Grey’s Anatomy Review: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story (Season 14 Episode 7)

At 300 episodes, Grey’s Anatomy doesn’t feel tired, or worn out, or anywhere near its end. Instead, it feels renewed, and it’s better than it’s been in a long time.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 7, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” is a celebration of the series as a whole. It harkens back to lighter tones from Season 1, it remembers nearly every main character who has died or otherwise left the series, and it reminds us of the strength of Meredith Grey.

The nostalgia of this episode, in my opinion, is perfect. You can even see similar shots that make it feel like the early days of Grey’s Anatomy, and I can’t be the only one expected one of those interns to say “Who here feels like they have no idea what they’re doing,” and then for the others to raise their hands.

As new interns start their journey, Meredith and Alex remember when they first started. There are so many call backs to the pilot — even with the music — something that Grey’s Anatomy does so well. Jem’s “They” and Rilo Kiley’s “Portions for Foxes” play at opportune moments, and the original credits open the series (why did these go away in the first place?).

The music alone is enough to make this episode feel celebratory, but the way it honors characters who are no longer on the series is absolutely perfect.

As much as I’d have liked to see Cristina or Izzie return, it’s honestly better that we get “ghosts” of all these characters instead.

Meredith’s quiet conversation with Derek on the ferry, Arizona remembering Mark and sharing a moment with Sophia as they both miss Callie, Jackson acknowledging Lexie and Ellis in his speech, and of course, the three missing original interns — likenesses of George, Cristina, and Izzie.

For one thing, it’s better this way because the return of any such character would overshadow the current cast. Instead, they’re allowed to shine, as they should be — Meredith in particular.

But the way the ghosts of each character return help propel the current characters forward. It offers some interesting opportunities for everyone to reflect on how things have changed over the years.

It’s even some closure for Alex when it comes to Izzie. He’s obviously flustered at the Izzie lookalike, especially when he finds himself handing her her newborn baby. It’s endearing how he reacts to this woman.

This has brought up a lot of emotions for him, and Jo is honestly more supportive than I would have expected her to be. She even suggests Alex call Izzie to see how she’s doing, but Alex says it isn’t necessary. That’s the closure — he’s imagined this entire life for Izzie, and one that fits her perfectly. That’s all he needs.

The best part of the episode, though, is Meredith winning that Harper Avery award. You knew she had to win it, and how perfect for that to happen on the milestone 300th episode. We’ve seen her grow from an uncertain intern to the head of her department — someone who people recognize by name.

As I mentioned in my review of Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 6, it was once Meredith’s mother who was the legend at this hospital, but now Meredith is the legend, and that’s exactly where the story should be heading. She’s as successful as her mother, but more so, because of the person she’s become.

Dark and twisty Meredith has somehow been able to become a more positive person just as she’s continued to grow as a surgeon. Jackson’s speech says it all — Meredith has experienced more pain than and loss than what seems fair, but she’s turned all of it into something good.

I also love that Meredith doesn’t accept the award in person, because she’s too busy saving lives. That speaks to the kind of person and doctor she is, and it feels incredibly fitting for her character.

More than that, doing it this way means she gets to experience the news that she’s won the award among everyone she loves — everyone who’s mentored her along the way. It’s beautiful, and the song that plays here is fitting in so many ways — “Such Great Heights.”

As the lyrics “everything looks perfect from far away” play, we see someone in the gallery we didn’t expect — Ellis Grey. This is one ghost we actually do see as Meredith imagines her mother in that gallery, looking down on her with a smile.

Then, Meredith and Alex kick the new interns out of what was once their spot, so that they can toast the good news. But they cannot do it alone — there is at least a phone call from Cristina, which quite frankly, is exactly how this should go. Meredith still gets to share the moment with her, but also with Alex, who has become her “person” since Cristina left.

This really was the perfect way to celebrate such a remarkable milestone episode. It even felt like it could be a revival — had Grey’s gone off the air a few years ago, and then made a return like so many shows are doing now, this would be the way to do it. But instead we’re lucky enough to have been able enjoy the show, admittedly with bumps along the way, for 300 episodes and counting.

What did you think of the 300th episode of Grey’s Anatomy? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

You can also watch Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 7, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story” online here.

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

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Grey’s Anatomy Celebrates 300 Episodes!