Grey’s Anatomy Review: I Walk the Line (Season 15 Episode 13)

My heart is broken for Owen Hunt, and I can’t imagine how much messier things are about to get.

On Grey’s Anatomy Season 15 Episode 13, “I Walk the Line,” Betty/Brittney’s parents show up to Seattle after getting a call from their daughter, but now, she’s nowhere to be found.

They seek out Amelia, and then eventually learn that they also have a grandson. Owen’s pain from the moment he realizes they didn’t know Leo existed is palpable. He understands right away that this means he’s going to lose him.

Family has been such a driving force for Owen since we first met his character. Now that he has it, even in its untraditional form, to see it taken away is going to be difficult to watch, especially since he’s now lashing out at Amelia.

Amelia’s reveal to Betty’s mother (I’m using that name because it feels more natural at this point) that she’s also an addict comes from a place of compassion, but it is a little reckless. And of course, it’s the thing that makes Betty’s parents feel it will be easy to take their grandson.

The way Owen responds to that is a powerful moment — this episode really offers a chance for Kevin McKidd to shine, which is especially noteworthy since he also directed the episode. He gives a heck of a performance here as he fights for his foster son.

But that’s just it — it’s his foster son. This day could have come at any time.

What I like the most about this storyline that it’s so complex. This isn’t the typical story we see with a couple adopting a child only to have that child’s real parents return. There’s so much more to this, including the way Owen was ready to foster all on his own.

Owen does have another child on the way, and that situation also remains complicated — but maybe less so now? It’s a bit on the nose that a patient comes in with a male best friend and a husband, who all seem so intertwined that most of the doctors assume polyamory.

It’s a direct reflection of how Teddy and Owen can be. They love each other, and they clearly always have. But Owen chose Amelia and now Teddy is moving on (can I say I really like the coupling of Teddy and Tom, by the way? Because I totally do).

Their friendship can stay just that, and close, and they can raise this child together and have separate romantic partners. All of that makes sense for these characters and I think it will be interesting to watch. I do have to point out, though, that it’s not the first time we’ve seen such an arrangement.

All three characters are gone from the show now, but this could shape up to look a whole lot like Callie, Mark, and Arizona.

I just hope if it does head in that direction that things remain mostly positive. But from the looks of the previews for the next episode, there’s more heartbreak coming.

Other thoughts:

• Maggie’s case is fun to watch on this episode. I like the side of her that shows a bit of her backstory, and I like that she’s the kind of person who would debate with herself and find compassion for someone who once treated her so badly.
• The photos on the wall of all the previous chiefs is a really nice visual. My goodness, this show has been on for a long time.
• Bailey’s jealousy over how well Alex is doing now as chief is funny, and more interesting because when he says no to giving up the position of interim chief early, she’s shocked and also proud of how far he’s come. It’s a nice moment.
• The bagpipers on this episode are fantastic. Subtle commentary on yet another gunshot wound in the hospital too — something that’s becoming far too common.
• Meredith seeking out Maggie for the final approval on dating DeLuca is sweet. What’s less sweet is how she treated Link on the previous episode. It’s not a great look for her, but I do like the idea of her dating DeLuca, at least temporarily.

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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