Grey’s Anatomy Review: Leave it Inside (Season 13 Episode 22)

Meredith’s journey since Derek died remains one of the best parts of Grey’s Anatomy, and that continues to  be true on  Grey’s Anatomy Season 13 Episode 22, “Leave it Inside.”

She was already a complex character when we met her on the pilot, “A Hard Day’s Night,” but as the show has progressed, she’s been through more than you’d imagine any one person could bear.

Yes, sometimes it’s almost too dramatic. The tragedies that have occurred around Meredith and around Seattle Grace Mercy Death Grey-Sloan Memorial have been over the top, but they’ve never just been about shock value. Those tragedies have always been significant in terms of character development, and that’s especially true for Meredith.

Now that she’s decided to be with Nathan, she’s going to have to figure out how he fits into her life. And that means letting go of Derek a little more.

It doesn’t take long for Amelia and Maggie to figure out that the fact that Meredith wants the tumor out of her room before Nathan can stay over means things are serious.

Maggie’s shift in tone, declaring that the two of them need to support it, makes me start to like her again. She even decides to stay away from home so Meredith can feel comfortable bringing Nathan into the house.

Guys, I’m so glad her anger with Meredith didn’t last beyond one episode. I don’t know how much more of that drama I’d have been able to take.

Meredith still can’t do it, though. She cancels on Nathan, and sees one more thing that has to go before she can fully let him in.

That post-it note.

Way to make me emotional all over again, Grey’s Anatomy.

With it in the drawer, it seems she’s finally ready, and we see that at the end of the episode when she holds his hand.

What Meredith says to her patient with the tumor, Holly, is nearly a summary of her own life.

Meredith: The scary thing isn’t dying. The scary thing is surviving, and accepting that you actually have a life to live.

Meanwhile, a young boy comes into the hospital by himself, in desperate need of treatment. Unfortunately, his parents’ religious beliefs make things complicated.

This is the kind of story that allows Alex Karev to shine. He’s so good at working with kids, and he’s willing to break the rules and think outside the box if it means saving a child.

It’s one thing for the boy, Liam, to come to the hospital once. It’s another when he comes a second time, and this time, he’s looking specifically for Alex.

He and Stephanie work together, and Alex manages to use the “Minnick Method” to his advantage. Still, he runs the risk of getting into serious trouble. He doesn’t quite give a damn, though.

Alex: I’d go to jail for this one.

He won’t, though, because it turns out that Liam wasn’t actually getting to the hospital on his own.

He had help from his mother all along. Thank goodness Alex was willing to bend some rules.

That story brings out something in Stephanie that leads to her being forced to take time off. Honestly, I’d forgotten all about her boyfriend dying, and I’m glad we returned to that storyline. She’s a little too bold, and Minnick takes notice, especially after learning what happened in Stephanie’s file.

It’s not just Stephanie that Minnick notices a problem with. She notices how safe Ben Warren has been with his work lately as well, and that’s also a cause for concern.

She’s pointing out things the others wouldn’t have noticed, and I so enjoy seeing her and Richard work together and talk about how to help their doctors. She’s right that a fresh set of eyes can be a good thing.

Speaking of Eliza, it isn’t just Meredith who takes a step toward moving on in this episode. Arizona has been managing to keep Eliza at a bit of a distance until now.

She’s had plenty of reasons, including the hospital drama and her loyalty to Richard, but she’s also still dealing with losing Callie and being away from her daughter.

It isn’t easy for her to get serious with someone else, but she finally allows herself to be intimate with Eliza, which is a significant step because she knows that relationship — again mirroring what’s happening with Meredith and Nathan — is one that will be serious.

Other thoughts:

• Holly is one of the best patients we’ve seen in a long time. She just wants to enjoy the rest of her life on her terms, in her own way. She also knows all about her tumor and predicts everything the surgeons will do.
• Andrew, what in the world? I don’t know what to make of his feelings for Jo.
• Can we please get some closure on Owen and Amelia? Don’t get me wrong, I like seeing her living with Maggie and Meredith, but come on. This has gone on too long.

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

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

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