comes from a good place, but it’s crossing a line that is going to change everything.

Other thoughts:

• There can’t be anything more difficult to watch than difficult childbirths and tiny, premature babies. For me at least. I really didn’t need that image, Grey’s Anatomy. You could have left that one to the imagination.
• I hope Meredith says yes to the cute doctor. Enough time has passed within the story for her to try dating, and I also think the audience has had enough time to get over the death of Derek. It’ll be interesting to see this new chapter for her character.
• I was so certain Owen was going to take Amelia to the vents like he used to do with Cristina. Instead, he cheers her up with lots of adorable puppies!

 

What did you think of this week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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