Grey’s Anatomy Review: We Didn’t Start the Fire (Season 15 Episode 15)

The record-breaking episode of Grey’s Anatomy, which has now surpassed ER as the longest-running primetime medical drama in history, is celebratory in nature as it does something the show has never done — it’s the only time no medicine has been practiced in an episode).

The episode takes on a theme of parenting — parents are involved in one way or another in just about every significant storyline. But more than anything it sets out to prove that yes, indeed, this show does have more to stories to tell.

In a lot of ways, Grey’s Anatomy Season 15 Episode 15, “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” feels like a turning point. For Meredith, it’s not just about her romance with DeLuca, it’s about formally recognizing the relationship. She makes a point to tell Alex because he’s the chief, but also because he’s her best friend. That moment makes it official for her. 

Meredith and DeLuca go to Catherine’s party together, which is also a statement, particularly since this is a work party. All the messy love triangle business is over, and it’s a lot of fun to watch these two interact as a couple.

There’s even what feels like a bit of a callback to the beginnings of Meredith and Derek’s relationship when Richard walks into the guest room and catches them together. It feels a lot like Bailey catching Meredith and Derek together in a car sitting outside of another party.

I am a little disappointed that we didn’t see more of Meredith just dating and exploring different options before settling in with DeLuca, but I do like what he seems to bring out in her. It’s all very sweet and fun. Hopefully, it stays that way for a while, but speaking of new stories to tell, another character shows up at the end of the episode, and no one seems thrilled about it.

It’s DeLuca’s father, who we’ve only heard a little about. And what we’ve heard… isn’t great. I’m interested to see where that goes.

For Owen and Amelia, there are two turning points. One is a breakup, which, you know, makes me want to go bang my head against a wall. 

It’s exhausting watching this relationship go around and around, but to be fair, I think that’s what we’re supposed to feel, especially since Amelia describes it as a circle. She says she wants to step out of it.

Meredith’s right that Teddy will always be a part of Owen’s life, and yes, Amelia is going to have to be okay with that if they are ever to make a relationship work. Cristina is even mentioned — she had the same struggle.

It’s also perfectly believable that Owen is bent out of shape over Koracick because he doesn’t want him in his child’s life — not because he’s jealous. Or maybe it’s both. Maybe that’s even okay.

Also, it wouldn’t be a Grey’s Anatomy party without someone getting punched in the face. 

Amelia’s decision to break up with Owen is complicated pretty quickly, though, when Betty/Brittney’s parents bring Leo back. They’ve realized it’s best for Leo to be with Owen and Amelia so they can focus on their daughter. 

The timing is what makes this fascinating storytelling, because there’s still this lingering question of how Owen and Amelia could function as a couple if there weren’t children involved. And if Leo hadn’t been brought back, was Amelia right that Owen would have gone back to Teddy? 

It’s intricately woven, especially since Amelia’s addiction also comes into play. Owen and Amelia found themselves together in the first place because they shared an understanding. They both came with baggage. But now we’re seeing that there’s plenty about Amelia’s baggage that Owen doesn’t understand. 

Meanwhile, Alex’s mom shows up for a surprise visit — which is shocking and concerning to both Alex and Jo. I love that after so many seasons, we’re getting to explore this part of Alex. He shows a side of his character with his mom that we have absolutely seen before, but we’ve seen it with his past love interests.

He’s been the caretaker and the pillar of strength, and he’s that for his mom. Now he’s in this solid, steady relationship with a woman who can hold him up just as much, so seeing his mom return is an interesting contrast. Better, though, is that his mom might really be okay. 

The joy on Alex’s face when he realizes there really is a fire, and that it isn’t a delusion his mother is having, is one of the best moments of the entire episode. 

As for the party itself, it’s something Catherine does her very best to avoid, which feels completely fitting for her character. Yes, she wanted a fancy party if the surgery was a success, but in her mind, it wasn’t — not totally. She knows there’s still going to be more to be afraid of. She’s still living with cancer.

The moments she and Bailey share are really special. These two women have a lot in common, and they manage to be the voice of reason for one another, which includes Bailey convincing Catherine to enjoy her life with a line that’s just a little meta:

Bailey: We’re alive. We are still here, and people love us. So that’s cause to celebrate.

You’re darn right it is.

Less interesting is the situation with Maggie and the article that comes out from her former rival, but what that does do is to allow Richard to offer her some solid advice. Plus, we get to see drunk Maggie, when is fun in its own right. 

The fire is only a hiccup in the celebration. It ends the party, but it provides the perfect chance to Catherine to celebrate with Jackson, Maggie, and Richard. The four of them sitting in the back of a limo eating burgers and drinking champagne is pure joy.

Overall, it’s a solid episode, but it does feel lacking and feels flat at times. It almost tries to do too much with too little time.  It’s fun, however, to see everyone at a party and to see the entire cast together in that way, and the stories are all moving forward in some interesting ways.

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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