Grey’s Anatomy Review: Games People Play (Season 14 Episode 14)

It’s a mistake to try to pull one over on Meredith Grey — let’s just say that first.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 14, “Games People Play,” continues to balance the fun and the serious while laying everything on the line.

Much of the focus is on Meredith and her research project, which I love, not only because of how passionate she is about her work, but also because I’m excited about the friendship that’s formed between her and Jo. The project is groundbreaking, and there’s nothing I want more than to see it succeed.

It’s been incredibly satisfying to watch the focus on Meredith’s career this season, from winning the Harper Avery to simply showing on a regular basis what a badass surgeon she truly is. Meredith has come a long way from when we first met her in Season 1, and she’s stepped out from behind her mother’s shadow and then some.

She even pointedly states how she’s setting romance on the backburner. And that’s not because she’s still mourning Derek — it’s only because she’s happy being focused on work. Plus, she has a “really excellent back massager” and doesn’t see the need for much else.

So it’s that much more painful to realize that someone from her past, who Meredith seems to have really cared about, is using a childhood connection to play her.

Auntie Marie, you seemed so sweet.

Bringing this woman in is an interesting move because it lets us see this glimpse of “Mer, Mer” — to remember Meredith’s vulnerabilities and what her childhood was like. Marie pulls at every part of that, with the final blow being how she doesn’t want to sell the patent just because of their connection.

That’s what makes Meredith finally show her everything, a move that seems right at the time, but may just wind up ruining everything. Because no, Marie and Ellis weren’t great friends, at least not at the end of their relationship.

As soon as Richard points this out, the alarm bells go off. Meredith knows she’s been played.

Meanwhile, and FINALLY, Jackson and Maggie are getting together.

They’ve drawn this out so long that no matter how you feel about it, it’s exciting to see them kiss — and for Jackson to talk about taking her out on a proper date and everything that would follow. Can you say swoon?

I’ll admit it is surprising that Clive turns out to be such a villain, making it even easier for to Jackson to step in and make a move.

The game night is as funny as it is… super, super awkward? I adore any chance for the doctors to get together outside of the hospital, especially when it’s some sort of gathering at Meredith’s home. Tom’s presence shows an awful lot more about his personality. And April? She’s continuing to go off the rails.

I’ve been excited to see how April’s crisis of faith and flat-out downward spiral would play out. It’s fascinating character work, though now there’s an elephant in the room that we have to discuss. Because Sarah Drew, along with Jessica Capshaw, is leaving the series at the end of the season.

It’s shocking news, and it’s apparently happening for creative reasons — which means there’s a very definite intention to what is happening with April’s character, and that could lead to a really interesting end for her story. Regardless of how it happens, April and Arizona’s exits are both going to hurt.

We also have the chance to see Kimmie’s storyline continue. This kid is so inspiring. Even when she can’t eat, she manages to have a positive attitude. She also knows how to advocate for herself, and wants Alex to help approve her use of medical marijuana so she can avoid a feeding tube.

Even though he’s hesitant at first, Alex is always one to be willing to go above and beyond, and he understands this is her best option.

He also doesn’t stand down. Kimmie’s grandmother tries to kick him off the case when he asks for her signature to approve the treatment, and her reaction is less than positive. At first.

Alex returns to her and advocates for his patient. This is something he’s been good at since his early days as a doctor, and he’s honed those skills. He’s less abrasive about it than he used to be, and he uses his own personal experience as he explains to Kimmie’s grandmother that this is the best thing he can do to care for her right now.

I love seeing Alex through Jo’s eyes as he plays checkers with Kimmie, who now has a large enough appetite to happily handle eating a cheeseburger.

Other Thoughts:

• Slipping on a severed ear in the ER? That’s definitely a new one — and an image I can’t shake.
• Glasses and Hellmouth showing up for game night at the absolute worst moment is hilarious.
• Owen and Amelia hooking up at the end is one of my favorite things to come out of this episode.
• April hooking up with Tom, on the other hand, is a disaster waiting to happen.
• Arizona is on to something with her study and this one doctor who seems to be performing C-sections out of convenience. No wonder that doctor was defensive at first about handing over her files.

What did you think of this episode of Grey’s Anatomy? How do you expect April and Arizona’s stories to end? Are you a fan of Jaggie? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

You can also check out our most recent roundtable discussion of Grey’s Anatomy right here.

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

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