Grey’s Anatomy Review: Ain’t That a Kick in the Head (Season 14 Episode 4)

Only freakin’ superheroes.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 4, “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” does perfectly what we were told this season of Grey’s Anatomy was setting out to do. To be lighter and funnier, but to also be emotional and dramatic. It achieves that balance with dark humor and lighter storylines, and even one very particular happy ending.

Let’s break it down.

Amelia

Just before going into surgery, Amelia and the entire OR team stand in superhero pose — a reference that goes back to Grey’s Anatomy Season 11 Episode 14, “The Distance.” The idea is that standing in that pose for a few minutes before taking on a task will help you perform better. Here, it’s a show of strength for Amelia and of solidarity for everyone to participate.

The surgery goes well, but the recovery, especially from Amelia’s perspective, is arduous.

Her inability to speak at first terrifies her, and that’s followed by intense pain that she refuses to medicate. The entire storyline is powerful, emotional, and beautifully written, and as usual, Caterina Scorsone gives an incredible performance. It’s actually breathtaking.

All of those details of her recovery and listening to what’s going on inside her mind not only gives us a reason to keep the tissues handy, but it lets us explore her character on an even deeper level.

Guys, and when she asks them to call Derek? Stick a knife in me why don’t you.

The recovery is difficult, but it all goes well. Still, despite being told by her doctor that everything looks great and she’s safe to go home, Amelia can’t shake the feeling that something is still wrong. She’s unsettled and certain that something is missing.

It’s Andrew who finally gives her that answer, when he brings her the tumor in a jar.

The fact is, from the moment we first met Amelia on Private Practice, this tumor was already affecting her. It’s a been a part of her for as long as we’ve known her. It’s still somewhat disappointing to think that all of her decisions, which we could base in her reactions to the horrible things she’s gone through in her life, could have all really been because of a tumor — at least in part.

I’m interested to see how this is going to affect her character now moving forward. It’s a happy step in the right direction that she decides to go home with Owen. In sickness and in health.

Maggie and Jackson

Just as I was starting to get on board with a romance between these two — the other shoe drops. The reminder that their parents being married to each other makes them step-siblings.

Their interactions are adorable, though, and it’s all made Maggie much more likeable. Her guzzling wine and speaking so bluntly at dinner is pretty amazing. Also, Jackson could totally buy an island.

Meredith, Riggs, Megan

Riggs didn’t just take off to run away from his situation, but Meredith and Megan don’t realize that at first. These two women are remarkably similar, by the way. You can tell they have a similar strength, a similar dark humor, and a similar outlook on life. It’s not just that they each reacted to their situation by pushing Riggs toward the other one, though that’s definitely telling.

Megan: For what it’s worth, I told him you were the real deal. I sent him to you.

Meredith: And I sent him to you. Pretty firmly.

Megan: [Laughs] I think we broke his brain.

It’s also just in the way they interact with one another. They could be great friends, probably, if things were less complicated.

Meredith would allow it. She walks away after seeing what looks like a complete family after Riggs bring Farouk home. It’s much easier for her to walk away than to fight, and I continue to think she’s martyr. She’s come a long way, but as I mentioned in my review of “Go Big or Go Home,” she’s too often willing to sacrifice her own happiness.

It feels, at least for now, that the door is closed on any relationship with Nathan. Add to that, Alex says he never liked the guy — and I have to think that Alex’s opinion is significant.

Riggs bringing Farouk home is an incredible act, and of course, even Meredith helps.

Absolutely nothing beats Megan’s reaction when she sees Farouk. It’s such a sweet story, and for now, it feels like a beautifully happy ending. I have to wonder what’s next, though, and I’m also mildly suspicious of Megan. We’ll see.

Other thoughts:

• Poor April praying that she won’t have to unplug Amelia is so sad — and also kind of morbidly funny.
• One of my favorite moments is also morbidly funny, and it’s all the doctors having lunch outside shouting out examples of things they wish they could blame on a tumor.
• Amelia’s doctor playing The Beach Boys reminds me of Derek’s famous line: “It’s a beautiful day to save lives. Let’s have some fun.”
• Jo’s husband is still affecting her life. Something that seems so simple, like including a photo in an article she should be proud of, is too risky of a move for her to make.
• Ben is clearly training to become a firefighter, yeah?

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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