Grey’s Anatomy Review: Judgment Day (Season 14 Episode 20)

April: It’s the end of an era.

Only Grey’s Anatomy could offer one of its funniest episodes ever while simultaneously delivering an emotional game changer that could not only create drastic changes for the doctors at Grey-Sloan, but that also strikes a timely chord with its audience.

Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 20, “Judgment Day,” balances all of those things perfectly.

There’s something actually very poetic about having many of the doctors be out of sorts and in a different state of mind while signaling what really is the end of an era — in more ways than one.

The chaos that’s created when several attendings (and one intern) unknowingly eat weed cookies is funny, first and foremost.

This is a situation we’ve never seen these characters in, and it’s fun to see this side of them — especially Miranda Bailey (I mean we’ve seen her drunk before, but this is better).

It also allows for some unique pairings and new character dynamics.

Characters are not only interacting intimately with characters they aren’t typically paired with, but they’re doing so in a vulnerable state.

If your heart breaks for anyone, it’s DeLuca, who spends most of the time he’s high watching a vision of Sam Bello, who he only recently said goodbye to. His breakdown almost makes up for the emotional moments that felt missed on Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 Episode 19, “Beautiful Dreamer.”

The funny moments and I’m talking laugh out loud — it’s really great — aren’t the only thing to come from this chaos, though. We also lose yet another intern.

Sure seems like that is happening fast.

Dr. Roy lies about eating one of the cookies so he can continue to work, and in doing so, puts a patient, and then himself, in serious danger.

His injury is brutal, but once he’s fixed up, he’s promptly fired by Dr. Webber.

I wonder which intern will be the next to go…

The chaos, as I mentioned earlier, also seems to reflect the serious changes that are coming. We find out what Catherine Avery has been hiding, and it feels like we’re ripping a headline out of a newspaper.

Harper Avery, who is now deceased, had a career of sexually harassing women, and those women were paid to stay silent.

Now, that’s secret’s out, the reputation of the hospital, the foundation, and even that prestigious award are all in jeopardy.

We’ve known about the Harper Avery award since the beginning — it’s been the thing our doctors have strived for, and nothing felt more perfect and satisfying than seeing Meredith Grey win one of her very own.

But now the meaning of that award, all of the prestige and hard work, it’s tainted.

There’s no telling what this will do to the hospital, either.

Speaking of life-changing events, Owen, who has only recently agreed to become a foster parent, is brought a child to take care of. To his surprise, it’s a baby, and he doesn’t feel ready.

I really love that this is happening for Owen, and there’s no question that he can do this. Alex is quick to point it out, having gone through the foster care system himself.

Alex: He gave a crap. And you my friend, you are giving so many craps right now.

This is, quite possibly, a new step for Owen and Amelia as well. Amelia jumps in to help (with a very stoned Alex by her side — have I mentioned how funny this episode is?) and it all feels natural.

It makes sense, too, that she would find herself on board with the idea of fostering rather than trying to have another baby of her own. The connection between her and Owen is still there — that’s clear. And now, there’s closure with Teddy as well.

Other Thoughts:

• Bailey is going to have her product made by a sex toy company! I mean, it does make sense, right?
• Meredith is an excellent teacher, and I continue to be impressed by her relationship with Jo. Jo, also, proves herself to be a badass surgeon.
• April saying “it’s the end of an era” is about the whole Harper Avery thing, but it’s also, to us at least, about her upcoming exit.
• Arizona mistakenly said Callie! Does anyone else hope Arizona gets the happy ending of moving away to be with her?
• Maggie’s ode to cheese is one of my favorite things ever. It’s possible I’ve never liked her character more.

What did you think of this 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.

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