Grey’s Anatomy Review: Give a Little Bit (Season 16 Episode 18)

Meredith’s pro bono surgery day on Grey’s Anatomy Season 16 Episode 18, “Give a Little Bit,” provides commentary on the current state of the healthcare system that feels eerily relevant given the current global situation. 

The idea itself is a good one, but for whatever reason, the execution is chaotic, which leaves me wondering why Meredith and Tom wouldn’t have found a way to plan things out better before they started.

Still, it’s the kind of thing we would have seen in the early days of Grey’s Anatomy, and for that reason alone, I appreciate it quite a bit. 

Meredith has also become a champion for a better healthcare system, and the fact that it’s led to this makes perfect sense. It’s too bad we don’t get to see her practicing more actual medicine than we do, though.

In fact, the lack of focus on Meredith on this episode is a little jarring considering the episode focuses on her project.

The focus is instead, mostly, on DeLuca, who is convinced that a patient in the clinic is a human trafficking victim. The other doctors and the nurse, however, dismiss him in a way that is weirdly patronizing.

If we are to believe we see what he sees, it’s obvious that he’s right. It’s immediately clear, in the very least, that something is off with this patient and her “aunt.” 

But everyone else’s view of DeLuca makes us start to question that as well, which is actually really fascinating storytelling. 

Although we do learn by the end that DeLuca was likely right, the way he handles it and the breakdown he has signals that yes, he is following in the pattern of his father. He does need help.

And my goodness, the breakdown! Giacomo Giannotti’s performance is breathtaking. It’s the kind of thing that shakes you to your core. 

While this storyline and DeLuca’s break-up with Meredith both feel devastating, it’s also giving Giannotti several opportunities to shine — and to shine in major ways. 

DeLuca does listen to Meredith by the end. She agrees to make a call about the patient, and he agrees to take the suspension rather than quitting the hospital altogether.

She declares that she still loves him, and the fact that it’s pretty clear to me they’re over makes that an even more touching moment.

The drama with Teddy, Owen, and Amelia looks partially settled for the moment, except for Teddy’s awful choices. I do love the way she and Amelia can just move forward and be mature and supportive. 

It’s also nice to see some comfort with Link and Amelia and discussions of what their lives will be like moving forward. But sadly, the job Link gives up means an end for someone else.

Schmitt and Nico crashed and burned more quickly than they should have. All along there was difficulty in their relationship, but it felt like something they’d be able to work through easily.

Instead, it all took a dark, fast turn with Nico acting terribly toward Schmitt, and then accepting this job without so much as a conversation.

I can’t help but think there’s something more going on beneath the surface that we just haven’t seen yet. Actually, I hope there is. Because if there isn’t, then it’s ultimately unsatisfying storytelling.

However, it has affected Levi’s character in significant ways, and that’s important. It also leads us to yet another found family situation in the way that Grey’s Anatomy does so well.

Jo needs a roommate now that Alex is gone and Link is back with Amelia, and Levi needs a place too. I’m really looking forward to seeing what their cohabitation will look like.

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 9/8c on ABC.

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