Grey’s Anatomy Review: Blood and Water (Season 15 Episode 16)
The idea of a found family has always been a common theme on Grey’s Anatomy.
Grey’s Anatomy Season 15 Episode 16, “Blood and Water,” approaches that theme in varying ways and considers the significance of blood relation too. From Meredith’s sisters, Ellis’s legacy, Maggie’s relationship with Richard, and the appearance of DeLuca’s father, the episode shows a series of complicated relationships.
Even one of the main medical cases of the week gets at this idea: a girl with two fathers has never known which of them was actually her biological father, and never wanted to know, but now she has to find out for health reasons. (It’s a genetic blood clotting disorder: I’ll be okay if I never see someone cough up a clot that looks like a tree again, okay?)
When she does, she insists it doesn’t matter to her — both men are still her dads. Blood relation is less important.
ELLEN POMPEO
Much of the episode feels mediocre, but the ideas are interesting. Although it doesn’t seem memorable yet, it feels like an episode that is there as a transition.
The appearance of Ellis Grey in Meredith’s dream is a nice surprise. I really love that opening sequence, and it’s fun how well Kelly McCreary and Caterina Scorsone tap into a sort of dreamlike creepiness when they take those vitamins.
Meredith takes her dream seriously and considers it a medical inspiration, the answer to a question. And by the end of the episode, she seems to have an idea of what that question is — she may be on to groundbreaking idea there.
Meredith is still in the beginnings of a new relationship, but that’s not the focus of her story on this episode. She’s focused on medicine, and I think that’s important. I’m so glad we’re getting to see that kind of balance for her.
ELLEN POMPEO
Her relationship with DeLuca does make things a bit tricky, though.
DeLuca’s father is town, pitching an idea to Alex (baby in a bag, you guys!) but Meredith is cautious. She remembers what DeLuca has told her about his father, and she tries to give Alex a clue, but she doesn’t feel comfortable coming right out and telling him.
It’s a complication that could have been explored more, but it’s almost better that it doesn’t cause a huge rift for anyone. The whole thing does make me want to see more of Meredith and Alex interacting as friends, just generally.
Clearly, the baby in a bag thing is going to cause more conflict on its own, somehow. The foreshadowing is definitely there.
GIACOMO GIANNIOTTI
Meanwhile, Maggie shares a bit too much of her personal story on a podcast, which makes things complicated with Richard. This is one of the best parts of the episode because it’s actually digging into a story we learned about at the beginning of the series.
Now, fifteen years later, Richard’s affair with Ellis is going to be public knowledge. What impact is that going to have?
For Maggie, it’s just her story, and she’s right, she has the right to tell it. Richard is less concerned about his own reputation, though, and more about how it will affect Catherine.
He worries he’ll be known as an adulterer. He puts his foot in his mouth trying to explain his feelings about it to Maggie, focusing on the mistake and how he’s not proud of it. But that mistake also led to Maggie’s existence.
It’s another situation that could have easily been more dramatic, but instead, they make up quickly. It’s nice to see how their relationship has developed.
Other thoughts:
- Jo’s reaction to the baby hats is as comical as it is relatable. It would be fun to see Alex as a father, though.
- Owen and Amelia are breaking my heart. I’m so happy for Owen that he’ll get to raise Leo, but Amelia letting go is so hard to watch.
- Bailey is literally counting down the days until she no longer has to take orders from Alex. You kind of can’t blame her. I do have to say I have really enjoyed Alex in this role.
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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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.